top premier league players

Football: Tottenham return home with vital win over Palace

LONDON (REUTERS) - Tottenham Hotspur marked their long-awaited homecoming with a vital 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in the first Premier League game at their new stadium on Wednesday (April 3) to revive their faltering top-four hopes.
It was hardly a classic to mark the official opening of the spectacular 62,062-seat stadium, but second-half goals by Son Heung-min and Christian Eriksen ensured the London club began a new era with a win to move back above Arsenal into third place.
"It's just amazing. What an unbelievable stadium. The noise was just so loud," Sough Korean Son, whose 12th league goal of the season came in front of the stadium's steepling 17,500-seat single tier South Stand, told Sky Sports.
"To score the first goal at this stadium. White Hart Lane is our history but the new stadium... I can't believe it."
Having moved out of their historic old stadium in May 2017, Tottenham have lodged at Wembley for nearly two seasons after building issues caused a six-month delay to their new arena.
After a couple of test events the official opening was marked by a pre-match ceremony involving a brass band, a school choir and fireworks illuminating the golden cockerel sitting proudly on top of the South Stand.
Tottenham's worst slump in Mauricio Pochettino's five years in charge - one point from five games - had seen his side's outside shot at the title replaced by the fear of being swallowed by the chasing pack in the race for a top-four spot.
After failing to get an early breakthrough the anxiety began to show, with Eriksen and Danny Rose both failing to capitalise on chances while Harry Kane had a free kick deflected wide.
It was left to Son, Tottenham's often unsung hero, to break the deadlock and etch his name into the club's history books.
Eriksen did well to win back possession and play in Son on the right and the striker then cut in before firing goalwards - his shot diverting wickedly off Palace skipper Luka Milivojevic to wrong-foot keeper Vicente Guaita.
With Tottenham's fans finally creating the atmosphere the occasion merited, Kane blazed over before his stumbling run into the area ended with Eriksen sweeping home from close range.
Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris made two superb late saves to spare the fans a nail-biting finale and send them inside to christen the stadium's array of swanky new bars with a crucial win to celebrate.
Victory lifted Spurs back into third spot having been overtaken by local rivals Arsenal at the weekend.
They have 64 points from 32 games with neighbours Arsenal, having played a game less, on 63 along with Chelsea, who beat Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0, while Manchester United are on 61 in the race for Champions League spots.

SINGAPORE - Ikhsan Fandi's rich vein of scoring form continues as the Singapore striker found the net in his third consecutive match for second-tier Norwegian club Raufoss IL in just 11 days..
Ikhsan Fandi scores first competitive goal for Norwegian club

Spain's Sergio Ramos celebrates scoring their first goal during the match Euro 2020 Qualifier Group F between Spain vs Sweden at Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain, June 10, 2019. Spain made it four wins out of four and took full control of their Euro 2020 qualifying group by seeing off closest challengers Sweden 3-0 at home.
Spain beat Sweden, take charge in qualifying quest

Bottom club Huddersfield Town ended their eight-match losing streak in the Premier League with a goalless draw at fellow strugglers Cardiff City on Saturday.Cardiff, in 17th place, did not manage a shot on target and Huddersfield were left fuming over a decision from referee Lee Mason.
Cardiff City vs. Huddersfield Town - Football Match Report

Mauricio Pochettino labels two-game touchline ban 'completely unfair' - Mauricio Pochettino isn't happy in the slightest Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has hit out at the FA by labelling their decision to hand him a t - March 7th, 2019
"My Touchline Ban Completely Unfair" - Tottenham Boss

LONDON (AFP) - Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk insists he will not face a personal duel against Lionel Messi in his side's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.. Read more at
Football: I cannot stop Messi alone, admits Van Dijk - CNA

Jermain Defoe to Rangers - Gers agree 18-month loan deal with Bournemouth. Keep u p to date with ALL the latest news and transfers from Scottish football plus fixtures,
Jermain Defoe on his 'gift from God' as Rangers seal loan for

Football fans urge S/Eagles to emulate Liverpool spirit at AFCON The Nation Newspaper Football: Liverpool fans in Singapore and around the world in awe after improbable comeback
Football: Klopp hails 'best night' of his life after ending
sportstoft.com/soccer/football-klopp-hails-best-night-of-his-life-after-ending-final-hex/
Liverpool vs Porto Champions League team news: Dejan Lovren returns to starting XI ; Football: Messi torments Liverpool with 600th Barca goal in 3-0 Champions League win ; Football: Liverpool fans in Singapore and around the world in awe after improbable comeback
Football Raddy Avramovic Could Make Shock Return To Singapore

Football: Watford's Gray strikes to sink Everton, pile

Spanish media call for Valverde axe. Barcelona's Lionel Messi reportedly broke down in tears in the dressing room after his team's 4-0 loss to Liverpool, and 4-3 on aggregate, in the second leg of
The Straits Times - Breaking News, Lifestyle & Multimedia News

Get more information about QATAR at straitstimes.com. Skip to main content. Toggle navigation The Straits Times Qatar's Asian Cup heroes rewarded with lavish gifts. Feb 8, 2019, 5:00 am.
NBA would have fined Pelicans $100K a game if they sat a
worldsportstale.com/nba/nba-would-have-fined-pelicans-100k-a-game-if-they-sat-a-healthy-anthony-davis-report-says/
Qatar's Asian Cup heroes rewarded with lavish gifts. NFL News. Bart Starr: Packers QB Brett Favre gives touching tribute to a Green Bay legend.
AFC Asian Cup 2019: How Park Hang-seo rejuvenated football in

That was what Mohamadou Sumareh felt in the narrow 0-1 loss that Malaysia suffered at the hands of Singapore on the opening day of the 2019 Airmarine Cup. Follow Goal Malaysia

Chelsea suffered a setback in their push for a Champions League spot when they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Burnley in the Premier League on Monday and tempers flared at the end of the match
Chelsea held 2-2 by Burnley, denting Champions League hopes

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 14, 2019, with the headline 'Coach tells Zaniolo to stay focused despite brace'. Print Edition | Subscribe
Coach tells Zaniolo to stay focused despite brace

Football: Man City's De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind him

MANCHESTER (AFP) - Kevin De Bruyne's timely return to action for Manchester City is a major boost for Pep Guardiola as his team brace for a punishing programme over the festive period.
The Belgium international, who has been limited to just 96 minutes of league football so far this season, started the midweek League Cup quarter-final against Leicester, which City won on penalties.
He completed 70 minutes in only his second outing since injuring his knee for a second time this season in a League Cup tie with Fulham on Nov 1 and scored City's goal in the 1-1 draw.
"I've been out so long, so to play 70 minutes is a really good sign for me personally," he told the club's official website. "I feel a little bit stiff but I'm happy to contribute again."
City's home match in the Premier League against Crystal Palace on Saturday (Dec 22) is the first game in a run of six matches in 16 days in three competitions so Guardiola will be desperate to have all his major stars at his disposal.
In more good news for the City boss, Sergio Aguero also returned to action in midweek after being out since late November with a groin problem.
But it is the pending return to full fitness of De Bruyne that will most excite City supporters, even if a record of 14 wins, two draws and a loss from their opening 17 league games hardly suggests the team has struggled in his absence.
De Bruyne put in a huge effort last season for his club, featuring in 52 league and cup games for City and was named their player of the season.
He also faced a punishing international schedule, which culminated in Belgium finishing third at the World Cup - the sheer number of games for club and country sparked concerns from Guardiola that De Bruyne had not had enough rest during the summer.
When he picked up a ligament injury in his right knee in training just one game into the new season such fears seemed well-founded - he then hurt his left knee against Fulham soon after returning to action.
The player, however, believes he was the victim of bad luck.
"I played the most of anyone last year - in the whole world," said De Bruyne. "And I played the World Cup without a problem.
"I think the most important thing is having a summer break - if you have that you can feel OK but there is always a time in someone's career where you feel a bit less.
"But I felt all right, it was just a shame that when I came back after one week I was out for two-and-a-half months. I was happy to come back and worked really hard but after three games it happened again."
The 27-year-old is upbeat despite his disrupted season and is preparing to help second-placed City in their title defence.
"There's nothing I can do - it was two accidents," he said. "I'm happy with my body because I know I have no problems with muscles. They were both just accidents, the second time also. I felt my knee and it pops, so you just work hard and try to be back as soon as possible."

Kevin De Bruyne's timely return to action for Manchester City is a major boost for Pep Guardiola as his team brace for a punishing programme over the festive period. The Belgium international, who
Man City's De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind him

Premier League: Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind him Description: In more good news for the Manchester City fans, Sergio Aguero also returned to action in midweek after being out since late November with a groin problem.
Man City's De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind him

Man City star Kevin De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind him who has been limited to just 96 minutes of league football so far this season, started the midweek League Cup quarter
Man City's De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind

Kevin De Bruyne's timely return to action for Manchester City is a major boost for Pep Guardiola as his team brace for a punishing programme over the festive period. The Belgium international, who has been limited to just 96 minutes of league football so far this season, started the midweek League Cup quarter-final against […]

Man City's De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind him The Belgium international, who has been limited to just 96 minutes of league football so far this season, started the midweek
Man City's De Bruyne Upbeat as He Bids to Put Injuries Behind Him

Man City's De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind him Kevin De Bruyne's timely return to action for Manchester City is a major boost for Pep Guardiola as his team brace for a
Premier League: Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne upbeat as

Man City's De Bruyne Upbeat as He Bids to Put Injuries Behind Him Kevin De Bruyne's timely return to action for Manchester City is a major boost for Pep Guardiola as his team brace for a punishing programme over the festive period.
Man City's De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind

Man City's De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind him Premier League / 21 December 2018, 09:00am / Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne and teammates celebrate a goal against Leicester City.
Man City's De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind

Man City's De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind him. De Bruyne put in a huge effort last season for his club, featuring in 52 league and cup games for City and was named their
Man City's De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind him

Football: Man City's De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put

Football: Snowflakes? Mourinho reveals fragile ego of mystery Man United star

LONDON (AFP) - Jose Mourinho claims modern footballers have such fragile egos that one Manchester United player asked the Portuguese coach not to criticise him in front of his team-mates.
Mourinho was sacked by United in December after a wretched run of results fuelled by the disintegration of his relationship with several key players.
Publicly criticising United stars including Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw and feuding with others behind the scenes, Mourinho lost the dressing room and has since blamed the attitude of his squad for the fall-out.
On Saturday, Mourinho, speaking on beIN sport as a pundit for their coverage of Arsenal's clash with Chelsea, revealed he was stunned to be approached by an unnamed United player over his treatment of him.
"I had recently one of my players, I was just coaching them, and when I coach on the pitch I like to see myself free because I am in family and I want to be able to criticise everyone," Mourinho said.
"I had one player say, he was very polite and not confrontational, 'Please when you criticise me, can you do it in private?'.
"I said why and he said, 'Because it's my stature in front of the other players, when you criticise me I don't feel comfortable'.
"He was one of the top players of his generation. Nowadays you have to be very smart in the way you read your players and their personalities."
While former Chelsea boss Mourinho didn't name the player he was talking about in the incident, he did mention Stamford Bridge legend Didier Drogba as a prime example of a player who responded well to being criticised.
"Drogba was the kind of player who, with more pressure from the manager there was more quality in his performance," Mourinho said.
"He's a proper man, he's a competitive guy, he's a mature man, he's a man that everything in this life he has had to fight a lot for.
"There are some players that when you try to squeeze them they answer in the best way and then there are some players who have other mentalities and other personalities and of course their reaction is not the best.
"I had players brought in, in a different way who have an easy social life and an easier way of coming to the top of football. Some of them, they don't react in the same way."
Defending his United reign, which saw him win the League Cup and Europa League in his first season but go trophyless last term, Mourinho insisted his title rivals were given more backing in the transfer market.
Mourinho believes he deserved the same spending power enjoyed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
"You have the case of Manchester City. In the first season, Guardiola was not a champion, it was really difficult and people were expecting a winning Manchester City," Mourinho said.
"In the first to the second season Pep made great decisions, but great decisions that were supported.
"In Liverpool, I think how many players were in Liverpool before Jurgen arrived?
"No Alisson (Becker), no (Virgil) Van Dijk, no (Andrew) Robertson, no (Mohamed) Salah, no (Roberto) Firmino, no (Sadio) Mane, no Fabinho, no (Georginio) Wijnaldum, no (Naby) Keita, so this is work in depth."

Jun 06, 2019 · Ghost Ship trial: A weary dad sits in court every day, missing his daughter deserves blame. So too, Serra said, does the city for failing to do something about the conditions in the warehouse
Croatia Digs Deeper, Burying England's World Cup Dreams - The

Salah: "I don't score for a few games & there are players on the same number of goals as me & they say they are having the best seasons of their lives, while I'm supposed to be having a bad season! Aguero? 2 goals more than me & they are saying it's the best season he's ever had" (twitter.com) submitted 1 month ago by Chiswell123. 21
Should Salah do more than just score goals ESPN FC - YouTube

PARIS (REUTERS) - Thierry Henry was suspended by Monaco on Thursday (Jan 24) and looked set to lose his job as coach after only three months in charge at the Ligue 1 club, with former manager
Suspended Thierry Henry set to lose Monaco job | football

Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus will be kept away from the United States by organisers of next summer's International Champions Cup , Juventus Won't Play in US ICC Matches Amid Rape Investigation
Ronaldo will avoid US tour amid rape allegations | The Daily Star

Liverpool FC. The final twist in the Premier League title race Liverpool FC are hoping for. dailypost.co.uk - Carl Markham. Match-winner Divock Origi is hoping for more drama following the stunning Champions League win over Barcelona Striker Divock Origi has played a …
Liverpool set to earn almost £150 million after second-placed

(Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min wanted a transfer back to Germany after struggling in his debut season at the Premier League club but stayed put after a conversation with manager Mauricio Pochettino, the South Korea international has said. Son moved to Tottenham from Bayer

Lacazette double helps Arsenal beat Valencia 3-1. Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores their third goal against Valencia at the Emirates Stadium, London, on May 2, 2019. (Reuters)
Arsenal 3-1 Valencia: Alexandre Lacazette double helps give

Maurizio Sarri condemns the alleged racist abuse of Raheem Sterling by Chelsea supporters but wants the club's main focus to be on Thursday's clash with Vidi. The Blues visit Budapest this week
Sarri condemns 'disgusting' Sterling abuse - uk.sports.yahoo.com

Japan began their quest to reach a third straight final with a poor goalless draw as Argentina earned their first ever point at a World Cup. The Japanese won the tournament in 2011 by beating the
Emotional Argentina claim first-ever World Cup point as they

Sichuan Jiuniu, its latest addition, are based in the western Chinese metropolis of Chengdu, and play their home games at the Chengdu Longquanyi Football Stadium. Chinese football was buoyed by an influx of funds and foreign stars after President Xi Jinping, who visited Manchester City in 2015, outlined ambitions to turn the world's most
Feisty encounter expected between Home United and Young Lions

The Norwegian Town Where the Sun Doesn't Rise - The Atlantic

Football; Spurs star out until March with ankle injury. Tottenham striker Harry Kane will be sidelined until March after suffering ankle ligament damage in Sunday's defeat against Manchester
Spurs star Kane out until March with ankle injury - Starr Sports
starrsportsgh.com/2019/01/spurs-star-kane-out-until-march-with-ankle-injury/
Tottenham striker Harry Kane will be sidelined until March after suffering ankle ligament damage in Sunday's defeat against Manchester United. Kane sustained the injury to his left ankle in the closing moments of the 1-0 loss
Spurs star Kane out until March with ankle injury - The 1873 TV

Football: Saudi Arabia show title credentials with 4-0 win

WEST HAM UNITED 3 SOUTHAMPTON 0 May 4 (Reuters) - Two goals from Marko Arnautovic and Ryan Fredericks's first Premier League strike helped West Ham Arnautovic ends drought as West Ham sink
Arnautovic ends drought as West Ham sink Southampton

PARIS, June 7 (Reuters) - France got off to a perfect start in the women's World Cup as the hosts beat South Korea 4-0 in the opening game at the Parc des Princes on Friday.
France make light work of South Korea in World Cup opener

Football: Crystal Palace set up homeless shelter for those seeking refuge from the cold

LONDON (AFP) - Crystal Palace have opened up their Selhurst Park stadium to rough sleepers seeking shelter from the winter weather, the English Premier League side said.
A lounge at the south London ground can be turned into a temporary overnight shelter for up to 10 rough sleepers whenever temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing.
Under a deal with the Croydon Council local authority, people formally identified as sleeping rough are referred to Selhurst Park, where they can access a camp bed for the night, a hot evening meal, breakfast and washing facilities.
Eight people used the shelter on Thursday night, the first time it was opened, the club said in a statement.
The lounge was then converted back again on Friday morning.
"The club wants to be a force for good in the community and we are happy to do our bit to help those most in need," said chief executive Phil Alexander.

Sarri: 'Chelsea hard to motivate' By Football Italia staff Maurizio Sarri was furious with "difficult to motivate" Chelsea after a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, but insisted he knows nothing about
Furious Maurizio Sarri says Chelsea players lack motivation

Manchester City swept back to the top of the Premier League as Gabriel Jesus struck twice in the champions' 3-1 win over Everton, while Christian Eriksen kept Tottenham in the title hunt in a last
Jesus shines as City regain top spot, Eriksen fires Spurs

Berlin: Bayern Munich forward Sandro Wagner is leaving the German champions with immediate effect and will join China's Tianjin Teda, the Bundesliga club said on Wednesday. The 31-year-old former Germany international, who is a Bayern Munich youth academy product, had rejoined the Munich club a year ago after spells as Werder Bremen, Hertha
Tianjin Teda - worldfootball.net

Mauricio Pochettino said Tottenham paid the price for thinking their match against Wolves was won in the first half, as they then couldn't raise the "energy" necessary to win the game, after
Spurs press conference live: Pochettino on - football.london

05/05/2019 Soccer: Europa League is right for Manchester United - Solskjaer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes his side have got what they deserve having qualified for the Europa League
'The Europa League is the right place to be for us': Ole

If anyone says that Singaporeans don't have a passion for football, they probably forgot to swing by Our Tampines Hub to catch the live screening of the Champions League final between Liverpool
Liverpool in the Champions League final - don't miss out on

Zidane set for shock Real Madrid return. Zinedine Zidane will make a shock return as coach of Real Madrid after the club decided on Monday to sack Santiago Solari, say reports in the Spanish

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo is facing disciplinary action for his celebration after one of the three goals he scored in last week's 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. UEFA said the Portuguese would face a hearing on Thursday for "improper conduct" during the last-16 second leg match, where Juventus completed a 3-2
Ronaldo faces disciplinary hearing over goal celebration

Mohamed Salah completed a memorable day for Egyptian football by retaining his African Player of the Year award in Senegal on Tuesday 8. The 26-year-old Liverpool star finished first with club-mate Senegalese Sadio Mane and Arsenal and Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the other finalists.
Mohamed Salah retains African Player of the Year award

Liverpool struck late through Divock Origi to move back top of the Premier League with a thrilling 3-2 win at Newcastle on Saturday and keep their hopes of a first title for 29 years alive but
Football: Liverpool back on top with 3-2 Newcastle win but
virginiabus.info/sports/football-liverpool-back-on-top-with-3-2-newcastle-win-but-salah-injured/
NEWCASTLE (AFP) - Liverpool struck late through Divock Origi to move back top of the Premier League with a thrilling 3-2 win at Newcastle on Saturday (May 4) and keep their hopes of a first title for 29 years alive but suffered a major scare after injury to Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool back on top with 3-2 Newcastle win but Salah injured

SINGAPORE - New Football Association of Singapore (FAS) technical director Joseph Palatsides hopes to rouse local football from its slumber.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
FAS technical director hopeful Sigurdur Ragnar Eyjolfsson

England's Ross Barkley scores their second goal during Euro 2020 Group A qualifier match between Montenegro and England at Podgorica City Stadium, Podgorica, Montenegro, March 25, 2019. England recovered from an early scare in Montenegro as Ross Barkley scored twice in a clinical 5-1 victory to continue their strong start to the Euro 2020
England thrash Montenegro 5-1 after early scare - YouTube

Singapore, 9 July 2018 - AIA Singapore today announced an exclusive partnership with Nazri Nasir, football coach and former captain of the Singapore national football team, to inspire more Singaporeans to live healthier, longer and better lives. With the support of Nazri, one of Singapore's most prolific footballers, AIA Singapore launched a
Singapore national football team explained
everything.explained.today/Singapore_national_football_team/
The Singapore national football team is the association football national team of the city-state of Singapore. It is organised by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS). The most significant successes of the team have come in the regional AFF Championship , which Singapore has won four times in 1998 , 2004-05 , 2007 , and 2012 .

Contenders and teams to watch

MODEST JAPAN AIM FOR FIFTH TITLE

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu indulged in some early mind games by claiming his side were long shots to win a record-extending fifth Asian Cup title.
"We're the challengers," said the former Japan midfielder, who has yet to lose in five matches since taking over from Akira Nishino after the 2018 World Cup.
"Our job is to try and snatch the title back."
Despite Leicester striker Shinji Okazaki and Borussia Dortmund playmaker Shinji Kagawa being omitted from the squad, former Japan coach Philippe Troussier has tipped the Samurai Blue for glory in the United Arab Emirates.
"Japan have one of the best teams in the competition on paper," said the Frenchman. "Of course, teams like South Korea, Iran and Saudi Arabia have the same ambition, but Japan have the potential to win the title."
Japan open their campaign against Turkmenistan on Wednesday and also face Oman and Uzbekistan in Group F.
Veteran Yuto Nagatomo believes the new-look team, who reached the knockout stages of last year's World Cup after controversially sacking coach Vahid Halilhodzic in the run-up, can spring some surprises.
"We have to believe we can win it," the Galatasaray full-back told local media.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

JAPAN FACTFILEÂ

FIFA RANKING: 50
BEST PERFORMANCE: Champions (1992, 2000, 2004, 2011)
LAST EDITION (2015): Quarter-finals
COACH: Hajime Moriyasu
KEY PLAYER: Takumi Minamino (forward)

Â

SOUTH KOREA BANK ON SON TO END LONG WAIT

South Korea are hoping forward Son Heung-min's dazzling pace and goals can help them end a 59-year wait to be crowned continental kings.
The 2015 runners-up have put their stamp on the international scene in recent times, stunning holders Germany at last year's World Cup before winning the Asian Games football tournament in September last year.
Son, 26, was at the heart of both successes and his delight was plain to see at the Asian Games where victory earned the team an exemption from South Korea's compulsory, 21-month military service.
He has been in scorching form for Tottenham, scoring seven goals in his last seven Premier League games and he believes a break from international duty in November helped him avoid a mid-season burnout.
Since coach Paolo Bento took charge of the Taeguk Warriors in August, they have been unbeaten in seven matches. Son will, however, miss the first two matches against Philippines (Monday) and Kyrgyzstan (Jan 11) under an agreement between Spurs and the Korea Football Association. He will join the squad in time for their final Group C clash against China on Jan 16.
"The Asian Cup is big for us because we have not won it for 59 years... I am going there to win something," he added.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS

SOUTH KOREA FACTFILE

FIFA RANKING: 53
BEST PERFORMANCE: Champions (1956, 1960)
LAST EDITION: Runners-up
COACH: Paulo Bento
KEY PLAYER: Son Heung-min (forward)

QUEIROZ EYES FAST START FOR IRAN

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has demanded a high-intensity start against debutants Yemen in their Asian Cup Group D opener.
World No. 29 Iran, the top-ranked Asian team, are one of the tournament favourites and the Portuguese said they must make their presence felt on Monday.
"I want to develop this kind of instinct in my team, to keep all of our energy so that it explodes in the 90 minutes against Yemen," Queiroz told the AFC website.
"And, when we finish the game, then it's time to think about Vietnam and after that Iraq."
Queiroz urged his team not to underestimate 135th-ranked Yemen.
"The first game is always the most difficult because it's everything for the winner and almost nothing for the loser in a short competition of three games," he said. "There are no small teams.
"I was checking the results of the Iran teams in different competitions, at U-17s, U-20s, and never have Iran beaten Yemen in official competitions.
"There's a reason for that: Yemen might draw or lose, but Yemen are a tough team to beat."
Iran are looking to end a 43-year wait for their fourth title. They crashed out of the last Asian Cup on penalties to Iraq in a thrilling quarter-final.
REUTERS

IRAN FACTFILE

FIFA RANKING: 29
BEST PERFORMANCE: Champions (1968, 1972, 1976)
LAST EDITION: Quarter-finals
COACH: Carlos Queiroz
KEY PLAYER: Sardar Azmoun (striker)

ADDITION OF TRIO A BOOST FOR THAILAND

The return of Teerasil Dangda, Theerathon Bunmathan and Chanathip Songkrasin may force Thailand to make a few tactical tweaks, but vice-captain Chalermpong Kerdkaew said their experience will only improve the team's chances at the Asian Cup.
Teerasil, who missed out on Thailand's AFF Suzuki Cup campaign last month when they exited in the semi-finals, was named captain by coach Milovan Rajevac. The 30-year-old striker, who plays for J1 League club Sanfrecce Hiroshima on loan from Muangthong United, is the only surviving member from Thailand's last Asian Cup appearance in 2007.
He has scored 42 goals in 95 appearances, while full-back Theerathon and midfielder Chanathip allow them to be more adventurous going forward.
"It is good to have them back in the squad. We are stronger with them in the team," said Chalermpong.
Thailand face India in their Group A opener tomorrow before meeting Bahrain and host UAE.
Despite their underdogs status, Thailand are targeting a first appearance in the knockout stages since 1972 when they finished third on home soil.
"I agree that all the teams that have qualified for the finals are strong, but we aren't afraid of anyone," Chalermpong added.
REUTERS

THAILAND FACTFILE

FIFA RANKING: 118
BEST PERFORMANCE: Third place (1972)
LAST EDITION: Did not qualify
COACH: Milovan Rajevac
KEY PLAYER: Chanathip Songkrasin (midfielder)

Nov 11, 2013 · 10 Ways To Become Better At Your Job Today. Susan Adams With the onslaught of email, texting, tweeting and everything else, it can be challenging to stay on top of your workload.
Here are 15 top jobs for a healthy work-life balance in the

{"slug":"football","name":"Football","menu":[],"topics":[{"group_name":"South Africa","topics":[{"name":"Absa Premiership
Manchester United : Man City inflict more pain on Man Utd to

Football: Solskjaer 'confident' of Man United Champions

Manchester City took a huge step towards retaining the Premier League title as a 2-0 win at Manchester United on Wednesday took them a point clear of Liverpool at the top of the table with three games to go.

Norway 3 Nigeria 0. Ada Hegerberg was not needed as Norway kicked off their women's World Cup Group A campaign with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Nigeria on Saturday.. Without Ballon d'Or
Football: Hegerberg-less Norway canter past Nigeria in women
allmysportsnews.com/soccer/football-hegerberg-less-norway-canter-past-nigeria-in-womens-world-cup/
Football: Hegerberg-less Norway canter past Nigeria in women's World Cup Posted on 06/08/2019 REIMS, France (REUTERS) - Ada Hegerberg was not needed as Norway kicked off their women's World Cup Group A campaign with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Nigeria on Saturday (June 8).
Soccer: Hegerberg-less Norway canter past Nigeria - Reuters.com

Thierry Henry is on the verge of getting sacked as Monaco manager. (Source: AP) Thierry Henry was suspended by Monaco on Thursday and looked set to lose his job as coach after only three months in charge at the Ligue 1 club, with former manager Leonardo Jardim expected to take control from Friday.
Football: Suspended Thierry Henry set to lose Monaco job

Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante is a doubt for Wednesday's Europa League final against Arsenal because of a knee injury, with coach Maurizio Sarri rating the French star's chances of playing in
Chelsea sweat on Kante fitness for Europa League final | Free

Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has already been ruled out of the second leg against Barcelona. The problems are adding up for manager Jurgen Klopp as Roberto Firmino, who tore a muscle last
Official Liverpool FC Store | Liverpool FC Ball
AD
store.liverpoolfc.com/ball
Report Ad
Browse Our Wide Range Of Exclusive Liverpool FC Souvenirs. Shop Online Now.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been crowned PFA Player of the Year for 2018-19, with Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling winning the Young Player of the Year award.
Virgil van Dijk and Vivianne Miedema named PFA players of the

Football: Free curry fish head, bak chor mee for Liverpool fans if Reds beat Tottenham to win Champions League SINGAPORE - Liverpool fans will have an extra reason to celebrate if the Reds win the Champions League final on Sunday morning (June 2, Singapore time), with at least two food and beverage outlets offering free food to ardent supporters.
Football: Free curry fish head and bak chor mee for Liverpool

Gareth Bale is still "100 per cent" committed to Real Madrid despite speculation over his future, the Wales star's agent insisted on Monday. Former Tottenham winger Bale has been linked with a
Bale is 100 per cent committed to Real Madrid, says Welshman

Football: Depay fires Dutch past Belarus in Euro 2020 qualifying opener ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (AFP) - Memphis Depay dazzled for the Netherlands with a brace and two assists as they cruised past Belarus 4-0 in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier on Thursday (March 21) despite having to play the final 20 minutes with 10 men.
Depay fires Dutch past Belarus in Euro 2020 qualifying opener

Pages

top premier league players

Labels

Football: Tottenham return home with vital win over Palace

Football: Man City's De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind him

Football: Snowflakes? Mourinho reveals fragile ego of mystery Man United star