CAF Champions League: Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 AS Togo Port – Match report

A dominant first-half performance saw Mamelodi Sundowns register their first win in Group C of the CAF Champions League as they beat AS Togo Port 2-1 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Friday night.

The Togolese outfit had stunned the 2016 champions in the reverse fixture when they ran out 1-0 victors, condemning them to the bottom of the group standings with just three fixtures to go in the round.

CAF Champions League: Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 AS Togo Port

Home ground advantage seemed to galvanise the Pretoria outfit, as they were quickly out of the blocks with Gaston Sirino putting them on the scorecard as early as the ninth minute before the Bolivian turned provider, as he laid a ball into the box for Sibusiso Vilakazi who produced a cheeky finish to make it 2-0 in the 13th minute.

That allowed the hosts some breathing space as Togo Port looked to claw their way back into the game, only getting their first real attempt at goal as the break was approaching when Dennis Onyango was forced into a reflex save as his defence failed to decisively deal with a set piece.

The security the two-goal cushion provided saw Sundowns come out of the tunnel a little more subdued than they were in the first stanza, and it was only 20 minutes into the first half when they had their first decisive shot at goal after the break, as Jeremy Brockie’s attempt crashed into the side netting.

Fullback, Tebogo Langerman also had a few chances towards the end of the game, but it was the opposition who would find the net, as Kokou Kloukpo made sure of a nervous finish for the hosts with a strike in the closing stages.

However, no further goals were forthcoming as the win propelled Sundowns back into contention for a spot in the knockout phases, ensuring that they now sit in third place, tied with Rwandan outfit, Horoya in points and goal difference.

AFRICA: CAF Champions League- finished

	StandingsAFRICA: CAF Champions League
	13:00	Finished	Primeiro de Agosto (Ang)	2 - 1	ZESCO (Zam)	(0 - 0)
	15:00	Finished	Difaa El Jadidi (Mar)	1 - 1	ES Setif (Alg)	(1 - 1)
	16:00	Finished	Etoile Sahel (Tun)	2 - 0	Mbabane Swall. (Swa)	(1 - 0)
	16:00	Finished	Mamelodi Sundowns (Rsa)	2 - 1	AS Togo-Port (Tog)	(2 - 0)

Premiers Cup is perfect preparation for Usuthu

Amazulu are ready for a competitive run out during this weekend’s Premiers Cup.

The KZN team had the luck of the draw on their side as they were the only side to progress directly to the semi-finals of the tournament where they will play the winner from the quarter-final between Real Kings and Uthongathi FC at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.

Usuthu left-winger, Simphiwe Lumkwana is a fan of the tournament and believes it is the perfect springboard to build momentum ahead of the 2018/2019 campaign.

“It is important because we are building a foundation, so if we win then we have something that we can take into the upcoming season,” Lumkwana said.

“It’s a good feeling to be drawn into the semi-finals but we are looking forward to play two games on the day which is the semis and the final.” Lumkwana said.

Lumkwana believes that a successful season can only be achieved with a sense of togetherness in the squad.

“I would say first of all where there’s unity, God commands a blessing. So I think, in football it’s a team sport, so obviously we must have unity so that we can be able to achieve great things,” Lumkwana said.

He says his new team mates have settled in well and will add plenty of value at the club.

Amazulu completed the signings of Marc van Heerden, Nhlanhla Vilakazi, Moneeb Josephs and Argentine, Emiliano Tade.

“So far it’s going well, we getting to know the way we must play. I think it’s going well for us, in terms of getting to know each other and unity and you know there were lots of players who were playing here last season that are still here and the new guys are settling in well,” added Lumkwana.

San Lorenzo es sorprendido de local por Deportes Temuco y pierde la ida

En la llave correspondiente a la segunda fase de la Copa Sudamericana, San Lorenzo se va con desventaja al partido de vuelta en Chile contra Deportes Temuco. A pensar en la revancha.

San Lorenzo no pudo aprovechar su condición de local en el 'Nuevo Gasómetro' contra Deportes Temuco, y pierde en la ida de la segunda fase de la Copa Sudamericana por dos goles a uno. Lo único que le queda al 'Ciclón' es pensar en la remontada para el partido de vuelta.

La primera mitad arrancó algo intensa para el equipo dirigido por el 'Pampa Biaggio', sobretodo teniendo una chance de gol muy clara en los pies de Nicolás Blandi, sin embargo, de a poco San Lorenzofue perdiendo volumen de juego y los goles no llegaban.

El conjunto chileno pudo aguantar el marcador a cero en los primeros 45 minutos, una paridad que le sumaba en confianza a Deportes Temuco y a San Lorenzo le sumaba nerviosismo y presión.

Para la segunda mitad, San Lorenzo recuperó el buen juego y se encontró con la ansiada ventaja, gracias al gol de Nicolás Blandi, después de un pase profundo de Ariel Rojas, asistencia de Mouche y finalmente la definición de zurda del capitán y referente.

Parecía que el partido tomaría un camino normal y positivo para San Lorenzo, no obstante, Temuco no bajo nunca los brazos y por medio de dos pelotas paradas venció al equipo 'Azulgrana'. Ambos goles fueron del mediocampista uruguayo - chileno Mathías Riquero, el primer gol llegaría al minuto 70 y el segundo al 84, lo que redujo el tiempo de maniobra.

Sobre el final, San Lorenzo intentó pero no pudo empatar el marcador y los primeros noventa minutos no le favorecieron al 'Ciclón' y se fueron 1-2. Ahora se piensa en el partido de vuelta como una final, solo jugando perfecto y remontando es como seguirían en su aspiración de sumar un título más.

Deportes Temuco obtuvo una victoria con sabor a hazaña. En su torneo doméstico marchan en decimotercero y están a solo dos puntos de la zona de descenso, sin embargo, eso no fue obstáculo para jugar con mentalidad ganadora en Argentina. 

El ganador de esta llave se medirá al victorioso del emparejamiento entre Sol de América de Paraguay y Nacional de Uruguay.

Sem renovar com México, Osório fica com caminho livre para negociar com o Santos

O time brasileiro está sem técnico desde a demissão de Jair Ventura, na segunda-feira, e ainda não há previsão de acerto com outro nome

A Federação Mexicana de Futebol informou na noite desta sexta-feira que o técnico Juan Carlos Osorio descartou renovar seu contrato para seguir como técnico da seleção mexicana. A decisão abre caminho para uma possível negociação entre o treinador, com passagem pelo São Paulo, e a diretoria do Santos.

"Depois de um período de reflexão, de profunda análise e de diversas conversas entre Juan Carlos Osorio e a Federação Mexicana de Futebol, o Professor Osorio decidiu não ser mais considerado como possível candidato a treinador da seleção para o ciclo 2018-2022", informou a entidade, nesta sexta.

Sem renovar com o México, Juan Carlos Osório aparece como opção para assumir o Santos

As conversas entre Osorio e a federação vinham se arrastando desde a eliminação do México nas oitavas de final da Copa do Mundo da Rússia - foi a sétima vez que a equipe caiu nesta fase. Na quarta, o novo diretor geral esportivo da Federação, Guillermo Cantú, informou que ainda não havia tomado uma decisão e que não tinha prazo para anunciar o nome do treinador, fosse Osorio ou um novo técnico.

FEZ UM BOM TRABALHO
Osorio comandava a seleção do México desde 2015 e tinha contrato somente até o final do Mundial. O treinador teve como mérito classificar a equipe à Copa na primeira colocação das Eliminatórias da Concacaf, o que não acontecia desde o Mundial de 1998. No entanto, Osorio não alcançou a meta de levar o time ao menos até as quartas de sinal em solo russo.

"Agradecemos à entrega, paixão, compromisso e carinho com o que ele atuou e preparou a seleção em cada uma de suas partidas. Osorio se tornou o treinador da seleção com o melhor aproveitamento dos últimos 28 anos, com 33 vitórias, nove empates e dez derrotas em 52 partidas", registrou a Federação.

Ao mesmo tempo em que descarta a permanência no México, Osorio se torna alvo de rumores sobre uma possível ida ao Santos. O time brasileiro está sem técnico desde a demissão de Jair Ventura, na segunda-feira, e ainda não há previsão de acerto com outro nome.

futebol interior

Toronto FC 3, Ottawa Fury FC 0 | 2018 Canadian Championship Match Recap

Toronto FC's quest to defend their Canadian Championship title remains alive, after defeating USL side Ottawa Fury FC 3-0 at BMO Field on Wednesday, to win the semifinal series by a 4-0 aggregate scoreline.

Toronto took the lead in the match in the 36th minute, as Homegrown forward Ayo Akinolaburied a rebound to score his first goal for the first team.

A free kick attempt from Fury playmaker Kevin Oliveira in the 70th minute sailed just over the goal. Six minutes later, TFC substitute Jordan Hamilton turned in Ashtone Morgan's low cross to double the home side's lead on the night.

Jonathan Osorio added a final capper in the final 10 minutes, with a blast to beat Maxime Crepeau and make it a 3-0 scoreline on the night.

TFC will play the winner of the Vancouver Whitecaps-Montreal Impact semifinal series in the 2018 Canadian Championship final.

Goals

• 36' – TOR – Ayo Akinola
• 76' – TOR – Jordan Hamilton
• 84' – TOR – Marky Delgado

Three Things 

• THE BIG PICTURE: It's the third win in a row across all competitions for TFC, who are still looking to claw their way back into the playoff picture in league play. Many of their young products got playing time, as did Jozy Altidore, working up to fitness after a long injury layoff. Ottawa will be disappointed they could not spring an upset as they were second-best in this game.
• MOMENT OF THE MATCH: The first half was rather sleepy, but Akinola's goal helped put TFC firmly in the driver's seat in the two-legged series.
• MAN OF THE MATCH: The 18-year-old Akinola helped break open the game with his first-half goal. On a team looking for scoring options, a performance like this could get him more playing time for the first team moving forward.

Next Up

• TOR: Saturday, July 28 vs. Chicago Fire (7 pm ET | TSN4 - Full TV & Streaming Info)

Суперкубок России разыгран: настырный ЦСКА дожал еле живого чемпиона

В убаюкивающем зрителей матче молодые армейцы под руководством «Наполеона» Ганчаренко превзошли не готовый к сезону «Локомотив». «Соккер.ру» досмотрел до конца!

Первоначальная идея заголовка: «Суперкубок не разыгран! Трофей не заслужил никто». Статья под таким названием вышла бы в ночном эфире «Соккер.ру», не забей ЦСКА и «Локомотив» в основное и дополнительное время. Такое обоюдное наказание за пассивность и бестолковость участники матча в Нижнем Новгороде заслуживали на протяжении большей части вечера, но гол Хетага Хосонова, забитый по правилам, несмотря на бурные протесты железнодорожников, переключил реальность. Абсолютно плох в матче за Суперкубок России был только «Локомотив». ЦСКА сегодня тоже сложно обвинить в ярком, содержательном, цельном футболе, но откуда взяться связной игре, когда ты потерял половину основного состава, в том числе многолетних лидеров, а один из немногих важных персонажей получает травму уже в первую четверть часа? Армейцы выступили, прямо скажем, выше уровня ожиданий за счет правильного настроя, внятной тактики Ганчаренко и хорошей готовности. «Локомотив» был никем и ничем. У команды не было имени. У команды не было лица.

«Локомотив»: ужас на крыльях ночи

Ужас – не тот, который вселяет в соперников страх, а тот, который просто ужас. На «Локомотив» в матчt за Суперкубок невозможно было взглянуть без слез жалости. Куда пропала чемпионская команда? Кто ее украл? Ладно, слишком утрировать не стану, все-таки объективных факторов для выступления в стиле «кто в лес, кто по дрова» достаточно. Юрий Семин опасался, что не сможет привести команду к общему знаменателю, и теперь есть все основания утверждать, что опасения опытного тренера сбылись.  «Локомотив» в Нижнем Новгороде не был командой, на поле вышел набор игроков в одинаковых футболках, действовавших вразнобой. Понимаю, что братья Миранчуки, Фарфан, Рыбус, Фернандеш и Чорлука принимали участие в чемпионате мира. Вернулись в разное время и с разными эмоциями, но плохая новость в том, что даже те игроки, которые прошли сборы от начала до конца, задохнулись уже по ходу второго тайма.

Железнодорожники не выдерживали физически, их действиям и с самого начала не хватало свежести, а по ходу матча накапливающаяся усталость давала о себе знать все больше и больше. ЦСКА бежал, пусть иногда невпопад, но «Локомотив» в это время тяжело дышал и двигался через боль. Может быть, это и не просчет тренерского штаба, а запланированная акция, чтобы пик физической готовности пришелся на осень, когда «Локо» будет играть в Лиге чемпионов, но выглядели чемпионы ужасно, и сами это понимали. Постоянные ошибки, неверные решения, склоки между партнерами – Кверквелия и Игнатьев агрессивно выясняли отношения, а квинтэссенцией стало удаление Соломона, который хамски обошелся с Бекао. Грузинский защитник, который был лучшим игроком команды в чемпионском сезоне, психанул на стандарте у чужих ворот. Показательная история, подчеркнувшая бессилие «Локомотива» в Нижнем Новгороде.

ЦСКА: рано петь осанну

Признаться, ЦСКА приятно удивил. Ожидал увидеть гораздо более сырую версию армейцев. И эта еще не то чтобы готова, но чувствуется, что Виктор Ганчаренко провел кропотливую работу на сборах, армейцы утратили качественных исполнителей, но очень важно, что у них осталось самоощущение победителей. ЦСКА не паниковал без Вернблума, братьев Березуцких, Игнашевича, Головина, Натхо и Вернблума, тренерский штаб сумел переключить команду на новую частоту. «Локомотив» отдал молодому составу соперника мяч, предпочитая действовать на контратаках, и хотя армейцы не слишком преуспели в позиционных атаках, они, по крайней мере, старались играть в футбол, а не «возить тачку».

Неизбежно возникало много сумбура в самых разных зонах, но никто не проседал так, чтобы поломать командный рисунок, который пока не слишком четкий и цельный, но уже существует. Пожалуй, тяжелее всего пришлось Кириллу Набабкину, который после травмы Алана Дзагоева переместился в центральную зону, где в официальных матчах никогда не играл. Ганчаренко все же сохранил схему 3-5-2, поставив в оборону Чернова в окружении двух новичков-иностранцев – Бекао и Магнуссона. Фланги и линия атаки не претерпели разительных изменений, а вот в центре поля уже на 13-й минуте игры образовался удивительный треугольник Набабкин – Бистрович – Ефремов, который в какой-то момент принял другую удивительную вариацию: Хосонов – Бистрович – Бийол.

Конечно, ЦСКА не мог сыграть идеально таким составом в первом же официальном матче сезона, но это уже проблемы «Локомотива», который не сумел подковырнуть очевидные слабости противника. Армейцы победили и, более того, по игре смотрелись предпочтительнее железнодорожников, однако рано говорить о том, что у этой команды обязательно все получится. К матчу за Суперкубок России ЦСКА оказался готов лучше, но впереди длинный сезон, по ходу которого встретятся и перепады формы и настроения (молодым это свойственно), и проблемы роста, и травмы. Сейчас армейцев поздравляем с трофеем и «берем на карандаш» - следить за развитием команды будет любопытно. Пожалуй, сейчас даже сам Виктор Ганчеренко вряд ли четко понимает возможности своей обновленной команды.

Jonas reúne com o Benfica em agosto para «possível renovação»

O avançado brasileiro do Benfica, Jonas, vai reunir em breve com o presidente dos encarnados, Luís Filipe Vieira, para debater «uma possível renovação» de contrato. Um encontro que está previsto para a «segunda semana de agosto».

Esta é a garantia dada pelo irmão e empresário do jogador, Tiago Gonçalves, ao Maisfutebol, numa altura em que Jonas cumpre a pré-época com o plantel às ordens de Rui Vitória. «Dialogaremos com o presidente do Benfica na segunda semana de agosto, sobre uma possível renovação», explicou.

O internacional brasileiro de 34 anos, que representou o Benfica nas últimas quatro épocas, tem mais uma de contrato – até junho de 2019 – mas «existem clubes brasileiros interessados em repatriá-lo», confirmou Tiago Gonçalves, sem adiantar nomes.

A imprensa brasileira alega que o avançado benfiquista está nas cogitações do Palmeiras e uma eventual saída está, de acordo com o empresário, tudo menos nas mãos do atleta.

«Jonas tem contrato com o Benfica e está feliz no clube», afirmou ainda Tiago Gonçalves, prosseguindo. «Para ele sair, não depende só dele, mas principalmente do Benfica. No momento, repito, ele tem contrato com o Benfica», frisou.

Em quatro temporadas na Luz, Jonas alinhou em 152 jogos oficiais, nos quais apontou 122 golos. Antes das águias, Jonas jogou no Valência, de Espanha, o primeiro clube na Europa após Grémio, Portuguesa, Santos e Guarani, estes em solo brasileiro.

O familiar de Jonas esclareceu também ser «mentira» a informação veiculada no Brasil sobre um alegado desentendimento entre Jonas e Facundo Ferreyra, colegas de equipa.

La Champions de verano

El prestigioso torneo de verano, la International Champions Cup hecho a rodar donde el real Madrid C.F participará por sexto año consecutivo

El conjunto blanco, esta vez entrenado por el entrenador vasco, Julen Lopetegui participará por sexto año consecutivo en este prestigioso torneo, que se viene celebrando desde 2013, por diferentes sedes, donde se ha llevado a cabo el torneo.

El torneo, sirve como precepto al torneo de champions, pero esta sobre todo pensado para llevar a los máximos equipos europeos, a los diferentes estados estadounidenses, y que los hinchas de estos equipos, puedan disfrutar de su equipo, en su ciudad. 

Los grandes estadios de la MLS, liga estadounidense, recibe y acoge esta vez esta serie de partidos, que, aunque sean amistosos, sirve sobre todo para conformar el estilo de juego de los equipos, y probar a los jóvenes talentos de estos diferentes equipos. 

Este año, a parte de la participación de los rivales del conjunto blanco (Manchester United, Juventus y Roma), también juegan este torneo, rivales de la talla europea, como Tottenham, Milan, Manchester City, Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern Múnich, Chelsea, PSG, Arsenal, Olympique de Lyon, Inter de Milán, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica y Atlético de Madrid. 

La participación de los equipos en este torneo, consta de tres partidos cada uno, en los diferentes estados y estadios del pais americano. 

En este caso, el Real Madrid jugará los diferentes partidos: - Manchester United - Real Madrid (1 de agosto, a las 02:00 h) en el Hard Rock Stadium de Miami.
- Real Madrid - Juventus (5 de agosto a las 00:00 hl) en el FedExField de Landover (Maryland).
- Real Madrid-Roma (8 de agosto, a las 02:00) en el MetLife de East Rutherford (New Jersey). 

El real Madrid ha ganado tres veces este torneo, que emula la Champions League, pero para el público americano, y que además sirve de partidos preparatorios, antes de afrontar la apasionante temporada que les espera a los diferentes equipos, de los cuales participan. 

Blackburn Rovers 3-0 Everton: Blues falter at Ewood Park as hosts run riot

A report from Ewood Park of Everton's pre-season friendly against Blackburn Rovers.

Blackburn Rovers

3 0

Everton

BLACKBURN ROVERS: RAYA, NYAMBE, MULGREW, LENIHAN, BELL, EVANS, SMALLWOOD, BENNETT, DACK, SAMUEL AND GRAHAM.

EVERTON: STEKELENBURG, KENNY (COLEMAN, MIN.45), ROBINSON (BAINES, MIN.45), WILLIAMS (KEANE, MIN.45), PENNINGTON (JAGIELKA, MIN.45), BESIC (GUEYE, MIN.45), DAVIES (SCHNEIDERLIN, MIN.45), SIGURDSSON (DOWELL, MIN.45), MIRALLAS (RICHARLISON, MIN.45), NIASSE (TOSUN, MIN.45) AND SANDRO (VLASIC, MIN.78)

SCORE: 1-0, LENIHAN, (MIN. 10) 2-0, SAMUEL, (MIN. 40) 3-0, DACK, (MIN. 68)

Everton were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Blackburn Rovers in their fifth pre-season game.

Goals from Darragh Lenihan, Dominic Samuel and Bradley Dack handed Tony Mowbray’s side the win as they prepare to kick off their Sky Bet Championship campaign in just over a week’s time.

Story of the match

The Blues offered little in the first-half and failed to register a shot on target until just before the half-time break as Gylfi Sigurdsson's weak effort from a few yards out was comfortably saved.

Yet, the night belonged to Rovers and took the lead through a well-worked corner routine.

A floated ball to the back post allowed Lenihan to find space and he looped a header into Maarten Steklenburg’s far post.

They doubled their advantage five minutes from half-time as Samuel tucked home a rebound.

Dack, the Blackburn creative outlet and all-around dangerman, danced into the box on the right-hand side before firing an effort at goal. That effort was stopped by Steklenburg but fell to an unmarked Samuel who fired home from close range.

After the break, Marco Silva’s side - a line-up much more akin to one that Everton fans should expect to see next season - looked much better than their first-half counterparts.

It took them less than five minutes after the break to test Raya as Tosun’s head was stopped impressively.

Yet, for all their better play, the Blues found themselves conceding a third goal as the impressive, ever-industrious and creative Dack pounced on a loose ball, rode a challenge from Phil Jagielka and curled home from inside the Everton area.

New signing Richarlison was introduced at the break and showcased a number of impressive glimpses. 

The Brazilian provided a cross for Tosun to head just wide before going close with a header of his own with just over ten minutes to go. Yet it wasn't enough to drag Silva's side back into proceedings as they were dispatched of with ease. 

The Warmdown

Blues still not ready

The start of the Premier League season is still a fortnight away and whilst Everton still have another two competitive friendlies to play, it's clear that the squad needs work.

Of the starting line-up on Thursday evening, only a handful of players will be in the contention to line-up against Wolves on the opening day.

A majority of the line-up may find their futures away from Goodison Park if the Blues act swiftly enough in the transfer market. Silva stated following the training camp trip to the Algarve that he wanted to bring in at least six players.

He may have more confidence in his squad than many Everton fans.

Dangerous Rovers could spring a surprise

For the first period, Tony Mowbray’s side dominated proceedings and could have opened up the scoring much earlier than they did.

The impressive Dack went close less than five minutes into the game before they saw another effort fly wide a few moments later.

Whilst it may still be pre-season, Rovers are just over a week away from opening up their Championship campaign.

Many may not be tipping them cause any sort of danger to the table but on the back of this performance and their game against Liverpool, they could cause an upset to a number of Premier League hopefuls.

Richarlison bright

If there was a bright spot to take from the game for Everton fans, it would be the performance of their new signing.

The Brazilian looked clever on the left-hand side, linking well withLeighton Baines, before interchanging with Sandro on the opposite flank. 

Like this Blues side, he will need time to be ready but he didn't look far away. 

Stand-out players

Bradley Dack was a constant threat for the hosts and tormented the Everton backlines in the first and second periods.

Napoli - De Laurentiis annuncia gli imminenti arrivi di Sabaly ed Ochoa

Il presidente del Napoli ha parlato nel corso di una trasmissione radiofonica facendo sapere che i due calciatori sono veramente vicinissimi a firmare con i campani

Fonte: https://twitter.com/sscnapoli

Passi in avanti sempre più decisi nelle trattative che dovrebbero portare al Napoli Youssouf Sabaly del Bordeaux e Guillermo Ochoa dello Standard Liegi. 

Malgrado la conferma dell'attesa per l'esito delle visite mediche (annullate quelle previste a Roma, spostate in altra località) del terzino senegalese a causa delle precarie condizioni del ginocchio, la trattativa che porterà in azzurro il calciatore del Bordeaux procede in maniera decisa; anche se il club campano attenderà pure la presenza del professor Mariani per avere un quadro clinico il più chiaro possibile. 

Infatti durante un'intervista rilasciata questo pomeriggio a Radio Kiss Kiss, il presidente del Napoli Aurelio De Laurentiiis ha dichiarato: "Può arrivare Ochoa con Sabaly? Questo è vero. Abbiamo questo problema degli extracomunitari; se dobbiamo difendere la porta con un estremo difensore di livello come Ochoa, dobbiamo mollare Arias e andare su Sabaly, che ha il vantaggio di poter giocare sia a destra che a sinistra", confermando dunque, tra le linee, che le due trattative sono in fase molto avanzata.

Napoli che dunque sembra aver ufficialmente abbandonato la pista che portava al colombiano Santiago Arias (che nei primi giorni di questo calciomercato era stato seguito anche dalla Juventus) sempre più vicino all'Atletico Madrid per sostituire il partente Sime Vrsaljko.

La società partenopea per il portiere del Messico, secondi i media messicani, avrebbe invece già fatto arrivare negli uffici della società belga un'offerta ufficiale di poco inferiore ai 4 milioni di euro mentre per il terzino africano l'accordo sul prezzo è già stato trovato sulla base di 15 milioni di euro.

Il portiere ha avviato ormai da diversi anni le pratiche per ottenere la cittadinanza spagnola, diritto acquisito dopo le esperienze in terra iberica con le maglie di Granada e Malaga, ma per questioni burocratiche non ha ancora ottenuto il via libera e dunque occuperà uno slot da extracomunitario.

La bonne idée transfert : Et si l'AS Monaco tentait Bernard pour remplacer Thomas Lemar ?

A la recherche d'un remplaçant à Thomas Lemar, parti à l'Atlético Madrid pour 70 millions d'euros, Monaco serait bien inspiré de se pencher sur Bernard, l'ancien ailier du Shakhtar Donetsk désormais libre de tout contrat.

Depuis plusieurs années, Monaco possède ce don pour réussir à se renouveler. A l'été 2015, malgré les départs de Martial, Carrasco, Kurzawa, Abdennour ou Kondogbia, Monaco parvenait à remporter la Ligue 1 deux saisons plus tard. A l'été 2017, c'était au tour de Mendy, Bernardo Silva, Mbappé ou Bakayoko de quitter le navire. Mais l'ASM a réussi le pari de terminer deuxième en Championnat malgré les départs. Le secret de cette régénération permanente ? Une politique de recrutement maîtrisée au détail près. L'argent récupéré par la vente des joueurs est souvent intelligemment réinvesti. Les dirigeants du club de la Principauté cherchent la plus-value en pariant sur la jeunesse ou sur les bons coups à bas prix.

Et cet été, il faudra bien trouver un moyen de pallier le départ de Thomas Lemar à l'Atlético Madrid. La bonne affaire pourrait se nommer Bernard, l'ancien aillier du Shakhtar Donetsk, arrivé en fin de contrat avec le club ukrainien et libre de s'engager avec le club de son choix moyennant salaire et prime à la signature. Sur le plan financier, l'ASM aurait donc peu à perdre mais surtout tout à gagner. Et à tout juste 25 ans, le jeune Brésilien peut encore apporter une grosse plus-value au club de la Principauté.

Michaël Michée@Michael_Michee

Gros coup à faire sur le #mercato européen dans les joueurs libres.#Bernard #Shakhtar

Team Mercato@TeamMercato

OFFICIEL - En fin de contrat, l'ailier brésilien #Bernard (25) annonce son départ du #Shakhtar Donetsk https://twitter.com/FCShakhtar_eng/status/1009345540453257216 …

8:40 AM - Jun 20, 2018

• 5
• See Michaël Michée's other Tweets

Twitter Ads info and privacy

L'ailier gauche, sélectionné à quinze reprises avec la sélection brésilienne, fait partie des joueurs de couloir vifs, techniques, capables de percuter et d'éliminer des adversaires facilement. Du haut de ses 1,62m, il rend la tâche difficile à ceux qui se lanceraient à sa poursuite. Bernard sort d'ailleurs de sa meilleure saison en Ukraine, avec dix buts et quatre passes décisives en vingt-neuf matches toutes compétitions confondues. Ses performances en Ligue des champions ne sont pas passées inaperçues également. Buteur contre Manchester City à domicile (victoire 2-1), et auteur d'un doublé contre Feyenoord (victoire 1-2) aux Pays-Bas, il a été l'un des grands artisans de la qualification de son équipe pour les huitièmes de finale. Et s'il a longtemps été considéré comme un éternel espoir, Bernard semble avoir atteint aujourd'hui une certaine maturité.

Si le joueur conviendrait parfaitement au club monégasque, plusieurs écuries européennes s'intéresseraient à lui. A en croire les informations de Globo Esporte, Chelsea se serait positionné pour attirer le joueur brésilien, tout comme le Milan AC, également intéressé selon la Repubblica. Après cinq saisons passées en Ukraine, une chose est sûre : c'est un joueur qu'on devrait voir plus souvent durant l'exercice à venir.

Houston Dynamo 1, Philadelphia Union 3 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

For the second time in as many weeks, the Philadelphia Union took three points on the road.

Fueled by goals from Alejandro Bedoya and Cory Burke, the Union rallied for a 3-1 win over the 10-man Houston Dynamo on Wednesday night at BBVA Compass Stadium. Fafa Picault iced the game with a penalty kick deep in stoppage time after Fabian Herbers was taken down in the box by Alejandro Fuenmayor.

Borek Dockal assisted on both of Philly's open-play goals with clever through balls, Bedoya’s tying goal coming in the 34th minute and Burke’s winner arriving in the 70th.

The game took a turn in the 59th minute when Tomas Martinez was sent off with a red card, after a video review, for stomping Auston Trusty.

The Dynamo had taken an early lead in the 10th minute when Mauro Manotas scored his career-high 11th goal of the season — and sixth in the last seven games.

Goals

• 10' — HOU — Mauro Manotas WATCH
• 34' — PHI — Alejandro Bedoya WATCH
• 70' — PHI — Cory Burke WATCH
• 90'+6' — PHI — Fafa Picault WATCH

Three Things

• THE BIG PICTURE: The Union now have as many road wins in the past two weeks (two) as they had in the previous 12 months of MLS play. That could be crucial for them in the playoff race considering they’ve already lost four home games. The Dynamo, who had been unbeaten in their last four, will certainly rue the missed chances and referee decisions that let home points slip away. But they might be able to get their revenge on the Union in the U.S. Open Cup final if both teams win their semifinal matchups.
• MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Just like on the first goal, the Union barely stayed onside on the winner with Dockal’s ball coming at the perfect time and Burke finishing with a nice meg of Joe Willis. Burke now has five goals in four career MLS starts.
• MAN OF THE MATCH: Dockal was clearly the difference in this one, setting up two goals to bring his assist tally to nine on the season — tied for fifth in the league.

Next Up

• HOU: Saturday, July 28 at Portland Timbers (11 pm ET | TV & Streaming Info)
• PHI: Saturday, Aug. 4 at Portland Timbers (11 pm ET | TV & Streaming Info)