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quarta-feira, 25 de dezembro de 2019

Sporting, Porto and Minho duo make Final Four of the Portuguese League Cup

Refereeing controversies hit the headlines

The semi-final line-up of the Allianz Cup (Portuguese League Cup) was defined this weekend as the group phase of the competition reached its culmination.

Holders Sporting overcame the odds to top their section and qualify, while as expected, Vitória de Guimarães, Braga and FC Porto got the results they needed to top their respective groups and make the Final Four stage of the competition, to be held in Braga from 21-25 January.

It was Group C that provided all the drama. Rio Ave started the day holding all cards, in the knowledge that victory at home against Gil Vicente, who were destined to finish last in the group whatever the result, would be enough to make the semi-finals. But the Vila do Conde team could not find the breakthrough and a stoppage time penalty converted by Sandro Lima condemned the Carlos Carvalhal’s side to defeat.

Carvalhal was furious at full time, complaining that a disallowed goal for his team near the end of the match should have stood, and he even threatened to resign as he fiercely criticised the state of refereeing in Portugal, presumably alluding to the often touted theory that it is slanted to favour the bigger teams – in this case Sporting. While one can have some sympathy with Carvalhal as the supposed foul on Gil Vicente goalkeeper Denis looked extremely soft, given what happened in Sporting’s match played simultaneously it is difficult to argue that the refereeing was tilted to favour the Lisbon team.

Indeed, in the other match in the group, a questionable refereeing decision also made the headlines as Sporting’s Yannick Bolasie was sent off for picking up a second yellow card as Brazilian Willyan Rocha theatrically fell to the ground after a tussle with the Congolese forward. Bolasie was furious with the decision and took to Social Media after the game to vent his anger and “call out” Willyan for his actions, suggesting he should change his profession.

At the time of the dismissal, on the stroke of half time, Sporting were losing 2-1. A Jackson Martínez penalty and a Jérémy Matheiu own goal had given the Algarve team a two-goal advantage within the opening half hour, with Luciano Vietto halving the deficit. A young Sporting team produced a tremendous second-half fightback, kickstarted by a brilliant individual goal by Rafael Camacho. Further strikes by substitutes Gonzalo Plata and Luiz Phellype saw the Lions run out 4-2 winners to overtake both Portimonense and Rio Ave to top the group.

Later on Saturday evening, Vitória de Guimarães made light work of Sporting Covilhã to finish on seven points and top of the pile in Group B. Two goals by Brazilian striker Davidson and another by his compatriot Leo Bonatini gave Ivo Vieira’s team a comfortable 3-0 win.

In the other match in the group, Benfica let a 2-0 lead slip as they drew 2-2 at Vitória de Setúbal to round off a disappointing Taça da Liga campaign for the Eagles, who drew all three of their matches.

Braga, as hosts of the final phase of the competition in their magnificent stadium, will be aiming to go far and the Arsenalistas completely dominated Group A. Despite going behind in the very first minute against Paços de Ferreira as Douglas Tanque netted for the hosts, Braga turned the match around to run out 4-1 victors. Goals from Fransérgio, João Palhinha, Ricardo Horta and Wilson Eduardo made in 3 wins out of 3 with nine goals scored for Sá Pinto’s team.

In 12 editions of the Portuguese League Cup, FC Porto have never won it, and Sérgio Conceição has made it clear since taking over at the Estádio do Dragão that it is a record he wants to rectify. After coming close last year – losing on penalties to Sporting in the final after conceding a late equaliser – Porto will again be in the Final Four and made no mistake in Group D.

A 4-2 victory at Chaves rounded off the group stage with three wins from three matches. A brace by Tiquinho Soares and further goals by Moussa Marega and Luis Díaz gave the Dragons a comfortable victory.

Final Four schedule

Tuesday, 21 January: Braga v Sporting

Wednesday, 22 January: Vitória de Guimarães v FC Porto

Saturday, 25 January: Final

Why PSG star Marquinhos would be a top signing for Real Madrid

According to French outlet Le10Sport (h/t Daily Mail), Real Madrid have made contact with Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos.

Marquinhos, who plies his trade with the French champions, has a current contract which holds him to the club until the summer of 2022. However, the club’s negotiations to extend it by a further two years have hit an impasse over the player’s salary demands.

PSG defender Marquinhos in action. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid are eager to pounce on this situation and land the experienced 25-year-old defender.

Predominantly a centre-back, Marquinhos has, however, played in a variety of roles in defence, with his current coach Thomas Tuchel regularly deploying him in the defensive midfield role this season.

Despite it not being his natural position, Marquinhos has handled it with aplomb. The mere 10 goals they have conceded so far this season from 18 league games lays further claim to his versatility.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos has played over 269 games for the French champions. (Getty Images)

Also, he has played over 269 games for the French giants ever since he joined them from Roma in the summer of 2013. Marquinhos’ growth at PSG has been a gradual one, but he has grown in confidence over the years, establishing himself as a regular within the side.

He has played a total of 21 games across all competitions this season and has been a regular presence in the Champions League squad, featuring in all of their group games.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are not somebody new to the Brazilian, having faced his side’s wrath early in the season, losing 3-0 in their opening game of the European competition.

Marquinhos has played a total of 21 games across all competitions this season. (Getty Images)

Marquinhos played a crucial role, cutting down Madrid’s attacks in the middle, thereby helping his side register a dominant victory. The defender was also key to his side finishing as group-winners above the La Liga side by a difference of five points.

Moreover, playing consistently at the top level for the last few years makes him a good fit for Real, who are currently undergoing a transition under Zidane.

Ever since they were knocked out of the Champions League Round of 16 by a young Ajax side last season, Madrid have been trying to rebuild their squad, with the club making as many as 8 new signings in the summer.

Even though they have been quite impressive in the league this season until now, conceding just 12 goals from 18 games, it would not be long until things take a different turn.

PSG teammates Marquinhos and Edinson Cavani celebrate a goal. (Getty Images)

The Madrid defence led by veteran Sergio Ramos has been one of strongest in the recent past, with the side having won three consecutive Champions League titles in the 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18 seasons.

However, the humiliating defeat they suffered against an inexperienced but talented Ajax side raised a few eyebrows regarding their side’s defence.

Even though Ramos still looks rock-solid at the back, he is already 33 and cannot get younger. They need a replacement for him and Marquinhos could be the ideal candidate given his vast experience.

Real Madrid players celebrate after scoring a goal. (Getty Images)

Moreover, his versatility in defence makes him a good back-up for Brazilian Casemiro, who is Madrid’s sole defensive midfielder.

Verdict

An established defender like Marquinhos will undoubtedly be a great fit for a top side like Madrid. Having proven his mettle by winning 5 French titles already, Marquinhos would be a top-quality signing for Real Madrid.

Mercato - Barcelone : Messi doit-il finir sa carrière au Barça ?

Sous contrat jusqu'en juin 2021 au FC Barcelone, Lionel Messi dispose d'une clause lui permettant de partir à la fin de chaque saison. Mais va-t-il l'utiliser ?

« Avant de terminer mon mandat, je voudrais lui offrir un contrat à vie, comme nous l’avons fait avec (Andres) Iniesta. Il a gagné le droit de choisir quand ce sera fini. Leo a changé non seulement l’histoire du Barça, mais également l’histoire du football mondial. » Josep Maria Bartomeu l'a récemment reconnu, il souhaiterait pouvoir conserver éternellement Lionel Messi au FC Barcelone. Mais le sextuple Ballon d'Or dispose d'une clause lui permettant de partir à l'issue de chaque saison.

Messi au Barça jusqu'au bout ?

Par conséquent, la question de savoir si Lionel Messi connaîtrait un autre club se pose. Et très probablement, La Pulga n'évoluera jamais dans une autre équipe européenne. L'Argentin a souvent évoqué la possibilité de terminer sa carrière à Newell's Old Boys. Mais contrairement à Cristiano Ronaldo, qui a évolué au Sporting Portugal, à Manchester United, au Real Madrid et désormais à la Juventus, Lionel Messi n'évoluera jamais dans une autre équipe européenne. Ce qui restera peut-être comme un regret pour tous les fans de football.

Manchester United vs Newcastle United Preview: A potential classic Boxing Day clash

The two teams sit level on points going into the contest, tied for 8th place in the league standings

Boxing Day is finally upon us, where every single Premier League team will be in action.

That’s when Manchester United will host Newcastle United at Old Trafford in one of the holiday’s most interesting fixtures.

The Red Devils had finally felt like they turned a corner this season after beating Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City in consecutive games. However, they’ve had to deal with yet another fall from grace since then, and find themselves in a crisis once again.

United may have suffered their worst result of the campaign so far this past weekend, as they lost 2-0 away to last place Watford.

Taking place at Vicarage Road, the Hornets hadn’t even had the lead at home going into the contest this campaign. They would break that streak five minutes into the second half in peculiar fashion, as a volley from Ismalia Sarr took a weird bounce before flying towards goal.

It should have been as easy catch for David De Gea, but he was too focused on potentially starting a counter attack, and the ball slipped through his fingers into the back of the net. The goalkeeper realized the gravity of his error as soon as it happened, but there was nothing left to do at that point.

Another moment of madness would lead to Watford’s second goal, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka completely took out Sarr in the area, giving the referee no other choice than to point to the spot. Troy Deeney converted the resulting penalty kick, which sealed the win and all three points for Watford.

The Red Devils fully deserved to lose on the night, as they were toothless going forward, which has become the status quo when they come up against weaker opposition.

Things have been going better for Newcastle United, who have won three out of their last four, digging themselves out of the relegation zone as a result.

Their most recent victory came at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

It was a tense first half, as the Magpies had more of the possession, but the better chances had fallen to Palace. It was a similar story in the second half as well, with both sides desperate to find a breakthrough.

That would come in the 83rd minute, with the Magpies being the ones to finally break the deadlock. A flick-on header from Andy Carrol made its way towards the middle of the penalty area, eventually picking out Miguel Almiron. Reacting quickly, the Paraguayan was able to volley home from close range to score his first ever goal for Newcastle, clinching another massive victory in the process.

Now, going into Thursday’s contest, Newcastle United and Manchester United sit level on points, which is quite remarkable considering we are at the halfway point of the season.

Last time out

The reverse fixture between these two sides came back at the start of October, where the roles were somewhat reversed. The Magpies were worried after a dreadful start to their campaign, while the Red Devils were still optimistic about their chances.

The result would do a lot to change things, as Newcastle were able to snatch a surprise win on the afternoon at St James Park.

Man Utd came out the blocks slow, unable to create much against a defensive team parking the bus. It was a lame opening 45 minutes as a result, and much didn’t change after the halftime interval.

Even though the Red Devils controlled possession, it would be Newcastle who managed to take the lead on the counter. Jetro Willems flew forward down the wing before cutting the ball back towards the top of the penalty area. The pass found Matthew Longstaff, who took a touch before rifling a shot into the bottom corner.

The away side pressed on in search of an equaliser, but were unable to find it, as the Magpies were able to hold on for all three points.

Team news

Manchester United received a massive boost this past weekend when Paul Pogba returned to the team versus Watford, coming off the bench to play the final half hour. Now, there’s hope that the Frenchman will be able to start on Boxing Day, but that has not been confirmed.

Diogo Dalot also made a recent return to the field, as the full back featured for the U-19’s match versus AC Milan, so he should be back with the first team soon.

Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are on still on the road to recovery, while Marcos Rojo will also be out for the foreseeable future.

For Newcastle United, Paul Dummett is questionable after sustaining a groin injury. Meanwhile, the likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Ritchie, Ki Sung-yueng and Allan Saint-Maximin are all confirmed to be unavailable for selection.

Predicted lineup

Manchester United: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Williams, McTominay, Fred, Greenwood, Pogba, Rashford, Martial

Newcastle United: Dubravka, Manquillo, Fernandez, Schar, Lejeune, Hayden, Shelvey, Almiron, Atsu, Joelinton, Carroll

What to watch for

One more last chance?

Due to recent performances, the pressure is back on Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

He was close to regaining the faith of fans after beating Spurs and winning the Manchester Derby, but that all went out the window after he couldn’t win versus Everton and Watford.

The team isn’t improving under the Norweigan. They consistently fail to break down teams sitting deep, which means dropping points to weaker opposition week after week. If this continues, there’s no way the Red Devils will sneak into the top four.

Thursday’s game against Newcastle might be his last chance to prove he’s the man for the job.

An increasing amount of supporters have called for him to be sacked, especially with Mauricio Pochettino still available.

Surely Solskjaer cannot survive another bad result.

Transferupdate: BVB geht bei Dries Mertens leer aus

Der BVB geht bei Transferziel **Dries Mertens offenbar leer aus. Wie die Gazzetta dello Sport berichtet, hat sich der Belgier für einen Verbleib beim SSC Neapel entschieden.**

In Dortmund stand Dries Mertens auf der Liste potenzieller Winter-Verstärkungen dem Vernehmen nach sehr weit oben. Der Vertrag des belgischen Nationalspielers läuft beim SSC Neapel im Sommer aus, angeblich sollte er daher nur schlanke zehn Millionen Euro Ablöse kosten. Mertens wäre die ideale Winter-Verpflichtung für den BVB: Eine Soforthilfe, die in der Offensive flexibel einsetzbar ist.

Mertens will in Neapel bleiben

Laut der Gazzetta dello Sport hat sich Mertens nun aber für einen Verbleib in Neapel entschieden. Der 32-Jährige spielt seit sechseinhalb Jahren für den SSC und will den bisher erfolgreichen und glücklichen Weg in Italien fortführen. Die Vertragsgespräche beim krisengebeutelten Top-Club ziehen sich allerdings - spätestens im Sommer ist eine Entscheidung um Mertens' Zukunft gefallen.

Ohnehin ist das letzte Wort damit noch nicht gesprochen. Sollte Neapel nicht mehr mit dem Belgier planen, könnte der SSC nur noch im Winter Kasse machen.

Cuatro pruebas para España antes de la Eurocopa 2020

La Selección Española ultimará su preparación para el próximo Campeonato de Europa contra Alemania y Holanda en marzo y frente a Portugal y Lituania en junio.

La Eurocopa 2020 está a la vuelta de la esquina. En menos de medio año las mejores selecciones del Viejo Continente medirán sus fuerzas entre sí. Con los grupos ya configurados, a excepción de los cuatro países que se clasificarán a través de la repesca, todo está preparado para el pitido inicial del Turquía-Italia que dará comienzo al torneo el 12 de junio en el Stadio Olimpico.

La Selección Española está emparejada en el Grupo E junto con Polonia y Suecia, a la espera de un tercer rival que saldrá de la ruta B de los play-off. Bosnia y Herzegovina, Irlanda del Norte, Eslovaquia y República de Irlanda se disputarán esta última plaza del grupo. El combinado nacional jugará el primer partido de la fase de grupos en San Mamés contra Suecia el 15 de junio, pero antes dispondrá de cuatro partidos amistosos de preparación de cara a la Eurocopa 2020.

Alemania y Portugal en el Wanda

España jugará por partida doble en el Wanda Metropolitano. Volverá a un estadio fetiche donde ya ha endosado un 6-1 a Argentina en la preparación del Mundial de Rusia 2018 y un 5-0 a Rumanía en la última jornada de clasificación para la presente Eurocopa. Y lo hará contra dos rivales candidatos a ganarla.

El Wanda Metropolitano, escenario habitual para la Selección Española desde su construcción. Foto: EFE

Luis Enrique concretará su vuelta al banquillo de la Selección contra Alemania el próximo 26 de marzo. Será la primera prueba de España tras el relevo de entrenadores con la salida de Robert Moreno. El último enfrentamiento contra los germanos fue el año pasado en Düsseldorf, con Julen Lopetegui al frente de un amistoso que terminó con 1-1 en el marcador.

Pero España no solo pisará el césped del Wanda en marzo. También lo hará el 5 de junio contra Portugal, la vigente campeona de Europa. 'La Roja' se volverá a enfrentar a la Selección lusa de Cristiano Ronaldo después del 3-3 en la fase de grupos del Mundial de Rusia 2018.

Holanda en el Johan Cruyff Arena

Ámsterdam será la única ciudad extranjera donde España dispute un amistoso de preparación para la Eurocopa 2020. Lo hará en el Johan Cruyff Arena, una de las sedes elegidas para el torneo, con una capacidad para más de 50.000 personas. El combinado nacional viajará a Países Bajos para enfrentarse a una renovada Holanda el 29 de marzo.

España en un amistoso contra Holanda en 2015. Foto: EFE — España en un amistoso contra Holanda en 2015, en el entonces Amsterdam Arena. Foto: EFE

La Selección Española jugará contra el equipo dirigido por Ronald Koeman, reciente subcampeona de la UEFA Nations League. Capitaneada por Virgil van Dijk y compuesta por una generación joven de talentos como Frenkie de Jong, Mathijs de Ligt o Memphis Depay, Holanda es otra candidata para levantar la Eurocopa el 12 de julio en Wembley.

Lituania en El Sardinero

La última cita de España antes de la Eurocopa tendrá lugar en Santander el 9 de junio. El combinado nacional volverá a los Campos de Sport del Sardinero 12 años después. En 2008 venció a Estados Unidos por 1-0, con Luis Aragonés en el banquillo, en un amistoso también previo a un Campeonato de Europa.

El partido enfrentará al equipo de Luis Enrique con el rival más débil de esta preparación previa, Lituania. Los bálticos cosecharon un empate y siete derrotas en la fase de clasificación para el torneo intercontinental. Será el partido a priori más sencillo, seis días antes del debut en la Eurocopa 2020 contra Suecia en San Mamés.

EXCLU - Mercato - PSG : Le Real Madrid et Manchester City foncent sur Marquinhos !

Comme révélé par le10sport.com, le dossier Marquinhos piétine au PSG. Et deux cadors européens veulent en profiter !

Faute d’avoir trouvé un accord sur le prochain salaire de Marquinhos, le PSG et les représentants du Brésilien n’ont pas encore signé de prolongation de contrat. Paris offre deux ans de plus à son défenseur hors-pair, capable d’évoluer au milieu de terrain quand Thomas Tuchel en a besoin. Un moment de flottement dans lequel deux grosses écuries européennes souhaitent s’engouffrer. D’après nos sources, le Real Madrid et Manchester City auraient récemment pris contact avec les représentants du joueur pour connaître la situation et les attentes du joueurs. Si sa priorité est de prolonger avec Paris, les intérêts de si grand club ne peuvent le laisser indifférent…