River Plate v Boca Juniors: Six of the Superclasico's biggest icons

River Plate v Boca Juniors: Six of the Superclasico's biggest icons
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River Plate v Boca Juniors: Six of the Superclasico's biggest icons
River Plate v Boca Juniors: Six of the Superclasico's biggest icons
The Superclasico at El Monumental will decide much more than bragging rights as River Plate host Boca Juniors in the second leg of a tantalisingly poised Copa Libertadores final. River twice came from behind at La Bombonera to draw 2-2, leaving an opportunity for a player to etch their name into the history of one of world football's fiercest rivalries. Some legendary names have pulled on the iconic jerseys of Boca and River, and here we look at six greats to have graced the fixture who Saturday's hero could secure a place alongside by striking the decisive blow. BOCA JUNIORS Juan Roman Riquelme Riquelme became a legend at Boca with four Primera Division titles and three Libertadores triumphs won at either end of his career. In March 2014, in his final season with the club, he struck a sublime free-kick into the top corner to draw Boca level at 1-1 in the Superclasico. Ramiro Funes Mori had the final say with an 86th-minute winner for River, but Riquelme's effort delivered a lasting reminder of his immense ability. Diego Maradona Maradona signed for Boca in 1981 at the age of 20, and less than two months later he lit up his first Superclasico in true Maradona style, scoring after a mazy dribble to help Boca to a 3-0 win that contributed to their league title triumph that season. He returned to Boca in 1995 and ended his professional career two years later, fittingly playing his final match in a 2-1 win over River in enemy territory. Gabriel Batistuta Before he was a global star in Europe, Batistuta crossed the Superclasico divide to become a Boca hero. He returned to El Monumental as a 22-year-old in 1991 and torpedoed his former club's hopes of qualifying for the last 16 of the Libertadores, scoring twice to write his name into the history of the derby. pic.twitter.com/HLzDW9gvO9 — Boca Jrs. Oficial (@BocaJrsOficial) November 18, 2018 RIVER PLATE Alfredo Di Stefano Though he is considered by many to be Real Madrid's greatest player, Di Stefano first emerged as a phenomenal goalscorer with River in the 1940s.'The Blond Arrow' took to coaching after devastating Spanish defences and it was in his second footballing life that he endeared himself to both sides of the Superclasico, delivering league titles to both River and Boca, whom he managed twice. Enzo Francescoli Such was his loyalty to River, Uruguayan midfielder Francescoli is thought to have said he could simply never play for Boca Juniors. Nicknamed 'The Prince' for his graceful style, Francescoli was a Superclasico regular across two trophy-laden spells in Argentina, and scored a memorable equaliser in a 1-1 Supercopa Sudamericana quarter-final draw at La Bombonera in October 1994. #CumpleEnzo Hoy cumple años un crack que, a pura clase y talento, se transformó en uno de los grandes ídolos de nuestra historia: el "Príncipe" Enzo Francescoli. ¡Felicidades! pic.twitter.com/VhkDbbNKqY — River Plate (@CARPoficial) November 12, 2018 Roberto Perfumo Far from prolific, River icon Roberto Perfumo saved one of his rare goals for a Superclasico visit to Boca in April 1976. The right-back, Argentina's captain at the 1974 World Cup, fired in a free-kick from just outside the box to give the away side a 1-0 win. "I screamed like a kid," Perfumo was later quoted as saying.

Alphonso Davies to train with Bayern Munich before Christmas

Alphonso Davies to train with Bayern Munich before Christmas
Sportsnet.ca
Alphonso Davies to train with Bayern Munich before Christmas
Alphonso Davies to train with Bayern Munich before Christmas

Even though Alphonso Davies doesn’t officially join Bayern Munich until January, he will be heading to Munich for an orientation of sorts before the end of the year.

Davies revealed that he will spend a few weeks training with Bayern leading up to Christmas. He will then return home to Edmonton for the holidays before heading back to Munich where he’ll hope to make his official debut with the club in 2019.

Davies is now eligible to train with Bayern as he turned 18 years old on Nov. 2.

The Canadian international became the most expensive outgoing transfer in MLS history after signing a contract with Bayern until 2023 back in July. He spent three seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps, posting eight goals and 12 assists in 65 regular-season games.

U-17 Women’s World Cup takeaways: Canada looking very good

U-17 Women’s World Cup takeaways: Canada looking very good
Sportsnet.ca
U-17 Women’s World Cup takeaways: Canada looking very good
U-17 Women’s World Cup takeaways: Canada looking very good

Canada is through to the knockout round of the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Montevideo, Uruguay.

The Reds earned a 2-0 win over South Korea on Saturday in their second match, with captain Jordyn Huitema and Lara Kazandjian finding the back of the net. That result coupled with Spain’s 1-1 draw with Colombia in the day’s other Group D game means the Canadians booked their spot in the quarter-finals with one match remaining in the group stage.

Here are my three thoughts on Canada’s win over the Koreans.

Another tale of two halves for Canada

Like it did in its opening 3-0 win over Colombia earlier this week, Canada slogged its way through a mundane first half against South Korea, unable to assert itself in the final third or take control of the contest. The Canadians stuck to their game plan of building deliberate attacks with stretches of possession and trying to play out from the back. But South Korea did a good job of frustrating the Canadians via their high pressing game, not allowing the Reds to go down the middle and instead pushing them out to the flanks.

South Korea’s high press forced Canada into turnovers inside its half of the field, but the Asians never capitalized as defender Jade Rose quarterbacked a Canadian defence that gave away very little, and goalkeeper Anna Karpenko wasn’t called upon to make a difficult save. The South Koreans did manage a shot that went off the crossbar, but never came close to opening up Canada’s back line.

“We played a very strong South Korean team and I think we saw that in the first 45 minutes. They definitely were pinning us back in our half in the first half,” Canadian coach Rhian Wilkinson admitted.

The second half was all Canada, with Wilkinson subbing on forward Andersen Williams and Sonia Walk at the start of the second half. The double switch seemed to spark Canada into action. Suddenly, the Reds began forcing the issue by playing a pressing game itself, and forcing the South Koreans to play deep inside their half.

Huitema broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when she scored on a sweet volley that looped high in the air and landed inside the far post after South Korean goalkeeper Kang Ji-yeon punched away Canada’s corner kick. Canada added a second in the 74th minute when Kazandjian did very well to win the ball off a Korean defender before firing a shot from 22 yards out that sailed over the goalkeeper and under the crossbar. The two goals and the win were just reward for a Canadian team that looked far more dangerous in attack than their opponents.

Huitema’s goal and red card

Huitema’s second goal of the tournament gave Canada the lead and control of the game, but just eight minutes later her day came to an abrupt end. While battling to win a high ball, Huitema threw out her elbow to generate some power, and hit Korean defender Kim Min-ji in the face, drawing blood. Referee Maria Carvajal of Chile reached into her pocket and brandished a red card, and Huitema marched off the field in tears after being ejected from the game.

Video replays of the incident showed that it was an incredibly harsh call. There was clearly no intent on the part of Huitema to hurt Min-ji, as she had her back to the Korean defender and didn’t even know she was there. A foul? Yes. But a red card? Never.

To their credit, though, the Canadians did not let the loss of their captain adversely affect them. Instead of sitting back after being forced to go on with 10 players, Canada continued on in the same fashion before Huitema’s red card by being aggressive and taking the game to the Koreans. Kazandjian’s hard work in winning the ball deep inside Korea’s half and then quickly firing a shot that doubled Canada’s advantage was indicative of the Reds’ approach after Huitema was sent off: straight ahead and fearless.

“This is a team I’m so proud to be the coach of. Obviously, there was a red card but they also turned the game around and showed who they really were; resilient. Fantastic team performance today,” Wilkinson offered.

Blessing in disguise for Canada?

The red card means Huitema will be suspended for Canada’s final game of the group stage against Spain on Wednesday in Montevideo.

Had Wednesday’s contest been a must-win for Canada, Wilkinson might have been tempted to start her captain against the Spaniards. Now, she has no choice, and Huitema can have a well-earned day off, thus saving herself and allowing her to recuperate for the rigours of the quarter-finals.

Also, Canada displayed a lot of spirit after Huitema was red carded on Saturday, showing that it is much more than just a one-person team, and that it is able to overcome adversity and win an important game without their captain. They have the opportunity to show the same kind of resolve on Wednesday against Spain.

NOTES: Canada is one of six nations to have competed at all five previous U-17 Women’s World Cups, reaching the quarter-finals in 2008, 2012 and 2014… North Korea is the defending champion… The 16 teams at this tournament are divided into four round-robin groups, with the top two nations in each advancing to the quarter-finals. Ghana and New Zealand have already moved on to the next round.

Dutch beat France, Germany relegated in UEFA Nations League

Dutch beat France, Germany relegated in UEFA Nations League
Sportsnet.ca
Dutch beat France, Germany relegated in UEFA Nations League
Dutch beat France, Germany relegated in UEFA Nations League

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — When the Netherlands beat Germany 3-0 last month the score flattered the Dutch. Ronald Koeman’s resurgent young team beat France 2-0 on Friday and this time the margin of victory flattered the French.

The rampant men in orange, driven forward by the pinpoint passing of midfielder Frenkie de Jong and given a creative spark in attack by Memphis Depay’s trickery, could have scored five. Only a string of saves by France captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris managed to keep the score respectable for the recently crowned world champion.

The Dutch victory relegated Germany from the top tier of the new UEFA Nations League, a second humbling this year after Germany crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage four years after winning the tournament in Brazil.

Now the Netherlands, which didn’t even qualify for the last World Cup or the 2016 European Championship, needs just a draw against Germany on Monday in Gelsenkirchen to win League A Group 1.

"This was a complete match at the very highest level," said Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, who has in a matter of months turned an underachieving team into a European force to be reckoned with. In its last three matches, the Netherlands has beaten Germany 3-0, drawn with top-ranked Belgium 1-1, and outclassed France.

"I want to congratulate this Dutch team," France coach Didier Deschamps said. "They played a very good match. They had a lot of quality."

Midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum scored just before halftime and Memphis Depay converted an audacious stoppage-time penalty as the Dutch overran the world champion.

France tried to play a waiting game, sitting back and hoping to launch speedy 19-year-old striker Kylian Mbappe on the break. But led by midfielder De Jong and centre back Virgil van Dijk, the Dutch not only dominated possession, but also shut down the World Cup star.

"It is exceptional how he reads the game," Koeman said of De Jong.

The result left the Dutch one point behind France in League A Group 1 ahead of the group’s final match, between the Netherlands and Germany on Monday, when Joachim Loew’s team will be playing only for pride.

Wijnaldum broke the deadlock just a minute before halftime with his 10th international goal in his 52nd appearance for the Netherlands.

Depay doubled the lead with a "Panenka" penalty in stoppage time, chipping the ball over Lloris to complete a memorable victory.

The Netherlands must wish they could play every match at Feyenoord’s De Kuip stadium — the victory extended the Dutch run of wins there to 15.

A depleted France arrived in Rotterdam after injuries sidelined Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, Benjamin Mendy, Thomas Lemar, Lucas Hernandez and Thomas Lemar.

Deschamps refused to use their absence as an excuse for his team’s lacklustre display.

"We had confidence in the players we had here," he said. "We lost to a Dutch team that played very well and we did not play well."

Elsewhere in the Nations League, Denmark beat Wales 2-1 in Cardiff to secure promotion from League B Group 4. Nicolai Jorgensen and Martin Braithwaite scored for the Danes before Gareth Bale hit a late consolation goal.

Slovakia beat Ukraine 4-1 in League B Group 1. Ukraine had already secured promotion before the match.

Asian Cup to get video review starting in quarterfinals

Asian Cup to get video review starting in quarterfinals
Football – Inquirer Sports
Asian Cup to get video review starting in quarterfinals
Asian Cup to get video review starting in quarterfinals

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Video review will be used at the Asian Cup starting in the quarterfinals. The Asian Football Confederation said in September it would use the VAR technology at some stage during the Jan. 5-Feb. 1 tournament. The VAR system will be used for seven games in Dubai, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. […]

The post Asian Cup to get video review starting in quarterfinals appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

Fellaini gets the chop ahead of 31st birthday

Fellaini gets the chop ahead of 31st birthday
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Fellaini gets the chop ahead of 31st birthday
Fellaini gets the chop ahead of 31st birthday
Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has never had a problem standing out from his team-mates but at times that has been as much about his trademark hairstyle as his performances on the pitch. But the Belgium international has opted to take the focus away from his locks and onto his feet by treating himself to a drastic haircut ahead of his 31st birthday. Fellaini has been Jose Mourinho's go-to man from the bench this season, but forcing his way into the starting line-up has been tough, something he will hope his streamlined look can change. In a post on Instagram, Fellaini captioned photographs of his new style, saying simply: "New year, new look."         View this post on Instagram                   New year, new look #birthdaytomorrow @mitchells_coiffure A post shared by Marouane Fellaini (@fellaini) on Nov 14, 2018 at 3:00am PST

Manchester City vs Manchester United Live Streaming Premier League: When And Where To Watch Live Telecast, Live Streaming

Manchester City vs Manchester United Live Streaming Premier League: When And Where To Watch Live Telecast, Live Streaming
Latest Football News, Football Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com
Manchester City vs Manchester United Live Streaming Premier League: When And Where To Watch Live Telecast, Live Streaming
Manchester United have failed to finish above Manchester City in the league since Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.

David Silva exclusive: The power has shifted in Manchester derby

David Silva exclusive: The power has shifted in Manchester derby
ESPN FC News
David Silva exclusive: The power has shifted in Manchester derby
ESPN FC's Mark Ogden sits down with Man City's David Silva to discuss how the Manchester derby has evolved and his favourite moments in the rivalry. Join Mark Donaldson in ESPN FC's Fantasy Premier League at ESPNFC.com/FantasyFC. Pep Guardiola or Joachim Löw? Lahm or Schweinsteiger? We put Manchester City's Leroy Sane on the spot in our latest edition of 'You Have To Answer.' Paul Pogba's two goals in a span of two minutes sparked Man United's comeback win versus Man City last April. David Silva has told ESPN FC that Manchester City may now have the "upper hand" on Manchester United ahead of Sunday's derby clash, and that his team's 6-1 victory at Old Trafford in 2011 changed the face of the rivalry between the two clubs. City and United meet for the 177th time in all competitions at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday and, although Jose Mourinho's United won the last encounter with a dramatic 3-2 away win in April, Pep Guardiola's men are Premier League champions and sit top of the...

PSG boss Thomas Tuchel agrees with Xavi’s stinging criticism of Kylian Mbappe

PSG boss Thomas Tuchel agrees with Xavi’s stinging criticism of Kylian Mbappe
Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
PSG boss Thomas Tuchel agrees with Xavi’s stinging criticism of Kylian Mbappe

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN striker Kylian Mbappe has plenty of room for improvement despite enjoying a fine 2018, according to his manager Thomas Tuchel.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a fine calendar year, winning the French treble with PSG and the World Cup with France – a tournament which ended with him being named the best young player at the tournament.

Mbappe has enjoyed a stellar 2018Reuters

Mbappe is also expected to retain the Golden Boy prize, an accolade awarded to players aged under 21 and playing in one of Europe’s major leagues.

Former Spain and Barcelona midfielder Xavi claimed last week the teenager was still lacking “football maturity” and was behind Neymar in the pecking order to replicate the success of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.

And while Tuchel was not as stinging, but agreed that Mbappe still has much to learn.

“It’s normal for him to get better. He’s 19,” he told the media ahead of PSG’s Champions League clash against Napoli.

Xavi is currently applying his trade with Al Sadd in QatarAFP or licensors

“He’s amazing. He’s one of the best players in the world and he’s going to be the best.

“Xavi is right. He needs to improve on everything, it’s totally normal when you’re 19.”

Though Neymar has endured an injury-hit year and suffered a poor World Cup with Brazil, the €222million man remains the marquee player within the PSG squad.

Xavi played alongside Neymar for two years at the Nou Camp and admits he is well-placed to succeed Messi as the world’s best player, despite his recent troubles.

Mbappe scooped the World Cup following some eye-catching displaysGetty Images - Getty

“He’s a very superior player physically,” Xavi told Catalunya Radio .

“It’s impressive that at his age he has those differences, but he could also get stuck, it’s very difficult to predict.

“He still has no football maturity but, he could be one of the good ones.

“He is so strong, but that does not always work in elite football, he has to learn to think.

Mbappe won the French treble with PSG last seasonAlamy Live News

“Neymar is the player that I have seen, if he manages to acquire that maturity, that might be more like Messi.”

12pm Chelsea news: Sarri says star Morata can be ‘a little fragile’, Willian and Pedro can be keys for DEFENDING, and Drinkwater exit talk

12pm Chelsea news: Sarri says star Morata can be ‘a little fragile’, Willian and Pedro can be keys for DEFENDING, and Drinkwater exit talk
Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
12pm Chelsea news: Sarri says star Morata can be ‘a little fragile’, Willian and Pedro can be keys for DEFENDING, and Drinkwater exit talk

ALVARO MORATA fired two past Palace but took a couple of salvos from Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri despite a 3-1.

Read on for all the match reaction, including Sarri’s searing summary and our verdict on which two players could be the key to toughening the Blues up. Plus news and gossip.

Alvaro Morata has now hit 14 goals in 40 Premier League games for Chelsea since joining from Real but has yet to convince their managementAlvaro Morata has now hit 14 goals in 40 Premier League games for Chelsea since joining from Real but Madrid has yet to fully convince their managementAlamy Live News SARRI YOU GOT CAUGHT

JAMIE REDKNAPP has accused Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea of using “dart arts” after the Italian’s side lit up Stamford Bridge with another win on Sunday.

Alvaro Morata scored twice in a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace to see Chelsea leapfrog Liverpool and go second in the Premier League.

HOT ROB

CHELSEA are reportedly eyeing up a move for Watford star Roberto Pereyra as a replacement for Eden Hazard – should the Belgian leave Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are understood to have drawn up a list of potential targets if their talisman calls time on his career in England, with Real Madrid desperate to nab him.

MOURINHO SALUTE

CHELSEA appeared to flash another “Jose Mourinho salute” yesterday as Pedro celebrated his goal in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.

The Portuguese waved three fingers at the crowd in Manchester United’s draw at Stamford Bridge last month, signalling the three Premier League titles he won in his two spells at the club.

‘RIGHT DECISION’

EDEN HAZARD has been warned about quitting Chelsea for Real Madrid… by his BROTHER.

The Belgian attacker looked set to leave Stamford Bridge over the summer after intimating he was considering his future after helping his country to finish third at the World Cup.

GAME OF TWO ALVS

MAURIZIO SARRI says Chelsea’s two-goal hero Alvaro Morata can be a “little bit fragile” and must improve if he hopes to be their main striker.

Morata impressed as the Blues 3-1 win over Crystal Palace put them second in the Premier League table on goal difference above Liverpool.

WHERE FLAIR IS A WILL THERE’S A WAY

AMID the cheers and celebrations of another Chelsea win lies a curious statistic.

Maurizio Sarri’s side has not kept a clean sheet at home in the Premier League since September 1. But read our big-match verdict to see why Pedro and Willian could help them defend better from further forward.

Danny Drinkwater has been told he can leave ChelseaDanny Drinkwater has been told he can leave ChelseaPA:Press Association ON OR OFF?

ALVARO MORATA was on the scoresheet once again for the Blues – but was it offside?

Fans have take to Twitter to voice their confusion over the Spaniard’s positioning – a similar incident to Sadio Mane’s disallowed goal in yesterday’s Arsenal vs Liverpool draw.

BLUE ENDING

DANNY DRINKWATER and Victor Moses have been told by Maurizio Sarri that they are surplus to requirements at Chelsea.

The pair have struggled for game-time since the Italian’s arrival and could move on in January.

JAM HOT

BLUES fans are raving after their 18-year-old loanee Reece James scored a brilliant free-kick for Wigan.

Supporters are calling for the youngster to be their next right-back, rather than signing someone in the summer.

JOAO MUCH?!

BLUES are in a race against time to sign Benfica starlet Joao Felix on the ‘cheap’.

The 18-year-old has only made five league appearances so far this season – but the Portuguese club are offering him a new deal that would increase his buyout clause from £45m to £105m.

NOTHING TO LUIZ

DAVID LUIZ is wanted in Barcelona as the Catalans face a defensive crisis.

With the Brazilian out of contract at the end of the season, Barca hope they can get a cut-price deal to cover for Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen.

BAY BAY AARON

CHELSEA’S hopes of attracting Aaron Ramsey to Stamford Bridge have hit a stumbling block.

The Welshman is out of contract at the end of season, meaning he will be available for free – but German giants Bayern Munich have stolen a march on the race.

BLUES LOVE MUM

CHELSEA and Manchester City are battling to sign Sunderland teen Bali Mumba.

Spies from both clubs saw the midfielder, 17, dazzle in the FA Youth Cup at Halifax on Wednesday.

BRIDGE DOESN’T NEED WINDOW

MAURIZIO SARRI has suggested Chelsea might sign NO-ONE in January.

The Italian coach claims the Blues are not yet strong enough to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool but says his current squad can make the necessary improvement.

Victor Moses is another who looks set to depart ChelseaVictor Moses is another who looks set to depart ChelseaGetty BARK’S GOT BITE

ROSS BARKLEY’S statistics speak for themselves.

Compared to Barkley’s final full season at Everton in 2016/17, he is running further, passing better, making assists more regularly and scoring more frequently for Chelsea so far in this Premier League campaign.

LET ME STAY AND PLAY

RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK admits he is frustrated at his lack of action – but says: “I want to play for Chelsea”.

The 22-year-old has only started six Premier League games for the Blues since coming through their Academy in 2014.

KOUL RUNNINGS

CHELSEA fans want Maurizio Sarri to splash out for Kalidou Koulibaly in January following a stunning assist for Napoli.

The Senegal international was a huge success under Sarri in Naples and supporters believe he could have a similar impact at Stamford Bridge.

LOFTY HEIGHTS

RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK will be staying put at Chelsea when the January transfer window opens.

Maurizio Sarri has been highly impressed by the midfielder in recent weeks and reckons he can play a crucial part in Chelsea’s challenge for the title this season.

Loftus-Cheek scored four times in four matches last month, including a stunning hat-trick in the Europa League against BATE Borisov.

NAB HIM

NABIL FEKIR has emerged as a serious contender to replace Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea chiefs fear the winger could jump ship for Real Madrid next summer.

And Lyon’s Fekir, who helped France to World Cup glory in July, could be heading to Chelsea as Hazard’s replacement just months after a move to Liverpool collapsed.

RAM-IFICATIONS

AARON RAMSEY may be left high and dry by Chelsea following Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley’s resurgence in form.

The Welsh midfielder will leave Arsenal on a free contract at the end of the season and was believed to be in Maurizio Sarri’s sights.

But the Italian has been won over by Loftus-Cheek and Barkley in recent games, meaning Ramsey may have to look elsewhere for his next big break.

NOT SO FAB

CESC FABREGAS will have to accept a huge pay-cut if he wants to stay at Chelsea past the end of the campaign.

The Spanish playmaker has proven himself to be a worthy back-up option to Jorginho at the heart of a midfield three.

But Fabregas’ current deal is up in the summer and he will have to sacrifice a chunk of his £160,000-a-week wages to remain in West London.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is frustrating with a lack of game time while Cesc Fabregas may be forced into a pay-cutRuben Loftus-Cheek is frustrating with a lack of game time while Cesc Fabregas may be forced into a pay-cutGetty Images - Getty

 

Man Utd's captaincy raffle: How Herrera exposed Mourinho's wrongful indifference

Man Utd's captaincy raffle: How Herrera exposed Mourinho's wrongful indifference
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Man Utd's captaincy raffle: How Herrera exposed Mourinho's wrongful indifference
Man Utd's captaincy raffle: How Herrera exposed Mourinho's wrongful indifference

COMMENT: Everton first. Then Bournemouth. Two wins on the bounce ahead of the biggest week of the season. But there's no escaping it. He's tearing at it. Jose Mourinho. He's tearing at a foundation of Manchester United. A tradition that deserves better than what the manager has given it this season...

Back from a goal down. A winner in injury-time. That's the stuff of United legend. Pushing. Probing. Ball to feet. Passing at speed. You could see it all at Dean Court. The United Way. Traditions upheld.

Read more on Tribal Football

How the f*** did Adel Taarabt and Neil Warnock turn into a thing of such beauty?

How the f*** did Adel Taarabt and Neil Warnock turn into a thing of such beauty?
Dream Team FC
How the f*** did Adel Taarabt and Neil Warnock turn into a thing of such beauty?

This is a love story.

Not a Hollywood love story. There are no childhood sweethearts involved. This love story makes no sense.

It involves a player, a manager and the football love-in that occurred when the two met. In order to fully understand the true magic of this story you need some more details.

Love at first sight

Adel Taarabt was born in Fez, Morocco, in 1989. Roughly 1,970 miles away, Neil Warnock was leaving not-so-sunny Scarborough to take the reins at Notts County in English football’s third tier.

In 2004, at the age of 15, Taarabt joined French club Lens. Warnock, by now only 345 miles away, was five years into his spell as Sheffield United manager, although still two years off the Premier League.

It wasn’t long before English clubs were circling around the prodigious talented, whose performances for Lens’ youth sides and France Under-17s were drawing comparisons with a certain Zinedie Zidane.

Spurs got the deal over the line in January 2007. By the end of the year Warnock had been named Crystal Palace boss, meaning the heroes of this tale were now on opposite sides of London.

Someone’s about to get nutmegged

On 4 April 2009, their paths crossed for the first time. In films, this moment is known as the ‘meet cute’.

Taarabt, who’d been loaned to QPR, faced off against a Warnock side containing Victor Moses, Nathaniel Clyne and Rui Fonte. A 0-0 draw wasn’t exactly worth the wait, but it was only the beginning.

Seven months later they played out another draw in which Taarabt was fouled, allowing Akos Buzsaky to net from the penalty spot.

Then came a crucial moment. Warnock left Palace for QPR in March 2010. No sooner had he got his hands on QPR’s transfer kitty than Taarabt joined permanently from Spurs.

Referees were flossing in 2010

Our two heroes were finally together. Did it make sense? Not at all.

Warnock had been brought in to steer QPR back to the Premier League using steel, hence the arrivals of Paddy Kenny and Danny Shittu. Taarabt was pure silk. A maverick for whom normal team rules did not apply.

But Warnock wasn’t concerned, telling journalists: “He has got unique talent and his target is to play at the top level, and I’m hoping we can achieve that.”

Warnock wasn’t done with the surprises. At the start of the 2010/11 season he made Taarabt, still only 21, QPR’s captain, despite the presence of experienced campaigners like Clint Hill, Fitz Hall and Shaun Derry.

Do your best plane impression, Adel

It didn’t take long for Taarabt to repay Warnock’s faith. By the turn of the year he’d scored 11 times from midfield.

After watching Taarabt take Scunthorpe to the cleaners, Warnock giddily told reporters: “I’ve never seen anybody with ability like his. At 61, I’ve never seen anyone like him in my life.”

By the end of the season that number had risen to 19, with Taarabt single-handedly firing QPR back into the Premier League as Championship winners.

But stats don’t tell the whole story. The joy Taarabt brought to Loftus Road can’t be understood in pure numbers, unless they refer to nutmegs or defenders embarrassed.

Just watch the compilation below, because words aren’t enough for some of Taarabt’s moments…

Taarabt nutmegged his way into the PFA Team of the Year, alongside Wes Morgan and Andy King, and was also crowned Football League Player of the Year.

But while Morgan and King have gone on the be unlikely Premier League winners, Taarabt can now be found wasting away in Benfica’s B team.

Taarabt’s first season back in the Premier League was littered with disciplinary issues, punctuated by interest from PSG and a half-time walk out in El Middle Classico against Fulham.

Warnock didn’t fare much better. He found himself out of a job in January, at which point QPR were 17th in the table.

The honours Taarabt won under Warnock remain his only pieces of silverware to date. A ludicrously poor return for a man of such talent.

Warnock went on to manage Leeds, Palace and Rotherham before winding up at Cardiff, where he faces one of the biggest challenges of a decorated career in trying to steer the Welsh away from Premier League relegation.

If only there was a player out there who could offer Warnock’s functional Cardiff side a bit of genius. He couldn’t, could he?

Happier timesAction Images - Reuters

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Melbourne City 0 Sydney FC 3: Le Fondre continues scoring streak

Melbourne City 0 Sydney FC 3: Le Fondre continues scoring streak
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Melbourne City 0 Sydney FC 3: Le Fondre continues scoring streak
Melbourne City 0 Sydney FC 3: Le Fondre continues scoring streak
Adam Le Fondre's stunning start at Sydney FC continued as the striker scored a brace in a 3-0 victory at Melbourne City on Friday. The former Premier League forward reached seven goals in six appearances for Sydney to collect another win for Steve Corica's side, who moved three points clear at the top of the embryonic table. There was none of the drama of last weekend's Sydney derby, which saw Western Sydney Wanderers coach Markus Babbel dismissed amid VAR controversy, as Corica's men bounced back from FFA Cup final disappointment. Sydney took the lead in the 16th minute, Paulo Retre striking against his old club when he rounded off a fine team move by deflecting a Rhyan Grant shot through the legs of goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic. Luke Brattan narrowly missed the target with an excellent effort from long range as Melbourne sought a first-half equaliser, Scott Jamieson then wasting an opportunity shortly after the restart. But the points were made safe in the 61st minute by in-form striker Le Fondre, who made a well-timed run to meet a perfect Retre pass and dink a gorgeous finish over the onrushing Galekovic. And Le Fondre struck yet again in stoppage-time, finishing off a pass from Milos Ninkovic by beating the defender on the line, as the premiers maintained their strong start to the season. LE FONDRE | "I think we proved a lot of things after Tuesday night. We got some things out of our system and got the result we wanted." #MYCvSYD #ALeague — Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) November 2, 2018

INSIDER: Real Madrid 'worried' Marcelo, Isco overweight

INSIDER: Real Madrid 'worried'  Marcelo, Isco overweight
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INSIDER: Real Madrid 'worried'  Marcelo, Isco overweight
INSIDER: Real Madrid 'worried' Marcelo, Isco overweight

Real Madrid chiefs are unimpressed by the fitness of senior players Marcelo and Isco.

Okdiario's chief pundit Eduardo Inda, speaking on El Chiringuito de Jugones, revealed Real directors believe both players are overweight.

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