Author: Olukayode Oke

The Netherlands’ topped Group E of the Women’s World Cup ahead of the United States as they secured an emphatic 7-0 victory over Vietnam. Esmee Brugts scored two sublime, near-identical long-range curling efforts, either side of the break. Jill Roord also netted twice with Lieke Martens, Katja Snoeijs and Danielle van de Donk the other Dutch scorers. The 2019 runners-up will be in action against the runners-up from Group G in the first last 16 on Sunday. The Dutch started the third and final group game second in Group E, behind the United States on goal difference, while Vietnam were…

Defending champions the USA suffered a huge scare against Women’s World Cup debutants Portugal before scraping through to the last 16. The Stars and Stripes are yet to fire at the tournament and, after being held by the Netherlands in their previous match, suffered another frustrating draw that raised questions about their hopes of winning the tournament for an unprecedented third time in a row. Portugal, who would have caused one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history had they won, hit the post through Ana Capeta in the 91st minute. In the end the USA were relieved to…

Liverpool have confirmed Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold as the new captain and assistant captain of the club. This was after former captain Jordan Henderson completed a move to Saudi side Al-Ettifaq after 12 years at the club. Speaking with the club’s official website, the Dutch defender revealed he’s proud to be the captain of the club. “[It’s] a really proud day for me, for my wife, for my kids, my family. It’s been a special feeling, and I can’t really describe it at this point. But it’s something that I’m really, really proud of. “Obviously I’m captain of…

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the second round (Last 16) after a goalless draw against debutants the Republic of Ireland who had been previously knocked out on matchday 2. The Super Falcons finished second behind co-host the Matildas of Australia with five points. The nine-time Champions of Africa were the least-ranked team in Group B based on FIFA rankings. After the completion of their Group Stage games, the Super Falcons – as a team and individually- have broken and set new FIFA records. In their 3-2 win against Australia on matchday 2, 40-year-old Onome Ebi came on…

Sadio Mane has admitted he is hurt to be leaving Bayern Munich for Al Nassr, where he will line up in attack alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. The Senegal forward is close to signing for the Saudi Pro League side and underwent his medicals on Monday. Mane leaves Bayern after only one season in Germany. He will cost around £34million (€40m) and also receive a net salary of the same amount. “Leaving Bayern hurts me. I would have wished for a different ending. “I know that I could have helped the team this season. “Nevertheless, I only wish the club and the…

Premier League players have been warned they face harsher punishments for harassing referees as part of a raft of measures aimed at stamping out bad behaviour on the pitch. English football’s authorities aim to “reset” the attitude from players and managers towards officials in the coming season. A series of measures intended to tackle the issue were revealed on Monday ahead of the Premier League campaign kicking off on August 11. The new ‘Participant Charter’ empowers referees to take tougher action against unacceptable behaviour, backed up by stronger disciplinary action from the Football Association. Serious and repeat offenders can expect…

Manchester United goalkeeper, Andre Onana, has insisted he does not have issues with Harry Maguire, despite yelling at the defender during their 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in a preseason friendly on Sunday. The loss to the Bundesliga runners-up made it three defeats on the spin for the Red Devils. With the scores at 2-1, Onana ran out of his goal to scream at Maguire for his decision to play a short pass to Christian Eriksen, which led to a Dortmund chance and the keeper making a save. The Cameroonian has now explained that he is a very demanding presence…

The Republic of Ireland ended their first World Cup with a 0-0 draw with Nigeria, who progressed to the last-16 and could face England. The result, coupled with Australia’s win over Canada, meant the Super Falcons, the lowest-ranked side in Group B, qualified in second place at the expense of the Olympic champions. The Irish were already knocked out after defeats by Australia and Canada but collected their first point at a World Cup in their final match of the tournament. In a low-key encounter in Brisbane, the Nigerians came closest to making the breakthrough when Courtney Brosnan pushed Uchenna…

Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum has released his team’s starting XI against the Republic of Ireland in today’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup tie. Waldrum released his squad in a post via the Super Falcons’ official Twitter account. The Super Falcons head to the game after beating Australia 3-2 in their last match. Nigeria’s starting XI against Ireland: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, Toni Payne, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu and Asisat Oshoala. Substitutes: Tochukwu Oluehi, Onome Ebi, Ogbonna, Desire Oparanozie, Gift Monday, Francisca Ordega, Ifeoma Onumonu., Rofiat Imuran, Jennifer Echegini,…

Zambia secured their first Women’s World Cup win by edging out Costa Rica in their final Group C match. Lushomo Mweemba opened the scoring for Zambia inside the first three minutes and Barbra Banda added a second from the spot midway through the first half. Costa Rica’s Melissa Herrera pulled a goal shortly after the break, but Racheal Kundananji completed the win, netting a third in injury time. Both sides had already been eliminated after two matches. Zambia had lost 5-0 against both Japan and Spain in their first two matches. But they made a brilliant start in Hamilton, New…

Japan showed why they are serious contenders at the Women’s World Cup by hammering Spain to finish top of Group C and book a last-16 showdown with Norway. The 2011 world champions made it look easy as they scored three times before half-time, with Hinata Miyazawa getting two to take her tally to four goals and become the tournament’s leading scorer. The attacking midfielder put Japan ahead with a calm finish after Spain’s defence had been exposed, before Riko Uek doubled the lead with a deflected finish which looped into the net. Miyazawa, who scored two in Japan’s opening group…

Manchester United will decide striker Mason Greenwood’s future before their opening Premier League game of the season against Wolves on 14 August. A number of serious charges against Greenwood, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped on 2 February. The Crown Prosecution Service said key witnesses had withdrawn and new material had come to light. It meant there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”. At the time, a statement released on 21-year-old Greenwood’s behalf said he was “relieved”. However, United then said they were launching their own investigation. Greenwood has been unavailable for selection ever since and has not…