La Albiceleste may have battled and struggled through the group stage, but France goalkeeper Steve Mandanda is wary of Lionel Messi’s threat.

Messi, who turns 31 on Sunday, got his first goal of Russia 2018 in Argentina’s definitive 2-1 triumph over Nigeria on Tuesday at the Saint Petersburg Stadium. The Barcelona forward is yet to hit top form at the 2018 Mundial but Mandanda believes what Messi is capable of ahead of their crucial knock out tie on Saturday’s in Kazan.

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Liverpool fans have been given a stunning glimpse of Naby Keita in their popular Red jersey, as the midfielder went before the cameras to stamp his arrival at the club.

It has been a long sit tight for Liverpool fans, with the player having at first consented to sign for the club the last summer, but in an extended adventure, RB Leipzig were adamant that Keita would stay put at Red Bull Area for another season.

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Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has revealed his discussion with Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir following the official’s decision to overrule a penalty appeal by Nigeria during the crucial clash at Saint Petersburg Stadium on Tuesday night

Odion Ighalo made a frantic and desperate appeal for a penalty, with Cakir consulting VAR yet needing just a single replay to reject the penalty appeal, with Rojo having headed the ball into his arm.

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Former Barcelona player Javier Mascherano has revealed countryman Lionel Messi is disappointed about his World Cup but believes the Five-time Ballon d’Or winner is determined to rouse an upturn in Argentina‘s fortunes.

‘La Albiceleste‘ need to win against the resilient Super Eagles on Tuesday and the expectation that Croatia doesn’t lose to Iceland in the last Group D matches to qualify for the Round of 16.


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Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has reacted to his former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho that he is a ‘terrible No 10‘.

Mourinho, who lamented on Gernot Rohr’s tactics to play Mikel as a No 10 in the 2-0 loss to Croatia in Group D Match 2 fixture, saying the former Chelsea midfielder is a ‘Bad No 10’ however a ‘decent No 6’, but Mikel has responded to the harsh remarks made by the Manchester United manager.

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Seria A side Juventus have secure the service of former Liverpool midfielder Emre Can the Germany international concurred to a four-year contract with the Old Lady following his release from Liverpool.

Can leaves Liverpool following four years with the club, amid which he amassed more than 150 appearances for the ‘Reds’.

Since moving to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen in 2014, Can set up himself as one of the Premier League’s most skilled young defensive midfielders, while additionally showed his versatility by frequently being deployed in the heart of the Reds defence.


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Arsenal has completed the signing of Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno throwing Petr Cech’s future at the club into huge doubt.

The North London side are thought to have paid €22m (£19.3m) for the German shot-stopper, who becomes the club’s second signing of the summer following Stephan Lichtsteiner’s free transfer move from Juventus.


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Amid France‘s frustrating performances in their opening Group C match against Australia, Paul Pogba has said that he believes he is the most criticised player on the planet.

In spite of scoring a goal in Les Blue’s slim 2-1 triumph against Australia yesterday, the Manchester United midfielder went under criticism for his performances against the ‘Socceroos’.

Paul Pogba scored a deflected shot, which was affirmed by Video Assistant Referee, in the 80th minute of the match to give ‘Les Bleus’ the three-point against an Australian team who fought energetically in the match.

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Out of the 32 teams gunning for Glory at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, 5 of them will represent the Confederation Of African Football (CAF) region.

Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal, MoroccO, and Tunisia will be flying the African flags this year with usual big names who have participated in the past few world cups like Cameroon, Ghana, and Ivory coast missing out.

African appearance at the world cup started in 1934 when Egypt featured at the 2nd edition hosted in Italy, the pharaohs crashed out in the first round than where the competition was in the knockout format, the North Africans, however, have since only managed to qualify twice for the Mundial.

The next time an African team would later feature at the world cup was 36 years later in Mexico 1970 where Morocco featured. It was until Spain 1982 before Africa got 2 slots at the world cup and it was so until 1994 before it was raised to 3 slots and then raised up to 5 at France 1998 which has been upheld since then.

This year, Salah, Mane, John Obi Mikel, Mehdi Benatia will be hoping to lead their teams beyond the Quarterfinals which have been beyond the reach of the 13 different African teams that have at one time or the other participated at the world cup.

With less than 3 days left to the opening match of this year’s world cup, Cheapgoals.com profiles the African representatives

• NIGERIA



Captain: John Mikel Obi
Best World Cup Finish: R16 (1994, 98, 2014)
Manager: Gernot Rohr
Debut: USA 1994
No of Appearances: 6th

The Super Eagles endured a tough group for qualification to the world cup after drawing Cameroon, Algeria, and Zambia in group B but they made an easy work of their group qualifying with a game to spare although the last match against Algeria a 1-1 draw was overturned to a 3-0 win for the Algerians after Nigeria fielded an ineligible player.

However, that didn’t overshadow their impressive results during the qualifiers against Cameroon in Uyo which ended in an emphatic 4-0 win and another 3-1 win against Algeria at the same venue.

The team will, however, face tougher tests at the world cup finals after been drawn in Group D alongside Europeans Croatia, Iceland and familiar foes in Argentina whom they will be facing for the 5th time in the history of the competition.

Ranked as the underdogs in the group, the Nigerians have been unimpressive in their recent friendlies approaching the world cup losing to the Czech Republic, England and Serbia while drawing DR Congo.

The recent uninspiring performances have led to lowered expectations from fans which were previously high after a brilliant display in the 4-2 defeat of Argentina in a friendly in November 2017 and a resilient 1-0 win over a Robert Lewandoski led Poland in March this year.

Possessing a squad with a mixture of youthful talents and experienced veterans led by the likes of Mikel, Victor Moses, Echiejile and Onazi, Alex Iwobi, Iheanach, Tyronne Ebuehi the Super Eagles, however, lack trusted hands between the post as inexperienced rookie Francis Uzoho looks likely to be the Number 1 for the Nigerians, a situation which many have touted to affect the chances of the 3-time African champions.

Vincent Enyeama’s retirement from the national team and Carl Ikeme’s battle with leukemia has left Gernot Rhor searching for a reliable goalkeeper starting with Daniel Akpeyi, Ikechukwu before settling for Deportivo’s handler Uzoho.

However, with the Super Eagles unpredictable nature of rising to the occasion when least expected, one can expect the round of 16 finish from the West Africans.

MATCHES

JUNE 6: CROATIA – NIGERIA

JUNE 22: NIGERIA – ICELAND

JUNE 26: NIGERIA – ARGENTINA

WORLD CUP SQUAD



Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba), Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna), Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United).

Defenders: Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor), Tyronne Ebuehi (Den Haag), Elderson Echiejile (Brugge), Bryan Idowu (Amkar Perm), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), William Ekong (Bursaspor), Leon Balogun (Brighton), Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa).

Midfielders: John Obi Mikel (Tianjin TEDA), Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester), Oghenekaro Etebo (Las Palmas), John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva), Joel Obi (Torino).

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal), Simeon Nwankwo (Crotone)

• EGYPT



Captain: essam El Hadary
Best World Cup Finish: Group stage (1934, 1990)
Manager: Hector Cuper
Debut: Italia 1934
No of Appearances: 3rd

Despite being the record winners of the African Cup of Nations with 7 trophies to their cabinet, 2 runners-up medal and three 3rd place finishes, the Pharaohs have never passed the group stages in the last 2 appearances at the world cup. More surprising is the fact that during their six-year dominance on the African scene winning the AFCON from 2006 till 2010 they failed to appear on the world scene in Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010.

Furthermore, both appearances at the world cup had a reasonably long period of absence in between them but after 28 years of missing out of the global fiesta Mohammed Salah rose up to be the savior, top scoring for Egypt with five goals during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, including both goals in the decisive 2–1 victory over Congo, one of which was a penalty in the last minute to make the Pharaohs reach their first World Cup finals since 1990.

Although their recent friendly results have been poor with loses to Belgium, Portugal and Greece including draws with Kuwait and Colombia, Mohammed Salah’s recent fitness report should boost the Morales of the team and fans alike. The Liverpool forward was feared to possibly miss out of the world cup having being injured in the UEFA champions league final against Real Madrid in May.

With the new generation of talents coming from the North Africans led by legendary goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, Liverpool forward Mohammed Salah, West Brom’s Ahmed Hegazy, Arsenal’s Mohammed Elneny, the future looks bright and a round of 16 appearance looks possible after being grouped alongside the hosts Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group.

MATCHES

JUNE 15: EGYPT – URUGUAY

JUNE 19: RUSSIA – EGYPT

JUNE 25: SAUDI ARABIA – EGYPT

WORLD CUP SQUAD



Goalkeepers: Essam El Hadary (Al Taawoun), Mohamed El-Shennawy (Al Ahly), Sherif Ekramy (Al Ahly)

Defenders: [/b]Ahmed Fathi (Al Ahly), Saad Samir (Al Ahly), Ayman Ashraf (Al Ahly), Mahmoud Hamdy (Zamalek), Mohamed Abdel-Shafy (Al Fateh), Ahmed Hegazi (West Brom), Ali Gabr (Zamalek), Ahmed Elmohamady (Aston Villa), Omar Gaber (Los Angeles FC);

[b]Midfielders: [/b]Tarek Hamed, (Zamalek), Shikabala (Zamalek), Abdallah Said (Al Ahli), Sam Morsy (Wigan Athletic), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal), Mahmoud Kahraba (Al Ittihad), Ramadan Sobhi (Stoke City), Mahmoud Hassan (Kasimpasa), Amr Warda (Atromitos Athens)

[b]Forwards: Marwan Mohsen (Al Ahly), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)


• SENEGAL



Captain: Cheikhou Kouyaté
Best World Cup Finish: Quarterfinal (2002)
Manager: Aliou Cissé
Debut: Korea/Japan 2002
No of Appearances: 2nd

Senegal are one of the three African teams to go unbeaten during the qualifiers (others being Egypt & Nigeria) and that’s not to say their journey to the finals was devoid of drama.

A 2-1 defeat to the South Africans in their second game was later annulled when the referee was found to have manipulated the match by awarding a penalty for a non-existent handball.

Aliou Cisse’s team then drew their next two games with Burkino Faso before getting back on track with a 2-0 win in Cape Verde. Qualification was secured with a 2-0 victory in the rescheduled match with South Africa in Polokwane.

The Teranga Lions of Senegal will be appearing at their 2nd world cup after their debut in 16 years ago where they handed a shock defeat to the champion, France at the group stage before going further to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Led by the likes of Saido Mane, Keita Balde, Senegal finished atop their qualification group which had Cape Verde, Burkina Faso and South Africa and they will hope to replicate the records of the legendary team of 2002 which had current team coach Aliou Cisse, El Hadji Diouf, Papa Diop and co which went all the way to the last 8th of the competition.

Their warm-up matches to the world cup have not been impressive either drawing against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Luxembourg, and Uzbekistan while losing to Croatia before posting a morale-boosting 2-0 win against South Korea in their last warm-up game. They will face Poland, Japan and Colombia in Russia

MATCHES

June 19: POLAND vs SENEGAL

June 24: JAPAN vs SENEGAL

June 28: SENEGAL vs COLOMBIA

WORLD CUP SQUAD



Goalkeepers: Khadim Ndiaye (Horoya AC), Abdoulaye Diallo (Rennes), Alfred Gomis (Torino)

Defenders: Kara Mbodji (Anderlecht), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Moussa Wague (Eupen), Saliou Ciss (Angers), Youssouf Sabaly (Bordeaux), Lamine Gassama (Alanyaspor), Armand Traore (Nottingham Forest), Salif Sane (Hannover 96)

Midfielders: Pape Alioune Ndiaye (Stoke), Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham), Cheikh N’Doye (Birmingham)

Forwards: Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Diao Balde Keita (Monaco), Ismaila Sarr (Rennes), Diafra Sakho (Rennes), Moussa Konate (Amiens), Mame Biram Diouf (Stoke), Mbaye Niang (AC Milan).

• MOROCCO



Captain: Mehdi Benatia
Best World Cup Finish: R16 1986
Manager: Herve Renard
Debut: Mexico 1970
No of Appearances: 5th
The Atlas Lions are Africa’s most in-form team ahead of the World Cup having gone 10 games unbeaten (winning 8 and drawing 2) in all competitions since their 1-0 loss to Cameroon in the 2019 AFCON qualifier played in June 2017.

More impressive is their qualification record where they got 4points each from their group opponents which consisted of Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Mali scoring 11 goals and conceding none, going undefeated throughout the qualifiers. Their form was translated to their home-based team who went on to win the 2018 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) on home soil defeating Nigeria 4-0 in the final.

Ayoub Elkaabi who was the top scorer in that competition earned a call-up from the national team which also includes Hakim Ziyech, Nordi Amrabaat and Achraf Hakimi by coach Herve Renard to the main team for the world cup; their first since France 1998. They may have defeated Slovakia, Uzbekistan, Serbia, and Estonia drew Ukraine in their warm-up games however, they face a mission impossible to qualify from Group B at the world cup where they are grouped alongside 2010 champions Spain, European champions Portugal and Iran.

MATCHES

June 15: MOROCCO vs IR IRAN

June 20: PORTUGAL vs MOROCCO

June 25: SPAIN vs MOROCCO

WORLD CUP SQUAD



Goalkeepers: [/b]Mounir Mohamedi (Numancia), Yassine Bounou (Girona), Ahmad Reda Tagnaouti (Ittihad Tanger)

[b]Defenders: Mehdi Benatia (Juventus), Romain Saiss (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Manuel Da Costa (Basaksehir), Nabil Dirar (Fenerbahce), Achraf Hakimi (Real Madrid), Hamza Mendyl (Lille)

Midfielders: Mbark Boussoufa (Al Jazira), Karim El Ahmadi (Feyenoord), Youssef Ait Bennasser (Caen), Sofyan Amrabat (Feyenoord), Younes Belhanda (Galatasaray), Faycal Fajr (Getafe), Amine Harit (Schalke)

Forwards: Khalid Boutaib (Malatyaspor), Aziz Bouhaddouz (St. Pauli), Ayoub El Kaabi (Renaissance Berkane), Nordin Amrabat (Leganes), Mehdi Carcela (Standard Liege), Hakim Ziyech (Ajax), Youssef En Nesyri (Malaga)

• TUNISIA



Captain: Aymen Mathlouthi
Best World Cup Finish: Group stage
Manager: Nabil Maaloul
Debut: 1978
No of Appearances: 5th

Russia 2018 is the fifth appearance for the Carthage Eagles at the world cup, despite their decent appearance record at the world cup the Carthage Eagles have failed to make any meaningful impact yet at the world cup, going out of the group stages on each occasion.

The North Africans had a relatively easy group during qualification after they were drawn with DR Congo, Libya, and Guinea. 6games 4wins and 2draws and an abysmal scoring record of 11goals in 6 matches were all they needed to for their first world cup in 12 years

Their top scorer Youssef Msakni has been ruled out with injury and it is left to see where Tunisians will draw their goalscoring inspirations from. Sunderland’s Wahbi Khazri could be an alternative for set pieces but it is left to see what impact he will make against the likes of England, Belgium, and Panama in Group G.

However, they have posted impressive performances in recent friendlies, losing 1-0 to Spain, drawing 2-2 against Turkey and Portugal and posting 1-0 wins against Iran and Costa Rica.

MATCHES

JUNE 18: TUNISIA – ENGLAND

JUNE 23: BELGIUM – TUNISIA

JUNE 28: PANAMA – TUNISIA

WORLD CUP SQUAD



Goalkeepers: Farouk Ben Mustapha (Al Shabab), Moez Hassen (Chateauroux), Aymen Mathlouthi (Al Baten)

Defenders: Rami Bedoui (Etoile du Sahel), Yohan Benalouane (Leicester City), Syam Ben Youssef (Kasimpasa), Dylan Bronn (Gent), Oussama Haddadi (Dijon), Ali Maaloul (Al Ahly), Yassine Meriah (CS Sfaxien), Hamdi Nagguez (Zamalek)

Midfielders: Anice Badri (Esperance), Mohamed Amine Ben Amor (Al Ahli Riyadh), Ghaylene Chaalali (Esperance), Ahmed Khalil (Club Africain), Saifeddine Khaoui (Troyes), Ferjani Sassi (Al Nasr), Ellyes Skhiri (Montpellier), Naim Sliti (Dijon), Bassem Srarfi (Nice)

Forwards: Fakhreddine Ben Youssef (Al Ittifaq), Saber Khalifa (Club Africain), Wahbi Khazri (Sunderland)



WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

1 – The only time Africa have hosted the world cup, in 2010 when South Africa had the honors. They could be joined by Morocco should the North Africans be awarded the rights on Wednesday 13th of to 2018 to host the 2026 world ahead of a joint bid from USA/Canada/Mexico.

2 – No African team has appeared at the quarter-final stage of the world cup on 2 different occasions, neither has any 2 African teams made the quarterfinals in one single world cup edition.

3- In fact since 1934 that Egypt made Africa’s bow at the world cup and despite 12 more teams following suit much later, only 3 teams from Africa have made the quarterfinals; Cameroon in Italia 1990, Senegal in Korea/Japan 2002 and Ghana in South Africa 2010

13- The number of African teams that have appeared at the world cup. The list is topped by Cameroon (7), Nigeria (6), Morocco & Tunisia (5), Algeria (4), Ghana, Ivory Coast, South Africa & Egypt (3), Senegal (2), Zaire, Angola & Togo (1)

19- is the age that makes Nigerian Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho the youngest goalkeeper to ever appear at the world cup. Nigeria’s team is the youngest team in this year’s tournament with an average age of just 25 years old.

45- the age that makes Egyptian legendary goalkeeper, Essam El Hadary the oldest goalkeeper and player to appear at the world cup eclipsing Colombia’s second choice goalkeeper to Brazil 2014 Faryd Mondragon’s record of 43 years old during the last World Cup.



Source: http://cheapgoals.com/2018-world-cup-african-hopefuls-in-russia-profiled/

From youngster, talented to wily veterans, the 2018 FIFA World Cup team captains grandstand their countries’ character, passion and ache to win. Featuring on the list are dynamic captains, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and John Mikel Obi. In any case, these are just a couple of many remarkable captains competing for World Cup glory in Russia.

Igor Akinfeev (Russia). 32



Osama Hawsawi (Saudi Arabia). 32



Essam El Hadary (Egypt). 45



Diego Godin (Uruguay). 32



Sergio Ramos (Spain). 32



John Obi Mikel (Nigeria). 31



Thiago Silva or Neymar (Brazil). 33 and 26 (Rotation Policy* )



Stephan Lichtsteiner (Switzerland). 34



Bryan Ruiz (Costa Rica). 32



Branislav Ivanovic(Serbia). 34



Manuel Neuer (Germany). 32



Andres Guardado (Mexico). 31




Source: http://cheapgoals.com/2018-world-cup-meet-the-32-captains-leading-their-teams-into-battle/

His spray-painted gold versions of the coveted trophy sell for just US$3.50 – a steal compared to the estimated US$150,000 price tag on the real number designed by the late Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga.

That version, the FIFA World Cup Trophy, has been in play since 1974 when it replaced the original Jules Rimet Trophy given to Brazil in 1970 after it clinched its third World Cup win.

The original Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen in Brazil when the back wall of its case was removed by thieves in 1983 and has never been recovered.

For Nhat’s customers, the replicas add a sprinkling of glory before the World Cup.

“Holding the trophy I feel like Zidane (when he) won the World Cup in 1998,” said France national team supporter Dang Viet Duy.

In a dusty workshop on the outskirts of Hanoi, workers busily mold, set and spray hundreds of replica World Cup trophies as orders flood in ahead of next week’s tournament.

Demand in football-mad Vietnam is soaring for the handmade plaster models of the real 18-carat gold trophy that will go to the winners of the month-long World Cup hosted by Russia that starts Thursday.

Craftsman Vuong Hong Nhat has been making the foot-tall replicas since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, perfecting his hand-carved design over several months to give as gifts.

“Initially I didn’t want to sell the trophies, I was just trying to feed my passion for football and give them to friends and family,” said the 57-year-old Manchester United fan.

But they proved so popular he now sells them and expects to receive 3,000 orders this year – triple the number he made in 2014.

With just three assistants in his small workshop, Nhat is struggling to keep up with demand for his.

[b]“I work all day to fill the orders, but it’s not enough. I have to work until midnight,” [/b]said Nhat, exhausted, as workers pour plaster nearby.

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The breakdown of the cash prize for each team that qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia has been revealed. A total sum of $400 million will be appropriately distributed among the 32 nations that will participate in the Mundial and as every country advances they more they earn from World football governing body FIFA

The prize money available for dissemination at the 2018 FIFA World Cup has increased from $358 million in Brazil 2014 to $400 million according to Statista.

Here’s how much each team could win:

• 16 teams eliminated after the Group Stage will receive $8 million [/b]each
• 8 teams eliminated after the Round 16 receive [b]$12 million each
• 4 teams eliminated in the Quarter Finals receive $16 million each
• The team finishing fourth will receive $22 million
• The team finishing third will receive $24 million
• The runner-up will receive $28 million
• The winner of the prestigious World Cup will take home a whopping sum of $38 million

Aside from the sum that the teams would win, every one of the 32 qualifying countries will get a preparation fee of $1.5 million each.

http://cheapgoals.com/2018-world-cup-the-breakdown-of-cash-prize-for-each-stage/

Iran on Tuesday became the first team to touch down in Russia for the 2018 World Cup which officially commences in Moscow's historic Luzhniki Stadium on June 14.

Playing in their fifth World Cup Mundial and sits 36th in the FIFA ranking, Iran will start their Group B campaign against Atlas Lions of Morocco on June 15 in Nizhny Novgorod. And then travel to Kazan for a June 20 clash with former World Cup Winners Spain, before closing their group stage matches against Portugal on June 25.


http://cheapgoals.com/2018-world-cup-iran-becomes-the-first-country-to-arrive-russia/

obonujoker:
See wetin Guardiola cause....

wetyn e cause ah b wan hear

if we no see jersey buy we go wear agbada go support super eagles.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Iceland and Croatia have met on six occasions in World Cup qualifying in the last eight years. The Croatians have the better of the head-to-head, with four wins from those games, but the Icelanders have the fonder memories of the most recent encounter, which they won 1-0 in June 2017.

Nigeria and Iceland have only faced once before, with the Europeans easing to a 3-0 victory in a friendly in 1981.

History will be made in two Group D fixtures: Argentina has never taken on Iceland before, while Croatia and Nigeria will also do battle for the first time.

THE STAT

4 – The number of times that Argentina and Nigeria have met in World Cup group action. La Albiceleste has triumphed in all four matches: 2-1 in 1994, 1-0 in 2002, 1-0 in 2010 and 3-2 in 2014.
FIFA World Cup

3 – Croatia has lost all their opening matches at the last 3 world cups. 3-1 and 1-0 to Brazil in 2014 and 2006 respectively, 1-0 to Mexico in 2002 (Advantage Nigeria).

So with 10 days to that opening and crucial clash against Croatia at the Kaliningrad Stadium. Gernot Rohr needs to finetune his strategies around Nigeria’s best players; yet more significantly, he should make sure the players blend in properly in light of the fact that this factors – teamwork, confidence, and undivided solidarity – could be what helps the Eagles Soar high..

ICELAND

Confederation: UEFA
FIFA Ranking: 22nd
Captain: Aron Gunnarson
Best World Cup Finish: Nil
Manager: Heimir Hallgrímsson
MIA: Gylfi Sigurdsson (But in the 23-man final list)

ROAD TO RUSSIA

After a historic run to the Euro 2016 quarterfinals in France where they beat England on the way, the Icelanders followed up with an impressive qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup topping a group that had Croatia, Ukraine, Turkey, Finland, and Kosovo.

They lost just twice while they drew once on their route to their first ever World Cup appearance, becoming the smallest nation with a population of around 330, 000, to qualify for the World Cup.

World Cup Chances

Despite losing star man and Everton’s midfielder Gyli Sigurdsson to an ankle injury in March, the debutants are one which shouldn’t be taking lightly.

Even though they parade less popular players (with “son-ny” suffixed names) unlike their other group opponents, their teamwork and determination is a strong reason to their success in recent years.

Their Euro 2016 performance coupled with the world cup qualification have made the opponents to take notice as a side that cannot be joked with.

They are ranked outsiders to cause an upset both in the group by picking a knockout spot and in the tournament proper by finishing in the last 8 although a round of 16 finish would still be considered as a good outing.

MATCHES

>> 16 JUN 2018
Argentina v Iceland

>> 22 JUN 2018
Nigeria v Iceland

>> 26 JUN 2018
Iceland v Croatia

Iceland’s 23-man preliminary squad: Hannes Thor Halldorsson, Runar Alex Runarsson, Frederik Schram; Kari Arnason, Ari Freyr Skulason, Birkir Mar Saevarsson, Sverrir Ingi Ingason, Hordur Magnusson, Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, Ragnar Sigurdsson; Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Birkir Bjarnason, Arnor Ingvi Traustason, Emil Hallfredsson, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Olafur Ingi Skulason, Rurik Gislason, Samuel Fridjonsson, Aron Gunnarsson; Alfred Finnbogason, Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Albert Gudmundsson..

CROATIA

Confederation: UEFA
FIFA Ranking: 18th
Captain: Luka Modric
Best World Cup Finish: 3rd place (1998)
Manager: Zlatko Dalic
MIA: No notable absentee

ROAD TO RUSSIA

The Croats were grouped alongside Iceland, Ukraine, Turkey, Finland and Kosovo in the Group I of the UEFA qualifying zone for the world cup.

They finished 2nd behind Iceland (who they will face once again at the World Cup) in the Group missing out on automatic qualification but securing a European World Cup play-off spot against Greece who finished 2nd behind Belgium in Group H which had Bosnia & Herzegovina, Estonia, Cyprus, and Gibraltar.

With 20 points, 15 goals scored and a positive goal difference of +11 from 10 games, Croatia were favorites going into the playoff with Greece defeating them 4-1 in Zagreb before securing a 0-0 draw in Piraeus to book a place in Russia.

World Cup Chances

In such a group regarded as the “Group of Death” of the tournament and considering the array of big names in their squad, bookmakers favor them to qualify for the knockout stage alongside Argentina.

Luka Modric & Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid), Mario Mandzukic (Juventus), Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona), Dejan Lovren (Liverpool) are few of the experienced stars they possess in their rank and with such quality players available for selection, a semifinal finish is not too much an achievement for the Vatreni.

They are expected to fight for the 2nd qualifying spot in the group alongside Nigeria and Iceland

Matches

16 JUN 2018
>> Croatia v Nigeria

21 JUN 2018
Argentina v Croatia

26 JUN 2018
>> Iceland v Croatia

Croatia’s 24-man preliminary squad: Danijel Subasic, Lovre Kalinic, Dominik Livakovic; Vedran Corluka, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinic, Dejan Lovren, Sime Vrsaljko, Josip Pivaric, Tin Jedvaj, Matej Mitrovic, Duje Caleta-Car, Borna Sosa; Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic, Milan Badelj, Marcelo Brozovic, Filip Bradaric; Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Perisic, Nikola Kalinic, Andrej Kramaric, Marko Pjaca, Ante Rebic.

ARGENTINA


Confederation: CONMEBOL
FIFA Ranking: 5th
Captain: Lionel Messi
Best World Cup Finish: Winners (2) 1978 & 1986
Manager: Jorge Sampaoli
MIA: Sergio Romero, Mauro Icardi

ROAD TO RUSSIA

La Albiceleste were looking likely to miss out on the World Cup after an underwhelming qualifying campaign until the final matchday when they defeated Ecuador 3-1 courtesy of a Lionel Messi’s superb hat-trick which secured their 17th appearance at the competition.

They scored 19 times throughout the qualification campaign that spanned 3 years (2015-2017) compared to Brazil’s 41 during the same period, while conceding a whopping 16 goals, failing to beat Bolivia in 2 attempts (1 draw, 1 loss) losing also to Ecuador, Brazil and Paraguay while also picking up draws against Venezuela, Peru and Uruguay.

World Cup Chance

If their qualification campaign is anything to go by then many would expect Argentina for a group stage exit however they are heavy favorites to qualify from the group as group leaders and in fact one of the teams capable of lifting the trophy.

With Lionel Messi in the team, the 2014 World Cup losing finalist cannot be underestimated. Boasting of various superstars in their rank (to the extent of dropping inform Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi), the South Americans will hope to go all the way to lift the trophy, one which will be the first for Lionel Messi on the international football scene if they turn out the champions.

Despite dropping Icardi and losing first-choice goalkeeper Sergio Romero to injury, Argentina wouldn’t be lacking firepower in Russia with Paolo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria all available alongside Javier Mascherano who holds the joint record appearance holder alongside Javier Zanetti with 143 appearances.

Matches

>> 16 JUN 2018
Argentina v Iceland

>> 21 JUN 2018
Argentina v Croatia

>> 26 JUN 2018
Nigeria v Argentina

Argentina’s 23-man final squad : Nahuel Guzmán, Willy Caballero, Franco Armani; Gabriel Mercado, Nicolas Otamendi, Federico Fazio, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Rojo, Marcos Acuna, Cristian Ansaldi, Eduardo Salvio; Javier Mascherano, Angel Di Maria, Ever Banega, Lucas Biglia, Manuel Lanzini, Gio Lo Celso, Maximiliano Meza; Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Cristian Pavon

After 4 years of wait, the world’s biggest football competition the FIFA World Cup, kicks-off in Russia for another 1 month of football festival which promises to be interesting and action-packed.

32 teams across the 7 continents will be competing for the ultimate prize from June 14 till July 15 where there can only be one winner.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria against all odds became the first African to qualify for the World Cup from a group that had African champions Cameroon, Algeria, and Zambia with a game to spare.

The reward for an impressive qualifying series for the 2013 AFCON winners was a grouping with familiar foes Argentina (this will be the 4th meeting between the two at the World Cup), a star-studded Croatia and a resilient debutant in Iceland.

And as the team prepares for the first match which comes up in less than two weeks, Cheapgoals.com profiles Nigeria’s Group D opponents.

Source: http://cheapgoals.com/russia-2018-profiling-nigerias-world-cup-opponents/

Manchester City winger Leroy Sané has been discarded from Germany's 23-man World Cup squad, the German federation has affirmed on its Twitter account.

Leroy Sane contributed 14 goals to the City impressive cause amid a record-breaking campaign, while also giving 17 assists in all competition.

Sané, who won the PFA young player of the year award in the wake of helping City to the Premier League title, missed ut to Julian Brandt of Bayer Leverkusen, while Joachim Löw likewise opted to cut Bernd Leno, Jonathan Tah and Nils Petersen from his squad.

He will, however, will play no impact for Germany in Russia this summer in the wake of being cut from Joachim Low's 27-man preliminary party.

READ MORE ON :http://cheapgoals.com/breaking-leroy-sane-has-been-left-out-of-germanys-23-man-squad/


CC: MYND44,LALASTICLALA,ROBOSKY02,DOMINIQUE

According to reports in England Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder, Fred will complete a medical with Manchester United on Monday as he closes in on a potential move to Old Trafford.

Fred is expected to leave his Brazil’s camp on Monday to complete the deal and becomes Jose Mourinho first signing of the summer.

He is presently in the North West, having come off the bench in Brazil’s 2-0 triumph over Croatia at Anfield on Sunday.

READ MORE ON

http://cheapgoals.com/shakhtar-donetsk-midfielder-set-to-complete-manchester-united-medical/

The dribble no be here

Super Eagles forward Victor Moses humbled England striker Harry Kane with a dribble that brought the Three Lions Star to the ground during the international friendly at Wembley Stadium on Saturday and fans are thrilled with that awesome flick.

The Chelsea player came through and gave the fans in Wembley Stadium a reason to cheer as he shredded Harry Kane to the ground with both hands down.

Though Nigeria lost 2-1 to England, Moses gave the visiting fans something to cheer on. To many fans, it was their most memorable moment of the encounter.

Let's take a look :


Source: http://cheapgoals.com/twitter-reacts-as-victor-moses-dribble-brought-harry-kane-to-the-ground/

Super Eagles centre-back William Troost-Ekong has hit back at former coach Sunday Oliseh who once told him he can’t cope with the demands of African football.

Ekong who has since grown into a firm favorite with his International bow for Nigeria under late coach Stephen Keshi but lost his spot in the team when Sunday Oliseh was appointed as coach.

According to Ekong, Oliseh told him his defense-partner Leon Balogun that they are too soft to cope with the physical demands of African football. Something they have since conquered to form a formidable partnership affectionately referred to by Nigerians as ‘Oyibo Wall “.

The duo are expected to partner each other once again when Nigeria take on England tomorrow at Wembley in a friendly game as they step up their preparations for the World Cup in Russia.

In an interview with UK based media outfit Telegraph Ekong said:

“My partner at center-back [new Brighton signing Leon Balogun] is half-German, half-Nigerian, so he is the same as me,” Troost-Ekong says. “After a game, he [Oliseh] said we were too soft to play against African players.

That upset me because one of my traits as a player is that I am someone who does not back away from anyone.

“I am not the most skillful, but I know what I am good at”

“I think that’s part of being from different countries, different cultures. It’s not nice when people try to use that against you. I identify myself as being Nigerian as well, and I feel at home in the team.

Not once have I ever looked around and thought ‘this is not for me’. But it spurred me on. I have played against African strikers since then and no one has bullied me. I have proven my point.”



CC : LALASTICLALA, MYND44,ROBOSKY02,DOMINIQUE

READ MORE ON

http://cheapgoals.com/ekong-hit-back-at-sunday-oliseh-over-too-soft-comment/

:

. Good none of em got trapped before the incident..


See as the guy put hand for head.. GBESE RE!!


Lalasticlala

Lol..

Since 1400..

NA SHAOLIN SOCCER ⚽ UNA WAN PLAY

Not surprised , that's the new philosophy young coaches are embracing .. Resign when the ovation is loud �



Pep guardiola

Enrique

Now Zidane.. La Liga managers are heading high


Lalasticlala