Manchester City Man City team-mates Fernandinho and Walker stand with Sterling over controversial gun tattoo Jamie Smith Last updated 1 year ago 06:53 6/1/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Getty Images Manchester City Raheem Sterling England World Cup Premier League Guardiola The winger’s new tattoo continues to draw criticism, but the City duo have defended their team-mate Fernandinho says there is a media “pursuit” against Raheem Sterling as the Manchester City and England attacker continues to face criticism over a gun tattoo.Photographs of Sterling training with England this week showed an M16 assault rifle depicted in a tattoo on his lower right leg, leading to a tabloid controversy.Sterling explained his body art on social media, noting it is unfinished and intended as a tribute to his father, who was shot dead when the winger was two years old. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Goalkeeper crisis! Walker to the rescue but City sweating on Ederson injury ahead of Liverpool clash Out of his depth! Emery on borrowed time after another abysmal Arsenal display Diving, tactical fouls & the emerging war of words between Guardiola & Klopp Sorry, Cristiano! Pjanic is Juventus’ most important player right now And as the debate continued to rumble on over Sterling’s tattoo, Brazil international Fernandinho offered support to his City team-mate at a news conference on Thursday.”He’s one of our top players, he decided so many games for us this season, he was so important,” Fernandinho said. “So we could mention so many things about him.”The English press, the British press, they write about him and you can see some pursuit against him. He’s a lovely guy, a nice guy and every day he is up and happy. “I am so glad to share the dressing room with him and I don’t know why people treat him like that. I am glad we have him. He’s a lovely guy and never gives up even when he is criticised a lot.”
Smile for the camera…but make sure you cover up your tattoos lads pic.twitter.com/UkrESNZgU3 — Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) May 31, 2018 City right-back Kyle Walker also backed Sterling with a pointed joke in a Twitter post.”Smile for the camera…” Walker wrote alongside pictures he captured of John Stones and Danny Welbeck.”But make sure you cover up your tattoos lads.”The Football Association has expressed its support for Sterling, describing the forward’s explanation of the tattoo as an “honest and heartfelt account”.
Transfers ‘I want to stay’ – Zaza frustrated by Valencia exit rumours Ben Spratt 21:39 6/5/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Getty Images Transfers Primera División Italy v Netherlands Valencia Italy The former West Ham striker found the net for his country for the first time in near four years in a friendly against Netherlands on Monday Simone Zaza expressed his frustration at continued speculation surrounding his Valencia future, insisting he wishes to remain at Mestalla.Italy forward Zaza scored his first international goal in almost four years against Netherlands on Monday, having returned to the squad after impressing with 13 La Liga strikes in 2017-18.His fine form has led to reports he could be on the move – AC Milan have been credited with an interest – but he insisted that is not the case. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Goalkeeper crisis! Walker to the rescue but City sweating on Ederson injury ahead of Liverpool clash Out of his depth! Emery on borrowed time after another abysmal Arsenal display Diving, tactical fouls & the emerging war of words between Guardiola & Klopp Sorry, Cristiano! Pjanic is Juventus’ most important player right now “I do not understand why I have to leave. [The media] are always speaking about my exit from Valencia, but I have always said that I want to stay,” Zaza told Onda Cero.”I get along with everyone and I live very happily here. I have not talked to the club about my future, they have not been in contact with me.”Él es Juan, tiene 2 años y “ruge” a @SimoneZaza en cada partido.¿Puede ser más tierno? pic.twitter.com/10T2oV0cbI— Valencia CF (@valenciacf) April 9, 2018Zaza’s appearance on Monday was his first in an Italy shirt since November 2016, just months after a horror penalty miss in a quarter-final shoot-out loss to Germany at Euro 2016.
Posted on January 4, 2011June 20, 2017By: Carrie Ngongo and Sarah Burgess, Fistula Care ProjectClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Obstetric fistula is a devastating birth injury that befalls many of the women who narrowly escape maternal death following obstructed labor. Women who suffer from fistula can have their lives transformed by surgical repair. With support from USAID, EngenderHealth’s Fistula Care Project is working to improve treatment and prevention of obstetric fistula.Fistula Care is pleased to release several tools that will help clinical providers to provide quality fistula services:Family planning can help to prevent obstetric fistula as well as to assist fistula survivors to heal completely from surgery and achieve a successful pregnancy if desired. Family Planning for Women and Couples Following Fistula Care is a booklet for clients that provides information about family planning methods including considerations for fistula survivors and HIV positive women. To facilitate quality family planning counseling, Fistula Care has also developed two posters for service providers: Client-Centered Reproductive Health Counseling Following Fistula Repair and the Quick Reference Chart for Contraceptive Methods.Informed consent is especially important in fistula care services because many women who have lived with fistula have experienced a traumatic event and have become marginalized as a result of their injuries. The booklet, Informed Consent in Fistula Care, will serve as a practical guide for providers regarding the process of obtaining informed consent for fistula treatment.The Fistula Diagnosis Poster and Fistula Diagnosis Job Aid were both developed in Ethiopia by Fistula Care partner IntraHealth. The tools guide service providers though a series of questions to allow them to identify fistula and refer for care appropriately. French translations of this, and the other tools, are forthcoming.The Obstetric Fistula Digital Stories Facilitator’s Guide can help to provoke discussion and dialogue about fistula among women with fistula, health care providers, and members of the greater community. The guide is a companion to the Learn from My Story series, a set of short videos created by Ugandan women who have experienced fistula. The booklet provides the text of each woman’s story along with relevant discussion questions.The Fistula Care Project continues to provide support for fistula treatment and prevention in ten countries. Between 2005 and September 2010, 17,780 fistula repair surgeries were supported with funding from USAID.To subscribe to the Fistula Care Project newsletter, click here.Share this: ShareEmailPrint To learn more, read:
He spoke of the emotion involved with pulling on the green and gold, the work ethic involved to get there, and the passion that Australians- both competitors and spectators have for sports such as Touch.Dean Russell inspired all with his speech during the Opening Ceremony of the National 18 Years and under Championships yesterday.Russell is the current General Manager of NSW Touch Association, but over the years he has played a much different role to this.With a total of 52 caps for Australia, he was a member of the Australian Mixed Open team between 1986 and 1993.And although he was taking the field in the green and gold when most participants at this tournament were youngsters, his words could not have been more relevant.He described the pride involved when watching a fellow Australian excel in the sporting arena.“No doubt we all gazed in adoration of Cathy Freeman as she sat motionless on the track after winning at the Sydney Olympics, or like me, were swearing at the TV as those Italians dived to rob the Socceroos of a World Cup dream or been screaming with the masses as Thorpie mowed down Gary Hall Jnr to snatch a thrilling victory in the 4 x 100 metres freestyle relay at Sydney,” he said. “All famous sporting moments that makes us proud.”But Russell believes that this feeling is nothing compared to actually taking to the field as a representative of your country, personally.“The first time you pull on the green and gold to represent your country in your chosen sport is a feeling that is unsurpassable and one that doesn’t change from the first time or your 52nd time,” he said.“That first moment is hard to describe but one you will never forget…it’s honour, it’s pride, it’s passion and it’s fear. “But most importantly it’s humility, realising that you are one of a very very few who have been given the privilege to represent Australia with only the one ask, that being to give it your all and to continue the legacy built up by those who have traveled this road before.”Russell is an experienced coach, having coached the Australian Senior Mixed Open team and being the Assistant Coach of both the Australian Mixed Open and Australian Women’s Open teams. He is the current coach of the Australian Women’s 20’s and it was this coaching knowledge that he drew upon when urging the players to strive for the top.He referred to English writer DH Lawrence who said ‘Australians play sport as though their lived depended on it.’“It is these ‘characteristics’ that we as coaches will be looking for in our future athletes,” he said.“So therein lies your challenge for this week, to show this character, not based on the fact to make the National squad but rather to help your own team.”He challenged the players to try that extra bit harder, and to lift when they’re down.“Over this week there are going to be times when things look bleak or times when someone is down, this will be your signal to try that little bit harder. “Don’t yield to the pressure or give up. Stick together on and off the field and keep you and your team going at the opposition at all times. Dig deep and you’ll find strength, believe in yourself and find inspiration in each others efforts. Above all never ever give up.“Be there and get there to make the touch that has to be made, take that ruck that no one wants to take, go to half when you’re so tired your legs are screaming at you to stop and get off the field- make the effort, whatever it is. Slap your sub on the back ‘great work, keep going, we’ve got them’,” he said.These are the inspirational words that will be running through the heads of the players as they take the field this week. It might just help them score that touchdown, or make that touch.
The 2009 Be Active Junior State Champs will be held at Lightning Park, Noranda, WA, from Friday 20 February to Sunday 22 February 2009.Over 25 teams will compete in 5 divisions, including 10’s, 12’s and 15’s Mixed, as well as 18’s Boys and Girls. The 15’s Boys final will also be played on Sunday, with Northern Districts taking on Tompkins Park.67 games will be played over the course of the championships, with teams from Fremantle, Tompkins Park, Peel Districts, Brighton, Northern Districts, Goldfields, Southern Districts and Perth Brothers all competing. The first games will be played on Friday at 6pm, with round games to continue on Saturday and Sunday. Finals will commence at 10.40am on Sunday, with the 12’s Mixed final, followed by the 15’s Mixed and 15’s Boys at 11.20am, the 18’s Girls at 12.10pm and the 18’s Boys at 1pm. The Under 10’s presentation will be held at 11am, with the 12’s at 11.30am and the 15’s and 18’s at the conclusion of the 18’s Boys final.For further information, visit the Junior State Champs website:http://www.juniorstatechamps.com.au
AC Milan ready to go for Man Utd striker Marcus Rashfordby Paul Vegas10 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveAC Milan are ready to go for Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford.Corriere della Sera says Milan are eyeing Rashford as an alternative to Alexandre Pato.Milan need to find a new striker after Zlatan Ibrahimovic chose to commit to a new deal at LA Galaxy.Rashford could attract an approach from Milan regarding a loan deal.The England starlet is highly regarded by United but has started just nine Premier League games this season and scored only four goals. TagsTransfersAbout the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say
Chelsea ace Eden Hazard: I know I can do much betterby Paul Vegas10 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveChelsea ace Eden Hazard insists he can do much more this season.Hazard scored twice for victory at Watford this week.But he reckons he has still not hit the form which helped him win Footballer of the Year honours in 2015 when Chelsea won the league with him playing as a winger.“I will get more goals playing through the middle, for sure,” he said.“But I will score more goals also if I play as a winger, so…“I get more chances through the middle. But my position is winger. I feel better as a winger, but I did well [against Watford] as a striker, against Brighton I did well as a striker.“So the manager chooses where to put me on the pitch and then I try to do my best.”Hazard added: “To score 101 is a special achievement. Of course. I am not focused about scoring goals, but to reach this level is good, especially when you play for this amazing club.“We want to win, I want to score, I want to help my team to win games. I am just happy.“I was not thinking about reaching 100 at all before the game. The guys just told me at half-time and I was happy, so I just gave a smile.“And when you score 100, you just want to score more, so I will try to get more.” About the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say
About the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say James excited playing for Lampard at Chelseaby Paul Vegas19 days agoSend to a friendShare the loveReece James is delighted playing for Frank Lampard at Chelsea.Lampard’s appointment naturally delighted James and provided that extra motivation for him to get back fit and firing.”Frank is a club legend and someone I’ve always looked up to,” admitted the 19-year-old to chelsea.com. “If a manager believes in youth and believes in you then eventually you know the chance will come.”I’m only just getting back into the swing of things. My first step was to get back fit and now I’m here, I just need to keep improving gradually week-in, week-out. Getting injured is all part of the game and you just have to build yourself back up to get strong and fit.”It was a slow process because the injury took longer than expected but I just had to take it step by step. I’m just grateful now that I’m back fit and competing to play.” 
About the authorCarlos VolcanoShare the loveHave your say Super agent Mendes insists Juventus star Ronaldo will smash Pele recordby Carlos Volcano9 days agoSend to a friendShare the loveSuper agent Jorge Mendes insists Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to peak.Now 34, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored the 700th goal of his career and broke a new record. And now, Ronaldo has hopes to match Pele and his 767 official goals, a performance that Mendes says he can achieve.He said, “Cristiano has reached the remarkable mark of 700 goals, but I have no doubt that he will surpass Pelé as the top scorer in football history and will do it with Juventus. “After all, 68 goals for this extraordinary Cristiano Ronaldo is not a lot, is it? I am convinced that the best is yet to come.” 
About the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say Norwich defender Ben Godfrey grateful to Ferdinandby Paul Vegas7 days agoSend to a friendShare the loveNorwich City centre half Ben Godfrey is grateful to Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand for his career advice.Godfrey has been quick to turn to Ferdinand whenever he needs some help or tips on defending.“In terms of being a centre back, there’s not been a better person to speak to for advice in however many years,” Godfrey, who is represented by Ferdinand’s New Era Global Sports company, told the Mirror.“Anything he says, goes really. He’s class and he helps me so much. He’s got a lot of time for me. He’s a top guy and it’s good to speak to him.“I will get my clips together after a game, send them to Rio and he’ll come back and say: ‘to be honest, I’d have done this or this…’ or tell me what I’ve done well.”I’m always trying to learn and improve and there’s no-one better to give me advice.” 
Former Brazil international Ze Roberto believes Rodrygo Goes has got what it takes to emulate Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid.Rodrygo was presented as a Los Blancos player at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, a year after the club paid a reported €45 million to Santos for him.Vinicius joined the LaLiga giants at the start of the 2018-19 campaign, becoming a fixture in the first team after the turn of the year before he suffered an ankle injury in March that kept him out of action until the final three games of the season. Article continues below Editors’ Picks ‘There is no creativity’ – Can Solskjaer get Man Utd scoring freely again? ‘Everyone legged it on to the pitch!’ – How Foden went from Man City superfan to future superstar Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Ze Roberto – who had a brief spell with Madrid in 1997 – believes Rodrygo has already shown the attributes needed to be a success in Spain and has backed him to follow Vinicius’ lead.”Vinicius started his career very well in European football,” he told AS .”He has a lot of personality and I believe that, when he gains more experience, he will become a significant player in the continent. “Rodrygo has everything to follow these steps. He also started very well at Santos and he seems to have a good head, like Vinicius.” @RodrygoGoes ‘ first Bernabéu GOAL! #WelcomeRodrygo | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/U6jQ0UQfgs — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) June 18, 2019 When asked if the pair could become two of the world’s best players, Ze Roberto responded: “It is impossible to predict that today. It is better to wait.”Rodrygo arrives at the Santiago Bernabeu having played the first four games of Santos’ league campaign, scoring one goal.The Brazilian spoke of his pride at becoming a Real Madrid player at his unveiling on Tuesday , saying: “I think everyone who knows me since I was a child knows I’ve always been a Real Madrid fan.“I always told my dad I’d play for Real Madrid and when they came I didn’t have any doubts at all.”Speaking about his own personal stint with Los Blancos, Ze Roberto looked back with fondness despite the short nature of his time with the club.“I have a great affection for Real Madrid because it was the first European team that trusted my potential,” he said.“Unfortunately, things did not happen as we wanted and I wanted to play a lot to play in the 1998 World Cup, so my time there ended up being short.”
Brazil’s Alisson is hoping his positive experiences of facing Lionel Messi will help him keep the Argentina star at bay in Tuesday’s Copa America semi-final.Alisson will go head-to-head with Messi once more when Copa America hosts Brazil take on old rivals Argentina at Estadio Mineirao.The goalkeeper has faced Messi’s Barcelona four times across the past two seasons, with both Roma and Liverpool. Article continues below Editors’ Picks ‘Everyone legged it on to the pitch!’ – How Foden went from Man City superfan to future superstar Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Ox-rated! Dream night in Genk for Liverpool ace after injury nightmare On both occasions – in the Champions League quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively – Alisson’s sides have ultimately come out on top over two legs.The first clash saw Roma miraculously erase a deficit in the second leg, with Kostas Manolas firing the Italian side into the semi-final of the 2017-18 Champions League.Liverpool did the same this season, with Divock Origi’s brace guiding Liverpool in their semi-final second leg to move onto the final, where they topped Tottenham.Messi did score past Alisson twice at Camp Nou on May 1, but Liverpool’s goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in the second leg as the Reds completed the miraculous comeback at Anfield.And Alisson believes if Brazil can replicate the performances of Roma and Liverpool, they will have a chance of stopping Messi in his tracks.26 – In this season’s Champions League, Lionel Messi scored six goals against English clubs to bring his total to 26 against sides from the nation; no player in #UCL history has scored more against teams from a single country. Antagonist. #UCLrecap pic.twitter.com/rBGyupvpGy — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) 2 June 2019 “I have confidence in my team, in my work, in the conviction that we are going to make a great game, we have to be prepared for everything,” Alisson told a news conference.”Roma and Liverpool were both very different. Fortunately they were two happy stories for my side.”I was on two teams that played collectively. Our team has played like this, as a team, with a relationship. I have now lived two important experiences.”But in a game like this there is no room for error against Argentina, everyone has to give their best.”Alisson played a crucial role in Brazil reaching this stage, making a fine save from Gustavo Gomez’s penalty in the shoot-out win over Paraguay in the last eight.”I do not see myself as a hero,” Alisson said. “If I make saves, and the others do not convert their chances, it’s no good. “We all know that football has circumstances within the game, so we have to be prepared for everything.”
Andres Guardado is starting for the Mexico national team in its semifinal against Haiti. The veteran captain was in doubt for this game, with manager Tata Martino saying the interior midfielder was dealing with a knock picked up in the second game of the tournament – an injury that nearly led Martino to rest him in the quarterfinal against Costa Rica. However, he started and will do so again. So too will Jonathan dos Santos, who came out of the quarterfinal complaining of a cramp but said after the match that he’d be fit for tonight’s contest despite only three days between the encounters. In between, Edson Alvarez once again plays as the holding midfielder. Article continues below Editors’ Picks ‘Everyone legged it on to the pitch!’ – How Foden went from Man City superfan to future superstar Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Ox-rated! Dream night in Genk for Liverpool ace after injury nightmare There are two changes to the squad that topped the Ticos in a penalty shootout to move the final four. Veteran center back Hector Moreno makes his first start of the tournament after suffering an injury in a pre-competition friendly and getting his first minutes against Costa Rica in extra time Saturday. He takes the place of Nestor Araujo. Up top, Uriel Antuna is replaced with Roberto Alvarado. That means the fullbacks, Jesus Gallardo on the left and Luis “Chaka” Rodrigez on the right, are the same as they have been the entire tournament. Center forward Raul Jimenez also starts for the fifth consecutive game. Rodolfo Pizarro will begin on the left wing and float inside to create chances as well. Haiti also is sticking with the core of its team as well, with the three-pronged attack of Duckens Nazon, Herve Bazile and Frantzdy Pierrot starting and Derrick Etienne likely to come off the bench. Jhony Placide starts and captains the team from the goalkeeper box once again, with Andrew Jean Baptiste, Alex Christian, Jems Geffrad and Carlens Arcus in a back four ahead of him. Wilde-donald Guerrier, the hero of Haiti’s 3-2 comeback victory over Canada, is in the midfield along with Steeven Saba and Bryan Alecus. 
Mexico XI: Ochoa; Rodriguez, Salcedo, Moreno, Gallardo; Dos Santos, Alvarez, Guardado; Alvarado, Jimenez, PizarroHaiti XI: Placide; Arcus, Jean Baptiste, Christian, Geffrad; Guerrier, Saba, Alceus; Bazile, Pierrot, Nazon
Over the course of the weekend, 32 of the best FIFA 19 players in the world will be present at the O2 Arena in London to take part in the FIFA eWorld Cup.It is a tournament that has run since it was first held in 2004 in Zurich, when Brazilian Thiago Carrico de Azevedo picked up the inaugural prize by defeating Matija Biljeskovic 2-1 in the final.While the prize money on offer may be a mere fraction of the $5 million scooped by Kyle Giersdorf in New York last week as he was crowned Fortnite World Cup winner, the FIFA champion will still claim a top prize of $250,000 and win a trip to The Best FIFA Football Awards. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Ox-rated! Dream night in Genk for Liverpool ace after injury nightmare Messi a man for all Champions League seasons – but will this really be Barcelona’s? EA, the publisher of the popular football game, reported that they had 45 million unique console and PC users across the company’s fiscal year of 2019, meaning that competition to come out is fierce.Indeed, since FIFA 2019 was released in September 2018, the world’s best players have all been focussed on reaching this juncture, with competitions across the year awarding FIFA Global Series points. Those at the top of the leaderboard have been invited to play in the eWorld Cup for the chance to be crowned the best FIFA player in the world.What is the format of the FIFA eWorld Cup?Firstly, the players will play FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT). The players are then split on the basis of which console they prefer to play on: Xbox One or PS4. There are 16 players on each system and from there, they will be split into equal groups of eight. This means that there are two pools of Xbox One players – A and B – and two pools of PS4 players – C and D.Just as in a traditional football tournament, the top four from each group will qualify to the knockout stages. In these elimination games, players will continue to face off against opponents on their favoured console until there is just one Xbox One player and one PS4 player remaining.The final showdown will take place in the form of a two-legged clash across both platforms on Sunday evening.Who are the favourites to win the FIFA eWorld Cup?Mosaad ‘Msdossary’ Aldossary, who plays Xbox One, is the defending champion and is seeking to become the first player to win the eWorld Cup title in successive years. Hailing from Saudi Arabia, he has already scooped the national title and is considered by many to be the favourite to win the event again this year, which would give him a strong claim to being the greatest FIFA player ever.Donovan ‘Tekkz’ Hunt is expected to provide the main competition on the Xbox One side of the draw. He comes into the competition having won more Global Series points and seven titles this season – more than any other player. Additionally, he won the ePremier League with Liverpool and has been backed to succeed this season after heartbreak in the knockout rounds last year.On the PS4 side of the draw, 19-year-old Argentine Nicolas ‘Nicolas99FC’ Villalba is the player to beat. He finished the FIFA 19 Global Series Playoffs on top of the PS4 ranking, while he also lifted the eClub World Cup. His nickname is ‘Iceman’ due to his apparent coolness at all times.The second seed on the PS4 is Corentin ‘Maestro’ Thuillier, who has become known for his Kylian Mbappe-style celebration. He was part of the team that won the first FIFA eNations Cup and helped Dijon to win e-Ligue 1.In total, the 32 players hail from 15 different nations and four different continents.
What is the prize money for the FIFA eWorld Cup?While the winner of the tournament will scoop $250,000, there are excellent rewards for all participants who finish in the top eight of the event. The total fund for the tournament is $500,000, meaning the winner will claim exactly half.Second place will take $100,000, while the players who finish third and fourth will each take $25,000.Those players knocked out at the semi-final stages of each console’s respective conference, therefore taking a place in the top eight, will earn $12,000.How to watch the FIFA eWorld CupThe FIFA eWorld Cup is easy to watch, with the tournament available for streaming in six different languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, German, Portuguese and Spanish.It can be streamed via FIFA.com, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Twitch or Fifa.gg.Additionally, it can be watched on television in the UK on Sky Sports, while NBCU and Telemundo are broadcasting it in the USA.Play is expected to last from 10:00-20:30 BST on Friday, while Saturday’s action is scheduled to run from 11:00-19:30 BST. Sunday’s finals day is shorter, running from 14:00-19:00 BST, with the final slated to kick-off at 17:30 BST.
It was a tale of two first starts for Christian Pulisic and Zack Steffen this weekend, but it was the goalkeeper who enjoyed the best of times in his Bundesliga debut.Pulisic did not suffer the worst of times, but still suffered through a disappointing day on the whole in a 1-1 draw with Leicester City for Chelsea after a strong performance in the UEFA Super Cup, which saw him assist on the Blues opener and narrowly miss a goal due to a close offside call.He did show glimpses on Sunday. In fact, he nearly got to the rebound of a shot by goalscorer Mason Mount to open his Blues account, but Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel just kept it out of Pulisic’s path. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Ox-rated! Dream night in Genk for Liverpool ace after injury nightmare Messi a man for all Champions League seasons – but will this really be Barcelona’s? Pulisic was later involved in the build-up to an excellent chance for N’Golo Kante which again was just narrowly kept out.Unfortunately, like his Chelsea team-mates, Pulisic faded after the first 25 minutes and struggled to make an impact the remainder of his time on the field. He departed after 71 minutes with the score 1-1. That’s how it finished, leaving Frank Lampard and the Blues disappointed with the result.It was a far better first Bundesliga start for Steffen at Fortuna Dusseldorf, as he was in goal for a 3-1 win over Werder Bremen. The former Columbus Crew keeper made nine saves in the victory, including a pair of stops on fellow USMNT Josh Sargent, who entered the match in the 82nd minute.Steffen wasn’t the only American to enjoy the victory for Dusseldorf, as midfielder Alfredo Morales went the distance, and shook off a collision in stoppage time to see out the win.A healthy John Brooks also tasted victory in his club’s Bundesliga opener, helping Wolfsburg to a 2-1 victory over Koln.
Weston McKennie was also in action on Saturday, starting and going 85 minutes under former USMNT player David Wagner at Schalke, but the match against Borussia Monchengladbach finished a scoreless draw. Fabian Johnson came in for Gladbach for the final 27 minutes.RB Leipzig enjoyed an easy 4-0 victory over Union Berlin, but Tyler Adams remains sidelined with a lingering groin injury.Meanwhile, in the Bundesliga second flight, Julian Green continued his strong start to the season. He netted the winner for Greuther Furth against Jahn Regensburg – his second goal in three league games this season.Ligue 1’s second matchday did not see Timothy Weah get his second start for Lille, though he did come in as a late substitute as his side fell 1-0 to Amiens. Elsewhere, USMNT-eligible Jordan Siebatcheu made his second straight appearance off the bench for Rennes, though didn’t play much a role in their surprise 2-1 victory over reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.Eighteen-year-old USYNT Sergino Dest grabbed his first-ever Eredivisie start with Ajax, going the distance in a 4-1 win over VVV Venlo. And former USYNT defender Desevio Payne checked in for FC Emmen for an extended appearance in a 2-0 win over Heerenveen, as left-back Lorenzo Burnett was forced off due to injury after 43 minutes.It was also a weekend to forget for Tyler Boyd. While he started Besiktas’ first match of the Super Lig campaign, it was a heavy 3-0 defeat to Sivasspor. Boyd went 90 minutes and earned himself a yellow in the loss.Matt Miazga and Reading found their first three points of the Championship season, shutting down Cardiff 3-0, with the centre-back going 90. Things were less joyous for Antonee Robinson, as he and Wigan suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Leeds. The left-back played the entire match in the loss.Geoff Cameron was also a loser on Saturday with QPR falling 2-0 to Bristol City, with the veteran playing 90 in the loss. Tim Ream went 90 and earned a victory with Fulham over struggling Huddersfield Town, while Eric Lichaj came off at half in Hull City’s 1-1 draw with Brentford. Check out Goal’s Premier League 2019-20 fantasy football podcast for game tips, debate and rivalries.
MORGANTOWN, WV – NOVEMBER 23: Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners warms up before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers on November 23, 2018 at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)Paul Finebaum is known as the “Voice of the SEC,” and although he certainly does have respect for the conference, it’ll be hard for even him to defend this latest claim made on his show.Over the weekend, Kyler Murray won the Heisman Trophy in a season where he led the Oklahoma Sooners to another College Football Playoff berth. However, it appears certain fans aren’t sold on the dual-threat quarterback.In arguably the most absurd take you’ll hear all day, one caller – an Alabama fan, surely – said that Murray would be the “fourth-string quarterback at Alabama.””Kyler Murray would be the fourth string quarterback at Alabama.”– A caller on @Finebaum, just now.— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) December 10, 2018Seriously, how does one even come to this conclusion?If the Crimson Tide hypothetically went with Tua Tagovailoa over Murray it’d be hard to argue with that decision. Yet, it’d be absurd to place Jalen Hurts or Mac Jones ahead of the Sooners’ quarterback.As for the debate between both superstar gunslingers, it turns out that Murray was better than Tagovailoa in every key statistic expect turnovers.Well, this argument will be settled on Dec. 29, when Alabama faces Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl.
TUSCALOOSA, AL – SEPTEMBER 29: Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to the sidelines for the play call against the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Jalen Hurts had one of the best moments of the 2018 college football season at the SEC Championship Game.Alabama’s former starting quarterback was thrust back onto the field in a big moment when Tua Tagovailoa went down with an injury.Hurts, a two-year starter for the Crimson Tide, led Nick Saban’s team to a comeback win over Georgia.The dual-threat quarterback revealed today who reached out to him following that awesome performance:Snoop Dogg.“Jalen Hurts was asked if any celebs reached out/congratulated him after the SEC title game. He says Snoop Dogg was the coolest,” Matt Fortuna tweeted.Jalen Hurts was asked if any celebs reached out/congratulated him after the SEC title game. He says Snoop Dogg was the coolest. pic.twitter.com/kGnZCLGVMW— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) December 27, 2018Hurts is expected by most to transfer out of Alabama following the season, but the Crimson Tide’s quarterback downplayed that possibility today.Alabama is set to play Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl on Saturday night.Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. E.T. on ESPN.
CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 15: The Clemson Tigers Rally Cats perform during a stoppage in play of the Tigers’ football game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Clemson Memorial Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)A former top cornerback recruit has reportedly entered his name into the transfer portal.According to multiple reports, former four-star corner recruit Kyler McMichael is taking steps to transfer from the Clemson Tigers football program.McMichael saw just over 100 snaps during the 2018 season, but eventually lost his job to Derion Kendrick.According to a report from Rivals, McMichael did not appear at voluntary workouts this week. He spent most of spring ball recovering from a hamstring injury.Clemson DB Kyler McMichael has entered the NCAA transfer portal.— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) July 19, 2019McMichael was the No. 8 cornerback recruit from the 2018 recruiting class, according to 247Sports’ Composite Rankings. He was the No. 8 player from the state of Georgia and the No. 56 player overall.Other than Clemson, Auburn was hot on the trail for the top recruit before he signed with Dabo Swinney and company. The Tigers likely hope they’ll be in contention once again if McMichael makes the decision to leave South Carolina.The former top recruit also held offers from Alabama, Florida and Florida State – among others. McMichael was expected to compete with Mario Goodrich and LeAnthony Williams for playing time this season.After winning the national title over Alabama, Clemson sits among the favorites to win back-to-back titles in 2019.Stay tuned for the latest college football news.
BREAKING: 2021 North Shore WR Shadrach Banks (@ShadrachBanks) has committed to Texas A&M. https://t.co/M69fnTnYgo— TexAgs (@TexAgs) August 1, 2019Landing Banks is quite a coup for the Aggies, who managed to get him over the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and LSU among others.Banks is now the second player to commit to Texas A&M’s Class of 2021. The team now ranks No. 23 in the nation and No. 7 in the SEC by 247Sports. Four-star quarterback Eli Stowers was the first to commit in early-July.The Aggies are heading into their second year under Jimbo Fisher, but were a distant second in the SEC West behind Alabama. Reducing the ground between them and the Crimson Tide will be contingent on matching their recruiting acumen. 
COLLEGE STATION, TX – SEPTEMBER 29: General view of fans cheering during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on September 29, 2012 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)Four-star wide receiver Shadrach Banks has been busy this summer, taking a bunch of visits to top college football programs. After visiting with multiple schools, Banks has decided to make his decision.According to TexAgs, Banks has given his verbal commitment to Texas A&M. Banks has visited the Texas A&M campus no less than four times in the past year alone.247Sports ranks Banks as the No. 60 overall prospect in the country. He is the No. 5 athlete in the nation, and the No. 10 prospect from the state of Texas.This past year at North Shore High School he had 60 receptions for 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns.
GAINESVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 07: Florida Gators helmets sit on the field after the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 7, 2015 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)Late Tuesday night, a new report found a fifth member of the Florida Gators football program was accused of violence against women during Dan Mullen’s tenure as the team’s head coach.Defensive back John Huggins hasn’t been with the Gators this preseason.According to a report from the Tampa Bay Times, Huggins became the fifth member of the Gators football program to have been accused of violence against women – four of which have been released from the program.Here’s more from the Times: In October, a 19-year-old student accused Huggins of choking her during a tutoring session, according to a police report obtained this week by the Tampa Bay Times and other news outlets.Huggins allegedly chocked the victim after she took his phone to make sure he would stay for the session. The woman claimed Huggins pulled her hair in an earlier tutoring session.She did not pursue a criminal case and no charges were filed for the battery complaint.Head coach Dan Mullen commented on the previous incident. He says it has nothing to do with why Huggins hasn’t been in camp for the team.“That’s all been handled,” Mullen said. He went on to say he has “great clarity” on Huggins’ status, but failed to give that information to reporters.