Gent became the first Belgian club since Anderlecht in 2001 to reach the final 16 of the UEFA Champions League when it beat Zenit St. Petersburg, also through from Group H, on goals from LaurentDepoitre and Danijel Milicevic. “It is a historic win for Gent and Belgium,” Milicevic said. “We were all waiting for this.”
russia
Posted inAround The Net in Soccer World Daily, Story
Russia institutes Turkish soccer ban
Sports minister Vitaly Mutko said Russian teams will be banned from signing Turkish players during the next transfer window as part of the sanctions issued in response to the downing of aRussian war plane by Turkish forces on the Syrian border. Turkish players currently playing in Russia will be allowed to stay. Turkish companies already […]
Posted inAround The Net in Soccer World Daily, Story
Mixed reaction — from same man — to Russia's protectionist move
Russia, host of the 2018 World Cup, is moving to bolster the development of young players by limiting the number of foreigners club teams will be able to have on the field at any given time. There’sbeen mixed reaction to the move. Russia’s national team — not surprisingly — likes it. The coach of CSKA […]
Posted inAround The Net in Soccer World Daily, Story
Brazil Media Criticize AFA for Postponing Qualifier
The Brazilian media has criticized the one-day postponement of the Selecao’s World Cup qualifier clash in Argentina due to heavy rains, accusing the hosts of being “scared” to faceDunga’s team. For example, Brazilian daily Lance! ran a cover that said: “Tell me what you feel? Fear!” Another Brazil media site, UOL Esporte, also questioned the Argentine soccerfederation (AFA) […]
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For Klinsmann, There is No Margin for Error
By the time you read this, the U.S. men’s national team will have most likely completed its opening 2018 World Cup qualifier against St. Vincent and the Grenadines, winning handily. Ifthat hasn’t happened, USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann should be fired immediately. In fact, he should be fired immediately if the game is even the slightest […]
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Valcke's exit gives Putin's Russia free pass
Soccer fans may know Jerome Valcke as the master of ceremonies at televised FIFA events such as the World Cup draw. But the Frenchman, suspended from his dutiesas FIFA secretary general last week amid allegations of involvement inschemes to sell tickets above face value at World Cup events, was responsible for its day-to-day business affairs. […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, What They're Saying
What They're Saying: Russia 2018 ambassador Alexei Smertin
“There’s no racism in Russia because it does not exist.” — Former Russia national team captain Alexei Smertin, the Russia 2018 World Cuporganizing committee’s lead ambassador, even though anti-discrimination group Fare documented over 100 incidents of racist and discriminatory behaviour linked to Russian soccer over two seasons. (BBC Sport
Posted inAround The Net in Soccer World Daily, Story
AVB Refuses Zenit Contract Extension
Zenit St Petersburg coach Andre Villas-Boas on Thursday revealed that he has refused a contract extension and will step down as coach of the Russian Premier League champ at the end of thecurrent season. This season, Zenit is currently third in the table, six points behind leader CSKA Moscow. In his statement, the former Chelsea […]
Posted inAround The Net in Soccer World Daily, Story
Witsel's January Transfer Wish
AC Milan target Axel Witsel expressed his disappointment at failing to secure a move away from Zenit St. Petersburg this summer, indicating that he would be available for transfer when theEuropean market reopens in January. “It was important for Zenit to keep me right now,” the 26-year-old Belgian center midfielder said. “It wasn’t a question […]
Posted inOff The Post, Story
UCL Draw: New Scheme, Similar Result
Prior to Thursday’s UEFA Champions League group stage draw, several of Europe’s biggest clubs were sweating about the introduction of new seeding rules this season. Instead of seedingteams based on their UEFA coefficient ranking or prior performance in the tournament, UEFA this season guaranteed the champions of Europe’s top seven leagues and the winner of […]