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Italy Bounce Back From Opening WC Qualifying Shock
With a parting gift for Luciano Spalletti, Italy have beaten Moldova 2-0 for their first points in the beleaguered national team’s attempt to reach the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2014.
Spalletti was informed ahead of Monday night’s game in Reggio Emilia that he would be losing his job as Italy coach in the wake of the team’s 3-0 loss in Norway last week, which marked a dreadful way to begin their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
Goals by Giacomo Raspadiro and Andrea Cambiaso meant Spalletti at least departed with a victory. Yet the Azzurri remained in a perilous position in Group I, with Norway beating Estonia 1-0 — thanks to Erling Haaland’s 62nd-minute goal — to make it four wins from four halfway through qualifying.
Italy stay nine points behind Norway — albeit having played two fewer matches — and might have missed a good chance to rack up some goals to boost their goal difference.
Only the top team from each of the 12 groups qualify automatically for next year’s expanded 48-team tournament in North America. The runners-up go into the playoffs — the stage where Italy were eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia to miss out on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, respectively, in a humiliation for one of Europe’s traditional powers.
“We are the first to know it wasn’t a great game, we wanted to give the coach a better send-off,” Cambiaso said.
“We are professionals, unfortunately these things happen in sport. Spalletti is a great coach, has such passion for the sport, and every time a coach is fired, it hurts the players. We feel really sad.”
The Game AFL 2025
In Brussels, Belgium were heading for a second straight draw to open qualifying until Kevin De Bruyne struck late at King Baudouin Stadium to consign rejuvenated Wales to a first defeat under Craig Bellamy in his 10 matches in charge.
Four days after being held by North Macedonia, Belgium sped ahead 3-0 inside the first half hour through goals by Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku.
Wales mounted a stirring recovery to draw level by the 69th, only for De Bruyne to meet a deep cross with a left-footed volley inside the near post. The playmaker is preparing to leave Manchester City after 10 years, with Napoli a possible destination according to reports in Britain.
North Macedonia won at Kazakhstan 1-0 and lead Group J on eight points — one above Wales and four above Belgium, who have two games in hand.
Croatia beat the Czech Republic 5-1 and trimmed the gap to their opponents to three points in Group L. Croatia have played only two games — winning both — whereas the Czechs have played four and won three.
Thewest.com.au
News
BREAKING: Finally, Popular Islamic Cleric Names Those Behind Terrorism In Nigeria
In light of the recent surge in security-related attacks and acts of violence throughout Nigeria, which have garnered significant attention from international communities, including the United States, it is evident that these events have deepened divisions within the country.
Investigations have revealed the identities of those responsible for orchestrating these acts, shedding light on the motivations and affiliations behind their actions. CLICK LINK TO CONTINUE READING.
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Mikel Arteta Tight-Lipped On Declan Rice Fitness After Arsenal Midfielder Hobbled Off In Brentford Win
Arsenal fans held their breath midweek when Declan Rice unexpectedly hobbled off during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Brentford. And if anyone was expecting a clear update from Mikel Arteta, they certainly didn’t get one.
Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial trip to Villa Park, the Spanish manager remained intentionally cryptic — and for good reason. Arsenal’s injury list is growing, and every hour seems to matter.
Arteta Says: “Let’s See” — Patience Required On Rice
Rice has become the engine, heartbeat, and battery pack of Arsenal’s midfield since arriving from West Ham. His presence is so crucial that even a minor niggle triggers panic across North London.
Although Rice himself told reporters he felt “fine” after the match, Arteta isn’t rushing any verdict.
According to the manager:
“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players.”
Translation: Nobody knows anything yet — even him.
Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Deepens
And Rice isn’t the only concern.
Arteta also confirmed that Cristhian Mosquera is facing an uphill battle for the Villa clash. With Saliba and Gabriel already sidelined, losing Mosquera too would leave Arsenal’s defensive unit looking like a Jenga tower leaning on hope and prayers.
Arteta put it bluntly:
“That’s the more complicated one… we need to corroborate with all the testing today.”
Meanwhile, hopes remain higher for William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, with the manager saying their situations are “a matter of days.”
January Window Already Open In Arteta’s Mind
Despite spending over £250 million in the last transfer window, Arteta hinted Arsenal may need to dip back into the market — especially with injuries hitting key departments.
“We always have to be prepared… we need to be open for it.”
In football language, that usually means one thing: Phone lines will be busy in January.
Fixture Congestion? Arteta Shrugs It Off
Playing midweek at Brentford and facing Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime is hardly ideal, but Arteta kept his cool.
“We are ready for tomorrow’s game, that’s for sure.”
Whether his squad physically is… that’s another story.
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World Cup No.7? Stunning Prediction as Cristiano Ronaldo Is Backed to Make History Again
Cristiano Ronaldo is 40, still scoring, still breaking records — and now tipped to do the unthinkable: play at a seventh FIFA World Cup.
With the 2030 tournament set to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes believes the idea of Ronaldo saying his final goodbye at home could be too tempting for the all-time great to resist.
Ronaldo at 40: Still rewriting the record books
The Al-Nassr superstar continues to defy age, maintaining elite form in the Saudi Pro League and keeping himself available for Portugal. He currently boasts:
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226 international caps
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143 goals for Portugal
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A lifetime chase for 1,000 career goals
Ronaldo has previously indicated the next World Cup would be his last — but as history shows, the GOAT often changes the script.
“Maybe even he doesn’t know yet” – Nuno Gomes
Speaking to talkSPORT, Nuno Gomes said Ronaldo’s longevity makes predictions tricky:
“Only him, or maybe not even him, knows the answer. He’s still fit to play. He’s still scoring goals. And in football, that’s the most important thing.”
Gomes admits Ronaldo is no longer the explosive teenager who dazzled at 18, but insists the forward remains efficient, dangerous, and an example for younger players.
He added that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez will also play a major role in determining Ronaldo’s future appearances.
Still, the romantic idea of a final farewell in Portugal at the 2030 World Cup might be the perfect ending:
“In four years we are hosting some games. Maybe it could be an opportunity to say goodbye at home.”
Euro 2028? Don’t rule him out
Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown also believes Ronaldo’s hunger will keep him going:
“If he can bring something to the squad, why not pick him? He’s still there for the younger players and wants them to do well.”
Brown insists Ronaldo won’t retire from international football until he retires completely — and that his belief, energy, and competitiveness remain unmatched.
So… will Ronaldo play the 2030 World Cup?
If his body holds up — and knowing the way Ronaldo trains — it’s far from impossible.
A seventh World Cup would make even more history and allow him to finally say goodbye in front of home fans.
And with CR7, you can never say never.
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