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Liverpool 2-4 Milan: Counter Attack Decide

Liverpool 2-4 Milan: Counter Attack Decide

Match report as Liverpool suffer 4-2 loss to AC Milan in pre-season friendly in Hong Kong; Reds concede three goals on counter-attack as Rafael Leao, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Noah Okafor all scored; Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo hit Liverpool’s goals before Okafor added fourth for Milan

Liverpool conceded three counter-attack goals in a 4-2 pre-season friendly defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong.

The Premier League champions were constantly hit on the break by the Serie A side, with Rafael Leao, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Noah Okafor all taking full advantage of Liverpool’s vulnerability.

Reds boss Arne Slot fielded experimental backlines in both halves as Ryan Gravenberch started alongside Virgil van Dijk, who could not stop Leao’s cracking breakaway opener in the 10th minute.

Who played for Liverpool?
Liverpool starting XI: Alisson; Stephenson, Van Dijk, Gravenberch, Robertson; Morton, Szoboszlai, Elliott; Salah, Wirtz, Ngumoha.

Liverpool second-half XI: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Tsmikas, Kerkez; Jones, Gravenberch, Nyoni; Frimpong, Gakpo, Doak.

But Liverpool were level 16 minutes later through Dominik Szoboszlai’s piece of magic as he clipped a stunning equaliser into the top corner.

British-record £116m summer signing Florian Wirtz, operating in a false nine role, and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who caused Milan problems on the left, impressed in the first half.

Gravenberch was the only starting player to remain on the pitch for the start of the second half as Slot rang the changes, but his side were caught cold on the break once again as Leao burst free to set up Loftus-Cheek for a low finish.

Just seven minutes later, Milan’s Alexis Saelemaekers exposed Liverpool again to tee up Okafor for a clinical first-time sweeping finish.

Cody Gakpo gave Liverpool slim hope of a dramatic comeback with a fine 93rd-minute stoppage-time header from Ibrahima Konate’s cross.

But just a minute later, a calamitous mix-up between new goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and defender Kostas Tsimikas allowed Okafor to easily roll home into an empty net and inflict Liverpool’s first loss this summer.

Liverpool’s pre-season continues with a trip to Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan on Wednesday (11.30am UK time).

Skysports.com

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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

Declan Rice limping off the pitch during Arsenal’s match against Brentford

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 celebrating in a Portugal jersey

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:

  • 226 international caps

  • 143 goals for Portugal

  • 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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