European Leagues
Bassey and Iwobi Shine As Fulham Knock Chelsea Out In Boxing Day Special
Super Eagles duo, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi were brilliant in today’s London derby as they helped Fulham to a 2-1 win against Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge, Soccernet.ng reports.
The pair have been ever-present for Marco Silva’s side this season. Iwobi has played every game for the Cottagers in the English Premier League this season while Bassey missed the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield due to the a yellow card suspension.
Fulham had one win from their last five games prior to today’s game and needed a lift today to increase their chances of playing in a European competition when the season ends.
Raul Jimenez had the games’ first shot on target in the first fifteen minutes but the effort was well stopped by Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez. A minute later, Cole Palmer broke the deadlock.
The former Manchester City midfielder took the ball in his stride after receiving it from Levi Colwill. He beat three Fulham players before placing the ball beyond Bernd Leno’s reach.
Bassey nearly equalized almost immediately. The Nigerian defender went on a mazy solo run, dribbling past Malo Gusto and Tosin Adarabioyo before unleashing a low-driven shot into Sanchez’s arms.
Alex Iwobi and Antonee Robinson continued to threaten Chelsea’s left hand side after the restart and their effort yielded fruit in the 82nd minute.
Iwobi darted almost 40 yards after the half-way line into Chelsea’s box before feeding the ball into Robinson’s path. The USMNT full-back crossed the ball to meet Timothy Castagne’s head. The Belgian headed the ball across the box to be tapped home by substitute Harry Wilson who scored his fourth goal off the bench for Fulham this campaign.
Chelsea responded with intent, and forced two stunning saves from Bernd Leno, but it was Marco Silva’s side that had their gifts unwrapped in front of the fifth stand on boxing day.
A counter-attack led by Wilson saw the Scotland midfielder produce an outside foot pass for Sasa Lukic. The Serbian squared the ball into the box for Brazilian youngster, Rodrigo Muniz. The 23-year-old striker controlled the ball with his right foot before beating Sanchez with a left-footed strike to seal all three points for Fulham.
Marco Silva’s side are now level on points with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and could go as high as 5th on the league table if they defeat Bournemouth on Sunday at Craven Cottage.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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