Aiteo Group (www.AiteoGroup.com), the Official Optimum Partner of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), last Saturday premiered to industry applause, an official theme song to mentally boost the Super Eagles of Nigeria to go for glory at the Russia 2018 World Cup. This is also as they pledged to donate $50,000 to the team ‘for every unreturned goal’ scored at the Mundial.
The rousing theme song titled, ‘Dem Go Hear Am, meaning “Go Show Them” was put together by Nigeria’s Hip-Hop/Afrobeat luminaries; Olamide and Phyno. The Single, has been well received by Nigeria’s teeming football and music fans, and is currently enjoying massive airplay with over 1,000,000 downloads recorded across assorted media channels. The hit track had also garnered 7.5 million social media impressions barely 24 hours after release.
According to Benedict Peters, the Executive Vice Chairman of Aiteo Global Group, the Group’s sponsorship of the theme song is yet another demonstration of its commitment to promoting football in Nigeria as a means of uniting the people.
“Football is a phenomenon in Nigeria. You can see and feel its power on every street. It galvanises unity amongst our people, irrespective of ethnic or class differences. As the World Cup kicks off, we solidly throw our weight behind our national team and its ever-effervescent supporters spread across the globe. We look forward to great football moments that will become historic as the Super Eagles play to covet the World Cup trophy,” he said.
Also speaking at the launch of the theme song, President of Nigeria’s Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, extolled Aiteo for its unflinching support for football development in Nigeria. “Aiteo has been magnanimous, not just to the Super Eagles but in their contributions towards the revitalisation of football in Nigeria and Africa. Our partnership has returned impressive results; we are able to pay our coaches on time and keep our players well motivated. We are glad that Aiteo continues to exceed our expectations always. They are indeed deserving of commendations.”
Aiteo signed a N2.5 billion (about USD 7 million) sponsorship agreement with NFF in May 2017, to cater for the salaries of all national team coaches for a period of five years.
At a star-studded listening party for the theme song which held in Lagos on Saturday June 9, 2018, Aiteo Group, also announced a $50,000 bonus for every unreturned goal scored by the Super Eagles, at the Mundial.
Download the song: https://goo.gl/b7yktq
Scan QR code to download song: https://goo.gl/E69BUj
Spain Sack Julen Lopetegui On The Eve Of World Cup
Spain have sacked manager Julen Lopetegui just one day before the start of the 2018 World Cup.
Lopetegui was announced as Zinedine Zidane‘s successor at Real Madrid and will resume duty immediately after the World Cup. The president of the Spanish FA (RFEF) Luis Rubiales revealed that he was not informed of Lopetegui’s new role, he only heard about Madrid’s impending appointment five minutes before the official announcement.
Rubiales told reporters at a press conference in Krasnodar. “We have been forced to dispense with the national coach. We wish him the best of luck. What the Spanish team achieves, will have to do with the work he has developed. The negotiation has happened without any information to the RFEF, just five minutes before the press release. There is a way of acting that must be fulfilled. We have to work on a series of decisions that come two days before the beginning of the World Cup. There is a lot to do.
“I do not feel betrayed. Lopetegui, while he has been with us, has done an impeccable job. [However], this has been done without knowledge of the RFEF. We will touch the staff as little as possible, as soon as we have something to communicate, we will do it. I have a very close relationship with the players, as with Julen, it’s a very complex situation, the most complex one I could find.
“We are in a very complicated situation, but the players and the new coaching staff will do everything in their power to take the team as far as possible. The Spanish national team is the team of the Spanish. You cannot do things this way, two or three days before the World Cup. We have been forced to make this decision.
“I admire Julen a lot, I respect him a lot, I think he’s a top trainer and that makes it more difficult to make the decision. I’m sure this will, over time, make us stronger. I know it’s a very difficult situation, I know there’s going to be criticism whatever I do, but the values of the RFEF are set by the RFEF itself. We cannot remain on the sidelines of a negotiation of one of its workers and find out five minutes before the issuance of a statement. We have been forced to act.
“The team will do everything to get the best results, we cannot talk about hypothesis, but the RFEF cannot find out five minutes before it becomes public. In the RFEF we cannot not fulfil our own values. It is a difficult and painful situation, we would have liked to finish here with Julen at the top, but we have not determined the way we act.”
Lopetegui was unbeaten in his 20 matches as Spain boss, having succeeded Vicente del Bosque following the team’s exit from Euro 2016. Spain sporting director Fernando Hierro and Under-21 coach Albert Celades will take charge of Spain at the tournament.
Julen Lopetegui will become Real Madrid manager after the #WorldCup
Spain’s national team coach, Julen Lopetegui has been named as the new boss of Real Madrid. He’ll join on 3-year deal after coaching Spain at the 2018 World Cup. In 20 matches for the Spanish national team, he has recorded 14 wins, 6 draws, 0 defeats, scored 61 Goals scored, conceded 13 Goals and had 11 Clean sheets.
World Cup 2018 snub: See how favourite stars reacted.
Some stars have been inevitably left out of the 2018 World Cup squads. While some omissions were shocking, others had it coming (considering dip in form or unimpressive performances in their clubs). Morata, Benzema, Javi Martinez, Dimitri Payet, Marcos Alonso, Martial, Cesc Fabregas, Mauro Icardi, Alexandre Lacazette, Leroy Sane, Hector Bellerin are some of the few people who were dropped by their countries. While some took the news in their stride, others reacted strongly.
So here’s how some of they reacted to being dropped out of their respective squads.
Leroy Sane: “Thank you so much everyone for your encouraging messages yesterday and today. I’m obviously disappointed I won’t participate in the World Cup but I have to accept this decision and I’ll give it my all to bounce back stronger 🔥⚽🔥 Nothing but the best of success to the @dfb_team in Russia. Go get that title!”
Karim Benzema: “Mr [Le] Graet, with all due respect, you’ve lost an opportunity to remain silent. I’ve discovered your true face, and this isn’t the one that said he appreciated me and wouldn’t discuss the subject of team selections!”
Christian Benteke: “Dissapointed to have been left out of the squad going to the #WorldCup. I’ll keep working hard and come back stronger. Now let’s all get behind the @BelRedDevils and show them our support!”
Morata: “Lots of luck in the World Cup. I will be supporting and encouraging to the end as always!”
Jack Wilshere: “Think its about time I had my say… It goes without saying that I’m naturally incredibly disappointed to have been left out of the England squad for the World Cup. I’ve felt fit, sharp and strong all season and believe I should be in the squad! And given the chance i could have made a real impact. However, I have to respect the manager’s decision and would like to wish the whole squad all the very best for the tournament. I will always be an England fan and will be supporting the boys with the rest of the nation.”
Russia 2018: FIFA World Cup fixtures
It is 8 days to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Who else is giddy with excitement? So yesterday, I mentioned that the 32 participating teams have released their final squads for the tournament See the full list here. 736 players will feature at the finals, 65 matches will be played at 12 venues. Now, we bring you all the fixtures in Nigerian time. And here’s wishing Nigeria all the best in the tournament. Yes, you can bring it home!
Group stages
Thursday 14 June
Russia vs Saudi Arabia (Group A) – Moscow (Luzhniki) – 4pm
Friday 15 June
Egypt vs Uruguay (Group A) – Ekaterinburg – 1pm
Morocco vs Iran (Group B) – St Petersburg – 4pm
Portugal vs Spain (Group B) – Sochi – 7pm
Saturday 16 June
France vs Australia (Group C) – Kazan – 11am
Argentina vs Iceland (Group D) – Moscow (Spartak) – 2pm
Peru vs Denmark (Group C) – Saransk – 5pm
Croatia vs Nigeria (Group D) – Kaliningrad – 8pm
Sunday 17 June
Costa Rica vs Serbia (Group E) – Samara – 1pm
Germany vs Mexico (Group F) – Moscow (Luzhniki) – 4pm
Brazil vs Switzerland (Group E) – Rostov-on-Don – 7pm
Monday 18 June
Sweden vs South Korea (Group F) – Nizhny Novgorod – 1pm
Belgium vs Panama (Group G) – Sochi – 4pm
Tunisia vs England (Group G) – Volgograd – 7pm
Tuesday 19 June
Colombia vs Japan (Group H) – Saransk – 1pm
Poland vs Senegal (Group H) – Moscow (Spartak) – 4pm
Russia vs Egypt (Group A) – St Petersburg – 7pm
Wednesday 20 June
Portugal vs Morocco (Group B) – Moscow (Luzhniki) – 1pm
Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia (Group A) – Rostov-on-Don – 4pm
Iran vs Spain (Group B) – Kazan – 7pm
Thursday 21 June
Denmark vs Australia (Group C) – Samara – 1pm
France vs Peru (Group C) – Ekaterinburg – 4pm
Argentina vs Croatia (Group D) – Nizhny Novgorod – 7pm
Friday 22 June
Brazil vs Costa Rica (Group E) – St Petersburg – 1pm
Nigeria vs Iceland (Group D) – Volgograd – 4pm
Serbia vs Switzerland (Group E) – Kaliningrad – 7pm
Saturday 23 June
Belgium vs Tunisia (Group G) – Moscow (Spartak) – 1pm
South Korea vs Mexico (Group F) – Rostov-on-Don – 4pm
Germany v Sweden (Group F) – Sochi – 7pm
Sunday 24 June
England vs Panama (Group G) – Nizhny Novgorod – 1pm
Japan vs Senegal (Group H) – Ekaterinburg – 4pm
Poland vs Colombia (Group H) – Kazan – 7pm
Monday 25 June
Uruguay vs Russia (Group A) – Samara – 3pm
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt (Group A) – Volgograd – 3pm
Spain vs Morocco (Group B) – Kaliningrad – 7pm
Iran vs Portugal (Group B) – Saransk – 7pm
Tuesday 26 June
Denmark vs France (Group C) – Moscow (Luzhniki) – 3pm
Australia vs Peru (Group C) – Sochi – 3pm
Nigeria vs Argentina (Group D) – St Petersburg – 7pm
Iceland vs Croatia (Group D) – Rostov-on-Don – 7pm
Wednesday 27 June
South Korea vs Germany (Group F) – Kazan – 3pm
Mexico vs Sweden (Group F) – Ekaterinburg – 3pm
Serbia vs Brazil (Group E) – Moscow (Spartak) – 7pm
Switzerland vs Costa Rica (Group E) – Nizhny Novgorod – 7pm
Thursday 28 June
Japan vs Poland (Group H) – Volgograd – 3pm
Senegal vs Colombia (Group H) – Samara – 3pm
England vs Belgium (Group G) – Kaliningrad – 7pm
Panama vs Tunisia (Group G) – Saransk – 7pm
Round of 16
Saturday 30 June
Group C winner vs Group D runner-up – Kazan, 3pm (Match 50)
Group A winner vs Group B runner-up- Sochi, 7pm (Match 49)
Sunday 1 July
Group B winner vs Group A runner-up- Moscow (Luzhniki), 3pm (Match 51)
Group D winner vs Group C runner-up – Nizhny Novgorod, 7pm (Match 52)
Monday 2 July
Group E winner vs Group F runner-up – Samara, 3pm (Match 53)
Group G winner vs Group H runner-up – Rostov-on-Don, 7pm (Match 54)
Tuesday 3 July
Group F winner vs Group E runner-up – St Petersburg 3pm (Match 55)
Group H winner vs Group G runner-up – Moscow (Spartak), 7pm (Match 56)
Quarter-finals
Friday 6 July
Winner match 49 vs Winner match 50 – Nizhny Novgorod, 3pm (Match 57)
Winner match 53 vs Winner match 54 – Kazan, 7pm (Match 58)
Saturday 7 July
Winner match 55 vs Winner match 56 – Samara, 3pm (Match 60)
Winner match 51 vs Winner match 52 – Sochi, 7pm (Match 59)
Semi-finals
Tuesday 10 July
Winner match 57 vs Winner match 58 – St Petersburg, 7pm (Match 61)
Wednesday 11 July
Winner match 59 vs Winner match 60 – Moscow (Luzhniki), 7pm (Match 62)
Third place play-off
Saturday 14 July
Loser match 61 vs Loser match 62 – St Petersburg, 3pm
Final
Sunday 15 July
Moscow (Luzhniki), 4pm
Russia 2018: Check out the official 23-man squads
With the 2018 FIFA World Cup starting in 9 days time, the qualified 32 teams have released their final squads for the tournament. 736 players will feature at the finals, 65 matches will be played at 12 venues and only 1 winner will emerge at the end of the event. Some of the players left out of their teams include Morata, Benzema, Javi Martinez, Dimitri Payet, Marcos Alonso, Martial, Cesc Fabregas, Mauro Icardi, Alexandre Lacazette, Leroy Sane, Hector Bellerin and many more.
Hosts, Russia face Saudi Arabia in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium on Thursday 14 June. Take a look at the final squads of the participating teams.
Hosts, Russia face Saudi Arabia in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium on Thursday 14 June. Take a look at the final squads of the participating teams.
Group A
Egypt
Egypt have named a 29-man preliminary squad, which is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Essam El Hadary, Mohamed El-Shennawy, Sherif Ekramy
Defenders: Ahmed Fathi, Saad Samir, Ayman Ashraf, Mahmoud Hamdy, Mohamed Abdel-Shafy, Ahmed Hegazi, Ali Gabr, Ahmed Elmohamady, Omar Gaber
Midfielders: Mohamed Elneny, Tarek Hamed, Abdallah Said, Shikabala, Sam Morsy, Mahmoud Kahraba, Mahmoud Hassan, Ramadan Sobhi, Amr Warda
Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Marwan Mohsen
Russia
Russia has named their final 23-man squad, which is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Gabulov (Club Brugge), Andrey Lunev (Zenit St Petersburg).
Defenders: Vladimir Granat, Fedor Kudryashov (both Rubin Kazan), Ilya Kutepov (Spartak Moscow), Andrey Semenov (Akhmat Grozny), Sergei Ignashevich, Mario Fernandes (both CSKA Moscow), Igor Smolnikov (Zenit St Petersburg).
Midfielders: Yuri Gazinskiy (Krasnodar), Alexsandr Golovin, Alan Dzagoev (both CSKA Moscow), Aleksandr Erokhin, Yuri Zhirkov, Daler Kuzyaev (all Zenit St Petersburg), Roman Zobnin, Alexsandr Samedov (both Spartak Moscow), Anton Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Denis Cheryshev (Villarreal).
Forwards: Artem Dzyuba (Arsenal Tula), Aleksey Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Fedor Smolov (Krasnodar).
Saudi Arabia
Goalkeepers: Mohammed Al Owais, Yasser Al Mosailem, Abdullah Al Mayouf
Defenders: Mansoor Al Harbi, Mohammed Al Breik, Yasser Al Shahrani, Motaz Hawsawi, Osama Hawsawi, Omar Hawsawi, Ali Al Bulaihi
Midfielders: Abdullah Al Khaibari, Abdulmalek Al Khaibri, Salman Al Faraj, Mohamed Kanno, Abdullah Otayf, Taiseer Al Jassim, Houssain Al Mogahwi, Hattan Bahebri, Salem Al Dawsari, Yahya Al Shehri, Fahad Al Muwallad
Forwards: Mohammad Al Sahlawi, Muhannad Assiri
Uruguay
Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera, Martin Silva, Martin Campana
Defenders: Diego Godin, Guillermo Varela, Jose Maria Gimenez, Martin Caceres, Maximiliano Pereira, Sebastian Coates, Gaston Silva
Midfielders: Nahitan Nandez, Matias Vecino, Lucas Torreira, Rodrigo Bentancur, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Carlos Sanchez, Diego Laxalt, Jonathan Urretaviscaya, Cristian Rodriguez
Forwards: Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Maximiliano Gomez, Cristhian Stuani
Group B
Iran
Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand, Rashid Mazaheri, Amir Abedzadeh
Defenders: Majid Hosseini, Ramin Rezaeian, Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh, Morteza Pouraliganji, Pejman Montazeri, Milad Mohammadi, Roozbeh Cheshmi
Midfielders: Saeid Ezatolahi, Masoud Shojaei, Mehdi Torabi, Omid Ebrahimi, Ehsan Haji Safi, Karim Ansarifard, Vahid Amiri
Forwards: Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mehdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun, Reza Ghoochannejhad, Saman Ghoddos, Ashkan Dejagah
Morocco
Goalkeepers: Mounir El Kajoui, Yassine Bounou, Ahmad Reda Tagnaouti
Defenders: Medhi Benatia, Romain Saiss, Manuel Da Costa, Badr Benoun, Nabil Dirar, Achraf Hakimi, Hamza Mendyl
Midfielders: M’barek Boussoufa, Karim El Ahmadi, Youssef Ait Bennasser, Sofyan Amrabat, Younes Belhanda, Faycal Fajr, Amine Harit
Forwards: Khalid Boutaib, Aziz Bouhaddouz, Ayoub El Kaabi, Nordin Amrabat, Mehdi Carcela, Hakim Ziyech
Standby: Youssef En-Nesyri, Noussair Mazraoui, Oualid El Hajjam
Portugal
Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes, Beto, Rui Patricio
Defenders: Bruno Alves, Cedric Soares, Jose Fonte, Mario Rui, Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro, Ricardo Pereira, Ruben Dias
Midfielders: Adrien Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Mario, Joao Moutinho, Manuel Fernandes, William Carvalho
Forwards: Andre Silva, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gelson Martins, Goncalo Guedes, Ricardo Quaresma
Spain
Goalkeepers: Pepe Reina, David De Gea, Kepa Arrizabalaga
Defenders: Nacho Fernandez, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Alvaro Odriozola, Nacho Monreal, Cesar Azpilicueta
Midfielders: Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Saul Niguez, Koke, Isco, Marco Asensio, Thiago Alcantara, David Silva
Forwards:Iago Aspas, Rodrigo, Diego Costa, Lucas Vazquez
Group C
Australia
Goalkeepers: Brad Jones, Mat Ryan, Danny Vukovic
Defenders: Aziz Behich, Milos Degenek, Matthew Jurman, James Meredith Josh Risdon, Trent Sainsbury
Midfielders: Jackson Irvine, Mile Jedinak, Robbie Kruse, Massimo Luongo, Mark Milligan, Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic
Forwards: Tim Cahill, Daniel Arzani, Tomi Juric, Mathew Leckie, Andrew Nabbout, Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren
Denmark
Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel, Frederik Ronnow, Jonas Lossl
Defenders: Simon Kjaer, Mathias Jorgensen, Andreas Christensen, Henrik Dalsgaard, Jannik Vestergaard, Jens Stryger Larsen, Jonas Knudsen
Midfielders: Christian Eriksen, Lasse Schone, Michael Krohn-Dehli, Thomas Delaney, William Kvist, Lukas Lerager
Forwards: Andreas Cornelius, Kasper Dolberg, Martin Braithwaite, Nicolai Jorgensen, Pione Sisto, Viktor Fischer, Yussuf Poulsen
France
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda, Alphonse Areola
Defenders: Lucas Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Benjamin Mendy, Benjamin Pavard, Adil Rami, Djibril Sidibe, Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane
Midfielders: N’Golo Kante, Blaise Matuidi, Steven N’Zonzi, Paul Pogba, Corentin Tolisso
Forwards: Ousmane Dembele, Nabil Fekir, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Thomas Lemar, Kylian Mbappe, Florian Thauvin
Standby: Wissam Ben Yedder, Kingsley Coman, Benoît Costil, Mathieu Debuchy, Lucas Digne, Alexandre Lacazette, Anthony Martial, Adrien Rabiot, Mamadou Sakho, Moussa Sissoko, Kurt Zouma
Goalkeepers: Pedro Gallese, Carlos Caceda, Jose Carvallo
Defenders: Luis Advincula, Aldo Corzo, Miguel Araujo, Christian Ramos, Anderson Santamaria, Alberto Rodriguez, Nilson Loyola, Miguel Trauco
Midfielders: Pedro Aquino, Renato Tapia, Paolo Hurtado, Yoshimar Yotun, Christian Cueva, Edison Flores, Wilder Cartagena, Andy Polo
Forwards: Paolo Guerrero, Jefferson Farfan, Andre Carrillo, Raul Ruidiaz
Group D
Argentina
Goalkeepers: Willy Caballero, Franco Armani, Nahuel Guzman
Defenders: Gabriel Mercado, Federico Fazio, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Rojo, Nicolas Taglafico, Javier Mascherano, Marcos Acuna, Cristian Ansaldi
Midfielders: Ever Banega, Lucas Biglia, Angel Di Maria, Giovani Lo Celso, Manuel Lanzini, Cristian Pavon, Maximiliano Meza, Eduardo Salvio
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Sergio Aguero
Croatia
Goalkeepers: Danijel Subasic, Lovre Kalinic, Dominik Livakovic
Defenders: Vedran Corluka, Ivan Strinic, Dejan Lovren, Sime Vrsaljko, Domagoj Vida, Josip Pivaric, Tin Jedvaj, Duje Caleta-Car
Midfielders: Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, Milan Badelj, Filip Bradaric
Forwards: Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Perisic, Marko Pjaca, Andrej Kramaric, Nikola Kalinic, Ante Rebic
Iceland
Goalkeepers: Hannes Thor Halldorsson, Runar Alex Runarsson, Frederik Schram
Defenders: Kari Arnason, Ari Freyr Skulason, Birkir Mar Saevarsson, Sverrir Ingi Ingason, Hordur Magnusson, Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, Ragnar Sigurdsson
Midfielders: Gylfi Sigurdsson, Aron Gunnarsson, Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Birkir Bjarnason, Arnor Ingvi Traustason, Emil Hallfredsson, Olafur Ingi Skulason, Rurik Gislason, Samuel Fridjonsson
Forwards: Alfred Finnbogason, Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Albert Gudmundsson
Nigeria
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi.
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Abdullahi Shehu, Tyronne Ebuehi, Elderson Echiejile, Bryan Idowu, Chidozie Awaziem, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo.
Midfielders: Mikel John Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu, Joel Obi
Forwards: Ahmed Musa , Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Moses , Odion Ighalo , Alex Iwobi , Simeon Nwankwo.
Group E
Brazil
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Cassio
Defenders: Danilo, Fagner, Marcelo, Filipe Luis, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Miranda, Pedro Geromel
Midfielders: Casemiro, Fernandinho, Paulinho, Fred, Renato Augusto, Philippe Coutinho, Willian, Douglas Costa
Forwards: Neymar Jr, Taison, Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino
Costa Rica
Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Patrick Pemberton, Leonel Moreira
Defenders: Cristian Gamboa, Ian Smith, Ronald Matarrita, Bryan Oviedo, Oscar Duarte, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Francisco Calvo, Kendall Waston, Johnny Acosta
Midfielders: David Guzman, Yeltsin Tejeda, Celso Borges, Randall Azofeifa, Rodney Wallace, Bryan Ruiz, Daniel Colindres, Christian Bolanos
Forwards: Joel Campbell, Johan Venegas, Marco Urena
Serbia
Goalkeepers: Vladimir Stojkovic, Predrag Rajkovic, Marko Dmitrovic
Defenders: Aleksandar Kolarov, Branislav Ivanovic, Dusko Tosic, Antonio Rukavina, Milos Veljkovic, Milan Rodic, Uros Spajic, Nikola Milenkovic
Midfielders: Nemanja Matic, Luka Milivojevic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Marko Grujic, Adem Ljajic, Dusan Tadic, Filip Kostic, Andrija Zivkovic, Nemanja Radonjic
Forwards: Aleksandar Mitrovic, Aleksandar Prijovic, Luka Jovic
Switzerland
Goalkeepers: Roman Buerki, Yvon Mvogo, Yann Sommer
Defenders: Stephan Lichtsteiner, Ricardo Rodriguez, Johan Djourou, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Michael Lang, Jacques-Francois Moubandje, Fabian Schaer
Midfielders: Valon Behrami, Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri, Blerim Dzemaili, Gelson Fernandes, Remo Freuler, Denis Zakaria, Steven Zuber
Forwards: Breel Embolo, Josip Drmic, Haris Seferovic, Mario Gavranovic
Group F
Germany
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Kevin Trapp
Defenders: Jerome Boateng, Matthias Ginter, Jonas Hector, Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich, Marvin Plattenhardt, Antonio Rudiger, Niklas Sule
Midfielders: Julian Brandt, Julian Draxler, Leon Goretzka, Ilkay Gundogan, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil, Sebastian Rudy
Forwards: Mario Gomez, Thomas Muller, Marco Reus, Timo Werner
Mexico
Goalkeepers: Guillermo Ochoa, Alfredo Talavera, Jesus Corona
Defenders: Carlos Salcedo, Diego Reyes, Hector Moreno, Hugo Ayala, Edson Alvarez, Jesus Gallardo, Miguel Layun
Midfielders: Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado, Hector Herrera, Jonathan Dos Santos, Giovani Dos Santos, Marco Fabian
Forwards: Javier Hernandez, Raul Jimenez, Oribe Peralta, Jesus Manuel Corona, Carlos Vela, Javier Aquino, Hirving Lozano
South Korea
Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu, Kim Jin-hyeon, Cho Hyun-woo
Defenders: Kim young-gwon, Jang Hyun-soo, Jung Seung-hyun, Yun Yong-sun, Oh Ban-suk, Kim Min-woo, Park Joo-ho, Hong Chul, Go Yo-han, Lee Yong
Midfielders: Ki Sung-yueng, Jung Woo-young, Ju Se-jong, Koo Ja-cheol, Lee Jae-sung, Lee Seung-woo, Moon Seon-min
Forwards: Son Heung-min, Kim Shin-wook, Hwang Hee-chan
Sweden
Goalkeepers: Robin Olsen, Karl-Johan Johnsson, Kristoffer Nordfeldt
Defenders: Mikael Lustig, Victor Lindelof, Andreas Granqvist, Martin Olsson, Ludwig Augustinsson, Filip Helander, Emil Krafth, Pontus Jansson
Midfielders: Sebastian Larsson, Albin Ekdal, Emil Forsberg, Gustav Svensson, Oscar Hiljemark, Viktor Claesson, Marcus Rohden, Jimmy Durmaz
Forwards: Marcus Berg, John Guidetti, Ola Toivonen, Isaac Kiese Thelin
Group G
Belgium
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Koen Casteels, Simon Mignolet
Defenders: Vincent Kompany, Thomas Meunier, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Dedryck Boyata, Thomas Vermaelen
Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne, Marouane Fellaini, Yannick Carrasco, Mousa Dembele, Thorgan Hazard, Leander Dendoncker, Adnan Januzaj, Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel
Forwards: Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens, Michy Batshuayi, Romelu Lukaku, Nacer Chadli
Standby: Laurent Ciman
England
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gary Cahill, Fabian Delph, Phil Jones, Harry Maguire, Danny Rose, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ashley Young
Midfielders: Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Forwards: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Jamie Vardy, Danny Welbeck
Standby: Tom Heaton, James Tarkowski, Lewis Cook, Jake Livermore and Adam Lallana
Panama
Goalkeepers: Jose Calderon, Jaime Penedo, Alex Rodriguez
Defenders: Felipe Baloy, Harold Cummings, Erick Davis, Fidel Escobar, Michael Murillo, Adolfo Machado, Luis Ovalle, Roman Torres
Midfielders: Jose Luis Rodriguez, Edgar Barcenas, Armando Cooper, Anibal Godoy, Gabriel Gomez, Valentin Pimentel, Alberto Quintero
Forwards: Abdiel Arroyo, Ismael Diaz, Blas Perez, Luis Tejada, Gabriel Torres
Tunisia
Goalkeepers: Farouk Ben Mustapha, Moez Hassen, Aymen Mathlouthi
Defenders: Rami Bedoui, Yohan Benalouane, Syam Ben Youssef, Dylan Bronn, Oussama Haddadi, Ali Maaloul, Yassine Meriah, Hamdi Nagguez
Midfielders: Anice Badri, Mohamed Amine Ben Amor, Ghaylene Chaalali, Ahmed Khalil, Saifeddine Khaoui, Ferjani Sassi, Ellyes Skhiri, Naim Sliti, Bassem Srarfi
Forwards: Wahbi Khazri, Fakhreddine Ben Youssef, Saber Khalifa
Group H
Colombia
Goalkeepers: David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, Jose Fernando Cuadrado
Defenders: Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina, Cristian Zapata, Oscar Murillo, Santiago Arias, Johan Mojica, Frank Fabra
Midfielders: James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado, Carlos Sanchez, Wilmar Barrios, Jose Izquierdo, Jefferson Lerma, Abel Aguilar, Mateus Uribe, Juan Fernando Quintero
Forwards: Radamel Falcao, Carlos Bacca, Miguel Borja, Luis Fernando Muriel
Japan
Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima, Masaaki Higashiguchi, Kosuke Nakamura
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Tomoaki Makino, Wataru Endo, Maya Yoshida, Hiroki Sakai, Gotoku Sakai; Gen Shoji, Naomichi Ueda
Midfielders: Shinji Kagawa, Makoto Hasebe, Keisuke Honda, Takashi Inui, Hotaru Yamaguchi, Genki Haraguchi, Takashi Usami, Gaku Shibasaki, Ryota Oshima
Forwards: Shinji Okazaki, Yuya Osako, Yoshinori Muto
Poland
Goalkeepers: Wojciech Szczęsny, Lukasz Fabianski, Bartosz Bialkowski
Defenders: Lukasz Piszczek, Kamil Glik, Maciej Rybus, Michal Pazdan, Bartosz Bereszynski, Artur Jędrzejczyk, Thiago Cionek, Jan Bednarek
Midfielders: Jakub Blaszczykowski, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Kamil Grosicki, Piotr Zielinski, Karol Linetty, Rafal Kurzawa, Jacek Goralski, Slawomir Peszko
Forwards: Robert Lewandowski, Arkadiusz Milik, Lukasz Teodorczyk, Dawid Kownacki
Senegal
Goalkeepers: Khadim Ndiaye, Abdoulaye Diallo, Alfred Gomis
Defenders: Kara Mbodji, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Wague, Saliou Ciss, Youssouf Sabaly, Lamine Gassama, Armand Traore, Salif Sane
Midfielders: Pape Alioune Ndiaye, Idrissa Gueye, Cheikhou Kouyate, Cheikh N’Doye
Forwards: Sadio Mane, Diao Balde Keita, Ismaila Sarr, Diafra Sakho, Moussa Konate, Mame Biram Diouf, Mbaye Niang
Lampard, Gerrard pick up managerial roles.
From the studio to the dug out, Chelsea and Liverpool legends, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have picked up managerial roles.
While Lampard, who announced his retirement from professional football in February 2017 following spells with Manchester City and MLS club New York City FC was confirmed as new manager of Derby County on a three-year-deal at Pride Park, Gerrard will join Ranger this summer, as coach penning a four-year deal.
Lampard who was told the club website: “I’ve always wanted to manage a club with a big tradition and history like Derby County, so this is a huge opportunity. I have spent considerable time discussing the role and the club’s objectives with the Chairman and board members.”
On his new role, Gerrard said: “I am honoured to become the next manager of Rangers. I have enormous respect for this football club, and its history and tradition. I can’t wait to start this new journey at Rangers as we look to build on the many successes that this club has achieved.”
Zinedine Zidane steps down as Real Madrid manager
Talk about leaving when the ovation is loudest!
Less than a week after guiding Los Blancos to three straight Champions League titles, Zinedine Zidane is stepping down as Real Madrid manager. Announcing his decision in Madrid on Thursday morning, the former French footballer said, “I have taken the decision to not continue into the next season. For me and for everybody, I think the moment to change has arrived. It was not an easy decision.
He continued, “This is my decision. Maybe it’s a mistake. But I feel it’s time. If I don’t think that we can keep winning then it’s time. How can I ask more from the players? Big players need a change. If I was the manager here next season, it would have been tough for us to win trophies. You saw in the Copa this season and I can’t forget our domestic campaign that easily.”
Zidane, who in January 2016 after the dismissal of Rafa Benítez added that, “I will be close to this club for the rest of my life. I want to thank the fans, who always supported me both as a coach and a player. There were tough moments during the season and although I was sometimes whistled at, I want to thank the fans. This is a beautiful moment as we have just won a third straight Champions League and I have now reflected and made this decision.”
Real Madrid President, Florentino Pérez added that “This was a totally unexpected decision, Zidane informed me of his choice yesterday. I thank him for the work he has done.”
Zinedine Zidane won nine trophies in his two years and four months with Real Madrid, the most titles by a manager with the club since Miguel Muñoz won 14 trophies in 14 years (1960 – 1974). The 9 titles include 1 La Liga, 3 Champions League, 2 Club World Cup, 2 UEFA Super Cup, 1 Supercopa de España
All the best Zidane.
Egyptian lawyer files €1 billion lawsuit against Sergio Ramos for challenge on Mohamed Salah
The things you read online!
An Egyptian Lawyer, Bassem Wahba has sued Sergio Ramos for €1 billion for “the physical and psychological pain he caused Mohamed Salah and Egyptians”, by hurting his shoulder during the UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool in Kiev last Saturday. Salah left the pitch in tears after less than half an hour having suffered a n injury on the shoulder. His team later lost 3-1.
Lawyer Bassem Wahba confirmed his intention on Egyptian television.
“Ramos intentionally injured Mo Salah and should be punished about his actions. I’ve filed a lawsuit and a complaint to Fifa. I’ll ask for compensation, which could exceed €1 billion (£873 million), for the physical and psychological harm that Ramos gave Salah and the Egyptian people.”
Meanwhile, a petition urging UEFA and FIFA to punish Sergio Ramos for intentionally inflicting injury on Mohamed Salah has garnered 400,000 signatures. Salah will travel to Spain on Tuesday along with Liverpool medical staff for treatment on the injured shoulder.
Andres Iniesta signs for J.League side Vissel Kobe
Barcelona legend, Andrés Iniesta has signed for the Japanese side Vissel Kobe after ending his 22 year-old Barcelona career. He will reportedly earn $30m (£22.5m) annually on a three-year deal.
The 34-year-old midfielder who played his last match for the La Liga champions last Saturday against Real Sociedad appeared at a news conference at a central Tokyo hotel on Thursday along with Kobe’s billionaire owner, Hiroshi Mikitani.
“I’m pleased to announce, that Andrés Iniesta will be signing up play with Vissel Kobe after his historic career at Barcelona.” Mikitani said.
“For me this is a very special day. This is an important challenge for me. My family is excited to come to Japan and we are very pleased. There were many offers. Other clubs showed interest. But I decided to sign with Vissel Kobe because the project presented to me was impressive.” The Spaniard said.
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