Final Whistle

Benfica VS PSV Eindhoven: Match Report

8pm GMT Kick Off, Estadio da Luz, Champions League Qualifier 1st Leg

Benfica Hold Onto A First Leg Advantage After PSV Pushed For An Equaliser In The Second Half

Benfica went 2-0 ahead just before half time, as Julian Weigl added to Rafa Silva’s early opener. Cody Gakpo grabbed one in the second half, but couldn’t get another to level the scores on the night.

In the 10th minute, Benfica took the lead. Roman Yaremchuk plays the ball into the path of Rafa Silva. He picks up the ball in the box and rolls it past Joel Drommel to give the Portuguese team the lead.

Benfica nearly added a second. This time it was Rafa that played in Yaremchuk, who got away from his marker. He looked like he would double the lead, but he was deemed offside.

PSV did put the ball in the net, as Eran Zahavi made a run off the back off the defender, and curled his effort into the net, but just like Yaremchuk moments before, he was offside.

Benfica controlled much of the game, but PSV had a chance to draw level. A ball was played over the top, which Cody Gakpo ran onto, he struck the ball goalward, which stung the palms of Odysseas Vlachodimos.

Benfica doubled their lead just before the break through Julian Weigl. The ball bounces around the box from a corner, and it falls for the German. He takes his time and fires it into the roof of the net.

Just after the half time whistle, Benfica had a chance to wrap the tie up, as Yaremchuk picked up the ball just outside the box and had a golden oppurtunity. He took the shot which was just wide of the target.

PSV were desperate for a goal, and nearly got one back after a ball was floated into the box and met by the head of Marco Van Ginkel. The Greek goalkeeper was there to tip it wide.

It didn’t take long for PSV to get one back. Gakpo drives forward with the ball from the halfway line to the edge of the box. He shifted it onto his right and curled it into the bottom corner, past Vlachodimos pull the Dutch club back into the match.

PSV came extremely close to pulling the game level. A ball was played into the box, which Zahavi flicked towards the goal. Luckily for Benfica, Vlachodimos was there to claw it away from danger.

Man Of The Match: Rafa Silva

Despite not creating much in the second half, Rafa was the difference between the two teams this evening.

He got himself an early goal, and created a lot of chances for his team. In the second half, he played slightly deeper, and supported his teammates while defending.

“Estádio da Luz, Lisboa, 20151016” by G · RTM is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

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Premier League Fixtures: Gameweek 2

The first gameweek in the Premier League saw a lot of action, with many goals and shocks.

Manchester United beat their rivals, Leeds United 5-1, Brentford pulled off a 2-0 shock against Arsenal in their first Premier League match and Spurs beat the current Champions, Manchester City 1-0 without star forward, Harry Kane. Here are two matches to look out for this gameweek.

Game 1: Arsenal VS Chelsea

A big London derby, as neither team will be wanting to lose to their rivals. They are the most successful clubs in London, with Chelsea adding to that recently, by winning the Champions League and Super Cup.

The Blues will be hoping for more silverware by the end of the season.

Chelsea will be hoping to continue their campaign with another win, after they beat Crystal Palace 3-0 last Saturday. Marcos Alonso and Christian Pulisic gave the Blues a 2-0 lead before half time.

In the 58th minute, Trevoh Chalobah fired the ball past Vicente Guaita on his Premier League debut, which capped off a perfect start for Chelsea.

As for Arsenal, it wasn’t the start they would have wanted. Arsenal faced Premier League newsboys, Brentford. In the 22nd minute, Sergi Canos surprised many as he gave the Bees the lead with a phenomenal strike.

Then later in the game, Arsenal were undone from a long throw-in, which Christian Norgaard met and headed past Bernd Leno to secure three points for Brentford.

Arsenal lacked any intensity from the first minute until the last. None of the front four ever really got into the game, which meant there were a lack of problems for the Brentford defense.

Both teams will have extra additions to their squad before the clash.

Chelsea will have Romelu Lukaku in the squad after signing him from Inter Milan.

He has great strength, which makes his hold up play one of the best in the game. While in Italy, he has become one of the best finishers around, and Thomas Tuchel will be hoping he can bring more goals to the club.

As for the Gunners, Martin Odegaard will be returning to the club, after Arsenal agreed a deal with Real Madrid for the midfielder, and he becomes the most expensive Norwegian signing of all time.

It will be interesting to see how Mikel Arteta sets up with the arrival of Odegaard. Arteta will be hoping he can create more chances, which they lacked last Friday.

The last meeting the teams had, Chelsea won 2-1 in a Friendly. Kai Havertz gave Chelsea the lead, before Granit Xhaka drew it level in the second half. However, in the 72th minute, Tammy Abraham scored the winner.

The last competitive outing between the teams, saw the Gunners take away three points. Emile Smith Rowe scored early to them three points.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Arsenal

Game 2: West Ham VS Leicester

Both of these teams would love to be battling for top six positions once again, and they both started the season in a brilliant fashion as they both push for European places once again.

West Ham travelled to St James Park and fell behind early when Callum Wilson found the back of the net. Aaron Cresswell pulled one back, but Jacob Murphy put the Magpies back in front just before half time.

In the second half, West Ham stunned the home team, turning the score on it’s head with goals from Said Benrahma and Tomas Soucek, before Michail Antonio added a fourth in the 66th minute.

Leicester faced Wolves, with Bruno Lage taking charge of his first competitive game for Wolves. Leicester beat Wolves 1-0, with a wonderful goal from Jamie Vardy, who turned it home after hard work from Ricardo Pereira out on the right.

The game also saw impressive displays from the Foxes defense, as they worked hard to hold onto their clean sheet, which guaranteed the win for Brendan Rodgers side.

Heading into this game on Monday evening, not many people know what to expect due to the quality which both teams possess.

They both have quality players, which was shown last season after they both had impressive campaigns, and they have been able to add to that during the window.

The last time the teams met, West Ham were the victors. Jesse Lingard grabbed a double, before Jarod Bowen added a third just after the break.

Kelechi Iheanacho gave the Hammers a late scare, as he bagged himself a brace, but West Ham had enough to hold onto the points.

Prediction: West Ham 2-2 Leicester

Image by Thomas B. from Pixabay

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Millwall VS Fulham: Match Report

7:45pm GMT Kick Off, The Den, Championship

A Late Scare Threatened Marco Silva’s Team, But They Were Able To Hold Onto The Three Points.

Two quick early goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic and Fabio Carvalho gave Fulham a great advantage. However a late goal from Benik Afobe put pressure of Fulham for the last five minutes, but the Whites keep hold of their lead as they go joint top of the Championship

Just after the second minute, Aleksandar Mitrovic gave Fulham the lead. Fabio Carvalho ran down the line, and pulled the ball back across the box. The Serbian was there to fire The Cottagers into an early lead.

Things went from bad to worse for Millwall, as Fulham doubled their lead in the 8th minute, coming from Carvalho. Fulham broke forward, and the 18-year-old split the defense open. Neeskens Kebano played the ball into Carvalho and he did the necessary job.

Millwall finally began to get a foot into the game after the second goal, as they tried to press the Fulham midfield and defense into mistakes, but the Fulham defense wouldn’t break down as they dictated the play.

Fulham should have got another goal in the 30th minute. Carvalho once again, playing a vital role before playing Ivan Cavaleiro one-on-one with Bartosz Bialkowski. He looked certain to give them a third but somehow missed the target.

As the second half kicked off, Fulham had two chances to add to their goal tally. The initial effort was from Mitrovic, which was well saved by Bialkowski. Carvalho was there for the rebound, but the Pole was quick to react as he pushed it behind for a corner.

Fulham should have found the back of the net once again. Andre Zambo Anguissa beat a man and made his way into the Millwall box. He pulled it back to Carvalho on the six yard line but it was blocked on the line by Daniel Ballard.

Fulham continued their control of the match, as they pushed and pushed for a third. Kebano did well to beat a man as he looked to pick out Anguissa in the box. However, his cross turned into a shot which Bialkowski did well to deal with.

Fulham went close once again. Carvalho takes it down and slots the ball into the path of Kebano. He hits a powerful shot goalward, which strikes the side netting.

The first real chance of the game for Millwall came in the 82nd minute. A ball was whipped into the box, which was met by Matt Smith. Smith headed it goalward, but it was just over the bar.

In the 87th minute, Millwall did find the back of the net. A long ball finds Smith who heads it down to Benik Afobe. The ball bounced off his head, which finds the corner of the net.

Millwall had a great chance at the dead, as Jed Wallace crossed the ball into a dangerous area which was met by Jake Cooper. Paulo Gazzaniga missed the ball in the air, but the ball looped over the net, which was the last chance Millwall could get of salvaging a point.

Man Of The Match: Fabio Carvalho

The young midfielder has had an impactful start to the season for Fulham and continued that tonight with a brilliant performance at The Den

He grabbed himself a goal and assist, and could have had many more goal contributions. It looks like it will be a big campaign for the 18-year-old.

“The New Den – Millwall FC” by sarflondondunc is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Roma Have Completed The Signing Of Matias Vina

Italian side, Roma, have announced the signing of Uruguayan fullback Matias Vina.

Roma signed the 23-year-old from Palmeiras for a fee around £11.7 million.

Palmeiras currently sit in 2nd in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, only two points behind the leaders, Clube Atletico Mineiro.

This season, Vina has made 22 appearances in all competitions, were he has scored 2 and assisted 3.

The fullback began his career at Uruguayan club, Nacional. He made 47 appearances for Nacional, before moving to Palmeiras in January 2020 for a fee just over £4 million.

He has been a crucial first team player for the Brazilian club ever since he moved. Since his arrival he has played 69 games for the Brazilians.

Vina is quite a versatile player, who can play left back, left midfield and center back, but he is more suited to the left back position.

He is a quick player, who loves getting forward when the oppurtunity is there. He is considered a ‘modern fullback’ as he supports the team when they get into attacking positions..

He also showcased how he can defend in one-on-one situations, so he can offer a lot to this Roma side.

It’s unlikely Vina would have been signed by Roma after Leonardo Spinazzola’s incredible Euro campaign for Italy, but he picked up a bad injury during the Euros which like see him spend a lengthy time on the sidelines.

Matias Vina’s contract with the Giallrossi runs until the Summer of 2026.

Click HERE to see what Vina had to say about joining the Italian giants.

He becomes the fourth signings of the Jose Mourinho era, along with Bryan Reynolds, Rui Patricio and Eldor Shomurodov.

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Sheffield United VS Birmingham City

8pm GMT Kick Off, Bramall Lane, Championship

An Early Goal For Birmingham Gave Them The Edge As They Come Away From Bramall Lane With The Three Points.

In the 19th minute, Maxime Colin gave Birmingham the lead with his head, which came as a shock to many. Sheffield United couldn’t seem to break the Birmingham defense, and will be disappointed losing their opening game of the season.

There weren’t many chances at the beginning of the game, but the first real oppurtunity resulted in a goal for Birmingham. Jeremie Bela found a bit of space and crossed the ball towards the back post. Maxime Colin rose and headed the ball into the corner of the net.

Minutes later, Sheffield came close to pulling it back level. Oliver Burke made a clever run off the shoulder of the defender and hit his shot first time, which cannoned back off the post.

Then it was Lys Mousset who found space and had a go. His shot was dragged just wide of the target.

With ten minutes to go until the half time whistle, Sheffield pushed for an equaliser. John Fleck came close to doing so after a ball from Mousset picked him out in the area, but his shot was blocked and turned behind for a corner.

Just before the break, Oliver Norwood drove forward with the ball and decided to have a go from distance, which looked like it would beat the keeper, but it also sailed past the post.

After Sheffield had to make an early second half sub, Rhian Brewster came to live, and tried to grab an instant goal as he beat his defender and got his shot away. Luckily for the away team, Marc Roberts was there to block the attempt.

Then his strike partner, David McGoldrick made a dangerous run off the wing and tried to curl it around the keeper, but it was just off target.

Moments later, Sheffield were let off the hook, as Colin put another header in the back of the net, after a bit of brilliant play by Tahith Chong. However, the referee blew for a free kick in United’s favour.

Scott Hogan should have added the much needed second. Lukas Jutkiewicz headed the ball down in the area, Hogan was there and got to the ball before anyone else could but his effort travelled over the crossbar.

Sheffield kept their momentum up, but just couldn’t get a golden oppurtunity. The best chance was from a Ben Osborn cross, but no one was there to turn it home and Birmingham were able to hold onto the three points.

Birmingham start their season in the best possible fashion, and now head home, were they will face Colchester United at St Andrew’s on Tuesday.

As for Sheffield United, they will have to pick themselves up as they face Carlisle United on Tuesday at Bramall Lane, were they will be hoping to have a greater attacking threat.

Man Of The Match: Tahith Chong

The Dutchman made his debut for Birmingham after being loaned in from Manchester United this summer, and started really well for his new club.

He created a lot of problems for Sheffield and also won the ball back a number of times in midfield. The Birmingham supporters will be hoping that the injury that forced him off won’t be too serious, and he will be back for their next outing.

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Tranmere VS Walsall: Album

Tranmere players leaving the pitch before kick off

Walsall and Tranmere players take to the pitch ahead of Kick off

Walsall players make way onto the pitch for the second half

Callum McManaman celebrates his goal with the home fans

Fans making their way home after a 1-0 win for Tranmere

Bournemouth VS West Brom

7:45pm GMT Kick Off, Vitality Stadium, Championship

Bournemouth took the lead twice, but West Brom also pulled it back on both occasions, as the points are shared on the South Coast.

Both teams headed into the game with new managers at the helm. Scott Parker joined the Cherries from Fulham, and Valerien Ismael left Barnsley to join West Brom.

Bournemouth went ahead when Emiliano Marcondes got a goal on his debut, but Dara O’Shea headed home an equaliser later in the half.

Then in the second half, Philip Billing gave the hosts the lead once again. Callum Robinson was able to cancel out the goal in the 67th minute.

The first chance of the game fell to West Brom’s Karlan Grant. The Baggies new signing, Alex Mowatt whipped the ball into the box and it was met by the forward, which was saved comfortably by Mark Travers.

However, just moments later, it was the home side who took the lead. They countered after a good bit of play in the midfield. Jaidon Anthony, who pulled it across the back, and Emiliano Marcondes rolled it under David Button, giving Bournemouth the lead on his debut.

After the opener, there weren’t many chances for either team, but on the 33rd minute, West Brom drew the game level. Conor Townsend crossed the ball from the left wing towards the back post. Dara O’Shea towered over everyone else and headed them back into the game.

Minutes later, West Brom thought they took the lead, as Callum Robinson poked it home from a corner. The referee didn’t point to the center circle, and instead point the to six yard line after a foul was given in favour of Travers.

It didn’t take long for the visitors to get another chance of giving them a possibly lead. Grady Diangana was tackled just outside the area and Grant picked up the loose ball, which tested Travers as he tipped it past the post, which was the final attempt of the half.

Within the first six minutes of the second half, Bournemouth took the lead once again. Anthony and Jordan Zemura had good build up play and Zemura tried to pick out Solanke, but Button stopped the initial cross. Button pushed the ball into the path of Philip Billing who slotted the ball into the bottom corner, giving Button no chance of making another save.

West Brom came close to drawing the game level once again. West Brom were causing a lot of issues from set piece. This time Darnell Furlong made contact with the ball, which was just wide of the target.

It wasn’t long for them to get an equaliser again. Matt Phillips drove forward with the ball, and played the ball into the path of Mowatt. Mowatt played it across the box to Robinson who was ready and cannoned it into the top corner.

Bournemouth nearly took the lead back immediately, when David Brooks was picked out in the box. He tried to volley the ball into the corner, but Button got down well and matched the effort.

Then it was West Brom who came close to taking the advantage for the first time in the game. The ball fell for Grant, no one was available so he went alone and tried to launch it into the far corner, which he wasn’t too far away from doing.

Neither team really wanted to push too much for a winner, as they didn’t want to risk dropping a point on the opening day of the season.

Both teams share the points as both teams will be happy with the starts them made to their season. Both teams will be looking to build upon this game, and win their next matches, as both teams will be pushing for promotion through-out the season.

Man Of The Match: Alex Mowatt

The Englishman joined the Baggies this summer, and he had a great start to his career at West Brom.

Mowatt was causing a lot of problems from set pieces, while also being a key player in midfield, picking up the ball and creating chances constantly, and he capped it off with an assist.

Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay

Scotland VS Czech Republic

2pm GMT Kick Off, Hampden Park, Euro 2020 Group D

Patrik Schick Is The Star Man As Czech Republic Beat Scotland And Move To The Top Of The Group.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick was key in their result, scoring two goals which got them over the line against Scotland at Hampden Park, with his second being a contender for goal of the tournament.

John McGinn tried to take advantage of an early mistake, but it was well blocked to clear the danger by the Czech Republic defense.

The first real chance Czech Republic had, forced a save out of David Marshall. Scotland gave the ball away, and the ball was played into Patrik Schick who fired it goalward. Marshall did well to tip it around the post.

Then it was a big chance for Scotland. Andrew Robertson darted down the left wing, and picked out Lyndon Dykes. He tried to squeeze it in the corner, but it was just off target.

Then it was Robertson who had an oppurtunity. He found space just outside the Czech Republic box and decided to have a go, which Tomas Vaclik had to tip over the bar.

Just before half time, Schick gave Czech Republic the lead. Vladimir Coufal fired the ball into the box, and Schick rose and headed the ball right in the corner, which gave Marshall no chance.

Czech Republic came out the second half flying, and they nearly added a second. Schick had a go from distance, and Marshall did well to get down to it.

Minutes later Scotland had a chance as Jack Hendry hit the bar from outside the box. Then Robertson tried to find Che Adams, but it nearly resulted in an own goal if it weren’t for great goalkeeping from Vaclik.

However, Schick grabbed his second, and what a goal it was. Schick spotted Marshall off his line, and from the half way line, he chipped the ball over Marshall into the net.

Scotland had a great chance to pull one back, with plenty of time left as a ball fell to Dykes in the box. He hit it first time, but it was straight at the keeper from a close distance.

Then James Forrest went close. He beat several Czech Republic players in the box, before getting a shot off, which was blocked at the last second, which would have given Scotland a lifeline.

Czech Republic had a chance to seal the game off, as Matej Vydra got onto a loose ball and tried to lift it over Marshall, but the keeper did well to deny them a third.

Czech Republic face Croatia in their next game were a win will guarantee them a place in the next round, while Scotland face rivals England, were they will need to find a result.

Man Of The Match – Patrik Schick

He got the two decisive goals, which earnt Czech Republic the three points and puts them in a great position to advance.

The first goal was a well taken header, while the second was a specular effort, showcasing his technical ability.

Austria VS North Macedonia

5pm GMT Kick Off, National Arena, Euro 2020 Group C

Two Late Goal From Michael Gregoritsch And Marko Arnautovic Gets Austria Their First Ever Win At The Euros.

Austria took the lead through Stefan Lainer, but they were pulled back when Daniel Bachmann made a mistake and Goran Pandev pounced on the mistake. However, with little time left, Michael Gregoritsch scored, which was then doubled by Marko Arnautovic gave Austria the three points.

The first real chance of the game saw Austria take the lead. Marcel Sabitzer crossed the ball towards the back post, and Stefan Lainer was on hand to volley the ball into the net.

They had a real good chance to make it two. Once again, Sabitzer floated the ball into the box and Sasa Kalajdzic got a touch which sent it goalward, but it was saved comfortably by Stole Dimitrievski.

However, North Macedonia equalised minutes later from veteran Goran Pandev. A ball was played through which looked easy for Daniel Bachmann to deal with, but he dropped the ball, and Pandev was there to put it into an empty goal.

Towards the end of the half, Austria looked to go ahead again. Sabitzer and Lainer were causing North Macedonia problems with their creativity from the wing, but it was dealt with a number of times by the defense as the whistle blew for half time.

The beginning of the second half, Austria pressured North Macedonia into mistakes, but they were able to block most the attacks which Austria were throwing at them. The best chance they had came from substitute Michael Gregoritsch, who forced a wonderful save from Dimitrievski.

In the 78th minute, Austria took the lead once again. David Alaba found space, and fired a ball into the box. Gregoritsch got across his defender and poked it past the keeper.

Two minutes from time, Austria got a third from Marko Arnautovic. He showed great composure to take it around the keeper and finish the game off.

Austria go top of the group for the time being, as the Netherlands take on Ukraine later this evening.

Man Of The Match – Marcel Sabitzer

The Red Bull Leipzig player was brilliant in this game, being influential in much of the attacking threat Austria possessed.

He got himself an assist for the first goal, and could have had plenty more with the quality of his crosses.

“File:RO B National Arena opening day 1.jpg” by Andrei Stroe is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

England VS Croatia

2pm GMT Kick Off, Wembley Stadium, Euro 2020 Group D

England Get Their Euro Campaign Underway With A Win Against Croatia At Wembley.

Raheem Sterling got the only goal of the game, as they beat Croatia at Wembley, which puts them top of the group, and already in a great position to progress past the group stage.

England nearly had the perfect start. Raheem Sterling picked the ball up in midfield and drove at the Croatian defense. He played it to Phil Foden who looked to curl it into the far corner but it cannoned off the post and away from danger.

Then it was Kalvin Phillips who went close to the opener. A corner was cleared, and he fired the ball towards the goal, which Dominik Livakovic had to deal with.

England pilled the pressure on Croatia, as they pushed for this early goal, this time Mason Mount tried to be the architect. He played a wonderful ball over the top to Sterling, who just couldn’t find the space to get a shot off.

Just before half time, England had another chance, this time from a set piece. Kieran Tripper stood over the ball, but it was blocked by the Croatian wall.

Despite little creativity in the first half, Croatia came close to the opener, as they looked to capitalise on a mistake. Tripper tried to head it back to Jordan Pickford, but Ante Rebic was there. Luckily for England, Pickford was quick enough to clear the possible danger.

After all the chances, England finally took the lead thanks to Sterling. Phillips did well to beat a number of Croatian players and played a weighted ball into Sterling’s path. He hit the target, Livakovic got a hand to it, but couldn’t keep it out the net.

Harry Kane could have doubled their lead minutes later, after Mount moved the ball to the back stick were Kane was open. Josko Gvardiol was there to block a certain goal.

Then it was Mount who went close. From a free kick, Mount got it over the wall, but it had too much power on it and hit the top of the net.

Croatia had few chances, but once again, they were at hand top capitalise on a mistake. Rebic won a header from a cross, which Pickford and Kyle Walker didn’t deal with and let Ivan Perisic have a sniff, but Pickford finally collected the ball before the winger could get on the end of it.

England were able to pick up the three points and put themselves in a great position to progress through the groups. They face Scotland next, with a win putting them into the round of 16.

Man Of The Match – Kalvin Phillips

The Leeds midfielders was a pleasure to watch in this game, as he covered the pitch for England.

He made a number of tackles and interceptions which didn’t allow Croatia much attacking threat, while also getting himself a well earnt assist in the only goal of the game.

“Olympic Football at Wembley Stadium” by the_junes is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0