USMNT BEATS MEXICO IN NATIONS LEAGUE WITH ADAMS, REYNA GOALS

 

UMSNT players celebrate after beating Mexico in the Concacaf Nations League final.

The United States men's national soccer team continued its dominance of the Concacaf Nations League -- and its regional rivals Mexico -- with a 2-0 win and a third title in a row in the competition at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday night.

Tyler Adams scored a first-half thunderbolt, and Giovanni Reyna added a second goal after the break with a difficult volley to give the U.S. the win with a famous "dos a cero" scoreline and a measure of redemption after an uninspired win over Jamaica in the semifinals of the Nations League on Thursday.

"I'm not scoring goals like that all the time, but I'm happy I can hit one like that today," said Adams, who was substitute at halftime as a precautionary measure.

Adams, who has just returned from injury to play with his club team Bournemouth, added: "I always get up for big games."

The result sees Gregg Berhalter's team retain its Nations League crown, having won the first two editions of the competition, in 2021 and 2023, and stretch its unbeaten run against Mexico to a record seven games.

Adams, making his first start for the U.S. in 475 days, turned the game on its head at the end of the first half, unleashing a stunning strike from distance to beat Guillermo Ochoa and give the Americans a narrow lead at half-time.

"People have a lot of question marks about this, about that," Adams said. "But to see what we do week in, week out when we have the opportunity to work together, we continue to grow."

With Mexico fighting to get back in the game, Reyna pounced on a poor clearance in the penalty area and snapped off a volley that flew past Ochoa at his near post to double the U.S. lead.

Referee Drew Fischer halted the game shortly before full time then again in added time in line with Step 2 of Concacaf's anti-discrimination protocol after an anti-gay chant was heard from the crowd repeatedly when U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner took his goal kicks.

Last year's Nations League semifinal between the U.S. and Mexico in Las Vegas was ended about four minutes early because of chants from Mexican fans, who for years have directed a slur at opposing teams' goalkeepers.

Troubled by a right hamstring injury that twice required surgery, Adams had not played for the U.S. since the 2022 World Cup before entering in the 63rd minute on Thursday then leaving in the 100th minute because of a minutes restriction.

He was limited to a single 21-minute club appearance between March 11, 2023, and this March 13, when he returned from the injury with a 20-minute stretch for Bournemouth against Luton Town in England's Premier League.

Adams' joined Josh Wolff as the only Americans in the past 40 years to score their first two goals against El Tri; Adams also scored in a friendly against Mexico in September 2018.

Still on a minutes limit, Adams was replaced by Johnny Cardoso at the start of Sunday's second half.

"Typical Tyler, we get into an argument in the locker room and he wants to play more. Guys are asking why can't he play more?" Berhalter said. "As much as I wanted him in the game, because I did, it's a safety thing. We want to make sure that he gets back in a healthy way because he has a lot more games to play."

Berhalter had agreed to the minutes limit with Bournemouth. Adams said he probably will be limited to 60 minutes this weekend when he returns to play with his club.

"Coming out at halftime was obviously disappointing, especially after scoring a goal and helping the team," Adams said. "So, yeah, I understand we have to be smart for the long-term plan."

Reyna, limited to one league start this season for Borussia Dortmund and Nottingham Forest, scored his eighth international goal. Christian Pulisic's cross was blocked by defender Johan Vásquez. The ball deflected off American forward Haji Wright back to Vásquez, who headed a clearance attempt. Reyna let the ball bounce and beat Ochoa to the near post from 16 yards.

"It's good for momentum," Reyna said. "We've been together with our core group for a while now and I think we know what it takes to win big games and tournaments and hopefully we can carry that in Copa America and have a great run there."

Fischer initially awarded a penalty kick for a challenge by Antonee Robinson on Santiago Giménez shortly after the Reyna goal. But following a video review by Nicaragua's Tatiana Guzmán, the head referee called off the foul and gave the forward a yellow card for simulation.

Berhalter made five changes from Thursday's starting lineup in the 3-1 extra-time win against Jamaica, adding right back Sergiño Dest, central defender Tim Ream, midfielders Adams and Reyna, and forward Wright. They replaced Joe Scally, Miles Robinson, Yunus Musah, Malik Tillman and Folarin Balogun.

Mexico coach Jaime Lozano inserted right back Jorge Sánchez and forward Hirving Lozano for Julián Araujo and Julián Quiñones.

Both the United States and Mexico will now begin gearing up for this summer's Copa America, which will be played in the U.S. from June 20 to July 14. Beyond that, they'll be looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

"Before we know it, 2026 is going to be here," Berhalter said.

Jamaica beat Panama 1-0 in the third-place game on Dexter Lembikisa's 41st-minute goal.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.

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MARTIN ØDEGAARD IN FURIOUS SPAT WITH EX-MAN CITY RIVAL BERNADO SILVA DURING NATIONS LEAGUE CLASH

Ødegaard and Silva were previously Premier League rivals when the Portuguese midfielder played for Manchester City

Norway captain Martin Ødegaard was left incensed after receiving a late tackle to his ankle from Portugal’s Bernardo Silva during stoppage time of Sunday's Nations League fixture.

The challenge resulted in a yellow card for Silva in Portugal’s 2-1 victory in Oslo, renewing a rivalry built over years in the Premier League. Silva, who departed Manchester City for Real Madrid in the summer, left a painful reminder on the Arsenal captain.

Ødegaard was captured on camera repeatedly shouting an expletive in English towards his long-term opponent, whom he may face again in Lisbon on Sunday in their Nations League group return match.

"This has no place on a football pitch," Odegaard told Norwegian broadcaster TV2 while limping towards the team bus more than an hour after the final whistle.

The incident took place after Odegaard played a deep left-footed pass from within Norway's half before Silva made a challenge from behind. Silva raised his right foot too late to block the pass, before aiming a kick at the rear of Ødegaard's trailing left foot.

Former Man City star Bernardo Silva attempted to downplay the spat with Odegaard (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)

Asked by Norwegian journalists about the clash that angered Ødegaard, Silva initially responded "What tackle?" in a clip shared by online media outlet Nettavisen.

"It’s football, my friend," stated the 32-year-old playmaker, who spent nine years at Manchester City and won six Premier League titles.

Arsenal and Odegaard finished as runners-up to Man City in two of those title-winning campaigns, in 2023 and 2024, before he captained Arsenal last season to their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Man City and Arsenal currently sit first and second in the standings early in a Premier League season that appears destined to be overshadowed by the long-running legal proceedings against Silva’s former club.

Abu Dhabi-backed Man City were charged with breaking financial regulations over a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018, mostly related to sponsorships from the emirate, alongside failing to cooperate with the inquiry.

An independent panel of judges has reportedly found Man City guilty of most of the 115 charges faced, though it remains unclear whether the club's previous titles are vulnerable at a subsequent sanctions hearing.

Man City deny all wrongdoing, and on Saturday club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak insisted in a letter written to fans that "nothing has changed."

- Sam Brookes

EXPERIMENTAL U S. SQUAD WITH DRAW AGAINST JAMAICA OPENS GOLD CUP

Brandon Vazquez/Getty

Less than a week after the U.S. men’s national soccer team coasted to the Concacaf Nations League crown, an experimental American squad learned that defending its second regional title would not come so easily.

Fielding a largely second-string roster for the Gold Cup, North America’s long-running biennial championship, the United States needed a late equalizer from substitute Brandon Vazquez to open the tournament with 1-1 draw against Jamaica on Saturday night at Soldier Field in Chicago.

NATIONS LEAGUE: LUKA MODRIC SCORES IN EXTRA TIME AS CROATIA 🇭🇷 BEAT NETHERLANDS 🇳🇱 TO REACH FINAL

AP

Zlatko Dalic's Croatia, who reached the World Cup semi-finals last year, moved a step closer to earning their first ever trophy and demonstrated once again they are extra-time specialists.

Bruno Petkovic and Luka Modric struck in extra time to fire Croatia into the Nations League final with a 4-2 victory over hosts the Netherlands on Wednesday. Zlatko Dalic’s side, who reached the World Cup semi-finals last year, moved a step closer to earning their first ever trophy and demonstrated once again they are extra-time specialists.

Andrej Kramaric and Mario Pasalic netted in the second half after Donyell Malen sent the Dutch ahead, but Noa Lang snatched a 96th-minute equaliser to force an additional half hour.

SPAIN INTO UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL WITH PENALTY SHOOT-OUT VICTORY OVER THE NETHERLANDS

Spain have made it into the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League after a nervy penalty shoot-out victory over The Netherlands, which came after a 5-5 aggregate scoreline across two legs.

In Thursday’s first leg in Rotterdam, Spain found the opening goal inside the opening 10 minutes, and they did so again at the Mestalla. On this occasion, Mikel Oyarzabal was fouled inside the penalty area by Jean Paul van Hecke, and that allowed the Real Sociedad captain to step up and score from 12 yards.

La Roja would hold their lead until half time, but on 54 minutes, they were pegged back. Robin Le Normand was adjudged to have fouled Memphis Depay inside Spain’s penalty area, and that gave the opportunity for the former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid striker to score, which he managed to do.

15 minutes later, Spain would find themselves back in front, and it was Oyarzabal that scored again after he was set up following great work in the build-up from Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on the counter-attack, which ended in the 27-year-old heading home after his initial effort was saved.

Lamine Yamal scored a wonderful goal during Spain’s 3-3 UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg draw against The Netherlands

However, La Roja could not hold on to book their place in the Nations League semi-finals as the Dutch found another equaliser, with defender Ian Maatsen blasting past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon from inside the penalty area to restore parity on the night and on aggregate.

That goal meant that extra time was needed at the Mestalla, and in the first half of the additional 30 minutes, Spain thought that they scored the winning goal in the tie, and it was a special one from Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. It was a wonderful pass over the top from Dean Huijsen, and the 17-year-old controlled brilliantly before firing into the far corner. But again, they were pulled back into a stalemate as Xavi Simons netted a penalty to make it 3-3.

That meant penalties were required, and it was Unai Simon that came up clutch at the end to save Donyell Malen’s effort. That gave Pedri the chance to secure the victory for Spain, and he did, with La Roja winning 5-4 in the shoot-out. And it means that they will take on France – who also won a penalty shoot-out in their quarter-final tie against Croatia – in the semi-finals this summer, before a possible final against Portugal or Germany.

- John Menzies

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GERMANY SURVIVE ITALY SCARE TO MAKE NATIONS OK LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS

Germany survived a spirited second-half fightback from Italy, letting a three-goal lead slip to draw 3-3 in Dortmund on Sunday, before reaching the Nations League semi-finals 5-4 on aggregate.

AFP

Germany survived a spirited second-half fightback from Italy, letting a three-goal lead slip to draw 3-3 in Dortmund on Sunday, before reaching the Nations League semi-finals 5-4 on aggregate. A first-half Joshua Kimmich masterclass, with a penalty and two assists for Jamal Musiala and Tim Kleindienst, had Germany 3-0 up and cruising at the break. However, injury-hit Italy kicked into gear in the second half, Moise Kean scoring a double to rattle the hosts. Italy looked on course to level the scores when they were awarded a penalty with 73 minutes gone, but it was overturned by VAR. 

Giacomo Raspadori then converted a stoppage time penalty to give Italy a glimmer of hope. 

The result not only secured Germany a first-ever Nations League semi-final spot, where they will face Portugal, but it means the remainder of the tournament will be held on German soil, in Stuttgart and Munich in June. 

Despite the second-half scare, the victory continues Germany's resurgence under Julian Nagelsmann. 

Germany's only loss in their past 17 matches came in extra-time at Euro 2024 against eventual champions Spain in the quarter-finals. 

Nagelsmann said Germany "learned lessons for our development" from the game, adding "we know how well we can play football -- but we have to show it throughout the game. 

"I'm going home with an understanding of what we're capable of, but it's also nice that we've got a bit more to do," he said.

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti admitted his side lacked "maturity" and said "you always learn from games like this."

"The second half was very good, but we were too afraid to play like that for the whole game."

'Something impossible'

Italy travelled to Dortmund, the site of their 2006 World Cup semi-final win over the same opponents, with a mountain to climb. 

After letting a one-goal lead slip to lose in Milan in the first leg, Italy saw defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Andrea Cambiaso added to an injury list which already included striker Mateo Retegui and left-back Federico Dimarco.

Spalletti spoke pre-match of needing to do "something impossible" and his side were up against it from the get-go as Germany burst out of the blocks.

With Musiala on top form and Nico Schlotterback sending in penetrating passes from the deep, Germany's breakthrough came from the spot. 

Alessandro Buongiorno brought down a surging Kleindienst in the box and Kimmich converted, just the fourth penalty for either club or country in the 30-year-old's career.

After an acrobatic save to keep out a Kleindienst header by Gianluigi Donnarumma, the quick-thinking Kimmich played the ball fast from the ensuing corner. 

The move caught the Italians napping, with Musiala tapping in from close range as the Italian goalkeeper was still remonstrating with the referee.

Nagelsmann said the quick thinking was "world-class and unbelievably smart," and admitted "I didn't see it at all."

In the final minute of the half, Donnarumma palmed away a Kleindienst header, but this time could not keep it out, with the home crowd erupting as the referee pointed to his watch to show the ball had crossed the line. 

Germany dropped in intensity in the second half and the Italians pounced, Kean latching onto a loose ball and blasting home after 49 minutes.  

Spalletti brought on Raspadori and the Napoli man had an immediate impact, threading a pass for Kean to curl a ball past Oliver Baumann's outstretched arm with 68 minutes played. 

The stunned Germans were shocked further five minutes later when they conceded a penalty, but the spot kick was overturned by VAR. 

The Italians did eventually get a spot kick in stoppage time, with Raspadori converting, but it was too late as Germany held on to progress on aggregate.

- Agence France-Presse

SPANISH NOSS: LAMINE YAMAL MUST GET USED TO ROUGH TREATMENT

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has warned Lamine Yamal to get used to rough treatment on the pitch after the Barcelona winger was targeted in his country's 1-0 UEFA Nations League win over Denmark on Saturday.

Yamal, 17, was on the end of several strong tackles from the Danish side and was seen limping back to the team bus after the game.

"You have to apply the toughness that the rules allow," De la Fuente said in a news conference when asked for his thoughts on the challenges Yamal suffered against Denmark.

"There is a referee there to mark the limit. Against young players with his talent, [opponents] try to intimidate and look for contact.

"The referee has to protect these talented players, but Lamine has to get used to it. I would love it to be a bed of roses, Flower Power, but this sport is like that.

"Lamine displayed an exceptional attitude and generated a lot for us from the right flank. He has a special talent. From there, I had a teammate who used to say: 'What do you want, kisses [from the opponents]?' Teams use the weapons they can within the rules."

Denmark's Victor Kristiansen was eventually booked for a foul on Yamal late in the game and the left-back said he wanted to let the teenager know he was not scared of playing against him.

"It was not that I thought I am going to get a yellow card here, it was simply to say [to him]: 'Oi, I am also in this fight. I am not afraid of you,'" the Leicester City defender told Ekstra Bladet.

Lamine Yamal was on the end of several strong challenges during Spain's win over Denmark. Omar Arnau/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

"When you have the opportunity to go into a 50-50 fairly that might hurt a little, you have to go for it. He is very skilful and very, very good at such a young age. He is going to be one of the best players for many years."

Sources close to the Spain national team played down the significance of Yamal's limp ahead of Tuesday's Nations League game against Serbia.

However, a final decision on his participation in that match will be taken in the next 48 hours with his club, Barça, keen to avoid any unnecessary risks ahead of a tough run of fixtures after the international break.

The Catalan side face Sevilla next weekend and then welcome Bayern Munich in the Champions League, before travelling to Real Madrid for the first Clásico of the season.

Yamal has so far started 13 of 14 games for club and country this season, with De la Fuente saying before the victory over Denmark that the emphasis was on the clubs to rest players, not the national team.

Martín Zubimendi's second half volley earned La Roja the three points against Denmark in Murcia, moving Spain to the top of their Nations League group after three games with seven points, one more than the Danes.

They return to action on Tuesday with another home fixture, this time against third-placed Serbia in Córdoba. Serbia beat pointless Switzerland on Saturday.

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CRISTIANO RONALDO DISMISSES LAMINE YAMAL AS 2025 BALLON D'OR FAVOURITE

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to the media on Saturday, and during his press conference, he discussed Lamine Yamal, whom he will face for the first time during Sunday’s UEFA Nations League final between Spain and Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo gives assessment of Lamine Yamal

As per Diario AS, Ronaldo gave his thoughts on Lamine Yamal, while also issuing a warning to those that have high expectations for the 17-year-old Barcelona winger.

“Lamine Yamal is doing very well, he is taking full advantage of his talent. Now let the kid grow and don’t put too much pressure on him. Let him be and let him grow well, take the pressure off him. He has no shortage of talent.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo will face Lamine Yamal for the first time in the UEFA Nations League final (Image via Getty Images)

Ronaldo, who was praised by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon ahead of the UEFA Nations League final, also laughed off comparisons between himself and Lamine Yamal, whom he believes should be likened to players in his own generation.

“It’s always been Cristiano against this or that, I’m used to it. They are different generations, one begins and the other ends. They should compare Lamine with Vitinha, who is closer (to his generation). But no problem, I’m left with the criticism. In reality, it is one selection against another. But I understand, the media heats up the game, it’s nice and normal. What I want most is for Portugal to be at a good level and win, against a team that is probably the best in the world.”

Ronaldo believes Lamine Yamal shouldn’t win Ballon d’Or

Lamine Yamal is considered to be one of the frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, but according to Ronaldo, the teenager should not win the award – instead, he believes it should go to a Paris Saint-Germain player.

“The individual awards have lost some consensus; I can’t say anything about who should win. In my opinion, those who stand out and win the Champions League should win. But there is no consensus. I don’t believe much in individual awards because I know what goes on behind the scenes. Lamine could win, like Dembele or Vitinha, other emerging players… But individual awards are irrelevant.”

- John Menzies

PREMIER LEAGUE CUT'S DEAL WITH FANATICS AS TRADING CARDS PROVIDER

 The English Premier League and Fanatics have announced that, starting in June 2025, Fanatics Collectibles will become the exclusive provider of EPL trading cards, trading card games and stickers in a multi-year deal.

"We are delighted to welcome Fanatics as the official sticker and trading card licensee of the Premier League from season 2025/26," Premier League Chief Commercial Officer Will Brass said in a statement. "They bring an outstanding track record and strong commitment to innovation, helping fans all over the world express their passion for the sports they love."

Financial details of the deal were not available.

"When you look at the IP that's out there, the Premier League is a property that we see a huge opportunity -- under-exploited opportunity really," said David Leiner, Fanatics Collectibles' president of trading cards told ESPN. "I think the Premier League was really intrigued by not only what Fanatics could do for the category of collectibles, but what we've been doing with player relationships: Tom Brady, Julio Rodriguez, Ronald Acuña Jr."

Leiner said that Fanatics will be emphasizing global distribution, business-to-business, working with UK-based hobby shops and breakers to give trading cards a bigger footprint on the other side of the pond, where stickers have been a dominant collecting force for decades.

"Panini's first World Cup [stickers were] in 1970, first Euro was 1980, and any fan -- the Panini sticker albums were a massive part of the preparation before any tournament [because] before the age of the Internet, you'd never seen these faces," Greg Lansdowne, the author of Stuck on You: The Rise and Fall...and Rise of Panini Stickers, told ESPN. "[They] enjoyed a renaissance when the '80s children became adults, the Germany 2006 World Cup, and from there it's snowballed. The World Cup album is as big as ever and in more countries than ever."

Topps was a Premier League partner from 1994 to 2019; Panini won the license in late 2018 and started producing EPL cards for the 2019-20 season. The EPL and Panini even renewed their license in late 2021.

"When you look at North America, we're all about trading cards, but we see stickers -- a great on-ramp for young collectors -- trading card games, and trading cards, especially in places like Europe, playing well together," Leiner says. "We're at 70 different hobby shows across the globe and many of those are in Europe. There are definitely dozens of stores [there[, but not hundreds or thousands like you see in the United States.

"But we're developing; our business in Europe, it's big -- you'd be surprised if you knew the numbers -- but we're seven minutes into the match. There's so much ahead of us."

Just months after Fanatics acquired Topps for roughly $500 million in January 2022, Topps replaced Panini as UEFA's producer of European Championship stickers for the 2024 and 2028 men's Euros -- as well as the 2025 women's Euros and Nations League Finals through 2028. Panini can produce NBA cards through 2025, but in 2026, Fanatics has deals in place with the NFLPA, NBA and NBAPA and acquired the MLB and MLBPA license early through its purchase of Topps.

Now they add the English Premier League, whose -- according to Nielsen ratings -- five highest-watched matches of all-time occurred in 2023, the same year the league opened a New York-based office. The EPL extended its broadcast rights with NBC for six years in 2021, a deal worth north of $2.5 billion.

"People don't like change [and] they're just coming to terms with losing European Championship rights [here]," Lansdowne says. "Potentially it will hit older collectors more than younger -- younger U.K. collectors are just as conversive with Topps as Panini -- but I'm sure Fanatics will do a great job as they've done with the Champions League."

- Daniel Hajducky

CRISTIANO RONALDO LOSES HIS COOL DURING TENSE PRESS CONFERENCE - 'LOOK ME IN EYES'

Portugal are chasing a 1-0 deficit in their Nations League quarter-final second leg against Denmark on Sunday and Cristiano Ronaldo gave a frosty response to what he felt was "disrespectful" question at the pre-match press conference

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo snapped at a reporter for asking "disrespectful" questions ahead of their clash against Denmark

Cristiano Ronaldo has hit out at journalists for asking "disrespectful" questions ahead of Portugal's Nations League quarter-final second leg against Denmark on Sunday". Portugal were beaten 1-0 by the Danes in the first leg of their tie last week, courtesy of Manchester United star Rasmus Hojlund's strike, and Ronaldo's team have work to do in the second leg.

Ronaldo himself has come under intense scrutiny for the national team amid questions over his age and fitness levels after a horror display against Denmark saw him fail to register a shot on target or complete a successful dribble or cross.

Journalists who gathered ahead of the second leg questioned the Al Nassr forward's ability to complete a full match at the highest level after recently turning 40.

The former Manchester United star was far from pleased with the line of questioning and accused some reporters of a lack of respect, telling one to "look him in the eyes" when he asked such questions.

"I feel like there's a lot of negativity around the national team,' the Portugal captain said. "I've watched some of the press conferences over the last few days - I didn't like what I saw, I don't like it.

"And honestly, some of the questions you've asked were just disrespectful. If you want answers from me, look me in the eyes when you ask. There's no point asking me something and then looking down at your computer. You'll have time for that later. If necessary, I will say it ten times."

Ronaldo is the most iconic figure to have represented Portugal after smashing a host of records and landmarks with the national team. He has the most caps with 218 and the most goals with 135 - while he is also their oldest goalscorer and holds the record for most hat-tricks and most goals scored at one European Championship. He has already helped Portugal win one Euros and one Nations League title.

He admitted there was big pressure on Portugal to progress to the semi-finals as they chase a 1-0 deficit as he called on the fans to get behind the team.

"The air is more tense,' he said. "I won't hide it. We are in a more tense moment because we need to win, but that's the beauty of football. Tomorrow, I appeal to the fans to be with us.

"To transmit their strength to us, because we are going to try to do our best. That is my hope, that tomorrow will be a beautiful day for everyone.

"There is no other option. Anyone who is proud to represent this symbol must have this ambition. I have lost games in 90 minutes, but I have never lost in the first half. Tomorrow is the second half.

"There are games like that, there are bad days. I didn't play at all, the team didn't play at all, but it's part of life. Tomorrow I want to leave the Alvalade Stadium with my head held high. If all the Portuguese people are on our side."

- Oli Gamp

2-2 DRAW IN FRANCE SEES GERMANY REACH NATIONS LEAGUE FINAL

The DFB-Frauen showed their maturity to edge out France Foto: Yuliia Perekopaiko/DFB

Germany’s women’s national team are through to the UEFA Women’s Nations League final for the very first time. After winning the first leg 1-0, a 2-2 draw in Caen was enough for Christian Wück’s side to book their place in the final. Nicole Anyomi cancelled out Melvine Malard’s early opener (3’) with a brilliant solo effort (12’), before Klara Bühl put Germany in front early in the second half (50’). A late equaliser from Clara Mateo (89’) failed to change the outcome, meaning Germany will now face reigning champions Spain in the final – at home on 28th November, before the return leg on 2nd December.

Wück made just one change to the starting line-up from the first meeting: Janina Minge replaced Kathrin Hendrich in central defence alongside Camilla Küver, with Giulia Gwinn and Franziska Kett out wide in front of keeper Stina Johannes. Elisa Senß and Sjoeke Nüsken anchored the midfield, Jule Brand played centrally behind striker Anyomi, with Bühl and Carlotta Wamser on the wings.

Fast start in Caen

France struck with their first real attack – a pinpoint cross from Selma Bacha was headed into the far corner by Malard from close range. The hosts continued to push, with Germany struggling to gain a foothold in the early stages. Bühl missed the moment to shoot when clean through (11’), but seconds later, Anyomi levelled it up with a superb turn and strike from the edge of the box that flew into the top corner.

The tempo remained high on both sides, though attacking moves often lacked precision. France continued to edge proceedings and had the next big chance when Malard burst through one-on-one, only for Johannes to make a strong save (32’). Malard then went close again with a curling effort from distance (35’).

Germany carved out several transition opportunities, but poor decision-making or heavy touches meant they couldn’t capitalise. Both sides had goals disallowed before the break – Cascarino for offside (38’) and Anyomi for the same shortly after (40’). Johannes remained sharp, keeping out efforts from Cascarino (43’) and Sakina Karchaoui (45+2).

Bühl strikes again

The second half began with France again applying pressure – but it was Germany who landed the next blow. After a switch of play involving Gwinn and Nüsken, Bühl received the ball on the left, drove into the box and rifled a shot in off the underside of the crossbar to put Germany ahead (50’). Brand nearly added a third moments later from a Wamser cross (52’).

France appeared rattled, and Germany pushed further forward. Wück made his first changes just before the hour mark, bringing on Selina Cerci and Kathrin Hendrich (58’). Bühl continued to torment the French defence and set up Anyomi for what looked like a third goal, only for the flag to go up again (67’).

Germany almost made it 3-1 in the 74th minute – Cerci latched onto a through ball and clipped it onto the crossbar at full sprint, with Nüsken’s follow-up drifting just wide. Sydney Lohmann and Lea Schüller were introduced soon after to add fresh legs (78’).

Nervy finish, but job done

Johannes came to the rescue again in the closing stages, denying Kadidiatou Diani from close range. Germany’s defence held firm under increasing pressure until Mateo finally nodded in the equaliser from close range (89’).

That set up a tense finale, with France pushing hard throughout seven minutes of stoppage time. Mateo tested Johannes again almost immediately (90+1’), before Wück used his final substitution – Laura Freigang for Brand (90+5’) – to take time off the clock. The full-time whistle finally sparked scenes of celebration for the DFB Women.

Germany now have a shot at Nations League glory – and a place at the 2024 Olympics – as they prepare to face Spain in the two-legged final.

- DFB

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ OMITTED FROM FRANCE SQUAD AMID POOR FORM

Kylian Mbappé has not been included in France's squad for their Nations League fixtures against Israel and Italy, head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed on Thursday as his captain's absence now stretches to four matches.

The 25-year-old forward has drawn criticism for his performances since he joined Real Madrid in the summer, with the Spanish club trailing Barcelona by nine points in LaLiga and languishing in 18th spot in the Champions League league table. He missed two France games last month, against Israel and Belgium.

"I've had discussions with him, it is a decision that I took for this block of matches only," Deschamps told a press conference. "Kylian wanted to come."

Despite the criticism, Mbappé has scored six goals and provided one assist in 10 games for his new club, but has struggled to form a productive relationship with fellow Madrid star Vinícius Júnior.

Mbappé was caught offside a career-high eight times in last month's Clásico -- matching the highest total for any player in a LaLiga game in the last 15 years -- as Barcelona thrashed Madrid in a 4-0 victory.

"We may not agree on everything," Deschamps added. "These are discussions I can have with the players. I'm not here to be told by the players that I'm the best and the most handsome. I listen to them. I've always been inspired by these discussions, whether individual or collective, protecting all the players..

Kylian Mbappé missed two France games last month. Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

"That's why I can have many discussions that can go beyond the sphere of the pitch, because they know very well that we know who has spoken if something comes up. These exchanges are important to me. With the advantage of hindsight, calm and as much clarity as possible, I make the decisions that seem best to me."

Last month Mbappé was criticised in his home country for skipping Les Bleus' Nations League games against Israel and Belgium while being available to play for Madrid.

France, who are second in Group A2 -- a point behind Italy after four games -- take on Israel next Thursday at the Stade de France and travel to face the Italians on Nov. 17.

France squad:

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens), Lucas Chevalier (Lille)

Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea), Theo Hernández (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio), N'Golo Kanté (Al Ittihad), Manu Koné (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille), Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)

Forwards: Bradley Barcola (PSG), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Randal Kolo Muani (PSG), Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)

- ESPN

ARSENAL SWEAT ON DECLAN RICE FITNESS AFTER BROKEN TOE - SOURCES

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Arsenal are weighing up whether Declan Rice can play through the pain after tests revealed he had a broken toe, sources have told ESPN.

Rice sustained the injury in Arsenal's Premier League defeat at Newcastle last weekend and subsequently missed their midweek 1-0 Champions League loss at Inter Milan.

Mikel Arteta's side travel to Chelsea on Sunday, and a source has told ESPN that Rice is hopeful of being able to manage the issue and start at Stamford Bridge in a game of huge significance to Arsenal.

The north London side are seven points behind leaders Liverpool and five adrift of defending champions Manchester City. Another defeat -- which would be their fourth in seven games across all competitions -- would be a damaging blow to their title hopes.

"I have to be very vague on that one because there's no clarity if he's going to be fit or not on the weekend. That's for the doctor. What I can say is he hasn't trained yet and it's not clear if he'll be available or not to play," Arteta said at a news conference on Friday.

Rice has also been named in Lee Carsley's latest England squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Greece and Republic of Ireland.

It remains to be seen whether Rice actually joins up with the group at St. George's Park but the source told ESPN that the 25-year-old is keen to continue representing club and country if his body allows.

Meanwhile, Arteta said no team would reach 100 points this season as he suggested the title race was more wide open than in recent years.

Only City -- in 2017-18 -- have reached that milestone in Premier League history while Liverpool amassed 99 in 2019-20 and City secured 98 the year before.

However with every team having lost at least once in their opening 10 league games, Arteta suggested the margins are tighter throughout the league and one team is less likely to surge clear of the rest.

"I think everybody has been consistently struggling with the level there is in this league and playing in Europe every three days at that level," Arteta said.

"The temperature has gone up another level, the level has gone up another level. I don't think anybody is going to do 100 points this year. It will require perfection to keep winning.

"We don't know how it's going to play out, if there is a team that is able to do something like this [City's consistency in previous years]. Everybody is struggling, even if they're winning. That's the thing, sometimes the margins were bigger in games. They're not at the moment.

"I've not seen a team being that superior to other teams, but at the end the fact is you have to win and find ways and details to keep the right to win games."

- James Olley, Senior Writer, ESPN FC

ARSENAL'S DISMAL NEWCASTLE DEFEAT PROVES MIKEL ARTETA MADE MISTAKE ARNE SLOT NEVER WILL

Arsenal has won just three of its last seven matches in the Premier League and the Gunners now sit seven points off the top of the Premier League - with Liverpool leading the way.

Slot and Arteta embrace in October (Image: 2024 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)

There have been plenty of twists in the Premier League title race since the October international break, and of all the teams that are expected to be in contention at the business end of the season,

That issue is that Arsenal may be over-reliant on its captain, Martin Odegaard, having won just three from seven in the Premier League since the Norwegian sustained a serious injury in September. Odegaard is still recovering after damaging ankle ligaments during a Nations League game between Norway and Austria earlier in the season.

The reality is, without Odegaard, the Arsenal team lacks a heartbeat and somebody that can set the tempo of its play, so it is perhaps no surprise that the Gunners are struggling for form without arguably their best player.

At Liverpool, meanwhile, it is not the case that the team is so reliant on any one player. Of course, Mohamed Salah has been viewed as the Reds' most dangerous attacking threat since joining the club seven years ago, but when he is not firing, there are plenty of other attackers who are capable of producing the goods.

In Liverpool's midfield, too, there is no one player whose presence is as closely linked to the team's performance as Odegaard's is to Arsenal. Arsenal signed Mikel Merino in the summer and, while he is a good player, he is not in Odegaard's class. Meanwhile, Declan Rice, Jorginho and Thomas Partey are all completely different players to Odegaard, which is why it's been so difficult for Arteta to find a solution to his captain being injured.

On the other hand, Liverpool's midfielders are all of a similar level of quality, while they also share plenty of similar attributes. Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai make up Slot's favored midfield trio, but he also has Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo in reserve, as well as Harvey Elliott when he returns.

The situation goes some way to explaining why Liverpool has opened up a seven-point lead over Arsenal. Of course, things change quickly in the Premier League, but the Gunners have plenty of work to do to reestablish themselves as title challengers.

- Liam Corless

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ DEFENDED BY FRANCE TEAM AMID NIGHTCLUB REPORTS

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Wesley Fofana has come out in defence of France captain Kylian Mbappé after reports emerged that the Real Madrid forward had been in a nightclub in Sweden on the night of his team's UEFA Nations League win over Israel.

Mbappé had already been criticised in some corners for skipping Les Bleus' games against Israel and Belgium while being available to play for Real Madrid even before Swedish publication Aftonbladet said the former Paris Saint-Germain player had been in a nightclub in Stockholm as his compatriots romped to a 4-1 win on Thursday.

The forward picked up a muscle injury in September but made an earlier-than-scheduled return to the pitch in the Champions League on Oct. 2 as Madrid suffered a shock defeat to Lille, and started their subsequent LaLiga game against Villarreal after being omitted from Didier Deschamps' squad over a lack of preparation.

"People can do what they want with their free time," Chelsea defender Fofana told a news conference Saturday. "It isn't something we [the France squad] have talked about today, I hadn't heard about this story.

"He does what he wants; he is a great guy and a great professional. Are we making too much of it? I don't know. He's the best French player, so it's normal that it is very publicised.

"I think that from time to time [the media] go a little too far. You should ask Kylian Mbappé for more information."

Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi also addressed the reports as he spoke with media.

"We have no doubts about Kylian. ... There is no question about his passion [for his country]," he said. "He loves his country; he will continue to help us. We must stop talking about it too much.

"He has days off; he can do what he wants."

France sit second in Nations League group A2. They play Belgium in Brussels on Monday.

- ESPN

ENGLAND CRUISE AGAINST FINLAND IN REBOUND FROM GREECE LOSS

England enjoyed a 3-1 win over Finland thanks to goals from Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium on Sunday to get their Nations League campaign back on track after Thursday's humbling loss to Greece.

England are second in Group B2 with nine points after four games, level on points with leaders Greece who host Ireland later on Sunday, while Finland are bottom without a point.

"I think we could have had a few more [goals], especially towards the end as the game opened up," Grealish told ITV.

"It was difficult at times in the first-half, but we went in at half-time with a one-goal lead, and then I think we dominated the game."

Grealish opened the scoring in the 18th minute with his fourth England goal when Angel Gomes spun and slipped a clever pass into the path of the winger, who slotted the ball into the far corner past goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

"The goal came from the manager letting us play with that freedom," Grealish said.

Alexander-Arnold then bent a free kick from 20 metres over the wall into the top corner in the 74th minute before Rice tapped home substitute Ollie Watkins' cross 10 minutes later after making a bursting run from midfield.

"I was still in my own half, in the box when the ball got played to [Watkins], and I thought 'you know what, just keep going,' and it was just instinct being aware, Ollie's crossed it and I arrived there," Rice said.

Arttu Hoskonen pulled one back for Finland with an 87th minute header from a corner, the lapse in England's defence costing keeper Dean Henderson a clean sheet on his first start.

"At the end, we were a bit gutted as players to concede from a set piece. But ... we needed a win today, so happy with that" Grealish added, who celebrated his goal with a thumb-sucking gesture to celebrate the birth of his daughter last month.

England's interim manager Lee Carsley made six changes from the shambolic 2-1 defeat by Greece at Wembley, with captain Harry Kane back from injury to lead the line.

England also returned to a more conventional formation after Carsley's experimental lineup without a main striker against the Greeks failed miserably.

Carsley has faced scrutiny since the loss, his first since Gareth Southgate stood down as England manager after Euro 2024.

Sunday's win, at the stadium that hosted the 1952 Olympics, kept alive England's hopes of automatic promotion to League A of the Nations League after they were relegated last time out.

They need to finish top of the group to automatically secure a berth in the competition's highest section, which likely means a victory when they play Greece again in Athens on Nov. 14.

Finland will regret missing chances when England led 1-0, including two from Fredrik Jensen who fired just wide in the first-half and missed a sitter early in the second, flashing the ball over from close range and burying his head in his hands.

Game Information

Helsinki Olympic Stadium

7:00 PM, October 13, 2024

Helsinki, Finland

Line: ENG -1.5

Over/Under: 2.5

Referees: Giorgi Kruashvili

- Reuters 

RONALDO GOAL SENDS PORTUGAL TO THE FINAL OF THE NATIONS LEAGUE

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 137th international goal for Portugal as they came from a goal down to beat Germany and reach the Nations League final.

The 40-year-old tapped in Nuno Mendes' low pass in the 68th minute for what proved to be the winner and set up a final against either France or Spain.

Ronaldo's effort came just five minutes after Francisco Conceicao had cancelled out a 48th-minute Florian Wirtz opener for the hosts.

Portugal won the first tournament in 2019, but their hopes of a second success looked slim when they fell behind in Munich.

Bayer Leverkusen forward Wirtz, close to completing a £109m move to Premier League champions Liverpool, headed Germany in front, connecting with a clever lofted ball over the defence by Joshua Kimmich, who was making his 100th appearance.

Portugal were furious the goal was allowed to stand as they thought German debutant Nick Woltemade had blocked off defender Ruben Dias and, despite referee Slavko Vincic being advised to watch the incident again on a pitchside monitor, the strike was allowed to stand.

But substitute Conceicao scored a fine 63rd-minute equaliser.

Having only come on five minutes earlier, he collected the ball close to the right touchline before running at the home defence and curling an excellent finish past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

Ronaldo, unmarked from close range, added the decisive second goal to turn the tie around, although Germany nearly forced extra time when Karim Adeyemi's strike hit the post.

France and Spain play the second semi-final in Stuttgart on Thursday, with the final in Munich on Sunday.

- Michael Emons

BARCELONA COACH FLICK SLAMS WRONG VAR DECISION IN LOSS

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick criticised the "wrong decision" to disallow Robert Lewandowski's goal for offside as his team were beaten 1-0 at Real Sociedad on Sunday in LaLiga.

Lewandowski thought he had opened the scoring at Anoeta in the 14th minute, but semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), introduced in Spain at the start of the season, ruled the striker's toe was marginally ahead of La Real defender Nayef Aguerd's foot.

The hosts went on to win the game through Sheraldo Becker's strike, ending Barça's seven-game winning streak in all competitions as Flick's team failed to find the net in a game for the first time this season.

"It was the wrong decision, clear," Flick told Barça One after the match. "I saw the picture. It's clear, it's clear, but we have to accept it.

"It was not the referee's fault. At the end of the day, we are humans, we make mistakes, and today was a big mistake."

SAOT is not used universally across Europe. Italy's Serie A was the first major league to implement it and there is a desire to introduce it in the Premier League, but its roll out in England has been delayed as testing continues.

Flick was adamant it failed in Lewandowski's goal, airing his thoughts to the referee at half-time, although he played down the idea he had come across as "angry" in the discussion.

Hansi Flick looks on during Barcelona's loss to Real Sociedad, the second league defeat for his team this season. Getty Images

"It was not so angry," he laughed in his post-game news conference. "I said only to him 'It was a goal, it was wrong decision, it was not offside.'

"But it was not his fault. We have to accept it. Until there, with the 1-0 for us, it would be a different match. But at the end, it was different and it was not our day.

"At the end, it's a defeat, but the matches before and after the last break were fantastic. I really appreciate the team and how they are doing."

Barça's second league defeat of the season also came with Lamine Yamal watching from the stands after bruising his ankle in the midweek Champions League victory over Red Star Belgrade.

The 17-year-old, who has six goals and eight assists in 16 appearances this season, did not start the last time Barça lost in LaLiga, either, against Osasuna in September.

"I think it would be an easy answer to say 'OK, we lost because Lamine wasn't there,'" Flick said when asked if it was just a coincidence they have lost both matches the teenager has not started.

"Of course a player like this quality Lamine has, every team will miss it. But at the end, we started good. I think the goal, what I can say it was wrong decision, absolutely, but we have to accept it.

"After the La Real goal we suffered a little bit. I think today was not our day, also in the offence we had not the clear chances to make goals. We made wrong decisions in the last third. We have to accept it today."

Flick added that Barça's and Spain's doctors will now decide whether Yamal joins up with the national team for upcoming fixtures against Denmark and Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League.

The defeat to La Real sees Barça's lead at the top of LaLiga cut to six points, while second-placed Real Madrid also have a game in hand. They return to action after the international break against Celta Vigo on Nov. 23.

- Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens

CRISTIANO RONALDO GETS EMOTIONAL AFTER SCORING 900TH CAREER GOAL AGAINST CROATIA AS PORTUGAL STAR MAKES EVEN MORE HISTORY

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 900th goal of his legendary career in Portugal's UEFA Nations League tie against Croatia.

WHAT HAPPENED?

After Diogo Dalot's seventh-minute opener, 39-year-old Ronaldo bagged the 131st goal for Portugal and the 900th of his illustrious career as he swept home Nuno Mendes' perfect cross on Thursday night at Estadio da Luz. The Al-Nassr star cut an emotional figure after firing the ball into the net, before a Dalot own-goal reduced Croatia's arrears shortly before half-time.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ronaldo will go down as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Apart from the World Cup, he has won every major trophy available to him in a glittering career that has included spells with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus, and more. And despite approaching 40, he is still proving his worth for club and country.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Ronaldo, who featured for Portugal in their run to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals this summer, left United for Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr at the start of 2023 and since then the former Sporting Lisbon ace has scored a remarkable 68 goals in 74 matches in all competitions.

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WHAT NEXT?

After this Nations League match against Croatia, Portugal will face Scotland on Sunday night. It remains to be seen if national boss Roberto Martinez will rest Ronaldo or start the veteran for the weekend encounter.

- Richard Mills