Latest news with #CopaAmericas
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Mac Allister tells Liverpool to sign Tottenham star he rates above Van Dijk
Liverpool are embarking on what is shaping up to be a busy summer transfer window and star midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has now sent a transfer wish to Reds manager Arne Slot Alexis Mac Allister has urged Liverpool to sign Tottenham's Cristian Romero. Mac Allister is currently away on international duty with Argentina, with Romero one of his team-mates with La Albiceleste. Together, the duo have helped their country win two successive Copa Americas and the 2022 World Cup. Mac Allister has also starred in Liverpool's Premier League title win, while Romero helped Tottenham to lift the Europa League. That ended a 17-year trophy drought for Spurs, who are set to undergo major changes this summer. The man who led them to winning the Europa League, Ange Postecoglou, has been sacked. Brentford boss Thomas Frank is expected to replace the Australian. Meanwhile, Liverpool are also embarking on a busy summer window, with Arne Slot keen to ensure his side retain their place at the top of English football. They have already been active in the transfer market, with Jeremie Frimpong having arrived while Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez are expected to join him. And Mac Allister has now urged a fourth move, singling out Romero. In an eyebrow-raising endorsement, Mac Allister also revealed that he rates the 27-year-old as being the best defender in the world. Such a rating would place him higher than Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. Mac Allister said after Argentina's draw with Colombia on Tuesday night: 'Oh, Cuti [Romero]. He's a player I love. The way he speaks and plays. "Sometimes you feel like he's too much because he makes everything so easy. He gives me confidence. For me, he's been the best centre-back in the world for several years.' Aside from winning the Europa League, it was a miserable season for Spurs, who finished 17th in the Premier League table. That led to suggestions that Romero could move on in the summer window. But after lifting the Europa League trophy, booking their place in next season's Champions League, Romero appeared to hint that he is happy with life in the capital city. In a post on social media, he wrote: 'We achieved what we wanted this season as a group, and that's what matters. And….My name is part of the history of this beautiful club. 'I want to thank you all for the love and support every day despite everything, but I have no doubt that staying together led us to success. We must continue, this is the path. "We are the champions of Europe. As a family from start to finish, we deserved this title. No one trusted us and here we are, closing a great season. Thank you all for the love."
NDTV
a day ago
- Sport
- NDTV
Uruguay On Brink Of 2026 FIFA World Cup Berth, Chile Out
Uruguay edged closer to qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Venezuela on Tuesday as Chile's elimination was confirmed with defeat to Bolivia. Goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta secured all three points for Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay in Montevideo to leave the two-time world champions firmly on course for a place in next year's finals in North America. Uruguay moved into third place in South America's 10-team qualifying standings with 24 points from 16 games, behind leaders Argentina, who have already qualified, and second-placed Ecuador. Ecuador can seal their World Cup berth later Tuesday with a draw or victory over Peru in Lima. Venezuela, who are bidding to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in the nation's history, are seventh with 18 points from 16 games. The top six finishers in the standings qualify automatically for the World Cup, with the seventh-placed team advancing to an intercontinental playoff. A Venezuelan victory in Montevideo on Tuesday would have given them a huge boost in their bid for qualification. But Bielsa's Uruguay were always in control, taking the lead in the 43rd minute when Mexico-based forward Aguirre headed home from a corner. Uruguay doubled their advantage just after half time with a fine run and shot from Flamengo winger De Arrascaeta. Venezuela's defeat means that both Brazil and Paraguay have a chance to qualify later Tuesday in their game in Sao Paulo. Paraguay will book their place in the finals with a draw while Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil can punch their ticket with a win. Bolivia defeated Chile 2-0 to end the former South American champions' hopes of qualification. It marks the third straight World Cup that Chile have missed out on following failure to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. The loss continues a dramatic fall from grace for 'La Roja', who won back-to-back Copa Americas in 2015 and 2016.
The Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Uruguay on brink of World Cup berth, Chile out
Uruguay edged closer to qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Venezuela on Tuesday as Chile's elimination was confirmed with defeat to Bolivia. Goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta secured all three points for Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay in Montevideo to leave the two-time world champions firmly on course for a place in next year's finals in North America. Uruguay moved into third place in South America's 10-team qualifying standings with 24 points from 16 games, behind leaders Argentina, who have already qualified, and second-placed Ecuador. Ecuador can seal their World Cup berth later Tuesday with a draw or victory over Peru in Lima. Venezuela, who are bidding to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in the nation's history, are seventh with 18 points from 16 games. The top six finishers in the standings qualify automatically for the World Cup, with the seventh-placed team advancing to an intercontinental playoff. A Venezuelan victory in Montevideo on Tuesday would have given them a huge boost in their bid for qualification. But Bielsa's Uruguay were always in control, taking the lead in the 43rd minute when Mexico-based forward Aguirre headed home from a corner. Uruguay doubled their advantage just after half time with a fine run and shot from Flamengo winger De Arrascaeta. Venezuela's defeat means that both Brazil and Paraguay have a chance to qualify later Tuesday in their game in Sao Paulo. Paraguay will book their place in the finals with a draw while Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil can punch their ticket with a win. Bolivia defeated Chile 2-0 to end the former South American champions' hopes of qualification. It marks the third straight World Cup that Chile have missed out on following failure to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. The loss continues a dramatic fall from grace for 'La Roja', who won back-to-back Copa Americas in 2015 and 2016.
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Aston Villa transfer suspicion and huge concerns raised - 'Didn't see it coming'
Aston Villa have been warned that a recent transfer hint concerning one of their key players could spell bad news for their hopes of competing in the Premier League next season. Concerns have been raised that Emi Martinez 's potential exit from Aston Villa could turn into a "massive problem." Speculation is mounting that the Argentinian goalkeeper could be on his way out after he was seen in tears following his team's last home game of the season against Tottenham. The 32-year-old looked emotional after the 2-0 win over Spurs last Friday as he applauded the supporters, leading to suggestions he was saying goodbye. When later asked about Martinez's future, Villa boss Unai Emery said he could not give any assurances, simply responding "we will see." The keeper has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League ahead of the summer transfer window, with reports in Argentina claiming Manchester United and Barcelona are also interested. Former United and Wrexham shot-stopper Ben Foster has expressed his shock over Martinez's apparent farewell, which he said he "didn't see coming". The ex- England international has also raised fears that it could derail Villa's chances of competing near the top of the Premier League table again next season after describing Martinez as " world class". "At full time, it looked very evident that he is going to be leaving the club in the summer, which is a bit of a surprise to be honest with you," Foster said on his Fozcast podcast. "I didn't see it coming, I really didn't. He's been linked with a few teams, but I still never thought it would materialise. "He was in tears at full time, which leads me to believe that something's already in the pipeline. I think this is a massive problem for Villa and I honestly think it's almost like they're sleepwalking into a massive problem. "There's two people at that football club where I think if they left, it would really trouble them. One's the manager and one's Emi Martinez, because I still think Emi has got another three or four years left at the top level. He's one of the best goalkeepers in the world." Martinez has been a key player for the Midlands side since joining from Arsenal in 2020, helping them to qualify for this season's Champions League and reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup. He has also tasted success on the international stage, winning two Copa Americas and the World Cup with Argentina. While Martinez only signed a new deal last August, which runs for another four years, Villa are now said to be planning for his potential departure. Responding to the speculation about the future of his No. 1 after Friday night's game, Villa manager Emery said: "Of course, it is the last match (of the season) here, and I don't know. We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field, at the moment they are responding and they are so, so focused in how we are preparing and playing each match." Martinez is one of Villa's highest earners and its understood the club is willing to listen to offers. He was bought for £20million five years ago and Villa would likely demand a high price for him. Arsenal target Joan Garcia is believed to be among their list of potential replacements. The Espanyol keeper has a £21m release clause in his contract and has already said he is ready to leave the La Liga side.
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
'I'm uncomfortable talking about Lionel Messi now that our dynamic has changed'
Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano has admitted that he feels "uncomfortable" talking about his close friend Lionel Messi. The ex- Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder has known Messi for decades, having played alongside him for Argentina in the 2008 Olympic Games, countless World Cup and Copa Americas, and, most significantly, at the Nou Camp. However, things are rather different now, as Mascherano is the one giving the World Cup winner orders as the manager of David Beckham's franchise. As his coach, the ex-defender has to put his friendship and feelings for Messi to the side. It's not often a player finds himself in charge of one of his best friends in the game. When he is inevitably asked about his feelings towards coaching his fellow Argentine, Mascherano demonstrated his true thoughts. He told Mundo Deportivo: "Sometimes I feel uncomfortable talking about him because I have been his team-mate for 20 years. Now it's my turn to help him in this stage as a coach. "He is a guy who has already done everything in football. He is the greatest in history and still sets an example of how to compete, continues to lead the way and guides new generations. "Despite having won everything, until his last day on a pitch, he will want to win and do everything to achieve that." Mascherano and Messi enjoyed a golden period of time on the pitch together at Barcelona. While playing alongside the winger, the Argentinian defender won five La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, five Copa Del Ray titles and two Club World Cups. As well as Messi, Mascherano is also in charge of fellow ex-Barcelona colleagues Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez, who were all brought to the club after Messi. Suarez was the only ex-Blaugrana absentee from Miami's recent 3-3 draw with San Jose. Messi played the full 90 minutes but did not register a goal contribution as the MLS sides played out an extraordinary clash that saw all six goals scored in the first half. They are seven points behind Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia but hold two games in hand. After the match, Mascherano demanded his players show more maturity on the pitch. He said: "We're making a lot of mistakes that end up in goals. "We need to take away the positives. We fought until the end trying to win the match, and that's the right spirit. But we have to improve a lot.' After Miam opened the scoring through Maximiliano Falcon within the first minute, San Jose ace Cristian Arango immediately equalised, leaving Mascherano shocked. Referring to the chaotic opening exchanges, the Miami boss added: "We started the match in the best way, but unfortunately, once again, the mistakes cost us too much. "Today the team, despite the mistakes, fought until the end. These are individual mistakes, but also about knowing how to manage each moment of the game." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
