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World Cup qualification

Title: World Cup qualification: Slovakia beats Northern Ireland and forces final

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor November 15, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Slovakia advanced to the final stage of World Cup qualification after a 2-1 victory ⁤over‍ Northern Ireland on November 16, 2023, in bratislava. The win secures Slovakia’s place in the playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The decisive goal came in the ‌91st minute from⁢ former Bundesliga player László Bénes, ⁤mirroring a late winner Slovakia secured against Germany in September. ‌Earlier in‌ the match, goals from Milan Skriniar and David Strelec⁤ were disallowed following Video ‍Assistant Referee (VAR) review for⁣ offside and a foul, respectively. Northern Ireland’s Daniel Ballard received a red card in added time (99th⁢ minute).

Despite⁢ the loss, Northern Ireland remains in contention for a World Cup berth due to⁤ their performance in the UEFA⁣ Nations ⁣League. Their Nations league results qualify them for the playoff round, offering a second chance to reach the tournament. The playoff‌ system provides an additional pathway‌ for teams that did not directly qualify through the standard qualifying ⁤groups.

November 15, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Red for Ronaldo: Portugal misses early World Cup ticket

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor November 14, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Red Card for Ronaldo: Portugal’s World Cup Qualification Delayed

DUBLIN – Cristiano Ronaldo received a red card during Portugal’s 1-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland on‍ November 14, 2025, jeopardizing their immediate qualification for ‌the World Cup. The dismissal, following a VAR review in the 60th minute, marks the 13th expulsion of Ronaldo’s professional career and leaves Portugal needing to secure qualification through a playoff route.

The‍ match, played at the Aviva Stadium in⁢ Dublin, saw ireland take the lead through Troy Parrott, who scored twice in⁣ the first half (17th ⁤and 45th minutes) against a Portuguese side ⁢still building to peak form. Prior‌ to his ejection, Ronaldo had already drawn ⁣criticism for a provocative “crying gesture” directed at irish players, which was met with derisive responses from the home ‌crowd.

The red card stemmed from a challenge with Ireland’s Dara⁣ O’Shea, initially‍ penalized with a yellow card before the VAR intervention‌ led to the harsher decision. Ronaldo responded to ⁣the irish fans’ taunts with a sarcastic applause as he left the pitch. Portugal had⁤ previously missed a match point to secure their place in the tournament. The team will now await their playoff draw to determine their⁤ path to the ⁤World Cup.

November 14, 2025 0 comments

Sport

France qualifies for the World Cup, Portugal not yet after Ronaldo’s red card

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor November 14, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

France⁤ Secures World Cup Berth, Portugal‘s Qualification Hangs in Balance After Ronaldo Ejection

Lisbon, Portugal – November 14, 2023 – France clinched a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following recent qualifying matches, while Portugal’s path to the tournament ‌remains uncertain after Cristiano Ronaldo ⁢received a red card during their contest against Slovakia on Monday evening. The dramatic turn of events⁣ throws ‍Portugal’s qualification hopes into question, potentially sidelining the veteran star from the expanded 48-team competition.

the expanded World Cup format, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has increased the stakes for traditional powerhouses like Portugal.Qualification is now determined by ⁣a new league system across⁢ UEFA, with teams vying for direct berths or playoff opportunities. Ronaldo’s dismissal-the‌ 119th ⁢minute ejection ‍stemming from an apparent elbow-adds significant pressure to Portugal’s remaining qualifying schedule and raises concerns ‌about ‍their ability to secure automatic qualification.

france,currently ranked third in the FIFA world rankings,capitalized on their ‍recent performances to guarantee their place in the tournament. Details regarding their⁤ specific qualifying‍ path and match results were not‌ instantly available, but their consistent ⁤performance under coach Didier Deschamps has solidified their position as a top contender.

This is not the first time Ronaldo’s disciplinary issues have impacted Portugal’s campaign. While his⁣ on-field brilliance remains undeniable, his temperament has occasionally drawn scrutiny. ⁢The Portuguese Football Federation has yet to announce any potential appeal regarding the red card, leaving Ronaldo’s availability for future qualifiers in doubt. Portugal will ⁣need to navigate the remaining matches ‌without their captain and talisman to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup.

November 14, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Nagelsmann Defends Sané Comments Ahead of World Cup Qualifier

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor November 13, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Nagelsmann Defends Sané⁣ Comments as Critics Question ‘Last Chance’ Warning

German national team coach julian Nagelsmann is pushing back against criticism following his remarks about leroy Sané’s future with the team. Nagelsmann stated on Monday that⁢ Sané,‍ returning to the national setup ahead of upcoming matches, understands “what is required” ⁣and that opportunities to prove himself “are no longer countless…at least under my leadership.”

The statement drew ‍fire from football experts like Matthias Sammer and Lothar Matthäus.Though, Nagelsmann clarified⁣ his⁢ comments, stating, “I didn’t use the word last chance either. I ‍said that he doesn’t have countless chances‍ anymore. That’s also a⁣ fact.” He added that the 29-year-old ⁢forward has received significant trust, with ⁢mixed results.

Nagelsmann‍ described Sané as ‌”a damn cool sock” and asserted his ability to handle pressure, responding to Sammer’s claim that ⁣”Individualists need love” by saying, “He got the love ⁤that it hits from me for many years.” Sané is expected to feature in Germany’s attack alongside Serge Gnabry, Florian Wirtz, and Nick Woltemade on Friday.

November 13, 2025 0 comments

Sport

2026 World Cup and Italy’s playoff trauma: Ex-stars sound the alarm

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor November 11, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Italy‘s‌ 2026 World Cup Bid faces Scrutiny‌ After Playoff Heartbreak

ROME – Former Italian national team⁢ heroes are voicing alarm ‍following the nation’s failure ⁤to automatically ⁢qualify for ‌the⁤ 2026 FIFA World cup, triggering a playoff scenario and igniting debate about the current state of Italian football. ⁢The Azzurri, despite a promising Euro 2024⁣ campaign, finished second in their qualifying‍ group, necessitating a two-legged playoff in March 2025 for a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.

The playoff⁤ trauma echoes past disappointments, ⁣especially the shocking elimination from the 2018 ‌and ⁤2022 World cups, and has prompted introspection about Italy’s ability to compete on the global stage. The specter of 2006, when Italy secured its fourth World cup ‍title led⁤ by Fabio Cannavaro and Andrea Pirlo, looms large, with‍ some suggesting the⁤ weight of that ⁢legacy hinders the current generation.The upcoming ⁤playoffs represent a critical juncture for Italian football, with the nation facing the very⁢ real possibility of‍ missing out on the first World Cup co-hosted by ⁤the United States,⁢ Canada, and Mexico.

Italy’s training center in⁣ Coverciano still displays photographs commemorating the 2006 triumph, ‌a‍ constant reminder of past glory. However, analysts suggest this reverence for the past may be⁢ detrimental, creating an unfair comparison for ⁤the present squad. The nation’s deep passion for football, while a strength,‌ also fuels intense scrutiny and anxiety surrounding any attempt to replicate that success.

The November 2024 qualifying results have left Italy in a precarious position, forcing calculations ‍and a⁣ renewed sense of apprehension as ⁤the March 2025 playoffs approach. Despite the current challenges,many remain confident that Italy will eventually return to the World cup stage,though the timing remains ⁤uncertain.

November 11, 2025 0 comments

Sport

-title Schjelderup’s Crime Threatens Norway’s World Cup Qualification

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor November 10, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Schjelderup Admits too Sharing Inappropriate‌ Video – ⁢Will He Be⁣ Removed From National Team?

Norwegian‍ footballer Andreas Schjelderup,21,is facing scrutiny⁣ and debate over his future with the⁢ national team after admitting to sharing a video depicting‍ sexual acts involving minors. The ⁤incident has sparked a national ⁢conversation in Norway ahead of crucial‍ World Cup qualifying‍ matches.

Schjelderup is currently under inquiry in Denmark regarding the distribution of the video. He ‍stated via Instagram‌ over the weekend that the incident occurred two years ago, when he forwarded the video to a friend “without thinking about it.” He described it as “a stupid and one-time mistake that I deeply‍ regret.”

The case is scheduled to be heard in Copenhagen in November, with Schjelderup anticipating a probationary sentence. He⁢ currently plays‍ for Benfica in Lisbon.

The timing of this revelation is particularly sensitive, as‌ Norway is preparing for vital World Cup qualifiers against Estonia on Thursday and Italy ‍on Sunday.Norway currently⁣ leads Group I,⁤ holding a three-point advantage ⁤over Italy.‌ A group win guarantees direct qualification for the world Cup,‌ while second place would necessitate a playoff berth.

Schjelderup reportedly⁤ wished for the‍ news ⁣to⁤ remain private‍ until after the international matches. However, ⁣the issue has ‍already ⁣ignited important discussion in norway, with some calling⁤ for his exclusion from the upcoming games to avoid ⁢distracting the ⁢team. ‌

Kristoffer ⁢Løkberg, a former footballer and TV expert, told the newspaper ⁤ Verdens Gang:⁣ “This matter will shape the first days of readiness, that’s one hundred percent certain.”

Mina Finstad Berg, ⁤a sports commentator for TV2, expressed concern over the excessive attention⁣ the case is ‌receiving. A journalist ⁤from NRK even advocated for Schjelderup’s temporary removal‌ from‌ the national team, stating, “He shouldn’t be there. Because such actions do⁤ not belong to our best men.”

Despite acknowledging Schjelderup’s actions as “incredibly stupid,” national coach ⁢Ståle Solbakken has expressed confidence in ‍the player’s remorse and future ‌conduct. “I am firmly convinced that he has learned from it and will never do anything like ⁣that again,” Solbakken said.

Solbakken ⁣has confirmed ‍that Schjelderup will remain with the team, stating, “It’s hard for Andreas, so we have to take good care of him when he comes to training on Monday.”

November 10, 2025 0 comments

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