European Super Football

Netherlands 1 - 1 Hungary Virgil van Dijk was sent off as the Netherlands secured a Nations League draw in Hungary. Author - William G The home side took the lead with Roland Sallai’s well-placed volley in the first half. However, Liverpool defender Van Dijk saw red after picking up two yellow cards within just three minutes. The first came for dissent, and the second followed after he fouled Kevin Csoboth on the wing. It was Van Dijk’s first red card for the Netherlands, in what was his 77th international appearance.  Despite being down to 10 men, the Dutch quickly equalised, with Denzel Dumfries heading in from Cody Gakpo’s free-kick. UEFA Nations League (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) What do you think of the international break? (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Before his sending-off, Van Dijk had completed an impressive 145 out of 152 passes, nearly matching Hungary’s entire team, who managed 173 passes in total. Following the dismissal, the Netherlands confirmed on Satur...

Let's have a look at some of the best reaction as Brentford and Liverpool played a thrilling 3-3 draw on Saturday evening. Watch the video below to see some of the great football that was on display. Post match tweets from the players involved Ivan Toney tweeted: "Good shift from the boys today. Great character coming from behind against one of the best teams in the world. Deserved a point minimum. We go again next week." Pontus Jansson added: "What an intense night that was. Hope you enjoyed it and thanks for that fantastic support!" What an intense night that was. Hope you enjoyed it and thanks for that fantastic support! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/HtSdMqPmOu — Pontus Jansson (@PJansson5) September 25, 2021 Liverpool would have been less happy with the result and would have very much seen this as two points dropped. Curtis Jones expressed the disappointment on Twitter at being denied three points, despite his goal in the thrilling draw. Virgil van Dijk then tweet...

Is this all about desperation or a good chance to sign a bargain? This article will explore some of the best signings from the the January Transfer Window. Is it a good time to sign players or not? Author - Liam C Seamus Coleman There will be players on this list with a higher profile but very few that work out at better value for money than Coleman. Everton signed him from the Irish side Sligo Rovers in 2009. He has eclipsed 350 first-team appearances for the Merseysiders and has captained the team in recent times. The player has been an excellent servant for the Blues and has shown there is no shortage of talent across the top flight in Ireland. Patrice Evra In December 2005, French sources revealed that Manchester United was interested in signing Evra. Despite rumours that Monaco had reached a transfer agreement with Internazionale. On the 3rd of January 2006, Evra revealed he preferred to move to England to join Manchester United. He finally moved to Old Trafford a few days lat...

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 0 Liverpool Plymouth Argyle pulled off a classic FA Cup shock as the Championship’s bottom side sent Premier League leaders Liverpool crashing out in front of a raucous Home Park crowd. Author - William G Stadium - Home Park Arne Slot made 10 changes to the Liverpool side that cruised past Tottenham to reach the Carabao Cup final—and it backfired spectacularly as Plymouth seized their moment to book a place in the fifth round. A cagey contest burst into life eight minutes after the break when the hosts were awarded a penalty for Harvey Elliott’s handball. Ryan Hardie stepped up and smashed the spot-kick past Caoimhin Kelleher to send Home Park into pandemonium. Hardie almost doubled his tally moments later, only for Kelleher to tip his effort onto the post. Liverpool pushed for an equaliser late on, but Plymouth keeper Conor Hazard produced two stunning saves—first to deny Diogo Jota, then somehow keeping out Darwin Nunez’s close-range header. The final whistle ...

This article will explore the best signings in the January Transfer Window. Is it a good time to sign players or not? Seamus Coleman There will be players on this list with a higher profile but very few that work out at better value for money than Coleman. Everton signed him from the Irish side Sligo Rovers in 2009. He has eclipsed 350 first-team appearances for the Merseysiders and has captained the team in recent times. The player has been an excellent servant for the Blues and has shown there is no shortage of talent across the top flight in Ireland. Patrice Evra In December 2005, French sources revealed that Manchester United was interested in signing Evra. Despite rumours that Monaco had reached a transfer agreement with Internazionale. On the 3rd of January 2006, Evra revealed he preferred to move to England to join Manchester United. He finally moved to Old Trafford a few days later. Despite a difficult start, Evra became a fan favourite with Manchester United supporters. Ne...

 Liverpool 0 - 1 Crystal Palace  Crystal Palace have done it against Liverpool again.  Older fans of the London club would have been taken back to the 1990 FA Cup semi-final. Younger fans would have been remembering that stunning comeback from 3-0 down in 2014 that wrecked their title chances. What is it about Palace and destroying Liverpool's trophy dreams? The reaction to the final whistle suggested that this was a hugely damaging week for Liverpool. Jürgen Klopp congratulated his opponent on a Crystal Palace victory that has reverberated at both ends of the table before puffing out his cheeks and shaking his head in despair.  At the end of the match, Andy Robertson looked like he was in a trance. The home fans filed out of Anfield in total silence. In a title race with the tightest margins, Liverpool have blinked first.  Arsenal, would of course, blink later on in the day. This ultimately makes it advantage for Manchester City. It's starting to look like ...

 Netherlands 2 - 0 Qatar How far can Netherlands go? In-form Cody Gakpo scored again as the Netherlands finished top of Group A, ending Qatar's involvement at their home World Cup with a third consecutive defeat. ▶ The Netherlands have never been eliminated from the group stages of a World Cup (nine tournaments and counting...) 🇳🇱 1974, 1978, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022... #Qatar2022 #FIFAWorldCup #QAT #NED pic.twitter.com/vYZcVKszvs — playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) November 29, 2022 Qatar's dismal showing means they became the first host nation to exit the tournament with three group-stage losses, finishing bottom with no points. PSV Eindhoven winger Gakpo has now scored the opening goal in all three of the Netherlands' group games, driving forward and rasping a finish into the bottom corner on this occasion. Highlights from  BBC Sport - YouTube Qatar looked to hit back immediately but Ismaeel Mohammad's shot on the stretch from outside the ...

Liverpool 3 - 1 Southampton Mohamed Salah converted two penalties as Liverpool came from behind to defeat bottom-club Southampton for the second time this season, stretching their lead at the top of the Premier League to 16 points. Author - William G Stadium - Anfield The Reds were far from their fluent best following their energy-sapping late win over Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, but at this stage of the campaign, securing results is all that matters. This latest victory moves them another step closer to the title, while Southampton remain in serious danger of recording the lowest Premier League points tally in history. The visitors dared to dream when Will Smallbone capitalised on a calamitous mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson to squeeze the ball in from a tight angle. However, Liverpool boss Arne Slot responded with a triple substitution at half-time, and the hosts looked revitalised after the break. Premier League: 2024/2025 season Liverpool v Wolves Match Report Da...

Netherlands v Spain Preview Spain, the reigning UEFA Nations League champions, head to Rotterdam for the first leg of their quarter-final clash against the Netherlands. Author - Ajay Feyenoord's stadium will host the match The winners of this two-legged tie will progress to the semi-finals in June, where they will face either Croatia or France. After being knocked out by England in the Euro 2024 semi-finals last summer, the Netherlands secured second place in League A Group 3 of the Nations League, picking up nine points from six matches (W2 D3 L1) in the latter half of last year. Since the competition's inception in 2018, the Dutch have twice come close to lifting the trophy—finishing as runners-up to Portugal in 2019 before losing the third-place playoff to Italy in 2023. READ MORE: What's the point of the UEFA Nations League Manager Ronald Koeman will be looking to shore up a defence that struggled during the group stage, conceding seven goals—the most of any team at...

The shortlist for Ballon d'Or 2022  has been announced, and there have been some interesting developments. Let's take a look at some of the talking points. No Messi and Neymar! Lionel Messi and Neymar have not been included on the 30-man shortlist for the 2022 Ballon d'Or. The Argentina international has won the most Ballons d'Or in history with seven, but he did not make the list despite scoring 11 goals in 34 matches for Paris Saint-Germain last season. His team-mate Neymar is also not on the list. He played just 28 times for PSG last season in an injury-hit campaign. Kylian Mbappe does make the list. Recognition for the Lionesses  England's Euro 2022 success has been recognised. Millie Bright, Beth Mead and Lucy Bronze have been nominated for the women's Ballon d'Or, awarded to the best female footballer of 2022. Women's Euro 2022: England win after dramatic final (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Who could win it? Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, ...

Netherlands 0 - 0 France The Netherlands and France played to a stalemate in Leipzig, leaving both teams level on four points at the top of Group D. Pre match scenes at Netherlands v France The group remains wide open heading into the final matchday, with little to separate the Netherlands and France. Defenders took centre stage in this encounter, with Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk standing out as he effectively neutralised France's formidable attacking threats. The 1988 champions almost took the lead within the first minute, as Jeremie Frimpong displayed blistering speed to latch onto a through ball, only to have his shot turned away by France's goalkeeper Mike Maignan. France's captain Antoine Griezmann appeared poised to break the deadlock in the 15th minute after Adrien Rabiot set him up perfectly close to goal, but he failed to control the ball in time. Griezmann also curled a shot wide shortly after. Both sides had opportunities to win Marcus Thuram...

Liverpool 0 - 1 Nottingham Forest Callum Hudson-Odoi and an unbeaten Nottingham Forest shocked Liverpool at Anfield, putting an end to Arne Slot's flawless start as Liverpool manager. Coming off the bench, Hudson-Odoi cut in from the left and curled a perfectly placed shot into the far bottom corner, leaving Alisson with no chance. This marked Forest's first win at Anfield in any competition since 1969. Liverpool had come into the game brimming with confidence, having secured three consecutive wins without conceding a goal. And the home side certainly had the better opportunities in the first half. Luis Diaz came closest for the hosts before the break, chasing down what seemed a lost cause, cutting inside, and smashing a shot against the near post from a tight angle. Forest keeper Matz Sels made an important save to deny Alexis Mac Allister's header and had a lucky escape when he almost let Diaz’s shot slip into his own net moments later. After the break, Forest showed...

Austria 3 - 2 Netherlands Austria delivered a stunning performance that will surely turn heads at Euro 2024, defeating the Netherlands to advance to the last 16 as Group D winners. Despite a challenging draw against the Dutch and France, Ralf Rangnick's team triumphed in two of their three matches, finishing at the top of the table. The Netherlands had already secured their spot in the last 16, but will now progress as one of the best third-placed teams, with France taking second place after their 1-1 draw with Poland.  Austria's victory was thoroughly deserved, showcasing their spirit and determination throughout. They responded admirably to a strong start from the Netherlands in the second half, with Marcel Sabitzer’s goal sealing the win. The Austrians took an early lead in the sixth minute when Donyell Malen turned Alexander Prass’s dangerous cross into his own net. Although Malen had a chance to redeem himself but fluffed his shot, Austria dominated possession, often...

Romania 0 - 3 Netherlands Substitute Donyell Malen scored twice, and Cody Gakpo netted his third goal of Euro 2024, guiding the Netherlands to a victory over a determined Romania and securing their first quarter-final berth in 16 years. Liverpool's Gakpo opened the scoring with a superb finish midway through the first half, cutting inside before driving the ball into the bottom corner. The Netherlands squandered several chances after that but ensured they didn't regret it when substitute Malen tapped in late from Gakpo's pass. Malen then sealed what was ultimately an impressive win for the Netherlands, exploiting Romania's forward push by charging towards goal and calmly slotting home. It was a vastly improved performance from the Netherlands, who initially faced intense pressure from a lively Romanian side, backed by their vibrant fans. Romania's early pressing forced errors from the Dutch, nearly capitalising when Dennis Man's shot narrowly missed. Howeve...

Aston Villa 2 - 2 Liverpool Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points after a thrilling draw against Aston Villa. Author - William G Stadium - Villa Park The Reds, unbeaten in the league since their 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield in September, were made to pay for defensive lapses and a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal. Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead in the 29th minute, but Villa responded through Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins. Trent Alexander-Arnold then equalised 16 minutes into the second half to ensure the points were shared. With their lead over second-placed Arsenal now extended, Arne Slot’s side face Manchester City on Sunday in what could prove to be a pivotal week in the title race. Meanwhile, Arsenal host West Ham on Saturday, knowing that a win – coupled with a Liverpool defeat at the Etihad – would put them within touching distance of the leaders with a game in hand. For Villa, Marcus Rashford was handed his ...

 Arsenal 3 - 1 Liverpool Arsenal narrowed Liverpool's lead at the summit of the Premier League to two points following a well-deserved victory at the Emirates Stadium. Before this dramatic match, Arsenal believed that a loss would have hugely negatively impacted their title chances. Their cause was significantly aided by two blunders from Liverpool's typically reliable goalkeeper, Alisson, who generously handed Arsenal the goals securing three vital points. The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes as Arsenal handed Liverpool only their second league defeat this season, the first since a highly controversial loss at Tottenham in late September. Arsenal reaped the rewards of a swift start when Bukayo Saka provided a 14th-minute lead , slotting home a rebound after Alisson saved from Kai Havertz. Despite dominating proceedings, defensive chaos allowed Liverpool to level seconds before the break, with Gabriel inadvertently turning the ball into his own net following a mix-up bet...

There has been some interesting nominations for the Ballon d’Or Scott McTominay has been shortlisted for the 2025 men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Scot to be nominated for the award since Ally McCoist in 1987. Author | Josh D The 28-year-old midfielder joined Napoli from Manchester United last summer in a £25m deal and played a central role in their Serie A title triumph. He scored 12 goals in 34 league appearances and was named Serie A’s player of the year . His inclusion among the 30 nominees caps a remarkable rise for the Lanarkshire-born player, who left his boyhood club after a decade at Old Trafford in search of more regular first-team football. The winner will be revealed on 22 September. Conte turns McTominay into a superstar Scott McTominay has thrived since joining Napoli , but his resurgence can be traced back to a key tactical change introduced by Antonio Conte. During his time at Manchester United, McTominay was typically used as a defensive midfielder, of...

PSV 3 - 2 Liverpool A much-rotated Liverpool side secured top spot in the Champions League league phase, despite seeing their perfect record end with a 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven. Author - William G Having won their first seven matches, the Reds twice took the lead in the Netherlands but were pegged back, conceding twice late in the first half of their final group fixture. However, with Barcelona failing to beat Atalanta, Arne Slot’s side finished top of the standings on 21 points, two clear of their nearest challengers. The first half was full of action, with Cody Gakpo putting Liverpool ahead from the penalty spot against his former club after Federico Chiesa was fouled by Joey Veerman. Johan Bakayoko levelled with a superb turn and finish, but Harvey Elliott restored Liverpool’s advantage, reacting quickest after Chiesa’s shot was parried into his path. However, goals from Ismael Saibari and Ricardo Pepi turned the game in PSV’s favour, handing the Premier League leaders their ...

Netherlands 2 - 1 Turkey The Netherlands came from behind to defeat Turkey, setting up a Euro 2024 semi-final against England. An own goal by Mert Muldur, pressured by Cody Gakpo, helped the Dutch take the lead after trailing at half-time. Turkey's centre-back Samet Akaydin had put his team ahead, heading in Arda Guler's cross after an impressive first half. He celebrated by running to the fans, kissing his badge, and kneeling to pray, while the substitutes sprinted down the touchline. However, Turkey's joy was short-lived as the Netherlands, sluggish in the first half, came alive after the break, inspired by substitute Wout Weghorst. Stefan de Vrij equalised with a header, shortly after Weghorst made a crucial defensive interception to prevent Kaan Ayhan from scoring. Turkey nearly extended their lead when Real Madrid's Guler hit the post with a stunning free-kick but failed to capitalise on their opportunities. Now, Ronald Koeman's side will face England in Do...