Spain playmaker Xavi has given a strong indication that he will take part in the 2014 World Cup if he feels fit.
The 32-year-old, who had two assists for Spain in the 4-0 victory against Italy in the Euro 2012 final, had claimed on Saturday he was unsure about his future in the national team.
He will be 34 years old by the time the World Cup starts, but he does not rule out the possibility of making himself available for selection for the tournament in Brazil.
If I feel fine, I will be there, Xavi told Marca. I will speak with coach Vicente del Bosque but in principle, yes I will be there.
Xavi admitted that he had been lacking his incisive touch during Euro 2012, but returned to his best with an impressive display against Italy with two assists.
…
Phil Foden wants England s players to take responsibility as they aim to discover their best form at Euro 2024.
England have limped through the tournament so far, and looked to be heading out in the last 16 until Jude Bellingham s last-gasp overhead kick against Slovakia.
The Three Lions turned things around in extra time, with Harry Kane heading in the winner, but the level of their displays continues to be underwhelming.
Gareth Southgate, who will manage his 100th match in charge of England when they take on Switzerland on Saturday, has taken much of the criticism, but Foden says the players must shoulder responsibility.
The players have got to take some of the blame, Foden said.
There has to be some leaders to get together and find out a solu…
Juventus are favourites to make it seven Serie A titles in a row but their rivals are sniffing blood ahead of the Old Lady s Serie A opener versus Cagliari on Saturday.
AC Milan s remarkable transfer spurge – and one showpiece signing in particular – could have wide-reaching ramifications in Italy s top flight, where the stakes are raised by four Champions League places being on offer for the first time since 2010-11.
Video Assistant Referees (VAR) are also on the agenda, while SPAL are back in Serie A after a 49-year absence and recently averting financial ruin.
Here we look at some of the major issues on the table as Massimiliano Allegri s Juve aim to preserve their dynasty.
Milan clubs aiming to re-establish big three
Andrea Pir…
Many will see Group H as being one of the weakest in the competition, but that does not mean we will not witness some very interesting games. One of Europe s most exciting sides, Belgium are expected to go far at the tournament in Brazil and no doubts they are the favourites for the first position in the group.
Fabio Capello s Russia may not boast a star-studded squad, but they have a number of quality players in the side and certainly have the potential to surprise. Korea Republic, one of Asia s best sides, also have high hopes at their fourth successive World Cup, whereas Algeria are seen as the weakest side in the group, but that certainly does not mean they do not have the quality to play at this level.
Winners of Group H
Even if this seems like a pretty evenly mat…
It was more European Championship heartbreak for England on Sunday as Mikal Oyarzabal stepped off the bench to fire Spain to a 2-1 victory in the final.
The Three Lions were eyeing another rescue act when substitute Cole Palmer cancelled out Nico Williams opener, but La Roja came on strong in the dying moments and Oyarzabal turned home Marc Cucurella s pinpoint cross with four minutes left.
While Spain lifted the trophy for a record-breaking fourth time, moving clear of Germany for the most titles won, it s back to the drawing board for England.
Here, we run through the best Opta stats to emerge from the showpiece game in Berlin.
2024 CHAMPIONS: Spain
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024)
Spain 2-1 England: No redemption for Three Lions as Yam…
Santi Cazorla announced he was leaving Arsenal on this day in 2018 after six years with the club.
The Spain midfielder, then aged 33, had made 180 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, scoring 29 goals, following his arrival from Malaga in 2012.
Out of action since October 2016 due to an Achilles injury, he was set to depart with his contract coming to an end.
Cazorla’s time with Arsenal included two FA Cup triumphs, with him scoring a free-kick in the 2014 final, which Arsene Wenger’s side won 3-2, to begin a comeback after they had fallen 2-0 behind to Hull at Wembley.
In a video addressing fans, Cazorla said: “I am very sad to be leaving after so many great times.
“I have loved my time with the club and I will always remember…
A pair of aspiring AFC title hopefuls do battle when the Cleveland Browns visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
Both teams are 3-1, with Cleveland coming off a dominating defensive performance at Minnesota, while the Chargers offense torched rival Las Vegas on Monday Night Football.
NFL betting lines have this essentially as a pick’em, with the home Chargers 2-point favorites over a Browns team playing its second straight road game.
Here are our best free NFL picks and predictions for Browns vs. Chargers on Sunday, October 10, with kickoff at 4:05 p.m. ET.
…
We’re still a ways away from seeing the 2022 NFL season in action, but that doesn’t mean the league has kept quiet. We break down all the biggest news in this edition of our NFL betting notebook.
…
Marquez Valdes-Scantling erupted for 116 yards against the Bengals two weeks ago in the AFC Championship but the Super Bowl odds suggest the Kansas City wideout will see regression tonight.
The Over/Under for Valdes-Scantlings receiving yards Super Bowl player props is set at around 36.5. With MVS coming off an MVP-caliber performance in his last game is that modest number ripe for the picking or should you consider fading him against an elite Eagles pass defense?
I let you know with my Super Bowl picks for Valdes-Scantling, including a four-leg same-game parlay.
…
The Green Bay Packers will look to get back to a .500 record this week when they travel to altitude and face the 1-5 Denver Broncos, who have yet to win against the NFL odds spread this year.
With both clubs getting extra rest going into Week 7, could bettors be forgetting about the recent quarterback play on both sides which could be leading to some prop Unders?
Here are my free NFL picks for the Packers vs. Broncos on October 22.
…