betvisa888European Archives | First Touch - crickex cricket bet

betvisa888 liveEuropean Archives | First Touch - crickex live cricket

firsttouchonline — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 01:09:58 +0000

Long a titan in French football, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have sometimes struggled with European aspirations.

The club has not lifted the UEFA Champions League title even after ten years of strong investment and constructing a world-class team. The question of whether PSG can eventually rule Europe still begs itself as they pursue continental supremacy.

PSG are regarded as among the strongest teams in Europe today. This article discusses the dynamics of how PSG can finally conquer Europe.

PSG: The Strategy

As noted by sports predictions websites like MegaTipsList, PSG’s strategy has mostly relied on marquee signings since the Qatari purchase in 2011—most famously Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé. Although this approach produced success at home, it never turned into Champions League glory. Under present coach Luis Enrique, PSG seem to be honing their approach.

Though renowned for his tactical discipline, Enrique has developed a more harmonic playing style, emphasizing team structure over personal genius. Their defensive discipline and pressing game really show this change.

Unlike past seasons when star power sometimes dominated the team effort, the current group has shown a more balanced approach. Enrique has assembled a strong and vibrant team by deftly combining younger talents like Warren Zaïre-Emery with seasoned players like Marquinhos.

Key to Success: Squad Depth

PSG’s roster depth is one of their biggest strengths for this season. Although Messi and Neymar left a hole in the attack, their leaving also allowed the team to build a more harmonic unit.

Previous years saw PSG’s over-reliance on individual brilliance, especially from Messi and Neymar, frequently resulting in tactical problems. Now, with a more unified and flexible roster, they can field a team that is not only more defensively strong but also more competent at attacking with more range. Dealing with Europe’s best in the knockout rounds, this depth will be absolutely vital.

Mental Resilience: The Essential Element Missing

In past Champions League seasons, PSG’s mental frailty in pivotal times has been their weakness. Fans and experts still clearly remember the catastrophic 6-1 loss to Barcelona in 2017 and the fall-off against Manchester City in 2021. PSG have to overcome this psychological barrier if they are to eventually rule Europe.

The team, as it stands now, exhibits evidence of enhanced mental toughness. The on and off-field leadership of senior players has been priceless since it gives direction and emphasis. The club’s better defensive stability, with players like Škriniar and Marquinhos leading the backline, has also produced a sense of solidity absent in years past.

The real test, though, will be in the knockout rounds since PSG has regularly faltered under duress. Their capacity to keep cool under pressure will decide if they can go all the way.

Starting the 2025 Campaign Promisingly

PSG’s Champions League performance this season has been positive. The highlight of the campaign so far has been knocking out Liverpool, one of the tournament’s biggest favourites, at Anfield.

PSG’s capacity to secure significant away victories has been a major improvement, something lacking in past campaigns most of the time. Their enhanced squad depth and team dynamics could mean that PSG are finally ready to truly fight for the Champions League title.

PSG Show Potential

PSG’s search for European excellence shows more promise than it has ever done. Luis Enrique’s tactical discipline, along with a more balanced team, means the club is now a serious contender for the Champions League title.

Still, their mental fortitude will eventually decide whether they can defeat teams like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. This might be the year PSG at last breaks through and takes front stage as the European football kings. Only time will reveal whether they possess the necessary skills to claim the sought-after trophy.

The published material expresses the position of the author, which may not coincide with the opinion of the editor.

Can PSG Finally Conquer Europe?

betvisa888 liveEuropean Archives | First Touch - crickex88

firsttouchonline — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:06:51 +0000

Ederson, the 24-year-old midfielder from Brazil who plays for Atalanta, is at a pivotal point in his career. After helping his team win their first European trophy, he finds himself linked with some of the world’s biggest football clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool, and Barcelona. This has generated a whole lot of speculation about where he might play next season.

Ederson Linked to Man United, Liverpool & Barcelona.

Ederson’s journey to the spotlight began in 2022 when he joined Atalanta from Salernitana. His performance at Atalanta has been impressive, especially in the 2023/24 season, where he played a crucial role in the team’s Europa League triumph.

This victory marked Atalanta’s first major trophy in over six decades, underscoring Ederson’s significant impact in the team. It was all the more significant given the teams they beat en route to the final, highlighted by the 3-0 thumping of unstoppable Bayer Leverkusen in the final.

His playing style is often compared to Casemiro, known for being strong in defense and effective in moving the ball forward. These qualities make him a valuable player for any team looking for a solid central defensive midfielder. His grit and athleticism in midfield will raise the bar for a lot of sides and it is no surprise that he is very much a wanted player.

Fans of Atalanta must still be in cloud nine over their premier triumph in the Europa League. However, to continue to support and cheer your team to glory, you need to purchase Atalanta tickets from Seatsnet.

Transfer Rumors: Man UTD, Liverpool, and Barcelona have all been linked to Ederson

With his success at Atalanta, it’s no surprise that Ederson is attracting interest from top clubs. Manchester United sees him as a potential replacement for the aging Casemiro, who has been a key player at Old Trafford but might be nearing the end of his peak years.

Liverpool, on the other hand, is looking to strengthen their midfield, and Ederson’s skills could be a perfect upgrade to their current options. Barcelona, always on the lookout for talented players, is also in the mix, along with Atletico Madrid and Juventus.

Despite all this speculation, Ederson remains calm and focused. In a recent interview, he said, “It always happens when the market opens that all the speculation comes, not only about my future, but also for many players.�?This shows that he understands transfer rumors and he prefers to stay focused on his current club and on the national team.

Ederson’s main focus right now is on the Copa America, where he will be playing for Brazil. He wants to concentrate fully on this opportunity and deal with any transfer possibilities after the tournament. “When I received my (Brazil) call, I told my wife and my agents: I’m going to the national team, so you have to deal with what comes and what doesn’t come. It’s my first call-up, so I have to be one hundred per cent with my head there. And then I will think about my future.�?/p>

This indicates that Ederson is not rushing into any decisions and is taking his time to consider his options carefully. He is happy at Atalanta and appreciates his time there, but he is also curious about playing in the Premier League, one of the most exciting and competitive leagues in the world.

The 24-year-old prefers to stay grounded and trust his agent

Ederson’s approach to his career is quite wise and thoughtful. He has a strong relationship with his agent, who has been with him for over 13 years. This trust helps him navigate the confusing world of transfers. “If there has to be some kind of change, I trust my agents,�?he says. This trust and experience help Ederson stay grounded and not get distracted by all the rumors.

He also has a good relationship with Atalanta and feels that if any real offers come in, the club will discuss them with him. This respectful and open communication is crucial for any potential transfer. He knows that his future will be discussed after the Copa America and that he will get some much-needed rest before making any decisions.

One of the most interesting things about Ederson’s situation is his openness to new experiences. While he likes Italy and feels well adapted to Serie A, he is also curious about other leagues, especially the Premier League. “I like Italy, I’m well adapted, but I’m curious about the Premier League, so I don’t know,�?he says. This curiosity shows that he is open to new challenges and experiences, which could lead him to a new adventure in England.

For Atalanta, keeping a player like Ederson is important for their continued success. His contributions on the field have been significant, and losing him would be a big blow. However, they also understand that such a talented player will attract interest from bigger clubs, and they seem prepared to handle that possibility.

For Ederson, moving to a bigger club could be a chance to prove himself on an even larger stage. Playing for clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, or Barcelona comes with its own set of challenges and pressures, but it also offers opportunities to grow and achieve even more in his career.

Conclusion

As Ederson prepares for the Copa America, his future remains uncertain but full of potential. His focus is on performing well for Brazil, and he will consider his options afterwards. Whether he stays at Atalanta or moves to one of the interested clubs, his talent and dedication ensure that he will continue to be a player to watch and be interested in.

This summer will be crucial for Ederson, as it could determine the next big step in his career. It would be interesting to see where he would play his football next summer. But for now, the Copa America is a priority.

The published material expresses the position of the author, which may not coincide with the opinion of the editor.

Ederson Discusses Future Amid Speculation

betvisa888 casinoEuropean Archives | First Touch - crickex live cricket

firsttouchonline — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 23:21:05 +0000

As England endure yet another major disappointment on the international stage, Derek Ross lament’s the nation’s inability to produce a winning midfield.

By Derek Ross

Can England Grow A Midfield?

Yes, I can still feel your pain and share the harrowing descent into the abyss of despondency. The footballing nation of England once buoyant with aspirations is suddenly ensnared in a maelstrom of sorrow, and mightily pissed off!

However, I would ask you to consider for a moment if you will, a garden allotment. The owner of said piece of land grows very fine tomatoes. His onions often win awards at the summer fare. And his beetroot is the finest among all of his fellow allotmentees. But try as he might he just cannot grow broccoli.

For many years he has tried every trick in the book. He has tried different seeds, turned and re-turned the sod, asked for professional advice, watched other expert growers in this field and copied their methods, but the space reserved for broccoli cultivation remains fallow.

And so it goes for our national football team. Our tomatoes are our defenders. They grow everywhere like mint on a pavement. Onions are our central defenders, new ones full of promise sprouting up with gleeful regularity, and the beetroot of our strikers have been some of our sweetest harvests.

And yet the midfield. Ah yes, the midfield. That is our broccoli. The midfield, that fulcrum of the footballing cosmos. Within its bounds, maestros of craft and strategy weave an intricate tapestry of passes and feints their movements a sublime pas de deux of precision and agility. And yet as you read that sentence your mind doesn’t present you with images of Jordan Henderson, but with the image of a Tony Kroos, a Luka Modric, Kevin De Bryune or N’golo Kante.

England's 60-Year Dust Bowl

Since 1966 the England team’s midfield has remained a dust bowl of infertility. From that fertile plain from where Sir Alf and the boys lifted the Jules Rimet trophy, nineteen managers have tried and failed to emulate what remains the only bright star in a footballing sky darker than Victorian basement. But in the wake of yet another painful footballing drubbing doesn’t it beg the question as to what England even consider a midfield player to be?

After all, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are still lauded as being examples of our finest midfield operators. I would suggest that neither were midfield players at all, but attackers in midfield clothing. Their overriding preoccupation was to arrive in the opposition box and to score. Rarely, if ever, would they be seen knitting play from back to front, moving their team up the pitch or controlling the tempo of the contest. They were always looking to go forward themselves at every opportunity.

Paul Scholes is similarly lauded but once he pulled on an England shirt his effect on any England game was a pale imitation of the influence he would command in a Manchester United jersey. Contrast this with Luka Modric. You can count on one finger the number of times he pops up in the opposition box in any ninety minutes, and yet his consistent greatness is undisputed �?as is that of other foreign midfield geniuses from Platini to Iniesta, to Xavi, or Pirlo.

These players knit the team and the tempo of the match together. They provide the vision and artistry from which their teammates benefit. We have all watched and sat in mesmerised anticipation of what they will do once they are in possession because we recognise their obvious skill and ability, and they didn’t even need to score a goal to prove it.

Does The Premier League Hinder The England Team?

There is no doubt that the Premier League is the toughest and most difficult domestic competition to win, filled as it with some of the finest foreign footballing imports that money can buy. Yet one might pose the question as to has this collection of brilliance stifled our own national team development when it comes to the main area of the game?

The best midfield players in the Premier League are without exception all foreign. Kevin De Bryune, Bernado Silva, Rodri, Bruni Guimaraes, Alexis MacAllister and Pascal Gross. English players by contrast are well represented in every other position except that where most games are actually won or lost. Southgate, who has done a better job than many would have initially expected, has decided to call it a day. I don’t blame him. But the appointment of the twentieth manager will do nothing to buck this ongoing trend.

Maybe the Premier League could pass a rule that two out of every three midfield players at every club must be English? Why can we real off the names of the finest central midfield players in the world today and not a single Englishman in the top ten? And when I say midfielders, I am not referring to a Foden or to a Maddison, a Saka or a Cole Palmer. And Jude Bellingham who is similarly not a central midfield player.

England Players Struggle To Emulate Their Foreign Counterparts

Yet the question remains as to why doesn’t the obvious ability of these foreign Premier League midfielders ever rub off onto some of our own?

As Spain slowly demolished Southgate’s men in the central midfield area, the England bench for reinforcements consisted of Adam Wharton (who five months ago was plying his trade at Blackburn Rovers) and Conor Gallagher who runs around the pitch as if he has been stung by a wasp. Kobbie Mainoo showed some promise, but in the final, he was so out of his depth that I was expecting the RNLI to arrive at any moment. Couple to this the glaring technical inability to retain possession of the football for long periods in the business end of a competition which continues to haunt the nation like Banquo’s ghost.

Regrettably, this status quo shows absolutely no sign of ever changing. Southgate may have departed, but the English central midfield remains the elephant in the hallowed rooms of the FA and the yawning chasm that still needs to be filled. Until this happens, the most ridiculous song in the history of international football will continue to be the national embarrassment it has long become. Somehow, we need to find a way to grow some Broccoli instead of endless supplies of cabbages.

Derek Ross is an occasional contributor for First Touch. He also writes for Soccer 360 and The Top Flight

The English Cabbage Patch

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firsttouchonline — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 16:51:17 +0000

Let’s delve into the strategic adaptations and key decisions made by Brendan Rodgers upon his return to Celtic FC, highlighting the substantial influence of Alistair Johnston and others. Rodgers�?tactical insights have steered Celtic through a triumphant season, culminating in a Premiership and Scottish Cup Double. We examine the elements that have reinforced Celtic’s dominance under Rodgers�?guidance, anticipating further success in the upcoming season.

Brendan Rodgers�?Second Return to Celtic: Overview of His Return

Brendan Rodgers�?return to Celtic FC marked a significant turning point for the club. Initially facing various challenges, Rodgers�?strategic prowess and experience quickly translated into measurable successes. The end of the season was particularly notable as Celtic not only clinched the Premiership title but also secured the Scottish Cup, demonstrating a remarkable resurgence under his leadership.

“He is a serial winner. How he handles the press, how he handles his players, it’s something I have never seen before. He’s so personable.

“He just truly gets it. I think he really understands what it means to be a Celtic manager and I have enjoyed every moment playing for him. I have been lucky in my time here. I’ve had Ange and obviously now Brendan and they’ve both been really special in their own ways.

“You saw it in the first season under Ange. It was a bit stop-start and then in the second year, all of a sudden, it was flying. I have a feeling that is kind of the plan for us as well,�?Alistair Johnson said.

Alistair Johnston’s Impact: Transformation Under Rodgers

Alistair Johnston’s arrival at Celtic halfway through Ange Postecoglou’s second season marked a new era of tactical sophistication. Johnston, a celebrated Canada international, has played a pivotal role in strengthening Celtic’s defense and enhancing their attack, contributing to the team’s robust performance in both domestic and European competitions.

Season Challenges: Overcoming Early Struggles

Despite a rocky start to the season, Celtic found their stride under Rodgers�?guidance. The initial hurdles, which included adapting to Rodgers�?tactics and overcoming the departure of key players, were met with resilience and determination. This period of adjustment was crucial in setting the stage for the latter part of the season’s success.

“Was it an interesting season? Definitely. It’s not linear in any stretch of the imagination. It’s been a bit up and down. Injuries, runs of form, runs of out of form, I guess you could say.

“But, at the end of the day, again, we came into the last couple of months of the season where we were still competing for two trophies and it was in our hands. That is something that with this football club, whenever we are living and breathing and still alive in a competition, we are dangerous.

“We have an experience, just the number of trophies some of these guys, Cal, Jamesy, Joe, have won, you are never really out of it. Obviously, when you get a new manager, there is a bit of a bedding-in period and it takes time. Obviously, injuries didn’t help and things along those lines.

“But we are pretty excited with our group and where we can take this. It is going to come down to a really strong pre-season going into, hopefully, a really strong Champions League campaign in a new format, so that’s exciting as well. Of course, you want to be pushing on all fronts, so we are excited for that,�?Johnson reflected.

Winning Mentality: Foundation of Success

Rodgers has instilled a deep-seated winning mentality at Celtic. This mindset was evident as the team not only aimed for but achieved a remarkable double, highlighting their dominance in Scottish football. This attitude is a cornerstone of Rodgers�?philosophy, emphasizing resilience and a relentless pursuit of victory.

Champions League Prospects: Looking Ahead

The upcoming season holds promise, particularly with the revamped Champions League format. Rodgers�?experience and tactical acumen are expected to be key in navigating this competition, where Celtic aims to not only participate but leave a significant impact.

Alistair Johnston’s Game-Changing Presence: Influence on Performance

Many Ontario sports betting apps consider Alistair Johnston’s presence on the pitch a game-changer for Celtic, reflecting his influence in both defense and attack. His robust defensive plays and ability to contribute offensively have made him an integral part of the team’s strategy.

Seasonal Highlights: Key Achievements

The last season was marked by a series of standout performances that underscored Celtic’s tactical evolution. Key matches that led to the Premiership and Scottish Cup victories highlighted the effective implementation of Rodgers�?strategies, with Johnston playing a crucial role in many of these encounters.

Future Expectations: Anticipations for Next Season

Expectations are high for the upcoming season, with Celtic poised to build on their recent successes. The integration of young talents, guided by Rodgers�?seasoned leadership, suggests that Celtic will continue to be a formidable force in both domestic and international arenas.

Tactical Developments: Evolution of Strategy

Rodgers�?ability to adapt and evolve his tactics has been a hallmark of his tenure. This adaptability will be crucial as Celtic prepares for the challenges of the new season, with strategic shifts likely to focus on exploiting the full potential of young talents like Alistair Johnston.

Conclusion

The strategic changes implemented by Brendan Rodgers since his return have revitalized Celtic FC, turning potential into palpable success. With a Premiership and Scottish Cup Double under their belt, the team’s prospects for the upcoming season are bright, backed by a solid foundation of tactical ingenuity and a winning mentality.

As Celtic looks forward, the influence of players like Alistair Johnston will continue to be pivotal in their quest for further glory, especially in the Champions League. The anticipation of what Rodgers and his young squad will achieve next adds an exciting chapter to Celtic’s storied legacy.

The published material expresses the position of the author, which may not coincide with the opinion of the editor.

Brendan Rodgers And Celtic’s Tactical Evolution

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firsttouchonline — Fri, 17 May 2024 13:22:54 +0000

For many decades, Real Madrid have carried the nickname ‘Galacticos�?

It’s a nod both to the nationalism of their history �?they have long been the Spanish club of the establishment, in bitter opposition to the separatist FC Barcelona �?but also their frivolous spending in the transfer market, which over the years has brought them silverware and ridicule seemingly in equal measure.

But there’s a new approach in the Spanish capital, with Real tightening the purse strings (relatively speaking) and relinquishing themselves of their global stars.

And yet, their results on the pitch refuse to suffer�?/p>

Double Delight?

The La Liga title is already in the bag this season �?it has been for many weeks, in fact, with Madrid romping 17 points clear of Barcelona with just a couple of games left to play.

There’s still the lure of continental glory too �?the odds for Champions League 2023/24 make them a comfortable 6/10 favourite to overcome surprise package Borussia Dortmund in the final.

Although they couldn’t add the Copa del Rey trophy to complete a magnificent treble, Real are still very much on course for one of the most stellar accolades in European football �?winning one of the ‘big five�?divisions and the Champions League in the same campaign.

Dortmund vs Real Madrid.
June 1.
Wembley Stadium. #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/Naf4rN8aBy
�?UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 8, 2024

All of this means that since the start of the 2021/22 season, Carlo Ancelotti’s team have won the Spanish La Liga in two out of the three editions and could do likewise in the Champions League.

The New Way

Don’t forget, this is a team lacking the Galactico approach of yesteryear, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Sergio Ramos, and Karim Benzema just some of those to have been shown the exit �?willingly or, in the case of Benzema, with a hint of sadness.

Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard, Casemiro, Isco, Marcelo, Raphael Varane, Martin Odegaard�?you could make a pretty handy team out of the players that Real have allowed to pass through the Bernabeu over the past couple of seasons.

But in their stead has come a gang of hungrier new recruits; each of whom keen to play their part in a new dynasty in the Spanish capital.

The average age of Real’s squad now is a shade over 27, but that drops to 25 and 26 respectively for their midfield and forward options. In short, Ancelotti and his recruitment team have created a monster �?a winning machine that could stick around in Madrid for years to come.

But the Italian head coach hasn’t done away entirely with experience. Dani Carvajal and Federico Valverde remain lynchpins of the team, while the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric remain key pieces of Ancelotti’s squad as they enter the autumns of their respective careers.

Curiously, one of their key figures this term has been a player who can be defined as anything but a Galactico. Joselu spent four seasons in the English Premier League with Stoke City and Newcastle United, scoring just ten goals.

Joselu tonight:

Two passes, two touches in the Bayern box, two shots, two goals!!
After coming on in the 81st minute at 0-1!!
In the Champions League semi final against Bayern!!
At 34 years old!!
The best sub ever!!
�?Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) May 8, 2024

The striker was shipped out to Alaves and Espanyol, before somehow landing on his feet with a loan move to Madrid �?a deal that raised more than a few eyebrows at the club. But nine goals this term, five of which have come in the Champions League, have cemented Joselu’s cult hero status�?if they go on to lift the trophy, his brace in the semi-final against Bayern Munich will forever be remembered.

So will this Real Madrid side be remembered as legends? It’s certainly not the most star-studded of squads in the club’s history, but they’re producing stellar performances where it matters the most all the same.

The published material expresses the position of the author, which may not coincide with the opinion of the editor.

Will This Real Madrid Team Be Considered an All-Time Great in Years to Come?

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firsttouchonline — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 14:49:35 +0000

The countdown towards the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship is on and the continent’s heaviest hitters are making their final preparations ahead of their assault for honours in Germany this summer.

24 teams will descend on Germany to compete for glory in the month-long tournament between June and July in what promises to be a mouthwatering festival of football in Europe.

The last edition of the Euros in 2020 was won in dramatic fashion by Italy when the Azzurri edged out England on their own patch via penalty kicks at Wembley Stadium.

Both the Italians and the Three Lions will expect to be in the reckoning in the latter stages again four years on, though competition on German soil promises to be stiff and at least half a dozen teams will have designs on lifting the famous Henri Delaunay trophy.

This summer’s tournament is also expected to be a hugely popular event in betting communities with bookmakers and UEFA Euro betting sites offering extensive markets and odds for the 2024 iteration of the Euros.

Below, we’ve taken a closer look at the teams that have been priced as favourites to enjoy continental glory in Germany this summer.

Euro 2024 favourites: Can England break trophy hoodoo?

Beaten in the final of Euro 2020 in their homeland and in the quarter-finals of World Cup 2022 in Qatar, England have been on the cusp of getting their hands on silverware for nearly half a decade.

Their eight-year-long project under Gareth Southgate finally looks like it’s ready to bear fruit and equipped with one of the most talented squads at the tournament, the 10/3 favourites will be expected to produce.

The Three Lions�?ranks can boast superstars like Man City trio Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden alongside prolific Bayern Munich frontman Harry Kane and starlets Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) and Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), however, England have a habit of coming up short when it comes to the crunch.

A dearth of ball-playing midfielders has often been their undoing against more technically assured opponents, however, the emergence of silky Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo could add a fresh dimension to England’s central play.

Could a first tournament win since their solitary 1966 World Cup success finally be in the works?

Can Mbappe fire France to glory?

Ousted by Argentina and Lionel Messi in the final of the last World Cup, France will be itching to go one better at Euro 2024 and there is enough star quality in Les Bleus�?squad to collect a first European Championship trophy since their triumph with Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry in 2000.

In Kylian Mbappe, who became only the second-ever player to score a hattrick in a World Cup Final in December, France will have arguably the best individual on their side in Germany and the 25-year-old could be the trump card.

Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni have the physical and tactical traits to provide a rock-solid base for France to build on, while the mercurial Antoine Griezmann, who has been flirting with the idea of retiring from international football after the Euros, is still a potential match-winner at the age of 33.

France have been priced as second favourites at 7/2 to claim the spoils in Germany.

Germany to harness home advantage?

The host nation hasn’t managed to win the European Championship since France achieved the feat all the way back in 1984, however, Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany will be pushing to buck that trend 40 years later.

Appointed in September 2023, Nagelsmann will have presided over just eight games as Germany managed by the time the Euros roll around, though the razor-sharp tactician has already made a positive impact with Die Mannschaft.

Indeed, Germany looked expertly drilled and supremely confident when they beat France 2-0 in a recent international friendly test in Lyon, with youngsters Jamal Musiala (21), Florian Wirtz (20) and Kai Havertz (24) all catching the eye.

Alleviated from the pressure of being pre-tournament favourites, Germany might be a dark horse worth watching this summer and their 13/2 price to win is an attractive mark.

Portugal’s path to the knockouts looks clear

Roberto Martínez ‘s Portugal are priced down the reckoning at a meaty 8/1 to win Euro 2024, though a winnable-looking group and a roster densely packed with top-level performers could propel them deep into the tournament.

Martinez managed to mastermind wins in each of his first 11 games at the helm for Portugal and with momentum to burn, the Seleção should have little trouble in Group F where they will expect to dominate ahead of Turkey, Czech Republic and one of Georgia or Greece.

With Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva the standout names, there are no discernible weaknesses in the Portuguese team, so expect the 2016 winners to be in the mix again.

The published material expresses the position of the author, which may not coincide with the opinion of the editor.

Euro 2024: Who are the favourites to win this summer’s tournament?

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firsttouchonline — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:20:54 +0000

So, Arsenal’s Ben White has decided to turn down one of the most sought-after invitations in English football with an RSVP that basically announces that his presence will remain but a spectral figment at his country’s next footballing soirée.

By Derek Ross

Anyway, cue the predictable moral indignation led by that unequaled footballing mind, who remains on speed dial when nothing else but a bit of gawd blimey will do, Harry Redknapp, who wasn’t long in demanding a public execution or at least that the England ‘door be closed in his mosh.�? Quite.

For whatever reason, and none has been forthcoming, Ben has decided that the kaleidoscope of nations and the symphony of rivalry where the pitch becomes a tapestry of dreams, aspirations and a phantasmagoria of passion appears less attractive than a cold, mid-winter, evening kick-off in Burnley!

The Snub Was Far From Rude

The snub was polite, kindly in-fact, like a dance of a butterfly, gracefully avoiding the cap in the outstretched hand, leaving behind an echo and moans from the usual clowns who fire off both barrels from their shotguns of missed opportunity and for what they see as an unforgivable act of footballing treason.

Ben White’s ability to play a right back and challenge Kyle Walker for that berth, or indeed the possibility of him playing alongside John Stones in central defence isn’t the issue here. When White departed the Qatar World Cup squad ‘personal reasons�?were cited quicker than a divorcing couple could blame irreconcilable differences. Ever since there have been nothing but whispers as to the ‘real�?reasons weaving through the fabric of this conversation, casting shadows of uncertainty upon the canvas of truth. But obviously there remains unfinished business here.

Whatever, or whoever it is that has and, is still it seems, preventing a player who is in a decent vein of form, and whose team currently sits at the summit of the Premier League, from making himself available for selection deserves more consideration and inquiry rather than the Harry Redknapp’s of this world turning up with a bandwagon that the professionally offended are already falling over themselves to climb aboard.

Southgate Feeds Ben To The Wolves

Of course, Southgate isn’t prepared to impart the reasons as to why Ben White has refused to play for his country ever since he picked up his Qatar and left. And your correspondent does not believe for one moment that he doesn’t know. Moreover, by publicly throwing White under the bus on this, Southgate has handed football supporters across the country an open goal of the unmissable opportunity to scream the inevitable idiotic, and no doubt, personal, abuse.

Anyway, who can really know what tenants occupy the mind of a man who when told ‘your country needs you,�?replies thanks but I don’t need you! Maybe Ben White doesn’t fancy eighty minutes on the bench, maybe he doesn’t like time away from his family, maybe, like so many of us, he doesn’t trust Southgate’s instincts for the game. Maybe he can’t stand the sight of Harry Kane! And let’s be honest, dozens of full backs and central defenders share that very same feeling. But instead of any careful consideration or understanding as to what Ben White’s motives might be, the two-footed tackles of ideal speculation fly in.

From ex-managers and ex-players, all of whom are handsomely paid to impart continuous bullshit with absolute authority, to the daily headline-making sports radio programme’s that put John on the line who agrees with everyfink ‘Arry said and that Ben White is an utter disgrace.

Such whimsical frolics and ephemeral dances of conjecture do nothing but reduce the debate to confident assertions of White’s future pangs of regret. And none of this is going to endear Southgate to Mikael Arteta if his title chasing team suddenly become distracted by this oncoming rush of dog’s abuse for his right back.

Surprised There Haven't Been More

But what remains truly surprising is that through the entirety of Southgate’s hand-break style of management and non-victorious reign, others haven’t followed Ben White in declining a silly hat. After-all, our Gary doesn’t usually do form when it comes to team selection. His teams are based more upon players who have never let him down. Players like, Marcus Rashford who have let Manchester United down all season, but somehow remains one of Southgate’s tried and trusted favoured players.

If there’s one thing Gareth loves above all, is it is stalwarts. In-fact Jordan Henderson is such a stalwart that he could play for Dagenham & Redbridge and still not get dropped! That some of these same stalwarts let him down against Croatia, Italy, and France, isn’t something he cares discuss. But Southgate is nothing if not consistent when it comes to picking favourites above players who are cutting a swathe every weekend for their clubs and a deserving of a chance.

Southgate doesn’t trust players who put in solid performances. He doesn’t fancy players like Nick Pope, Cole Palmer, Tino Livramento or Eberechi Eze. He only trusts those he can trust, those who managed to repay that trust by losing a semi-final, a final and a quarter final. Does this explain why he hasn’t won anything and probably won’t?

Derek Ross is an occasional contributor for First Touch. He also writes for Soccer 360 and The Top Flight

Ben White Doesn’t Fancy England

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firsttouchonline — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:36:27 +0000

The latest edition of the UEFA European Championships, Euro 2024, will take place this summer in Germany, with a host of the typical international heavyweights set to go head to head for silverware.

Aside from the main battle to be tournament winners, there will as usual be a fight between numerous standout individuals to earn the Player of the Tournament award.

Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed the award in EURO 2020 as his consistent shot-stopping and penalty shootout heroics were vital to Italy’s successful run.

This time around it is unlikely that a goalkeeper will be termed the competition’s greatest performer, and instead, some outfield stars from the leading teams are set to be in the running.

Harry Kane

England has a remarkable overall team but Harry Kane is without doubt their most impactful player. He is the record all-time goalscorer for the Three Lions despite regularly offering a creative presence to bring others into play too.

Gareth Southgate’s side are outright favourites heading into EURO 2024 across most major bookmakers. This suggests Kane could have a strong chance of finally tasting success in the form of team silverware, as well as boosting his CV with further individual awards.

BetVictor for example offers England at 10/3 to be the eventual winners and like many mainstream odds makers they will offer a plethora of markets and Euro free bets on the competition this summer.

Most betting sites offer markets focused on the outcome of each group and the progression of specific nations throughout the tournament besides the outright odds. A stake in any market could return bet credits up to the value of £40 for those who sign up to SpreadEx or BetVictor.

Perfect afternoon! Gotta keep this momentum up pic.twitter.com/M46KuNBDfb
�?Harry Kane (@HKane) March 9, 2024

Kane’s team are fully expected to go all of the way to the final in continental Europe and that is without doubt partly due to his Bundesliga record-threatening club form ahead of the summer’s headline event.

Over his first 25 league appearances, he averaged 1.2 goals per game for Bayern Munich. If he can carry that level of form into the tournament then the award for the greatest performer should be his for the taking.

Kylian Mbappe

France is the nation that is expected to pose the greatest threat to Southgate’s England.

The most likely final matchup is predicted to be between Les Bleus and the Three Lions at odds of 8/1, which means the standout player of EURO 2024 will likely come from either of the two camps.

France have won every single game under Kylian Mbappe’s Captaincy pic.twitter.com/ultU67A8t3
�?Mbappe Era. (fan) (@KMbappeEra) March 8, 2024

France’s greatest shout at a potential Player of the Tournament winner is Kylian Mbappe, who like Kane is the team’s most influential player in attack.

The Paris Saint-Germain star scored nine goals and put up five assists in eight appearances throughout the EURO qualifying campaign. If he can have a similar goalscoring and creative impact at the competition proper then he could be his country’s most impressive player in Germany.

Mbappe and Kane are both strong picks to potentially win the prestigious individual prize especially as they will captain the two EURO 2024 frontrunners. The direction the award goes could ultimately depend on which team wins the competition, as throughout the history of the award a member of the champions has always received it.

It is tough to see anybody outside of England or France becoming champions of Europe, and that would mean Kane or Mbappe would surely claim the award �?they are the faces of their teams and any success will be spearheaded by them.

The published material expresses the position of the author, which may not coincide with the opinion of the editor.

The battle for EURO 2024 Player of the Tournament award: Kane vs Mbappe

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firsttouchonline — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 12:40:18 +0000

By Derek Ross

Whoever the player is that attracts your weekly adoration you would need to have a petrified heart, devoid of any warmth and impervious to the tender whispers of empathy not to feel some kind of pity for Harry Kane. Despite the England captain, being both his country’s and Tottenham Hotspur’s greatest-ever goal scorer he finds himself on the end of the ongoing accusations of being a failure in the silverware department. I have been mulling this over for some considerable time and, was somewhat reticent to share this revelation in the certain knowledge that mirthful castigation would be certain to rain down on me faster than a Harry Maguire defensive error!

But there must be something going on somewhere among the ethereal clouds in the footballing heavens. As if the man hasn’t suffered enough from accusations of trophy dodging, we now learn of a missing statue of the great man commissioned by Waltham Forest Council back in 2019. Apparently, it depicted a life-sized Kane sitting on a bench, not something he’s ever been accustomed to, and was planned to be erected at Chingford Overground Station where Kane was brought up. The £7,200 statue has lain in the council building during the intervening years becoming as anonymous as Eric Dier in a back four!

Photo by Bayern Munich FC

Is Harry Kane Cursed?

Anyway, my musings have led me to pose this question. Is Harry Kane experiencing Karma for the sins he must have committed in a previous life? Honestly, the man who would struggle to win first prize in a one-ticketed raffle has suddenly found himself in the middle of a footballing maelstrom that’s usually reserved for anywhere Jose Mourhino works!

Kane, finally fed up with life as a serial runner-up at Tottenham, jettisoned his spiritual home to alight upon Bayern Munich, Germany’s very own silver mine with eleven consecutive Bundesliga Titles and a collection of serial medalists. The twelfth would surely be a cinch. A German Cup, and a more than even chance of Champions League glory. Kane’s trophy itch would finally be scratched. The doubters and petty begrudgers would be silenced. And then�?/p>

Thomas Tuchel Binned

The Bayern hierarchy might be willing to overlook certain blips during their usual waltz toward another title. However, losing to teams like the lowly Bochum while Bayer Leverkusen move ever closer to stealing the king’s clothes is not one of them. Unsurprisingly Thomas Tuchel was binned shortly after that defeat, and for falling eight points, currently ten, behind their main rivals, as well as the team’s pallid performances in this season’s Champions League.

The team has managed to reach the last eight of the competition, courtesy of you know who?, but will surely be reaching for an attorney if the quarter-final draw pits them against Real Madrid or Manchester City. More surprisingly however is that Tuchel is to remain in charge for the remainder of the season. I can only surmise that such a decision has been made to ensure that Bayern can squeeze every last drop of dressing room disharmony out of him. Personally, I don’t know anyone who would allow the person who just trashed their home to sleep in the spare room!

And yet, amid this inexplicable chaos, the England captain continues to score with the regularity of Leonardo Di Caprio in an under-twenty-five night club! Sadly, the coveted trophy collection that Kane so desperately covets appears to be fast disappearing over the German horizon!

Can Harry Kane Be Labelled A True Legend Without A Trophy?

Which brings us to the burning conundrum in respect of Harry Kane. Can he be a true legend of the game without a winner’s trophy to his name? Through the ages, the great players have usually been measured by the number of trophies they have managed to win. However, this simple analysis ignores the fact that this is not the best way to gauge any player’s ability.

On the converse side of this coin are those players who have lifted many trophies while those who have witnessed such unexpected triumphs could only raise their eyebrows. Jose Bosingwa, Djimi Traore, David May and Jesper Blmqvist and a few more. Champions League winners all. Great players? Erm �?NO.

In that context I think we could all agree that greatness and legendary status need not necessarily be conferred by the accumulation of precious metal. If one considers, for example, the Oscars. There is a veritable roll call of legends who have never heard their name at the very end of the sentence, �?‘And the winner of this year’s Oscar goes to…�?/p>

Robert Redford, John Travolta, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and Richard Burton to name but a few of those acting giants who never became acquainted with filmmaking’s ultimate accolade. None of them are any less great because of it.

That being said, can a player who has won nothing of any acclaim ever be mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Maradona, Pele, Messi and Ronaldo or any of those other eternal legends who amassed vast arrays of trophies throughout their careers bathing in the bouquet of resplendent triumph, suffusing the senses with an ineffable allure that lingers in the soul long after the battle is won? Your correspondent says yes.

In my view, Harry Kane’s status as a great player is not diminished in any way due to his failure, to date, to land a major trophy. Indeed, he is a member of that small but exclusive and niche collection of legends for whom silverware has proven to be as elusive as a military secret at Mar-A-Lago!

Other Legends Without A Trophy To Their Name

Socrates, the Brazilian midfield maestro should have won the 1982 World Cup with Brazil but didn’t. He never won any league title of any note either. Matthew Le Tissier, or God as the Southampton fans referred to him, was rightly lauded as one of the most skillful players of his generation but couldn’t win an argument. The football aficionados among you will recall the great Tom Finney’s religious loyalty to Preston North End which resulted in never winning him a major trophy.

One of the greatest goalscorers in English, and indeed, world football history, is one George Camsell. George holds the record for the highest goals-to-game ratio for the England national team. This legend spent almost his entire career with Middlesbrough, and once scored 59 league goals and 63 goals in all competitions in a single season, which stands as the second-highest in English football history, behind the great Dixie Dean.

For England, Camsell scored 18 goals in 9 games, averaging two goals every game, which remains a record. Camsell never won a single trophy. And to round off on this particular track Sir Les Ferdinand scored 149 Premier League goals, making him the eighth-highest scorer in the competition’s history. Unfortunately, his goal-scoring prowess never won him a trophy of any description. So, there you go.

I could throw in Giuseppe Signori, or Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank, but I think we need not egg this particular pudding any further. By the way, Roberto Benigni has an Oscar for his performance in the 1997 movie Life is Beautiful, which was arguably more than could be said for his acting performance!

It’s Not Over

Kane’s brilliant career isn’t done yet. Euro 2024 beckons in Germany this summer. England are among the favourites, and another golden boot would look very nice next to a winner’s medal on his mantelpiece. Maybe, Daniel Levy will trigger the buyback clause and bring Kane back to his spiritual home where he will surely smash Alan Shearer’s premier league goal-scoring record and maybe bring the Ange Postecoglu revolution to a career-defining crescendo.

Whether any of this or none of it happens, Kane is a genuine great of the game and a legend, a striker for whom you would gladly pay double the admission price just to watch him, and a genuinely nice guy to boot.

Derek Ross is an occasional contributor for First Touch. He also writes for Soccer 360 and The Top Flight

Harry Kane: Can There Ever Be A Trophyless Legend?

betvisa888 betEuropean Archives | First Touch - crickex cricket score

firsttouchonline — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:32:39 +0000

The coming few weeks are set to be pivotal for Arsenal’s season. They are contesting on two fronts and the coming weeks will determine their season, as far as winning titles is concerned. As things stand, The Gunners are in contention for the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League. Yet going into the crucial days, the North Londoners are not in the best standing in both competitions, not to mention the teams they are set to face aren’t pushovers at all.

In the Premier League, they are third, behind much stronger Liverpool and Manchester City, and with a lot of lessons to learn from their late capitulation last season, which saw them miss out on the league title. There are a lot of moving parts in their Premier League chase and things can change in their favor even without being in action.

The Arsenal run in recent times can be a meal for punters seeking interesting bets across bookies reviewed for their offers and promotions at www.cheekypunter.com/football-betting-sites/. The Gunners can rely on one or two sides in the league to throw them a favor but it is in the Champions League that they seem to be pinned in a tight corner.

Stakes raised

Returning to the Champions League after a long hiatus, it was deemed a positive for Arsenal just to be at the group stages. However, the stakes are for sure elevated and the Gunners, their fans and a number of pundits believe they are favorites to mount a challenge for the big ears.

How this pans out will be determined in the next few weeks. Arsenal are already trailing Porto in the last 16 after losing 1-0 in the first leg match away in Portugal, where it is increasingly becoming tricky for the Gunners. The North Londoners were largely frustrated by Porto, denying them a shot on target before scoring a late winner to shock the side that had scored 21 times in the previous six matches.

The loss aside, Arsenal have a lot of positives to look to. Firstly, they will review this game with the knowledge that they have a second chance in the return leg. Arsenal will also want to take full advantage of playing at home in this game, having done well at home this season.

Available resources

The biggest part of the return leg will consist of how Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta makes use of the players at his disposal. To start with, Arteta will have at least two more players coming back from injury and available for this game.

Thomas Partey started training ahead of the first leg though the manager deemed it wise to allow him more rest time. Then there is the workhorse Takehiro Tomiyasu who is back after the Asian Cup. These two will provide great defensive cover just in case Porto want to put the game beyond Arsenal’s reach. There’s also a chance Champions League specialist Gabriel Jesus could be back from a knee injury in time to boost the attack.

Whichever way this is looked at, the Gunners will be a much stronger unit going into the return leg with FC Porto, both in will and in squad strength. Barring any more injuries, they will go into the game as favorites to oust Porto.

The published material expresses the position of the author, which may not coincide with the opinion of the editor.

Arsenal injury boost, much to take to UCL return leg