International Football
Spain are among five big national teams at risk of missing the 2022 World Cup
The World Cup qualifiers are in full swing in almost all the confederations -Africa, Europe and South America.
There’s still a long way to go until the 2022 finals in Qatar, with fans having to wait a few extra months for next year’s tournament due to it being held in the winter. That said, there are some big-name countries already at risk of missing out on qualification.
Having failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup but going on to win Euro 2020, Italy have shown that failure to reach the greatest show on earth isn’t always as bad as it first appears, but the following countries will nonetheless be desperate to avoid the humiliation of missing out.
Spain
It may be pain for Spain as the La Roja suffered their first World Cup qualifying defeat since 1993 on Thursday in Sweden, ending a 66-game streak, but that is just the latest of Luis Enrique‘s concerns.
The national team haven’t enjoyed the same success in his second spell as the promise they showed in his first might have hinted at, and there is a need to find a regular goalscorer who can deliver at international level.
Alvaro Morata has had his share of criticism since before Euro 2020, while other options have endured similar complications when handed a place in the XI.
Spain must now win all their matches and hope Sweden slip up in order to have a chance of taking first place in their group, but even winning all their remaining games could be a tough task.
Colombia
Almost at the mid-way point of South American qualification, Colombia are in a position that they’d rather not find themselves in, sitting fifth and out of the automatic qualification places.
Currently occupying the spot that would take them into an inter-confederation play-off, Colombia are level on points with Uruguay ahead of them, but just two ahead of Paraguay behind them.
Controversy surrounding the national team and James Rodriguez from before the summer’s Copa America hasn’t helped things.
Netherlands
The European qualifiers are still at their early stages, but the Netherlands have found a lot of stiff competition in Group G.
Currently second on seven points – level with Montenegro and Norway – the Dutch trail leaders Turkey, following their underwhelming European Championship performance.
Ronald Koeman‘s time in charge is just a memory now. They haven’t hit those same heights since he left his job.
Chile
Another South American side who find themselves in trouble. Chile are seventh from 10 sides in qualification and don’t look as though they’ll make it, despite there being time for them to make up ground.
Having enjoyed success in recent Copa Americas and having been an exciting side at a couple of World Cups, their participation in Qatar is very much at risk.
Japan
Japan are a side who should be at every World Cup and they always offer a lot to the tournament.
Just one matchday into Group B of the third round of qualification in Asia, though, they are pointless behind Australia, Saudi Arabia and Oman, who all won their opening games.
There is plenty of time left, but Japan have started in the worst possible way by losing to Oman. The top two teams make the World Cup, with the third team advancing to a fourth round.
-Marca
International Football
Former Chelsea manager, Pochettino takes over US men’s team
Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been named new coach of the United States men’s team, U.S. Soccer announced on Tuesday.
Pochettino, who parted ways with Premier League side Chelsea in May after one season in charge, will take the reins of the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.
The Argentine, a former Paris St Germain and Tottenham Hotspur manager, said his decision to join U.S. soccer was not just about football, but about the journey the country was on and he could not pass up the opportunity.
“The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here – those are the things that inspired me,” he said in a statement.
“I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we’re going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of.”
U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker said Pochettino was a “serial winner with a deep passion for developing players”.
“His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad. We are thrilled to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage.”
The U.S. have been without a permanent coach since a humiliating early exit from the Copa America on home soil in July led to the sacking of Gregg Berhalter after his second stint as head coach.
The 51-year-old boss was first appointed in 2018 and led the Americans to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup, but just weeks later found himself embroiled in a bitter public row with one of the team’s brightest emerging talents, Gio Reyna.
U.S. Soccer’s search for a new coach when Berhalter’s contract expired at the end of 2022 included names such as Canada coach Jesse Marsch, but they ultimately rehired Berhalter in June last year with the full support of the players.
However, it proved unsuccessful as the U.S. failed to progress beyond the group stages of the Copa America after a shock 2-1 defeat to Panama and a crushing 1-0 loss to Uruguay.
Pochettino will take over after Mikey Varas, who has been appointed interim coach, oversaw friendlies against Canada last Saturday and New Zealand on Tuesday.
The U.S. drew 1-1 with New Zealand in Cincinnati after Christian Pulisic’s goal was cancelled out by Ben Waine’s late equaliser.
The U.S. will next play friendlies against Panama on Oct. 12 and Mexico three days later.
-Reuters
International Football
BREAKING – Video: Osimhen accepts to join Galatasaray
At last, Nigeria’s striker Victor Osimhen is out of the limbo. He has accepted to join Galatasaray on loan.
He is now asking for a release clause at Napoli to become €75m instead of €130m
He also wants a break clause for January in case top clubs approach him over move.
The final points are being discussed. He has been videoed celebrating with the Turkey club’s fans.
International Football
Uruguay striker Suarez to play last international match on Friday
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez announced his international retirement on Monday, ending a 17-year career with his national team as their top scorer with 69 goals.
The 37-year-old, who has 142 caps for his country, made his international debut in 2007 and was key in the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup and won the Copa America a year later.
“Friday will be my last match with my country’s national team,” an emotional Suarez told a press conference.
“The fact that is my decision to retire and that I’m not retired because of injuries or that they stop calling me for one thing or another, that gives me a lot of comfort, it helps me individually.
“It’s difficult but it gives me peace of mind that until the last game I have given my all, and that flame has not been extinguished little by little,” the striker added.
Uruguay take on Paraguay at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo on Friday in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup before facing Venezuela four days later.
Suarez scored the stoppage-time goal against Canada that secured third place at the Copa America in July and the striker added that one of his aims was to show he could continue to contribute to the national team.
“My dream was for my children to see me win something important with the national team … that last goal was very nice for them and even though it wasn’t a trophy to take home, it was very nice for them,” he said.
“I wanted to show people again that I can continue to contribute to the national team and, well, I had the Copa America and yes, I could have done it (retired) perfectly after that, but having analysed the situation, I want to do it with my people, in my stadium.
“I want my children to live this experience. Saying goodbye with the people here is something that I don’t know if many have done.”
Suarez has already said Inter Miami will be his last club after joining the Major League Soccer side last year to reunite with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
-Reuters
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