Ronaldo and Mbappé Back Dembélé for Ballon d’Or 2025 – Lamine Yamal Left Out?

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Ronaldo and Mbappé Back Dembélé for Ballon d’Or 2025 – Lamine Yamal Left Out?

Ronaldo and Mbappé Back Dembélé for Ballon d’Or 2025 – Lamine Yamal Left Out?

The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is heating up, and it’s already stirring up big opinions from some of the biggest names in football. Two front-runners have emerged: Ousmane Dembélé, who helped PSG win a historic quadruple (yep, including their first-ever Champions League title!), and Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation who led Barcelona to a domestic treble.

Sounds like a tight race, right? Well, not according to Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo—they’ve both made it clear who their pick is. Spoiler alert: it’s not Yamal.

Mbappé Is All-In on Dembélé

When asked who deserves to win the Ballon d’Or this year, Mbappé didn’t hesitate.

“Would I vote for Dembélé? Yes. I don’t think it needs much explaining,” he said confidently. “People are talking about Lamine Yamal and Dembélé, but my choice is clear: I vote for Dembélé.”

And honestly, Dembélé's numbers are hard to argue with. He scored 33 goals and assisted 15 across 49 matches. In the Champions League alone, he racked up 14 goal contributions—including two assists in the final against Inter Milan. He was absolutely clutch in the biggest moments.

Mbappé knows this firsthand. He played alongside Dembélé at PSG before moving to Real Madrid. Even though they now play for rival clubs, they still link up on international duty with the French national team. So yeah, he’s seen Dembélé’s magic up close.

What About Lamine Yamal?

It’s not like Yamal hasn’t been amazing too. The teenage star lit up La Liga with Barcelona and was a huge part of their treble win. Plus, he’s already performing like a veteran at just 17. Remember his brace against France in the UEFA Nations League semifinals? That wild 5–4 win over Mbappé’s squad? Yeah, that happened.

But still, he didn’t get the nod from Mbappé—or from Cristiano Ronaldo, for that matter.

Ronaldo said something that gives us a pretty big hint about where he stands: “In my opinion, whoever wins it should be on a team that has won trophies. The Ballon d’Or winner should be in a team that has won the Champions League.”

Boom. That’s a not-so-subtle nod to Dembélé, especially since Barcelona and Yamal were knocked out in the Champions League semifinals.

Ronaldo Still Shows Respect

Even though Ronaldo seems to favor Dembélé, he did throw some support Yamal’s way. “Lamine Yamal is doing very well, taking advantage of his talent. Let the kid grow. Don’t put too much pressure on him. He has no shortage of talent.”

Basically, Ronaldo’s saying: chill out and let the kid develop without piling on expectations. Fair enough.

Who Deserves It More?

So, who really deserves to win the Ballon d’Or 2025? If you go by trophies and stats, Dembélé’s got a solid case. But Yamal’s rise at such a young age is something we don’t see every day. He’s not just talented—he’s making a real impact in huge games.

At the end of the day, the voters will decide. But when two legends like Ronaldo and Mbappé are this vocal about their choice, it definitely shakes things up.

What do you think? Should the Ballon d’Or go to Dembélé for his trophy-laden season, or does the future belong to the teen prodigy Lamine Yamal?

Portugal vs Spain: Nations League 2025 Final Preview, Predictions & Lineups

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Portugal vs Spain: Nations League 2025 Final Preview, Predictions & Lineups

Portugal vs Spain: Nations League 2025 Final Preview, Predictions & Lineups.

Get ready for a heated clash in the UEFA Nations League Final 2025! Two familiar neighbors—Portugal and Spain—are set to face off on Sunday, June 8th, in a high-stakes match at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.

Both teams are chasing their second Nations League trophy, and honestly, it’s shaping up to be a must-watch showdown.

Two Powerhouses, One Trophy

Let’s start with Portugal. They’re coming into the final on a high after a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over Germany. Cristiano Ronaldo, yep—he’s still going strong—scored his 137th international goal to seal the win and crush Germany’s dream of a home final. Portugal already won the first-ever Nations League back in 2019, and they’re hungry for more silverware.

On the other side, Spain survived a nine-goal rollercoaster against France, winning 5-4 in a wild semifinal. Luis de la Fuente’s squad almost blew a 4-goal lead, but they held on and booked another ticket to a major final. With a Euro 2024 title and Nations League 2023 already in the bag, Spain’s been on fire under De la Fuente’s leadership.

Match Details

• Match: Portugal vs Spain – UEFA Nations League Final 2025

• Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025

• Time: 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT / 8 PM BST

• Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

• Referee: Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)

• VAR: Fedayi San (Switzerland)

How to Watch Portugal vs Spain

Here’s where you can catch the action live:

• USA: FOX Sports, fuboTV, FOX Sports App, Tubi

• UK: ITV1, ITVX, STV, STV Player

• Mexico: Sky Sports

• Canada: TBD

Recent Head-to-Head (Last 5 Games)

• Portugal Wins: 0

• Spain Wins: 1

• Draws: 4

• Last Match: Portugal 0–1 Spain (Sept 27, 2022 – Nations League)

It’s been tight between these two, and most of their recent meetings ended in draws. Expect another close one!

Form Guide (All Competitions)

Portugal

• Germany 1–2 Portugal (June 4, 2025)

• Portugal 5–2 Denmark (Mar 23, 2025)

• Denmark 1–0 Portugal (Mar 20, 2025)

• Croatia 1–1 Portugal (Nov 18, 2024)

• Portugal 5–1 Poland (Nov 15, 2024)

Spain

• Spain 5–4 France (June 5, 2025)

• Spain 3–3 (5–4p) Netherlands (Mar 23, 2025)

• Netherlands 2–2 Spain (Mar 20, 2025)

• Spain 3–2 Switzerland (Nov 18, 2024)

• Denmark 1–2 Spain (Nov 15, 2024)

Predicted Lineups

Portugal (4-2-3-1)

GK: Diogo Costa
DEF: Semedo, Rúben Dias, Inácio, Nuno Mendes
MID: Vitinha, João Neves
ATT MID: Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto
FW: Cristiano Ronaldo

Coach Roberto Martínez probably won’t make many changes from the squad that beat Germany. Vitinha is expected to start, and the big question is—who starts on the right wing? Bernardo Silva, Trincão, or Francisco Conceição (who just scored off the bench)?

Spain (4-3-3)

GK: Unai Simón
DEF: Pedro Porro, Le Normand, Dean Huijsen, Cucurella
MID: Pedri, Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz
FW: Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal, Nico Williams

Spain will likely stick with the team that edged out France, though we might see Fabián Ruiz come in for Mikel Merino. Rodri and Ferran Torres are both missing from the squad due to injuries.

Final Score Prediction

Historically, Nations League finals have been tight—and this one should be no different. Don’t be surprised if it goes into extra time or even penalties.

Prediction: Portugal 1–2 Spain
Spain just seems a little more composed and experienced in big moments. Their midfield control and attacking options give them a slight edge—but hey, anything can happen in a final!

Germany vs France: Nations League 2025 Third-Place Match Preview, Kickoff Time, Lineups & Score Prediction

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Germany vs France: Nations League 2025 Third-Place Match Preview, Kickoff Time, Lineups & Score Prediction

Germany vs France: Nations League 2025 Third-Place Match Preview, Kickoff Time, Lineups & Score Prediction.

After heartbreaking semifinal losses, Germany and France are set to face off in the 2025 UEFA Nations League third-place playoff this Sunday in Stuttgart. While it's not the final either team was dreaming of, there's still plenty of pride on the line in this battle of European giants.

Let’s break it all down—preview, team news, predicted lineups, and of course, score prediction.

So, What Happened in the Semis?

Germany, the host nation, fell short in a tight 2-1 loss to Portugal, despite strong support at home. Meanwhile, France went through an absolute rollercoaster against Spain, eventually losing 5-4 in one of the most chaotic games in Nations League history. Believe it or not, Les Bleus were down 5-1 with just over 20 minutes to go and nearly pulled off the comeback of the century.

France previously lifted the Nations League trophy in 2021, while Germany was hoping to win it for the very first time. Instead, both teams now find themselves battling it out for third place—and a bit of redemption.

Head-to-Head Stats? It’s Neck and Neck

There’s not much separating these two when it comes to recent meetings. Out of their last 10 matches, both teams have 4 wins apiece, with 2 draws in between. Fun fact: Germany actually won the last two encounters, including a 2-0 friendly win back in March 2024.

Match Info: When and Where?

• 📍 Venue: MHPArena, Stuttgart, Germany

• 📅 Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025

• ⏰ Kickoff Time: 2:00 PM BST / 9:00 AM ET / 6:00 AM PT

• ⚖️ Referee: Ivan Kružliak (Slovakia)

• 🎥 VAR: Michael Fabbri (Italy)

Recent Form: Who’s Looking Better?

Germany's last 5 matches:

• Lost 1-2 vs Portugal

• Drew 3-3 vs Italy

• Won 2-1 vs Italy

• Drew 1-1 vs Hungary

• Won 7-0 vs Bosnia

France's last 5 matches:

• Lost 4-5 vs Spain

• Beat Croatia on penalties (2-0, 5-4p)

• Lost 0-2 vs Croatia

• Beat Italy 3-1

• Drew 0-0 vs Israel

Both teams have had their ups and downs, but France definitely has the edge when it comes to firepower.

Germany Team Update

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann isn’t expected to overhaul his squad, but a few tweaks are on the cards. Niclas Füllkrug should replace Nick Woltemade up front, and Pascal Groß could get a start in midfield.

Keep your eyes on Florian Wirtz—the youngster lit up the semis and is reportedly heading to Liverpool this summer. With Jamal Musiala out, Wirtz will be key in leading Germany's attack.

Defensively, Antonio Rüdiger and Nico Schlotterbeck are out, so expect a back three featuring Robin Koch, Waldemar Anton, and Jonathan Tah.

Germany predicted lineup (3-4-2-1):
Ter Stegen; Tah, Koch, Anton; Kimmich, Goretzka, Groß, Mittelstädt; Sané, Wirtz; Füllkrug

France Team Update

On the French side, coach Didier Deschamps might reward Rayan Cherki with a start after his exciting cameo off the bench against Spain. Lucas Hernandez and Aurélien Tchouaméni could also return to add some fresh legs.

While Désiré Doué was a standout in the Champions League final, he may start from the bench in this one. The attacking trio of Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Kylian Mbappé is expected to stay intact.

France predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):
Maignan; Gusto, Konaté, L. Hernandez, T. Hernandez; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Cherki, Olise, Dembélé; Mbappé

Where to Watch Germany vs France

Here’s where you can catch the action live:

• USA: fuboTV, Tubi, ViX, Fubo Sports Network

• UK: Amazon Prime Video

• Mexico: Sky Sports

• Canada: Not televised

• Indonesia: Broadcast info TBA (Check local listings or streaming platforms)

Score Prediction: Who Takes the Bronze?

Third-place games usually have less pressure, which means more goals and more fun for neutrals. Germany will have the home crowd, but they’re missing key players and looked shaky at the back against Portugal.

France, on the other hand, have depth and serious attacking options. If they can tighten up defensively, they should be able to edge this one.

Predicted final score:
🇩🇪 Germany 2-3 France 🇫🇷

Even though it's not the grand finale, Germany vs France promises to be an exciting, high-energy showdown. With pride and a bronze medal on the line, expect both teams to go all out—and maybe even treat us to a few more screamers!

Grab your coffee (or your popcorn, depending on the time zone), and enjoy the ride.

Canada Dominates, Mexico Falls in Action-Packed Friendlies Ahead of 2025 Gold Cup

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Canada Dominates, Mexico Falls in Action-Packed Friendlies Ahead of 2025 Gold Cup

Canada Dominates, Mexico Falls in Action-Packed Friendlies Ahead of 2025 Gold Cup.

As the 2025 Gold Cup draws near, two CONCACAF heavyweights—Canada and Mexico—hit the pitch for warm-up matches. The results couldn’t be more different. Canada cruised to a 4-2 win over Ukraine in Toronto, while Mexico suffered a tough 4-2 defeat against Switzerland in Salt Lake City.

Jonathan David Leads Canada to Confident Victory

Despite some off-field drama involving a suspected “poisoning” of Vancouver Whitecaps players after their Champions Cup final loss to Club América, Canada’s national team stayed focused and fired up. Head coach Jesse Marsch voiced concerns about the incident, but on the field, his team looked sharp and fearless.

Jonathan David stole the show with two goals in the first 24 minutes. He tapped in the first from close range and then nailed a slick header into the top-left corner off a Tajon Buchanan corner kick.

Then came a moment to remember for Promise David, who scored on his Canada debut after stealing the ball from Valerii Bondar and calmly slotting it past the keeper. Buchanan added a fourth late in the game, capping off Canada’s dominant display. Ukraine managed to pull two goals back through Illia Zabarnyi and Oleksandr Zinchenko, but the damage was already done.

Mexico Stumbles Against a Clinical Switzerland

Mexico’s outing didn’t go as planned. They faced a strong Swiss lineup and struggled to keep up. Breel Embolo gave Switzerland the lead in the 20th minute by rounding the goalkeeper and finishing into an open net.

Mexico equalized early in the second half thanks to a scrappy header from Santiago Gimenez—his first international goal since the 2023 Gold Cup final. But the momentum didn’t last. Substitute Zeki Amdouni quickly restored Switzerland’s lead, and Dan Ndoye made it 3-1 not long after. Angel Sepulveda tried to rally El Tri with a goal to cut the lead, but Fabian Rieder sealed the 4-2 win in the final minutes.

By the Numbers: David’s Hot Streak, Gimenez Ends Drought

Jonathan David’s two-goal performance brings his tally to 34 goals in 62 games for Canada. That’s an impressive average of 0.55 goals per match. Now a free agent after leaving Lille, he’s sure to attract serious attention from top clubs.

For Mexico, Santiago Gimenez’s goal ended a 13-match scoring drought. It was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing night, with Switzerland outshooting Mexico 15 to 10 and leading in expected goals (1.81 xG vs. 1.13 xG).

Canada also outperformed Ukraine in terms of expected goals, generating 2.47 xG compared to Ukraine’s 2.21.

What’s Next: Canada vs Honduras, Mexico vs Dominican Republic

Canada kicks off their Gold Cup campaign on June 17 against Honduras in Vancouver. Mexico opens the tournament three days earlier against the Dominican Republic. Both teams will be looking to build momentum and fine-tune their lineups heading into the competition.

Third Straight Loss for USMNT: USA Falls 2-1 to Turkiye in Gold Cup Warm-Up Match

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Third Straight Loss for USMNT: USA Falls 2-1 to Turkiye in Gold Cup Warm-Up Match

Third Straight Loss for USMNT: USA Falls 2-1 to Turkiye in Gold Cup Warm-Up Match.

The U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) suffered another blow on Saturday, falling 2-1 to Turkiye in an international friendly match in East Hartford. This marks the team's third straight defeat, raising concerns just weeks before the start of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Mauricio Pochettino’s squad came into this match already dealing with setbacks, with key players like Christian Pulisic unavailable. As a result, the lineup featured eight MLS players—something that hasn’t happened against European opposition outside of the December or January camp windows since May 2003.

Fast Start, but Momentum Didn't Last

Things actually started off well for the U.S. Just 59 seconds into the game, Jack McGlynn curled in a beautiful shot to the bottom-left corner of the net, giving the hosts an early 1-0 lead. That goal is now the fastest the USMNT has ever scored against a European team.

But Turkiye quickly turned the game around.

In the 18th minute, Arda Guler equalized in bizarre fashion when Johnny Cardoso’s attempted clearance hit him and deflected past goalkeeper Matt Freese. Just three minutes later, Kerem Akturkoglu gave Turkiye the lead with a powerful right-footed finish after a blocked cross fell right into his path.

Stronger Second Half, but No Equalizer

After halftime, the U.S. looked more dangerous and created several good chances. Max Arfsten came close with a header from a great cross by Luca de la Torre. Later, Malik Tillman had a decent shot on goal after a strong move by substitute Tyler Adams, but Berke Ozer was able to make the save.

Turkiye almost added a third late in the match after Tillman lost possession, but Baris Alper Yilmaz missed the target at the end of a quick counterattack.

Key Stats: Fast Start, but Defensive Struggles Remain

Even though the U.S. started off strong, Turkiye’s quick two-goal response showed ongoing issues with the American defense. The two goals came just two minutes and 22 seconds apart—making it the fastest pair of goals the USMNT has conceded since their 2018 loss to England.

Still, there were a few positives for Pochettino to build on. The U.S. generated an expected goals (xG) of 1.08 in the second half from 10 shots, while Turkiye only managed an xG of 0.21 from two attempts after the break. The opportunities were there—the finishing just didn’t deliver.

What’s Next for the USMNT?

Next up, the USMNT will face Switzerland in another friendly this Wednesday. Then, they’ll kick off their Gold Cup campaign with a match against Trinidad and Tobago.

Can Pochettino turn things around in time? Or will this losing streak carry over into the tournament?

Depay and Dumfries Lead Netherlands to 2-0 Win Over Finland in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Depay and Dumfries Lead Netherlands to 2-0 Win Over Finland in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Depay and Dumfries Lead Netherlands to 2-0 Win Over Finland in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

The Netherlands kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in style with a confident 2-0 win against Finland. Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries got on the scoresheet, helping the Oranje grab all three points in their opening game.

This victory puts the Dutch just three points behind group leaders Poland in Group G — and the best part? They still have a game in hand, which gives them a solid shot at taking the top spot.

Strong Start Under Pressure

After participating in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals during the March international break, Ronald Koeman’s squad entered the qualifiers knowing there was no room for error. Poland had already won two games, so the pressure was on.

But the Netherlands wasted no time. Just six minutes into the match, Depay punished a sloppy Finnish defense with a precise first-time shot into the bottom-right corner. Finland's goalkeeper, Lukas Hradecky, who was celebrating his 100th international cap, had no chance.

Dumfries Doubles the Lead

The Dutch momentum continued, and in the 23rd minute, Denzel Dumfries made it 2-0. Cody Gakpo delivered a beautiful looping cross, and Dumfries was right there to finish it off.

New Liverpool signing Jeremie Frimpong almost added a third with a powerful header, but Hradecky made a fantastic save to keep Finland in the game. AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders — who’s reportedly set to join Manchester City — also came close, but his low shot went just wide.

Dutch Control the Game, Finland Struggles

After halftime, the Netherlands kept pressing for more goals. Depay had another decent chance, but his shot deflected and was saved. Frenkie de Jong also had a late opportunity, but his attempt lacked power.

Finland, on the other hand, struggled to create real danger. They only managed five total shots, and their xG (expected goals) was a low 0.2 — compared to the Netherlands’ 2.06 from 17 shots. Clearly, the Dutch were in full control.

Key Stats: Depay Nears All-Time Scoring Record, Dumfries Makes History

With his goal in this match, Memphis Depay now has 48 goals for the Netherlands, just two behind all-time top scorer Robin van Persie. He’s well on his way to making history.

Meanwhile, Denzel Dumfries scored his 10th goal for the national team — making him the highest-scoring defender for the Netherlands in the 21st century. He has now surpassed Virgil van Dijk, who has nine.

This win was a clear statement from the Netherlands: they’re here to compete. With top-tier talents like Depay, Dumfries, and Gakpo, plus a solid game plan from coach Ronald Koeman, the Oranje are in a strong position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Nico Williams Not Interested in Premier League Move? Arsenal and Chelsea Left Hanging

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Nico Williams Not Interested in Premier League Move? Arsenal and Chelsea Left Hanging

Nico Williams Not Interested in Premier League Move? Arsenal and Chelsea Left Hanging.

The summer transfer window is heating up, but one name is already giving two Premier League giants—Arsenal and Chelsea—a major headache: Nico Williams. The young Spanish winger reportedly isn't too keen on leaving Spain, which puts both clubs in a tough spot.

Is Nico Williams Staying in Spain?

According to reports from SPORT and backed up by Football Espana, Nico Williams is showing hesitation about moving abroad. That’s bad news for Arsenal and Chelsea, who were both ready to trigger his release clause at Athletic Bilbao. But without the player’s green light, a deal simply can’t happen.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also confirmed that Williams is leaning toward staying in La Liga. If that happens, Bilbao is expected to offer him a new deal with a higher buyout clause—basically, making it harder for other clubs to swoop in next time.

Just to be clear, Williams is under contract until 2027 and has been on everyone’s radar since shining for Spain in Euro 2024. So, it’s no surprise top clubs are lining up.

Arsenal Still Looking for More Firepower

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hunting for a new striker this summer and has already made a move for Benjamin Šeško. But adding a winger is also high on the priority list.

Last season, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard each scored just 8 Premier League goals. Neither truly secured a starting role, and their inconsistency was a big reason why Arsenal drew 14 matches and fell behind Liverpool in the title race.

Signing someone like Nico Williams could bring balance to the squad and take some pressure off Bukayo Saka, who missed a few months last season due to a hamstring injury. Having another dynamic winger would also allow Arteta to rotate more effectively.

Chelsea in the Race Too—But Losing Ground

Meanwhile, Chelsea has been busy in the market. They've already signed former Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap to bolster their attack. Bringing in Nico Williams would give new boss Enzo Maresca another weapon on the wing to play alongside Cole Palmer.

That would definitely raise the bar for Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto, especially since Jadon Sancho has returned to Manchester United after his loan spell.

But with Williams seemingly set on staying in Spain, Chelsea may need to shift their focus to other wide options as well.

Arsenal and Chelsea May Have to Move On

As it stands, it looks like Nico Williams isn’t ready to swap La Liga for the Premier League. If he does commit to a new contract with Bilbao, both Arsenal and Chelsea will need to move quickly to identify backup targets.

Transfer season is full of surprises, and this is just another twist in the tale.

Spain Predicted Lineup vs Portugal: Yamal Set to Challenge Ronaldo’s Legacy in Nations League Final

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Spain Predicted Lineup vs Portugal: Yamal Set to Challenge Ronaldo’s Legacy in Nations League Final

Spain Predicted Lineup vs Portugal: Yamal Set to Challenge Ronaldo’s Legacy in Nations League Final.

Spain Eyes Back-to-Back Nations League Titles – Yamal in the Spotlight. Spain is just one game away from securing their second consecutive UEFA Nations League title when they take on Portugal in the final this Sunday. If they pull it off, it’ll be their third major trophy in three years — talk about dominance!

After clinching the Nations League in 2023, La Roja went on to lift the Euro 2024 trophy the following summer. Now, head coach Luis de la Fuente is aiming to keep that winning streak alive with another Nations League victory before focusing on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Standing in their way is Portugal — the team that won the very first edition of the Nations League. But Spain won’t be fazed. They’ve been in red-hot form, consistently beating Europe’s elite, including a statement win over France just a few days ago.

Spain’s Predicted Starting XI vs Portugal (4-3-3 Formation)

🔐 Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
Despite competition from David Raya, Simón remains the go-to option for Spain. The Athletic Club keeper has been reliable and composed ever since De la Fuente took charge.

🛡️ Right Back: Pedro Porro
It’s trophy season for Porro! After helping Tottenham win the Europa League, he now has a chance to add both the Nations League and UEFA Super Cup to his collection this summer.

🛡️ Center Back: Robin Le Normand
Le Normand started against France and played a solid 77 minutes. Spain only conceded once while he was on the pitch. After he was subbed off, France managed to score three times. That says a lot.

🛡️ Center Back: Dean Huijsen
The new Real Madrid signing got the nod over Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí and looks set to keep his spot. Huijsen is showing maturity beyond his years.

🛡️ Left Back: Marc Cucurella
Cucurella has become a key player for both club and country. His nonstop runs down the left wing add another dimension to Spain’s attack while providing defensive cover.

⚙️ Midfield: Pedri
Barcelona’s midfield star will go head-to-head with Vitinha from PSG in a battle to control the tempo. Pedri already scored in the semis and will be confident heading into the final.

⚙️ Midfield: Martín Zubimendi
Reportedly on Arsenal’s radar, Zubimendi could be used to neutralize Portugal’s creative force — Bruno Fernandes. If anyone can disrupt Bruno’s rhythm, it’s him.

⚙️ Midfield: Fabián Ruiz
Even though Mikel Merino scored against France, Ruiz is likely to return to the starting lineup. Fresh off a Champions League win with PSG, he brings quality and experience to the midfield.

⚡ Right Wing: Lamine Yamal
Yamal is a rising star! The teenage sensation from Barcelona scored twice and bagged Player of the Match honors midweek. His upcoming duel with Nuno Mendes will be one to watch.

🎯 Striker: Mikel Oyarzabal
Oyarzabal may not have scored against France, but he made two assists and was heavily involved in the attack. That should be enough to keep him ahead of Álvaro Morata.

⚡ Left Wing: Nico Williams
Like Yamal, Nico was electric against France — scoring a goal and adding an assist. Portugal will need to come up with a serious plan to stop this Athletic Club winger.

Will Spain or Portugal Lift the Trophy?

With a young, hungry squad and momentum on their side, Spain enters the final as a favorite. But don’t count Portugal out — they’ve got plenty of talent and experience, and they're hungry to reclaim their crown.

All eyes will be on Lamine Yamal, who’s being hyped as the next big thing. Could this be the match where he truly begins to follow in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps on the international stage?

Germany vs France Predicted Lineup: Wirtz Set to Shine in Nations League Third-Place Match

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Germany vs France Predicted Lineup: Wirtz Set to Shine in Nations League Third-Place Match

Germany vs France Predicted Lineup: Wirtz Set to Shine in Nations League Third-Place Match.

Germany might have aimed for the UEFA Nations League 2024–25 final, but things didn’t go according to plan. Instead, they’ll face France in Stuttgart this Sunday in a third-place showdown.

A dramatic comeback by Portugal in the semifinal knocked Germany out of the title race. Cristiano Ronaldo’s second-half goal sealed the win, leaving Julian Nagelsmann’s squad to battle for bronze against a very familiar opponent.

June has been tough for Germany. Injuries have sidelined several key players, including Jamal Musiala and Antonio Rüdiger. Even so, Die Mannschaft still have plenty of star power to go toe-to-toe with France.

Here’s a look at the predicted starting XI for Germany vs France, using a 3-4-2-1 formation:

Germany’s Predicted Starting Lineup vs France

Goalkeeper: Marc-André ter Stegen
The Barcelona shot-stopper returned to the national team after missing most of the season due to injury. Against France’s stacked attack, expect ter Stegen to stay busy between the posts.

Center Back: Jonathan Tah
In his first appearance since signing with Bayern Munich, Tah had a rough outing, especially during Portugal’s second goal. He’ll need to step up big time against the likes of Kylian Mbappé.

Center Back: Robin Koch
Koch has had a strong season with Eintracht Frankfurt. With Rüdiger and Schlotterbeck out, he’s getting more national team minutes and will earn his 14th cap on Sunday.

Center Back: Waldemar Anton
Anton wouldn’t have started if not for injuries in the squad. The Borussia Dortmund defender must be sharp to deal with France’s electric forwards.

Right Wing-Back: Joshua Kimmich
Usually a midfielder, Kimmich adapted well as a wing-back last game, even providing an assist to Wirtz. That match also marked his 100th appearance for Germany—what a milestone!

Central Midfield: Leon Goretzka
Goretzka is back in the fold and will be expected to control the midfield against a physical and technically gifted French team. He might have a new midfield partner alongside him.

Central Midfield: Pascal Groß
Groß could replace the young Aleksandar Pavlovic in midfield. Although he didn’t feature midweek, the veteran has been reliable for Dortmund all season.

Left Wing-Back: Maximilian Mittelstädt
Playing at his home stadium in Stuttgart, Mittelstädt will likely focus more on defense against speedy wingers like Dembélé and Cherki rather than pushing forward.

Right Forward: Leroy Sané
Sané didn’t have his best performance against Portugal, aside from a few creative moments. With Musiala sidelined, Germany needs him to step up offensively.

Striker: Niclas Füllkrug
Nick Woltemade started in the semifinal, but Füllkrug is expected to return to the XI. The West Ham striker is clinical for his country, with 14 goals in 23 appearances.

Left Forward: Florian Wirtz
Wirtz is attracting major attention, especially from Liverpool fans, with a transfer looking likely. He wasn’t distracted by the rumors—he scored against Portugal and could shine again versus France.

This third-place match might not be what Germany had in mind, but it still matters. It’s a chance to regroup, evaluate, and give their younger stars more experience on the big stage.

All eyes will be on Florian Wirtz, who’s quickly becoming one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. If he delivers again, fans—and scouts—will be watching very closely.

Portugal vs Spain Predicted Lineup: Ronaldo Leads the Charge for Another Nations League Title

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Portugal vs Spain Predicted Lineup: Ronaldo Leads the Charge for Another Nations League Title

Portugal vs Spain Predicted Lineup: Ronaldo Leads the Charge for Another Nations League Title.

Portugal is aiming to lift the UEFA Nations League trophy once again as they gear up to face Spain in the highly anticipated final this weekend. After winning the inaugural edition of the tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates are ready to chase glory once more — and yes, CR7 is still leading the way!

Even at 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to score regularly for his country. His decisive goal against Germany in the semifinals was a reminder that the legend is far from done. And with the final against a powerhouse like Spain just around the corner, all eyes are on him to deliver again.

Of course, beating a star-studded Spanish squad won’t be a walk in the park. Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martínez, needs to make all the right moves — tactically and in terms of squad selection — if they want to take down one of Europe’s elite.

Here’s our predicted starting XI for Portugal vs Spain, using a 4-2-3-1 formation:

Goalkeeper

Diogo Costa
The FC Porto goalkeeper was a penalty shootout hero at last year’s European Championship. If the final goes to spot-kicks, Costa could once again be Portugal’s saving grace.

Defense

RB: Nélson Semedo
João Neves got a surprise start at right-back against Germany, but Semedo — who came on in the second half — is expected to start this time, especially to handle the pace of Nico Williams.

CB: Rúben Dias
Dias will likely be tasked with containing either the relentless Álvaro Morata or the clever Mikel Oyarzabal. Few defenders are more prepared for that kind of challenge.

CB: Gonçalo Inácio
The young defender is turning heads across Europe and was solid in the semifinal against Germany. Expect him to keep his spot alongside Dias.

LB: Nuno Mendes
Fresh off a Champions League win with PSG, Mendes is hungry for his first international title. His assignment? Stop the electric Lamine Yamal. Good luck!

Defensive Midfielders

Vitinha
After coming off the bench in the semifinal, the PSG midfielder is likely to return to the starting XI, replacing Rúben Neves. His midfield battle with Fabián Ruiz will be key.

João Neves
Back in his natural midfield role, the youngster will aim to control the tempo and also keep tabs on clubmate Ruiz. Still, Barcelona’s Pedri might be the bigger threat.

Attacking Midfield

RW: Bernardo Silva
Despite Francisco Conceição’s beauty of a goal in the semifinal, the experienced Bernardo Silva could get the nod. His work rate and tactical discipline make him a crucial asset — especially on defense.

CAM: Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes has been a game-changer for Manchester United all season, and he’s carried that form into the Nations League. Only two players have created more chances than his 22 in League A.

LW: Pedro Neto
Even with Jota and Leão knocking on the door, Pedro Neto could keep his place after a strong showing against Germany. He’ll look to test Pedro Porro, who has shown defensive weaknesses.

Striker

Cristiano Ronaldo
With 137 international goals and counting, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s go-to guy up top. His game-winner against Germany proved he still has the clutch gene. Don’t be surprised if he steals the spotlight again.

Portugal Ready to Go All In

The Portugal vs Spain Nations League final is shaping up to be a classic. With a mix of experienced legends and hungry young talent, Portugal looks ready to battle it out. And with Ronaldo on a mission, fans are dreaming of another magical moment.

Can CR7 add one more epic chapter to his already legendary career? We’re about to find out!

Harry Kane Scores 450th Career Goal as England Edges Andorra in World Cup Qualifier

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Harry Kane Scores 450th Career Goal as England Edges Andorra in World Cup Qualifier

Harry Kane Scores 450th Career Goal as England Edges Andorra in World Cup Qualifier.

Harry Kane did it again! The England captain scored the only goal in a narrow 1-0 win over Andorra, helping the Three Lions stay perfect under new head coach Thomas Tuchel. While the performance wasn’t exactly convincing, the victory keeps England on top of their World Cup qualifying group.

Tuchel’s Third Win, But Still Plenty to Improve

This marks England’s third straight win since Tuchel took charge—but let’s be real, this one was far from a football masterclass. Facing a team like Andorra, fans were expecting a more dominant scoreline. Instead, England had to grind out the result.

First Half: All Pressure, No Payoff

England started strong and put immediate pressure on Andorra. Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke both tested goalkeeper Iker Alvarez within the first 15 minutes, but their long-range efforts were denied.

The best chance in the first half came in the 19th minute. Madueke sent a dangerous cross into the box that reached Curtis Jones. He cut it back to Kane, but the striker couldn’t hit the target. England kept pushing, with Bellingham forcing another save before halftime, but the score stayed 0-0 at the break.

Kane Breaks the Deadlock Early in Second Half

It didn’t take long after the restart for England to finally find the net. Kane’s initial shot was saved, but the rebound fell perfectly for Madueke, who passed it back to Kane to slot it in from close range. That goal marked Kane’s 450th career goal across all competitions—an impressive milestone.

Madueke & Eze Shine Despite Low Scoreline

Madueke was arguably England’s standout player. He not only provided the assist for the goal, but also led the team in touches in the opposition box (11), chances created (4), and successful dribbles (3).

Eberechi Eze also brought energy off the bench. Just minutes after being subbed on in the 65th minute, he came close to scoring with a powerful header, but Alvarez made a great save to keep it out.

In the dying moments of the game, Madueke almost sealed a second goal for England but couldn’t convert a perfect cross from Morgan Gibbs-White.

Stats Recap: Tuchel Sets a New Record, Kane Matches Crouch

While the match won’t be remembered for its excitement, Tuchel made history. He’s now the first England manager to win his first three competitive matches without conceding a goal.

He’s also only the fifth manager in England’s history to win his first three matches, joining legends like Ron Greenwood, Glenn Hoddle, Sven-Göran Eriksson, and Fabio Capello.

As for Kane, he became just the second player—after Peter Crouch under Steve McClaren in 2006—to score in each of a manager’s first three games in charge of England.

A Win Is a Win, but Style Still Lacking

Sure, England got the job done. But the performance left a lot to be desired. There’s still work to be done, especially when it comes to finishing chances. Still, a win is a win, and Tuchel’s solid start continues.

If you're an England fan, hang in there! There’s potential in this squad—and with players like Kane, Bellingham, and Madueke, better performances should be on the way.

Landon Donovan Opens Up About Losing LA Galaxy Captaincy to David Beckham

Robert Starling    Thursday, May 29, 2025    Comment   

Landon Donovan Opens Up About Losing LA Galaxy Captaincy to David Beckham

Landon Donovan Opens Up About Losing LA Galaxy Captaincy to David Beckham.

Landon Donovan, former LA Galaxy star, recently shared his thoughts about the time he lost the team’s captaincy to David Beckham. Beckham joined LA Galaxy late in the 2007 season after leaving Real Madrid, and this story came up again after Beckham said it was one of his biggest regrets.

On CBS Sports’ show Beckham & Friends Live, Beckham explained that at first, he refused the club owner Philip Anschutz’s request to take the captain’s armband from Donovan. But after hearing that Donovan was okay with it, Beckham changed his mind and accepted the role.

“After about a week, they told me Landon was fine with it,” Beckham said. “When I asked Landon, he said, ‘Yeah, no problem.’ So they gave me the captain’s armband. Honestly, it’s my one regret—I should never have taken it from Landon.”

Donovan responded to Beckham’s comments in an interview with Sports Illustrated. He admitted that he did not agree with the decision at first.

“I told our coach, general manager, and owner that I didn’t agree with it,” Donovan said. “But in the end, I wanted to win, and if giving the captaincy to David was best for the team, then that was okay.”

Donovan also thanked Beckham for being honest about the situation.

“It gave David confidence when he joined, and it helped him gain respect from the team right away,” Donovan said. “Although it wasn’t easy for me at first, it turned out to be the right choice. We were able to succeed and win together.”

Beckham was LA Galaxy’s captain through the 2008 season. Donovan regained the captain’s armband from 2009 to 2011. Together, they helped the team win two MLS Cup titles in 2011 and 2012.

Both Beckham and Donovan have statues outside LA Galaxy’s stadium, and they are honored members of the club’s Ring of Honor.

Donovan is LA Galaxy’s all-time top scorer, with 145 regular-season goals and 136 assists. He also holds the record for most playoff goals in MLS history (25). In 2015, the league named its MVP award after him as a tribute to his impact on the sport.

Today, Beckham is the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF, which will compete in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Meanwhile, Donovan recently served as interim head coach of San Diego Wave FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) during 2024.