Month: March 2024

LONDON: Jude Bellingham struck in stoppage time to help England draw 2-2 with Belgium at Wembley after Youri Tielemans’ brace threatened them in an exciting international friendly earlier this morning.

Tielemans put the visitors in front after 11 minutes with Ivan Toney equalizing from the penalty spot soon after, before Tielemans’ header saw Belgium lead 2-1 at the break.

It looked a bit cruel for England, who did not look the same as the side that bowed out at the hands of Brazil last Saturday and they deserved to grab a late equalizer.

“I realize the curse we’re going to have if we lose two games in a row,” Bellingham said.

“We should have won with all the chances we created but these two games taught us a lot. I know many will criticize but we have to take the positives.

“I’m sure the manager will be happy with the way we played. You won’t be happy with a loss or a draw but we have to be happy with the way we performed.”

The clash between third-ranked England and fourth-ranked opponents was markedly different from last Saturday’s action, where England rarely attempted against Brazil and a chance was created after 20 seconds when Toney fired over the bar from Jarrod Bowen’s cross.

Belgium, wearing a strange light blue and brown kit, took the lead when Jordan Pickford failed to clear the ball from the danger area and it landed at the feet of Amadou Onana before Tielemans fired into the gaping goal.

England equalized from the penalty spot six minutes later when Jan Vertonghen brought down Toney and the Brentford forward marked his first start with his debut goal.

With his challenger as back-up to the injured Harry Kane failing to shine, it’s a big moment for Toney and his dream of knocking on the door in the Euro squad.

LIVERPOOL: Pep Guardiola says Manchester City survived Liverpool’s second-half ‘tsunami’ to draw 1-1 in Premier League action at Anfield.

The result leaves the top three teams just one point apart, with Arsenal ahead of Liverpool on points difference at the top of the league and City in third – one point behind.

Guardiola has been chasing victory in the fanfare at Anfield since 2003, with the last time winning in 2021 without spectators.

However, the visitors could breathe a sigh of relief to take home a point after Alexis Mac Allister’s penalty offset John Stones’ goal in the first half.

The last English Premier League clash between Jurgen Klopp and Guardiola did not disappoint when Liverpool recovered in the second half even though their squad was hit by injuries.

Klopp’s men missed several golden chances to seal the three points and return to the top of the league, including being denied a second penalty during injury time.

“I think it’s a match that defines these two clubs for a few years now. Gradually in this stadium it’s like a tsunami!” Guardiola said.

The draw at Anfield kept Arsenal top of the league after an eighth successive win, but they need to travel to the Etihad Stadium to meet City on March 31.

Klopp believes his team will be more eager to win the league title in his final season at Anfield based on their second-half performance against City.

“Today I saw the best 53 minutes against Manchester City. The way we played was extraordinary. There were some of the best moments in my coaching career if we could do that against them.

“The only thing I hope for now is that we are in contention. Based on today’s performance, I see the team is on the right footing – now we’ll see what we can do,” said Klopp.

Mohamed Salah started on the Liverpool bench alongside Andy Robertson, while Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate and Diogo Jota are still on the injury list.

The clash between the two best clubs in the world saw both goals scored due to defensive errors.

Liverpool looked unprepared for Kevin De Bruyne’s corner in the 23rd minute and Stones easily beat Caoimhin Kelleher for the opening goal.

Early in the second half, Darwin Nunez intercepted Nathan Ake’s back pass before being brought down by City goalkeeper Ederson.

Mac Allister calmly beat Ederson despite being forced to wait a long time for the goalkeeper to receive treatment, who was then replaced by Stefan Ortega.

MANCHESTER, England: Phil Foden maintained Manchester City’s challenge in the race for the English Premier League (EPL) championship with two second-half goals to snatch a 3-1 win over Manchester United at home last night.

Marcus Rashford’s solid strike in the eighth minute allowed United to take the lead despite going against the flow of the opposition and it looked like the visitors might be able to fulfill City’s dream of recording a fourth successive league title.

However, Pep Guardiola’s men remained patient, controlled the ball and finally produced results with Foden proving how valuable he is now for City.

Foden drove powerfully into the corner of the goal in the 56th minute and the England striker once again produced a clinical finish with 10 minutes remaining.

Erling Haaland, who missed a golden opportunity in the first half, saved the points with a goal following a mistake from United’s defense.

Defending champions City, who have not lost 19 games in all competitions, have 62 points, one point behind leaders Liverpool who visit them this weekend.

United, who suffered their 11th league defeat of the season, remained sixth on 44 points.

Rashford’s solid strike may have sunk the bottom team but Erik ten Hag’s United could do nothing about City turning the game around – winning their EPL neighbors for the first time after coming back from behind.

City controlled the ball 74 percent of the time and produced 27 attempts compared to United’s only three, but despite the appearance of a global talent, local boy Foden found a devastating touch.

The 23-year-old received the crowd’s respect when he came off after being knocked out due to injury – City fans were delighted with their ability to suppress Liverpool and Arsenal.

“That’s my aim, to do well in big games,” said Foden, who has now equaled his personal record of 11 league goals in a season.

“This season I proved it.”