The head of the Cologne medical servicesPaul Klein has ensured that there will be no “special rules” or “collective quarantine” after what three members of the squad and the coaching staff of the first team test positive for coronavirus on Thursday, so the German team will continue training with the rest of the players.“They are fine, none of the three have symptoms. We take care of them and advise them, “Klein said in an interview with the German club’s official media.” I would never put the players at risk, but the question of whether we can train and how I do not evaluate it as a club doctor, but the health authorities “he indicated. In this sense, he clarified that they do not have “special rules”. “It is not a case comparable to other companies, where all would have to be quarantined. There are clear guidelines from the Robert Koch Institute – the federal agency responsible for disease control and prevention – to treat people who have had contact with infected people . The quarantine is only for category 1 people, not us. It does not affect us “, he pointed.Category 1 corresponds to people who are at higher risk of infection due to living with an infected individual or having come into direct contact with one through bodily fluids, such as during a direct conversation of at least 15 minutes.By conducting trainings under social isolation measures, players of German teams do not fall into this category, which would force them to be quarantined like those infected.The Colony reported on Friday three positives for coronavirus in its team, after the tests they carried out on the squad and coaching staff on Thursday. These three people will spend 14 days in quarantine at their homes.
Manning teams rule – Four urban schools in Super Cup semis
CONFIDENT PLAYER “I wouldn’t say I am unstoppable. I just play with confidence and believe in God,” he said. St George’s were behind from the very first minute, on the very first attack when Collins turned home Jevaun Ennis’ shot from three yards. St George’s controlled the game afterwards and were level on 20 minutes when Shelton’s cross turned shot, hitting the post before going in. Although St George’s continue to give up goals, winning coach Neville Bell is not too concerned. “Just before the game, we lost our centre-half, Akeem Prawl, so we had to put (Stephen) Gilzene at centre-half, and he never played there before. They caught us very early, but I know once this team settled down, we would do well,” he said. Glenmuir’s coach Jackie Walters said St George’s top players were difficult to contain. “St George’s have some quality individuals, and when you play against quality individuals, you are going to have a hard time,” he said. The semi-finals of the ISSA-FLOW Super Cup will be an all-Manning affair. Manning Cup teams outclassed their daCosta Cup rivals in quarter-final matches played at Sabina Park and the National Stadium yesterday. At the National Stadium, St Jago first eased past St Elizabeth Technical 2-0 before last year’s Super Cup champions Jamaica College beat Excelsior, also 2-0, in a clash of Manning Cup teams. St George’s College outscored Glenmuir High 3-2 in the first quarter-final at Sabina Park, then Wolmer’s Boys clipped defending daCosta Cup champions Clarendon College 1-0. The Sabina opener was a thriller. St George’s star player Alex Marshall decided the contest in the 80th minute with his 17th goal of the season. Glenmuir’s Onendo Collins netted the quickest ever goal in the tournament after 31 seconds. However, Akeem Shelton restored parity on 20 minutes for St George’s, and Shevon Stewart fired the North Street school in front in the 45th minute. Leroy Bryant equalised for Glenmuir immediately after the break. Marshall, who grabbed the winner from 25 yards, was pleased with his contribution. “It’s a wonderful feeling (scoring the winner). My team depends on me, and I always keep that in the back of my head and go out and do it for them,” he told The Sunday Gleaner. Opposing defenders have found Marshall’s skill and trickery too much, and he is hoping he can continue to deliver.
Trump criticisms spark more protests at NFL games
Kenya loses hosting rights to African soccer tournament In Detroit, anthem singer Rico Lavelle took a knee at the word “brave,” lowering his head and raising his right fist. In Nashville, anthem singer Meghan Linsey, took a knee as she finished singing.Jets Chairman and CEO Christopher Johnson, whose brother, Woody, is the ambassador to England and one of Trump’s most ardent supporters, called it “an honor and a privilege to stand arm-in-arm unified with our players during today’s national anthem” in East Rutherford, New Jersey.The issue reverberated across the Atlantic, where about two dozen players took a knee during the playing of the U.S. anthem at Wembley Stadium.“We stand with our brothers,” Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs said. “They have the right and we knelt with them today. To protest, non-violent protest, is as American as it gets, so we knelt with them today to let them know that we’re a unified front.”Jaguars owner Shad Khan and players on both teams who were not kneeling remained locked arm-in-arm throughout the playing of the anthem and “God Save The Queen.” No players knelt during the British anthem.“Me taking a knee doesn’t change the fact that I support our military, I’m a patriot and I love my country,” Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander said. “But I also recognize there are some social injustices in this country and today I wanted to take a knee in support of my brothers who have been doing it.”Alexander said he’ll go back to standing for the anthem next week.“I just wanted to show them that I was with them today, especially in the backdrop of our president making the comments about our players, about their mothers,” Alexander said. “And then you put that in conjunction with how he tried to gray-area Nazism and KKK members as being fine people, I had to take a knee.”The National Hockey League’s reigning champion Pittsburgh Penguins announced Sunday they’ve accepted a White House invitation from Trump. The Penguins said they respect the office of the president and “the long tradition of championship team visiting the White House.”Before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals in Minneapolis on Sunday, the Los Angeles Sparks left the floor while the Minnesota Lynx stood arm-in-arm. The Sparks returned to a chorus of boos when the song was finished. It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Defensive star Von Miller was among the large group of Denver Broncos who took a knee in Buffalo Sunday, where Bills running back LeSean McCoy stretched during the anthem.“We felt like President Trump’s speech was an assault on our most cherished right, freedom of speech,” said Miller, who normally steers clear of politics and social issues.Dozens of more players protested before the Raiders-Redskins game, the final one of the day and not far from the White House in Landover, Maryland. All but a handful of Raiders sat on their bench and seven Redskins took a knee while their teammates stood arm-in-arm along with owner Dan Snyder and president Bruce Allen.In Chicago, the Pittsburgh Steelers stayed in the tunnel except for one player, Army veteran Alejandro Villanueva, who stood outside with a hand over his heart. Both the Seahawks and Titans stayed inside until after the national anthem was over in Nashville, a throwback to the pre-2009 NFL when teams, not the league, set pre-game policy regarding players standing on the sideline for the anthem.A handful of NFL players had been continuing Kaepernick’s protest this season, but that ballooned Sunday following Trump’s two-day weekend rant. It began with the president calling for NFL protesters to be fired and continued Saturday when he rescinded a White House invitation for the NBA champion Golden State Warriors over star Stephen Curry’s criticism.The president’s delving into the NFL protests started by Kaepernickbrought new attention and angered many players who took one insult as a personal attack on their mothers.“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, you’d say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! He’s fired,’” Trump said to loud applause Friday night at a rally in Huntsville, Alabama.“I’m a son of a queen,” Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett said.Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady was among the New England Patriots who locked arms in solidarity in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Aaron Rodgers did the same with his teammates in Green Bay.“Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad ratings!” Trump tweeted Sunday. Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours LATEST STORIES Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Trump also mocked the league’s crackdown on illegal hits, suggesting the league had softened because of its safety initiatives.Kahn, who was among the NFL owners who chipped in $1 million to the Trump inauguration committee, said he met with his team captains before kickoff in London “to express my support for them, all NFL players and the league following the divisive and contentious remarks made by President Trump.”Among the strongest criticisms of the president Sunday was this from Saints coach Sean Payton: “I’m disappointed in the comments that were made. I think we need a little bit more wisdom in that office,” he said of the White House. “I want that guy to be one of the smarter guys in the room and it seems like every time he’s opening up his mouth it’s something that is dividing our country and not pulling us together.”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next How to help the Taal evacuees DAY6 is for everybody View comments Mos Burger to open in Manila; teases with a pop-up OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ MOST READ In ‘Jojo Rabbit,’ Comedy and Drama Collide Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene The Pittsburgh Steelers side of the field is nearly empty during the playing of the national anthem before an NFL football game between the Steelers and Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, in Chicago.President Donald Trump’s criticism of players who kneel during the national anthem sparked angry protests around the National Football League Sunday, as about 200 players sat, knelt or raised their fists in defiance.A week ago, just six players protested.ADVERTISEMENT Most NFL players on Sunday locked arms with their teammates — some standing, others kneeling — in a show of solidarity. A handful of teams stayed off the field until after “The Star-Spangled Banner” to avoid the issue altogether.As he prepared to board Air Force One to return to Washington from New Jersey, Trump said the players protesting the anthem were “very disrespectful to our country” and called again on owners to stop what he considers unpatriotic displays in America’s most popular sport.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSFederer blasts lack of communication on Australian Open smog“This has nothing to do with race,” Trump said. “This has to do with respect for our country.”The president’s attack on athletes turned the anthems — usually sung during commercials — into must-watch television shown live by the networks and Yahoo!, which streamed the game in London. In some NFL stadiums, crowds booed or yelled at players to stand. There was also some applause. The NFL and its players, often at odds, used Sunday’s anthems to show unity. One of Trump’s biggest supporters in the NFL, Patriots owner Robert Kraft, joined the chorus when he expressed “deep disappointment” with Trump.“I like Bob very much. He’s my friend. He gave me a Super Bowl ring a month ago. So he’s a good friend of mine and I want him to do what he wants to do,” Trump said. “… We have great people representing our country, especially our soldiers our first responders and they should be treated with respect.“And when you get on your knee and you don’t respect the American flag or the anthem.”The protests started more than a year ago when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand during the anthem as a protest of police treatment of minorities. This season, no team has signed him, and some supporters believe NFL owners are avoiding him because of the controversy.A handful of white players didn’t stand Sunday, but the vast majority of those actively protesting were black.ADVERTISEMENT
Liberia’s Education System Receives a Boost, As UNESCO Pledges Support Liberia’s TVET
Liberia’s quest to develop its manpower through Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) received statements of support from various international organizations over the weekend.Among organizations that pledged supports to Liberia’s TVET program include the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), European Union office in Liberia, and the World Bank.UNESCSO Regional Director, Prof/Dr. Hassana Alidou, made the commitment on behalf of her organization when she spoke at the TVET stakeholders’ forum hosted on Friday, March 14, at the Ministry of Youth and Sports conference room at the S.K.D. Sports Complex in Paynesville.Through their support, Prof/Dr. Alidou believes that the TVET policy would be expected to promote a more effective partnership between secondary schools, TVET centres and in the jobs market.The partnership, she said, would trigger adaptation of school and training programmes to allow youth and adult workers to stay employed and productive.“Within this context, we see the role education and training, especially TVET, as fundamental in building a peaceful and prosperous country. I have no doubt that the Liberia TVET policy can be a vehicle for transformation of the country.” According to Dr. Alidou, UNESCO is prepared more than ever before to accompany Liberia and provide technical support to the ongoing TVET reform process.Liberia’s quest to develop its manpower through Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) received statements of support from various international organizations over the weekend.Among organizations that pledged supports to Liberia’s TVET program include the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), European Union office in Liberia, and the World Bank. UNESCSO Regional Director, Prof/Dr. Hassana Alidou, made the commitment on behalf of her organization when she spoke at the TVET stakeholders’ forum hosted on Friday, March 14, at the Ministry of Youth and Sports conference room at the S.K.D. Sports Complex in Paynesville.Through their support, Prof/Dr. Alidou believes that the TVET policy would be expected to promote a more effective partnership between secondary schools, TVET centres and in the jobs market.The partnership, she said, would trigger adaptation of school and training programmes to allow youth and adult workers to stay employed and productive.“Within this context, we see the role education and training, especially TVET, as fundamental in building a peaceful and prosperous country. I have no doubt that the Liberia TVET policy can be a vehicle for transformation of the country.” According to Dr. Alidou, UNESCO is prepared more than ever before to accompany Liberia and provide technical support to the ongoing TVET reform process.Veep Boakai, for his part, assured stakeholders of government’s support to provide an enabling environment where young people would get income earning opportunities.Amb. Boakai also urged stakeholders to support the government by taking into considerations youths that are ‘the most vulnerable’ and lack basic skills, opportunities and living in disadvantaged locations, particularly below the poverty line.Amb. Boakai noted that TVET is the key that opens the door to opportunities and believed that when its commission is created, a qualification framework will be developed to make it easy for young people to transition from one level to another.State actors involved with the development and improvement of TVET in the country brainstorm to formulate a national policy to address issues affecting the sector that was designed a year ago.Youth & Sports Minister Lenn Eugene Nagbe expressed the need for reforms as regard the country’s TVET program.Minister Nagbe said that the problem associated with the development and improvement were enormous and needed to be tackle urgently.He then pointed out that partnership was needed also to drive TVET reforms. According to him, assessment conducted on TVET institutions in region one (Montserrado, Cape Mount, Bomi and Gbarpolu) was alarming to the extent that problems associated with TVET program are indicated.He explained that problems associated with TVET include the lack of standardize curriculum, trained TVET instructors, lack of regime to standardize the sector accreditation, lack of accreditation to institutional its providers, and as well as the lack of appropriate TVET governance structures with various ministries and agencies supervising the activities in the country.The Youth & Sports Minister indicated that 96 percent of instructors of TVET institutions in region one needed the requisite training. He said TVET is important for Liberia because over sixty percent of Liberians are young people and if the country is to develop, the young people must be developed as well.He noted that young people needs to have the requisite training so that they could contribute immensely to the growth and development of the country. He said issues confronting young people were lack of employment skills, and not the lack of employment.The TVET program provides a practical avenue for the acquisition of employment-oriented skills and attitudes. The exercise, accordingly, is to be used as a systematic examination and overhaul of the nation’s technical and vocational systems to position TVET as an effective response to youth employment as required.The major weaknesses of the TVE system in the country are the absence of a comprehensive national TVET policy and legal framework to guide, direct, and oversee skills development. As a result, the TVET delivery system remains fragmented among several government ministries and agencies-notably, Youth and Sports, Education, Health and Agriculture.However, the validation of the National TVET policy among other things formulated the National TVET Commission, which will regulate the TVET sector, standardize a national curriculum, accredit TVET providers, and put in place a national qualification framework to standardize TVET certification regime among others. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Enemies against working class “alive and well” – Witter
– tells Enmore Martyrs’ commemoration gathering struggle for better conditions still ongoingIn presence of persons gathered to observe Enmore Martyrs Day, in commemoration of those five sugar workers who had each made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for better working conditions, Executive Member of the Guyana Trades Unions Congress (GTUC), Norris Witter, pointed out that some 71 years after their deaths, the struggle for better conditions still remains for the working class people.A section of the gathering at Sunday’s CeremonyDelivering remarks at Sunday’s ceremony in commemoration of Enmore Martyrs Day, Witter pointed to two major incidents of today that remind of this continuous struggle; those are: the closure of the sugar estates, and the firing of the RUSAL workers with impunity.“It is not the closure of those estates (that is at issue), but it was how it was done. There was no consultation with the unions that are recognised within the industry,” Witter noted.He went on to say that, “The enemies against the working class are alive and well. They might not be easily recognisable, but they are ever present, subtle and vicious.”Witter acknowledged the selfless sacrifice of those who had given their lives for their rights and those of other workers. That tragedy, he noted, served as a catalyst for change that resulted in statutory recognition of all trade unions, in collective bargaining for better wages and benefits with employers, and in emergence of a broad menu of Labour laws that regulate wages, holidays with pay, termination of employment, old age pension, and National Insurance and social benefits.Witter posited that in this era of corporate capitalism, trade unionists must be vigilant, as more challenges are ahead, and solidarity is necessary in fighting those challenges.His statements come as fired sugar workers continue to struggle for their daily bread following closure of four sugar estates by the Coalition Government.The downsizing of the sugar industry resulted in some 7000 workers being displaced.Added to this, some 100 bauxite workers were initially fired earlier this year; but while they were subsequently reinstated, they continue to push for better working conditions.Further, the APNU+AFC Government has come in for much criticism over the dismissal of several staff members from the Department of Public Service within the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP). These staffers were fired by newly installed Minister Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, reportedly for leaking information alleging corruption within the MoTP.Veteran trade unionist Norris WitterNevertheless, Government buckled under pressure and reversed the dismissal decision. Those staffers are now on administrative leave, pending the outcome of a Presidential Board of Inquiry which commences today.Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams, in his address to the gathering at Sunday’s commemoration ceremony, said those sugar workers’ lives were not lost in vain, as their heroism remains a part of the country’s history.Williams pointed out that the sugar industry at the time of the closures was suffering some $50 billion in losses, and adding that “the industry is not dead, but rather is in recovery, being nursed back to health.”He echoed President David Granger’s appeal for all stakeholders to work together to ensure the survival of the sugar industry.“Seventy-one years ago, five sugar workers laid down their lives for the improvement of all sugar workers…we owe it to them to do our best to assure this industry continues to contribute to the development of the people who depend on it. Let us all work together to turn this industry around,” Williams said.Sunday’s commemoration was held at the Enmore Martyrs Monument Site on the East Coast of Demerara in honour of Lallabaggie and Dookie from Enmore; and Rambarran, Harry and Pooran, who were on June 16, 1948 shot and killed by Police at the Enmore Estate while protesting for improved working conditions on sugar plantations.The ceremony was attended by representatives from various trade unions, Government ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and members of the public, who participated in the wreath laying ceremony.
Summer maternity services halted in Fort Nelson
Meanwhile, Morey says while there is a doctor shortage in Fort Nelson, there is also a shortage across North America. She says Northern Health is working very hard to bring a qualified doctor with C-Section capabilities to the town. Doctors are already warning patients to make plans. And Morey says there are also ads in the newspaper to notify everyone in the community.However, Morey says she realizes that there may be unexpected emergencies.[asset|aid=1597|format=mp3player|formatter=asset_bonus|title=0e2760a46da5217c3a8c7d3db52f86bf-Chris Morey 2_2_Pub.mp3]She says members from Northern Health know there are challenges and hardships in giving birth somewhere else, but it is in the best interest of both mom and baby.Advertisement Fort Nelson moms-to-be should be making plans to give birth in a different community.Between the two birthing physicians they will be gone on separate summer holidays from July 4th to August 19th, leaving the community with a doctor shortage.Chris Morey is the Health Service Administrator for Northern Health in Fort Nelson. She says there are only two full-time doctors in the area who are registered GP anesthetists and one of those two can perform a caesarean section.- Advertisement -Morey says this is happens every year, and Northern Health is aware of the concerns.[asset|aid=1596|format=mp3player|formatter=asset_bonus|title=0e2760a46da5217c3a8c7d3db52f86bf-Chris Morey 1_2_Pub.mp3]She says Fort St. John is the closest community for pregnant women to go to. She also recommends moms-to-be to make arrangements to give birth in communities where they have family members.Advertisement
Hard fighting Mathare hold Gor in Machakos
This is the second consecutive 2-2 draw from the defending champions who were held to a similar score-line in midweek away to Chemelil Sugar.A frantic two minutes saw two goals scored in either end of the pitch.First, Mathare broke the deadlock in the 16th minute though Francis Omondi whose freekick from the edge of the box after Cliff Nyakeya was fouled went beneath the wall and beat Shabaan Odhoji.From the restart, K’Ogalo equalized immediately this time from the penalty spot, Tuyisenge taking responsibility after he had been hacked down by David Owino.Though Robert Mboya had a touch on the ball, the power was too much as it dropped inside the net.Almost immediately after drawing level, Gor should have gone up when Tuyisenge’s touch off a George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo cross from the left failed to direct the ball on target with only the keeper to beat.It was an exciting start to the match pitting the league’s top two teams.Gor Mahia’s Jack Tuyisenge (centre) is congratulated by teammates Meddie Kagere (left) and Francis Kahata (right) after scoring against Mathare United during a Kenyan Premier League clash at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on April 29, 2018. PHOTO/Raymond MakhayaMathare’s tact was to sit back, soak in the pressure and hit on the counter using the pace of Cliff Nyakeya and Samuel Ndung’u on either win, but Gor had done their work right and ensured minimal balls landed on the flanks.Gilbert Onsonga, making his first start of the season ahead of injured skipper George Owino had a torrid evening and was often caught off his guard by the dangerous Gor attack led by Tuyisenge and Meddie Kagere.On the half hour mark, Ondonga failed to head away a freekick from Harun Shakava which landed on Humphrey Mieno’s feet, but the midfielder’s effort at swinging on a half volley on his second touch went over.K’Ogalo went into the lead five minutes to the break through Tuyisenge who slammed the ball home after Omurwa had cleared a Kagere effort off the line.Keeper Robert Mboya had failed to hold on to a cross from the right and Kagere picked up, dribbling past the custodian but his effort was blocked by Omurwa a few yards from goal with Mboya way off his line.Mathare came back into the second half an improved side, partly thanks to some tactical switches made by head coach Francis Kimanzi. The error prone Onsongo was moved to right back with Olwande dropping into central defense.Gor Mahia’s Meddie Kagere vies for the ball with Mathare United’s Chris Omondi during a Kenyan Premier League clash at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on April 29, 2018. PHOTO/Raymond MakhayaNdung’u was also brought off for Clifford Alwanga, a change that saw Chris Ochieng move out wide while Alwanga came into central attack.The Slum Boys had two back to back chances, first David Owino’s shot from the right hitting the side netting after Chris Oduor beat Odhoji to the ball and set up his mate.After that, Ochieng had an effort come off the bar when he raced into a delicious cross from the right with the Gor backline found sleeping.Mathare kept exerting pressure on the league leaders and they had another chance when Omondi’s freekick this time from range was well tipped over the bar for a corner by Odhoji.Onsonga was ultimately hauled off with natural right back Martin Ongori coming on as Kimanzi sought to rectify the pre-match error.All this time, Gor had been pushed back by Mathare, but they had a chance off the break when substitute Samuel Onyango was played throygh by Kahata but his shot was saved by Mboya.After surviving, Mathare exerted the pressure and Alwanga drew the sides level with a one time finish inside the box off an Ongori cross.This had come just a minute after keeper Odhoji had made a brilliant save to parry away an effort from Edward Seda.0Shares0000(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today) 0Shares0000Gor Mahia’s Jack Tuyisenge and Mathare United’s David Owino vie for the ball on the ground during a Kenyan premier League match in Machakos on April 29, 2018. PHOTO/Raymond MakhayaMACHAKOS, Kenya, Apr 29- Clifford Alwanga stepped off the bench to score the equalizer as Mathare United held defending champions Gor Mahia to a 2-2 draw in a top of the table Kenyan Premier League clash at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.Jack Tuyisenge’s brace had put Gor Mahia clear after Francis Omondi’s opener, but a much changed second half Mathare ensured they come off two back to back losses to pick a point that sees them retain the three-point gap between them and the leaders.
England hope different mindset will conquer penalty curse
0Shares0000England coach Gareth Southgate famously missed a penalty at Euro 96 © AFP / GABRIEL BOUYSSAINT PETERSBURG, Russian Federation, Jul 1 – England have projected this World Cup as a fresh start for a new generation but the team’s record of failure in penalty shoot-outs may not be so easy to forget.Penalties have been the death of England at six of the last 12 major tournaments and in that time, they have won only once, against Spain at Euro ’96. Gareth Southgate’s playing career was defined by the shot he side-footed into the hands of Andreas Kopke as England then lost in the semi-finals at Wembley to Germany.“I have had a couple of decades thinking it through,” Southgate said last week.His experience has informed his own approach now as coach, with a last 16 tie against Colombia to come on Tuesday and the possibility of penalties looming again.Southgate was in the World Cup squad in 1998 under Glenn Hoddle, who believed shoot-outs were a lottery, impossible to replicate in training and therefore not worth any form of practice.England duly lost to Argentina on spot-kicks and missed out on the quarter-finals.If there is one thing Southgate has been determined to drill into the preparation of his players, it is that penalty shoot-outs are not decided by chance.England forward Harry Kane takes part in a training session in Saint Petersburg © AFP / GABRIEL BOUYS“It’s definitely not chance,” Marcus Rashford said from England’s training base in Repino on Sunday.“It’s a skill and every skill takes time to learn and to perfect. It’s never a chance. It’s just about being able to perform it with pressure.”England have been practising penalties since March. The players rehearse the walk from the halfway line as well as their shot. Southgate has deployed video analysts and psychometric testing to gauge his most reliable takers.“There have been occasions where you even tell the goalkeepers which way you’re going so it has to be the perfect penalty,” Rashford said.England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has saved five out of 30 penalties faced during matches, a similar record to his two back-ups, Jack Butland, whose record is four from 25, and Nick Pope, who is three from 13.It is standard practice now for keepers to study their opponents’ habits, even if Pickford was left stumped when Tunisia’s Ferjani Sassi stepped up in England’s opening match.“The lad who scored it had never taken a pen before. I was struggling with where to go,” Pickford said. “I got fingertips on it and went the right way, which is promising.”Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois has suggested Pickford, at 1.85 metres tall, carries a disadvantage but Colombia’s stopper David Ospina is even smaller at 1.83 metres.England might take heart too from Ospina’s record. In spot-kicks awarded during games, he has saved only three out of 38 and one in his last 15. In shoot-outs, he helped Colombia past Peru in the Copa America two years ago by blocking Miguel Trauco’s effort with his legs.For England, half the battle will surely be mental. How heavy will the past weigh on the present?“We can’t change the past, it’s gone now,” Rashford said.“All we can look forward to is what is in front of us and I don’t think we ever think about that type of thing with England. It would put you on a bit of a downer.“We understand it but that record is definitely not something that is on our minds.”Rashford said he would be willing to put his hand up, as did Dele Alli when he was asked on Saturday.Harry Kane, who slammed two penalties into the top corner against Panama, would certainly be one of the five, while Jamie Vardy, who takes them for Leicester, is an option off the bench.Jordan Henderson, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker could also be on Southgate’s list.“You have to control it, you have to own it,” Alli said. “I’m confident in myself and what’s meant to be will be.“We’ve got to try to work hard on the penalties and we have been, we’re trying to own the situation, not let it own us. It’s changed the whole mindset for us.”0Shares0000(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)
‘I’m close to tears. It’s the happiest day of my life’ – Fans react to HUGE Man United news
Manchester United star Ander Herrera with Daley Blind Manchester United fans have gone wild on Twitter after reports Ander Herrera will start their Champions League clash with Club Brugge.The Spanish midfielder is a firm favourite at Old Trafford but is yet to start a game so far this season.Supporters were clamouring for his inclusion following the 0-0 draw with Newcastle United and it appears their prayers have been answered as the Manchester Evening News report he will play the second leg of their play-off match in Belgium.You can see how Manchester United fans react to the news of Ander Herrera’s start below… 1
New Busquets linked to AFC, top defender wanted and Guardiola keen on Sanchez
Lorenzo Insigne: Italian forward watched by Arsenal scouts – Napoli forward Insigne has scored seven goals in 15 Serie A games this season, operating as wide forward and central attacking midfielder. Calcio Mercato report that the 24-year-old has been watched by Arsenal scouts. However, his club will be reluctant to sell a player who still has four years left on his contract. 7 7 Alexis Sanchez: Guardiola wants his former player – According to Spanish outlet Don Balon, Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola wants to be reunited with Sanchez, who he managed at Barcelona. However, given the boss’ uncertain future in Germany, the report also claims Guardiola could wait until he knows where he will be next season. 7 Ruben Neves: A Sergio Busquets in the making? – Cristian Tello compared his Porto team-mate Neves with his former Barcelona pal Sergio Busquets. The 18-year-old midfielder’s passing, aggression and ball control have all been praised and Arsenal scouts have apparently been watching the player, along with other big European clubs. 7 Mauro Icardi: Inter striker to bolster front line? Click the yellow arrow above, right, to see more Arsenal transfer rumours – Injuries to midfielders may be mounting up at Arsenal, but there are also problems further forward. Both Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck have been forced to watch from the sidelines this season, so the club have been linked with additional firepower like Icardi. 7 Olympiakos v Arsenal is live on talkSPORT at 7.45pm – click here to listen.Will Arsenal splash the cash in January?Gooners will certainly hope their manager isn’t planning to window shop again given the amount of injuries the first team has.PREDICTED ARSENAL LINE UP FOR OLYMPIAKOS GAMEA new physio might be the best signing the club could make, but talkSPORT is focusing on the players linked with winter moves.The agent of Celtic’s Nir Britton has rubbished speculation linking the player with a move, so who else is there?Click the arrow above, right, to see the latest. Ilkay Gundogan: Juventus to pip Arsenal to Dortmund midfielder? – According to Tuttosport, Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri will be given a £50m transfer kitty to bolster his faltering side as they try to defend their Serie A title. That could dent any hopes Arsenal have of adding the classy midfielder to their ranks. Daniele Rugani: Talented Juve stopper can go but he MUST ASK to leave – In Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport it is being reported that Juventus will not sell the defender unless Rugani demands a transfer. Arsenal and Man United have both been linked with a move for him and the 21-year-old is highly-rated in Italy, but has been unable to land a regular first team spot. 7 Victor Wanyama: Pires loves ‘world class’ Saints man – Wanyama was said to be keen to move to Tottenham in the summer, but Southampton put their foot down and the midfielder remained on the south coast. Now former Arsenal forward Robert Pires has revealed he hopes to see the powerful Kenyan at the Emirates, as revealed in the London Evening Standard. 7
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