يأمل منتخب الأرجنتين في مواصلة الفوز في مشواره بالتصفيات المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2022، بعد فوزه على الإكوادور 1-0 يوم الجمعة.

ويستعد منتخب الأرجنتين لمواجهة بوليفيا، غدًا الثلاثاء، وللعب على ارتفاع 12 ألف قدم تقريبًا فوق مستوى سطح البحر في لاباز، الأمر الذي يتسبب في معاناة بعض الرياضيين الزائرين بسبب الضغط الجوي.

الأفراد غير المتأقلمين يعانون من ضيق التنفس بشكل أسرع في مثل هذه الارتفاعات، مما يمنح بوليفيا ميزة كبيرة في بعض المباريات على أرضهم.

وقال سكالوني في تصريحات نشرها موقع “جول” العالمي: “سأتحدث عن ذلك مع اللاعبين واحدًا تلو الآخر، وسنقوم بتقييم الجميع”.

وأضاف: “قبل أن نصل إلى أرض الملعب، لن ندرك كيف سيتفاعل اللاعبون، وقررنا المجيء قبل موعد المباراة بيومين لملاحظة التأثيرات على اللاعبين”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. المنتخب الأرجنتيني يكشف آخر تطورات حالة ديبالا

وأردف سكالوني: “نحن بحاجة إلى لاعبين جاهزين بنسبة 100 بالمائة، إذا لم يكونوا كذلك، فسأتحدث معهم وأتخذ القرار الأفضل للفريق”.

وأكمل: “سواء أتيت في اليوم السابق للمباراة أو قبلها بيومين، عليك أن تقضي 20 يومًا في التدريب حتى تكون حالتك البدنية مساوية لحالة لاعبي بوليفيا”.

واستطرد مدرب الأرجنتين: “الأمر مثل الغرق، كل اللاعبين سيغرقون، المشكلة هي الشعور الذي ينتاب كل لاعب، نحن نفعل كل شيء ممكن حتى يتمكنوا من الوصول إلى المباراة بأفضل حال”.

وعن حديثه مع لاعبيه، أوضح سكالوني: تحدثت مع الجميع ومع ليونيل ميسي على وجه الخصوص، هناك لاعبون يعانون أكثر، وآخرون يعانون أقل بسبب مشاكل بدنية وتدريبية، نحن نعد المباراة بطريقة نعتقد أنها يمكن أن تسير على ما يرام”.

وشدد سكالوني: “علينا استخدام كل أسلحتنا، نحاول التخلص من القلق، لدينا ما يكفي للمجيء إلى هنا ونكون على ارتفاع 3000 متر، وكلما حصلت على الكرة أكثر، كان ذلك أفضل”.

وأتم: “عندما فزنا في 2005 سجلنا أهدافًا من الركلات الثابتة، كانت مواقف محددة وتم تحديد سيناريو المباراة هناك”.

التقت الأرجنتين وبوليفيا 20 مرة في تصفيات كأس العالم، وكل الانتصارات الخمسة للأخيرة جاءت على أرضها.

وبالمثل، فازت الأرجنتين فقط في ثلاث من رحلاتها العشر إلى لاباز وكانت الهزيمة 6-1 قبل 11 عامًا هي أكبر هزيمة في تاريخها.

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Manchester United fans have taken to Twitter to discuss Barcelona’s injury problems ahead of the Champions League quarter-final tie between the two teams.

The Red Devils welcome the Spanish champions to Old Trafford on the 10th April, before heading to the Camp Nou just six days later with a place in the semi-finals at stake as well as the fate of your William Hill bonus code for the tie.

Watch the video below to find out what Jesse Lingard is like off the pitch in the latest Match Of The Bae with Emma Conybeare…

Interestingly, however, Ernesto Valverde’s side could be without Luis Suarez for the first leg, after the Uruguay international sprained his ankle – they will definitely be without Ousmane Dembele, who tore his hamstring in the last 16 against Lyon.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men fought back from a 2-0 deficit to beat Paris Saint-Germain and make the quarter-finals, which they are set to be the underdogs in against Barcelona.

With the latest fitness update, however, United have been handed a lifeline.

The Red Devils’ fans on Twitter are obviously happy to hear the news, and have taken to Twitter to react with jubilation…

The impact that Steve Bruce has been nothing short of breath-taking, wouldn’t you agree? It might have taken a while to get him through the door but the former Aston Villa boss is certainly proving worth the wait. 

Under the former Manchester United skipper, they look a completely different side to come up against, one that will put up a fight against any team in the league.

And whilst it’s probably too late to strive for a play-off place, if Bruce can take his side’s form into next season, they will be in a terrific place to achieve great things. That of course, is resting on the potential signings Sheffield Wednesday may recruit over the summer, with Brighton’s Beram Kayal a player that could be of interest to them.

Kayal, (who is valued at £1.3 million on Transfermarkt) has rarely been used for Brighton this season, which could lead to the midfielder eyeing a move away this summer. Surely he’s too good to sit on the bench.

With just seven Premier League starts to his name, the 30-year-old could be forced to look elsewhere to get regular game-time as he gets nearer the end of his career than the start point.

Sheffield Wednesday would surely be grateful recipients of such an influential player, one who could perfectly fit into their system.

Whether he adopts a more defensive or attacking role, Kayal is a player that would improve the Owls overall squad and with one year left on his contract, may not be costly either.

Steve Bruce currently has a number of different midfield options he could turn to but with the Championship being 46 games long, plus cup competitions, a big competitive squad will be ideal for him.

Do you agree that Beram Kayal would make a good signing? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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Sky Sports pundit Danny Murphy has praised the impact of Lucas Moura on Tottenham Hotspur after his cameo against Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

The Brazil international replaced Harry Kane after the Spurs striker sustained a potentially serious ankle injury at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

What’s he said?

Lucas came on in the 58th-minute following Kane’s injury.

Per WhoScored, the former PSG attacker completed two dribbles after coming on, made one tackle and, despite his diminutive frame, won two aerial duels.

And Murphy was impressed with the forward, who last completed 90 minutes in the Premier League in December, in the 5-0 win over AFC Bournemouth.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ The Debate podcast (08:33), he said: “I actually think Lucas Moura deserved credit.

“He was great when he came on. He’s a talented player.”

Deserves a chance

Lucas has been something of a bit-part player this season.

Clearly talented on the ball and blessed with genuinely explosive pace, he has completed 90 minutes just nine times in all-competitions this season.

He has been a European super-sub before, coming off the bench to score the equaliser in the brave 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the Camp Nou that sealed Spurs’ qualification to the knockout stages.

With Kane surely set for a lengthy period on the sidelines, giving Lucas a chance makes all the sense in the world for Pochettino.

Pairing him with Son Heung-Min up front allows for a greater degree of tactical flexibility and could bamboozle opposition defences both at home and abroad.

The time, surely, is now.

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Birmingham fans have been left to ponder the potential consequences of an EFL hearing after John Percy of the Telegraph reported the club are finally set to face a commission after a breach of spending rules.

The result could see the Blues hit with a 12 point deduction which would plunder them deep into relegation trouble, but one supporter used the opportunity to look forward to another possible final day survival scenario, rather than be dampened by the situation.

It’s news that has left other fans fearing the worst, claiming they are often punished harder than any other team.

Garry Monk’s side were previously put under a transfer embargo for exceeding the permitted monetary losses allowed over a three year period and a topic of discussion has also been the signing of Kristian Pedersen, a player who arrived whilst under that embargo.

However, one fan seems to think being banned from signing players would be better than losing points, suggesting that a punishment similar to Chelsea’s two window ban would be more fitting.

Reaction from the St Andrews faithful wasn’t all damning. In fact, one individual commented that it was a positive update that they’ll receive a verdict. Another suggested it wasn’t worth worrying about.

It’s a week that’s gone from bad to worse for Birmingham after the club was charged for failing to control their supporters following an assault on Jack Grealish. This was a further issue raised by a fan who was keen to stamp down on the negativity that had been spread.

Here’s the best of what was said on Twitter.

Instead of being destroyed by it, Unai Emery’s embraced Arsenal’s limitations since arriving last summer. Many managers would complain about the meagre investment, yet Emery’s made the best use of whatever he received while also using his new signings really well.

The Spaniard’s impressed many by bringing spirit into Arsenal’s game and making them play thrilling attacking football. However, the constant loses and embarrassment have happened due to Arsenal’s squad lacking in individuals. With Aaron Ramsey leaving, the Gunners need to get replace him with someone with similar potential.

According to reports (via Daily Mirror) they might’ve found it in a relatively unknown player. They’re keen on Charlton Athletic’s breakout star Joe Aribo, who’s been a standout in the League One. The 22-year-old’s proven himself as a dynamic central midfielder, who can not only distribute the ball around, but also open things up for his attackers.

Aribo’s scored 6 goals and assisted quite a few for the Addicks this season, being a vibrant figure in the middle. Going by his playing style, the youngster almost mimics Adrien Rabiot, while also having traits of Mesut Ozil. He’s quick, alert, has an eye for goal and can carry the ball forward, something which Emery needs to polish in his system.

Yes, it’s a fairly underwhelming name right now (one of our writers is particularly annoyed about it), but think of a certain Dele Alli and his impact across the road in North London…

He could be purchased fairly cheap and allow Arsenal to invest their funds on improving their defence. While signing an untested player like Aribo is a big gamble, Emery’s tendency to elevate promising talents means he can mould the electric 22-year-old into something special.

Arsenal fans, do you think Aribo can be a successor to Ramsey? Join the discussion by commenting below. 

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West Ham United fans have lauded Matthew Taylor after the former Hammer announced that he will retire at the end of the season via his official Twitter account.

Taylor spent three years at Upton Park between 2011 and 2014, helping the side win promotion back to the Premier League in the 2011-12 season.

A versatile player who can play in midfield, on the left wing and at left-back, Taylor is currently playing for Swindon Town, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

He announced on Tuesday that, upon the expiration of that deal, he would hang up his boots, after a career that has spanned seven clubs and 20 years.

Taylor began his career at Luton Town before making a move to Portsmouth, where he spent six years. Following that, moves to Bolton, the Hammers, Burnley, Northampton Town and Swindon followed.

And Irons fans have wished Taylor the best of luck in his retirement, with many holding fond memories of his time in east London.

Take a look at the best of the reaction on Twitter below!

هاجم كارلوس زامبرانو مدافع منتخب بيرو، البرازيلي نيمار دا سيلفا نجم باريس سان جيرمان، ووصفه بالمهرج.

المدافع البيروفي يرى أن نيمار أحد أفضل اللاعبين في العالم، ولكنه أيضًا مهرج بسبب الطريقة التي تصرف بها في مباراة تصفيات مونديال قطر 2022.

وفازت البرازيل على بيرو بنتيجة (4-2) وسجل نيمار ثلاثة أهداف (هاتريك) في تلك المباراة يوم الثلاثاء الماضي.

وقال مدافع بوكا جونيورز في تصريحات لـ البرنامج التلفزيوني “لا باندا ديل تشينو”، نشرتها صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية: “بكل صراحة نيمار لاعب عظيم، ومن الأفضل في العالم، لكنه بالنسبة لي مهرج حقيقي”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. بعد تخطيه في عدد الأهداف مع البرازيل.. رونالدو يوجه رسالة مهمة لـ نيمار

واعتبر زامبرانو، الذي طرد بعد 86 دقيقة من المباراة التي أقيمت على الاستاد الوطني في ليما لضربه المهاجم ريتشارليسون بذراعه، أن نجم باريس سان جيرمان ارتكب أخطاء زائفة حتى حصل على ركلتي جزاء لصالح البرازيل.

وأكمل البيروفي: “نيمار على دراية بكل ما فعله في الملعب، إنه لاعب رائع لكنه كان يبحث عن أدنى مستوى، في منطقة الجزاء ألقى بنفسه أربع أو خمس مرات ليرى ما إذا كانوا سيحتسبون له ركلة جزاء، وفي النهاية حقق هدفه وحصل على ركلتي جزاء، لكنهم غير مستحقين”.

وأشار زامبرانو إلى أن المهاجم طلب أيضًا من حكم المباراة التشيلي خوليو باسكونان تغيير البطاقة الصفراء التي أظهرها في البداية إلى حمراء.

وأوضح: “إنها البرازيل وعند اللمس (على الفور) ذهبوا لإلقاء نظرة باستخدام تقنية الفار، سواء كانت اللعبة إيجابية أو سلبية، لقد راجعوا اللقطات لأنها البرازيل، الحكم لم يتصرف بنفس الطريقة عندما طلبنا منه مراجعة اللقطات”.

وعن طرده، أردف: “لم أكن مرتبكًا للغاية، أردت فقط التغطية لكني للأسف ضربت ريتشارلسون على وجهه، مازلت أعتذر له، لأنها كانت ضربة بدون تعمد، وبقيت هادئا لأنني كنت أعرف ما حدث”.

وأثارت نتيجة المباراة جدلًا كبيرًا في بيرو، لدرجة أن الاتحاد البيروفي لكرة القدم (FPF) أعلن أنه سيرفع شكوى ضد باسكونان ومديره الرياضي، واعتبر خوان كارلوس أوبليتاس أن الحكم خبيث ومنحاز.

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Crystal Palace’s game-plan at Spurs seemed to just be to not lose and it eventually failed, despite a battling first half in which the Eagles fought valiantly to keep the scores level – they were somewhat indebted to the efforts of James Tomkins and Vicente Guaita though.

Unfortunately for Roy Hodgson and Co, Spurs’ sustained pressure finally paid off as they capitalised on a Luka Milivojevic mistake and scored via Heung-min Son and a sizeable deflection. The Serbian was dispossessed on the edge of his own box, allowing the Spurs number 7 to drive towards goal and get a shot off – one which finally broke Palace’s resolve.

The Eagles captain is usually a reliable figure at the base of midfield, with his penchant for penalties, work-rate and passing abilities all huge assets to his side, although he was caught out on Wednesday – and not for the first time.

The number 4 all too frequently takes far too long on the ball when the best decision would just be to hit it forward and that has cost his side on a couple of occasions – he gave away a silly free-kick, from which Granit Xhaka scored, against Arsenal at Selhurst Park having messed about too much.

The enforcer’s display was otherwise solid – he completed a match-high six interceptions and three tackles as he worked tirelessly in the middle of the park, although a temporary lapse in concentration undid all of that hard work.

Ever willing to get on the ball and control the game when his side were afforded possession, the 6 ft 1 former Olympiacos man also took 63 touches and completed one key pass, although none were impactful – the Eagles were wasteful with their chances and the performance, overall, was poor.

Has this guy found the worst stadium in English football? Decide for yourself by watching the video below…

Milivojevic is one of Palace’s most indispensable players but soon other teams will figure out that, once they get touch tight and put him under pressure, they can force a mistake which they can take advantage of. This is something that the 27-year-old cannot allow to remain in his game as he will soon become a liability.

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Reports in Italy claim Manchester United are ready to swoop for Roma centre back Kostas Manolas.

What’s the story?

Earlier this week, Sport Witness translated a report from Leggo that claimed the Red Devils ‘ready to pay’ the Greece international’s release clause of €36m (£31m).

Now, TuttoMercatoWeb have thrown their hat in the ring, also claiming that United will trigger his release clause at the end of the season.

Milan Skriniar of Inter Milan was another target, the report claims, but he will seemingly be too expensive to pry away from the San Siro.

A perfect partnership?

Manolas is 6 ft 2, incredibly fast for such a big, physical threat, and loves throwing his body on the line – as you would expect from a man who has spent his career in Greece and Rome, two places that require gladiatorial bravery from every player.

This bravery is something that has maybe been missing at Old Trafford too, so the 39-cap Greek ace could well be the commanding leader the Red Devils have been missing at the back.

In fact, he could the perfect partner for the ever-improving Victor Lindelof, as the one aspect of the modern game Manolas struggles with is when he has the ball at his feet, an area where Lindelof just so happens to excel.

The young Swedish international needs an experienced head next to him, and what could be better than pairing a ball-playing viking with a fearless gladiator?

With the release clause currently standing at just £31m, Ed Woodward and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be fools not to make this happen.