THE BALL – Bernardo Silva and his Smart: this is how some stars arrived in retirement (photo) (Portugal)

THE BALL – Bernardo Silva and his Smart: this is how some stars arrived in retirement (photo) (Portugal)

The national team started preparing for the World Cup in Qatar this Monday and it was under their own power that the players arrived in the City of Football in the afternoon. If many arrived in top-of-the-range cars and valued at many thousands of euros, Bernardo Silva was more ‘modest’ and presented himself at the … Read more

THE BALL – Abel Ferreira in the Brazilian national team? “If my grandmother, if I had Ronaldo…” (Brazil)

THE BALL – Abel Ferreira in the Brazilian national team?  “If my grandmother, if I had Ronaldo…” (Brazil)

It was with good humor that Abel Ferreira reacted to the umpteenth time that he was included as one of the possible replacements for Tite, who had already announced his departure after the World Cup in Qatar, to the Brazilian national team. The Portuguese manager, recently champion of Brazil with Palmeiras, has shown that he … Read more

IL PALLONE – Fall in love with the eaglets: the “see you soon” message from Enzo Fernández (Benfica)

IL PALLONE – Fall in love with the eaglets: the “see you soon” message from Enzo Fernández (Benfica)

Midfielder Enzo Fernández, Aguais’ reinforcement who had a brutal impact on the Benfica squad and whose good performances were rewarded with a World Cup call-up in Qatar, posted a “see you soon” message at match time to enter the national team (with Otamendi, also called up). Judging by the words, the former River Plate player … Read more

THE BALL – The draw for the entire round of 16 (with a hot derby) and the ‘path’ to the final (Portuguese Cup)

THE BALL – The draw for the entire round of 16 (with a hot derby) and the ‘path’ to the final (Portuguese Cup)

This Monday, the draw for the round of 16 of the Portuguese Cup took place in Cidade do Futebol (behind closed doors, broadcast live on the Portuguese Football Federation’s YouTube channel). The highlight goes to the Minho derby between SC Braga and V. Guimarães. FC Porto receives Arouca, from the main division, and Benfica visits … Read more

THE BALL – «I hide behind nothing» (FC Porto)

THE BALL – «I hide behind nothing» (FC Porto)

Petit, coach of Boavista, believed that referees should, in the near future, speak immediately after matches. Faced with this problem, Sérgio Conceição was pragmatic. «I don’t have to comment on the words of my colleague and friend, I don’t think I have to, because talking about them is like reviewing my team’s game. I don’t … Read more

THE BALL – This will be Arsenal’s first reinforcement for next season (Arsenal)

THE BALL – This will be Arsenal’s first reinforcement for next season (Arsenal)

OR Voetbal Priemeur, from the Netherlands, guarantees that Arsenal have already secured a reinforcement for next season. This is Youri Tielemans, midfielder whose contract with Leicester is about to expire, with whom the gunners they will already have a principle of agreement. The 25-year-old Belgium international is serving his fifth season at Leicester. This season … Read more

THE BALL – «The word ‘champion’? I know, but we’re only at the beginning” (Benfica)

THE BALL – «The word ‘champion’?  I know, but we’re only at the beginning” (Benfica)

Roger Schmidt was asked if he knows the word “champion”, as he himself admitted that he learned Portuguese. The German coach replied curiously. “Champion? It’s almost an international word. I know, but we’re only at the beginning,” he commented. The German coach also spoke about Rafa and a possible lack of use of the winger … Read more

AND IT WAS – Manchester City

AND IT WAS – Manchester City

Manchester City receives Brentford, in the 16th round of the Premier League. You citizens they are in second place, with 32 points, managing, if they win, to overtake and put pressure on Arsenal, who lead the competition, with 34 points, and only play on Sundays. Brentford, on the other hand, is in the middle of … Read more

THE BALL – Benzema returned to Lyon but goals… only from penalties (France)

THE BALL – Benzema returned to Lyon but goals… only from penalties (France)

1-1 draw between Lyon and Nice in the opening match of the 15th day of Ligue 1, marked by the presence on the pitch of Karim Benzema to show the Ballon d’Or to the fans of the club where he was trained and from which he was transferred to Real Madrid in 2009. However, the … Read more