Fabian Ruiz scores a brace as Spain defeats Switzerland.
After a 0-0 draw with Serbia in their UEFA Nations League opener, Euro 2024 champions Spain returned to form with a 4-1 win over Switzerland on Sunday. Despite playing with 10 men for 70 minutes after Robin Le Normand was sent off, Spain dominated. Lamine Yamal was instrumental in their explosive start, setting up Joselu’s header and Fabian Ruiz’s goal from Nico Williams’ rebound. Switzerland was denied an equalizer when a handball disallowed Bećir Omeragić’s effort. However, they pulled one back when Zeki Amdouni scored from a flicked-on corner just before halftime. A second-half goal was disallowed for Switzerland after Ruben Vargas’ corner went out of play. As Switzerland pressed for an equalizer, gaps opened up in their defense, allowing Ferran Torres to assist Ruiz’s second goal and score himself minutes later.
4-1 Spain.
FERRAN TORRES MAKES IT FOUR WITH A GREAT FINISH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT'S A GOAL AND ASSIST IN 3 MINUTES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/gEuMoaSU9a
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) September 8, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo scores a late goal to steer Portugal to victory over Scotland.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a late winner as Portugal came from behind to beat Scotland 2-1 in the Nations League on Sunday. The 39-year-old netted his 901st career goal, converting a Nuno Mendes cross in the 88th minute to complete Portugal’s comeback. Earlier, Scotland took the lead through Scott McTominay’s header, but Portugal, dominating possession and creating more chances, equalized in the 54th minute when Bruno Fernandes’ shot slipped past goalkeeper Angus Gunn. Gunn redeemed himself with a double save against João Félix and saw Ronaldo hit the post twice. However, he couldn’t prevent Ronaldo’s decisive strike. Scotland’s loss felt harsher after two penalty appeals were denied by referee Maurizio Mariani. This defeat marks Scotland’s second consecutive Nations League loss, while Portugal remains atop Group 1 with two wins. Scotland sits bottom, three points behind Croatia and Poland.
2-1 Portugal.
RONALDO GIVES PORTUGAL THE LEAD IN MINUTE 88 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/VUhXOipt5W
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) September 8, 2024
Rodrygo opens up on missing out on the Ballon d’Or top 30 nominees.
Last week, France Football revealed the Top 30 nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, with six current Real Madrid players and retired Toni Kroos making the list. Surprisingly, Rodrygo Goes was left out despite his standout season with Real Madrid, where the 23-year-old Brazilian played a key role in securing three trophies. While he wasn’t expected to win, many felt he deserved a top 30 spot. Rodrygo expressed his disappointment on social media, sharing his achievements from last season, and received support from his teammates and Brazil star Neymar. In an interview with ESPN, Rodrygo admitted feeling “upset” about being overlooked, saying, “I think I deserved it… I had a place in the 30.” He added that his Real Madrid and Brazil teammates have backed him, showing a shared belief that his contributions warranted recognition.
🚨⚪️ Rodrygo: “I was upset when I saw they didn’t include me in Ballon d’Or nominees”.
“I think I deserved it. I don’t want to belittle the players who are there, but I think I had a place”.
“It was a surprise… but there is not much I can do, I don’t make decisions”. pic.twitter.com/xXL5krebhE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 9, 2024
Luka Modrić speaks on his possible retirement in the future.
Real Madrid star, Luka Modrić was the standout performer in Croatia’s 1-0 win over Poland in the UEFA Nations League, showcasing his exceptional skill and technique. The 39-year-old midfielder played the full 90 minutes, scoring the decisive goal and maintaining an impressive 94% pass completion rate. Modric also created five chances, proving to be a key source of creativity for his team. Despite his outstanding performance, questions about his potential Retirement arose post-match. Addressing the media, the Real Madrid star provided a cautious response, stating he is focused on taking things “game by game.” Modrić added, “I can’t think about the future. When I no longer feel the fire in me, I’ll retire. Only I can feel that fire and make the decision.” His comments reflect a player still driven by passion, leaving his future open-ended.
✨🇭🇷 Luka Modrić on retirement: “With me, you never know. We have to take it game by game!”.
“I can't think about the future. When I no longer feel the fire in me, I'll retire”.
“Only I can feel that fire and make the decision”. pic.twitter.com/5CA0UV5jMI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 8, 2024
Fábio Vieira’s loan deal to Porto does not include a buy option.
Arsenal midfielder, Fábio Vieira has joined Porto on a season-long Loan deal. Despite speculation, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that there is no buy option included in the agreement between Porto and Arsenal. The Gunners want to evaluate Vieira’s situation in June 2025 after the loan ends, which is why they opted not to include a purchase clause. Vieira, who came through Porto’s youth academy, made his debut for Arsenal in September 2022 and has since made 49 appearances under manager Mikel Arteta. The versatile midfielder now returns to his roots at Porto, where he will spend the season, aiming to gain more playing time and experience. Arsenal will reassess his future after the loan period, keeping open the possibility of his return to the Premier League side.
🔴⚪️ No buy option clause has been included into Fábio Vieira deal between Porto and Arsenal.#AFC want to assess the situation in June 2025 after loan; this is why the club didn’t want to include any buy clause. pic.twitter.com/eU9YnDEhvA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 8, 2024