Haaland’s hattrick steers Norway to a big 5-0 victory over Kazakhstan.
Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland delivered a stunning performance for Norway, scoring a hat-trick in their 5-0 victory over Kazakhstan to secure promotion to League A of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League. Haaland opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, pouncing on a rebound from Antonio Nusa’s shot. He doubled the lead 14 minutes later, connecting with Nusa’s cross, and Alexander Sørloth made it 3-0 just before halftime. Haaland completed his hat-trick with a precise strike from the edge of the box in the second half, while Nusa added a fifth to seal the win at Ullevaal Stadion. Norway topped Group B3, finishing two points ahead of Austria. Haaland’s treble makes him the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals in six games. Remarkably, he has now scored 25 career hat-tricks, more than his age (24). Haaland returns to Manchester City ahead of their clash with Tottenham.
🧘🏼♂️🇳🇴 Hat-trick for Erling Haaland tonight!
7 goals in 6 Nations League games.
22 goals for club and country so far. pic.twitter.com/fJEUoTNthi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 17, 2024
Fabrizio Romano shuts down rumours of Paul Pogba’s Manchester United return.
Despite recent rumours, Paul Pogba will not be returning to Manchester United’s Carrington training facilities, despite recent rumors, according to Journalist Fabrizio Romano. The former United midfielder is set to leave Juventus by mutual consent at the end of the month. Pogba, who last played for the Bianconeri in September 2022 against Empoli, received a four-year ban after testing positive for illegal substances. However, his suspension was reduced to 18 months following a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Although eligible to return to action in March, Juventus has opted to terminate his contract. Pogba is now searching for his next club, but Romano confirmed that no contact has been made with Manchester United. The 31-year-old made 233 appearances during his second stint with the Red Devils, winning the Europa League and EFL Cup after his £89 million return in 2016.
🚨⛔️ Reports of Paul Pogba set to train at Manchester United’s Carrington are not true.
Pogba is not planning to train at any club as he’s working in Miami on daily basis.
As soon as he signs for new club, Paul will be ready to go and train there.
No contacts with United. pic.twitter.com/R5eb9VcLLK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 17, 2024
Israel stuns Belgium with a late goal; suffers relegation despite the win.
Debutant, Yarden Shua’s late goal secured Israel a 1-0 upset over Belgium in Budapest on Sunday, though it wasn’t enough to prevent their relegation from Nations League Group A2. Shua, making his debut as a second-half substitute, capitalized on a defensive error by Belgium’s Matte Smets in the 86th minute. Dia Saba intercepted Smets’ misplaced pass, and though his shot was blocked, Shua fired the rebound home. Despite the win, Israel finished level with Belgium on four points but dropped to the bottom due to an inferior head-to-head record after a 3-1 loss in September. Belgium, missing key players like Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Youri Tielemans, struggled despite dominating possession. Israel, hosting in Budapest due to Security concerns, also hit the woodwork twice in the first half and defended resolutely, adding pressure on Belgian coach Domenico Tedesco amid their poor form.
FT: Israël 1-0 Belgium.
A draw vs France followed up by VICTORY vs Belgium, though Israël still end last in the group. pic.twitter.com/MPdwfbt5E3
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) November 17, 2024
Neymar reportedly on the verge of returning to his former club.
Former Barcelona star, Neymar is reportedly set to make a sensational return to his boyhood club, Santos, as he works on terminating his contract with Saudi club Al-Hilal. The Brazilian star joined Al-Hilal in 2023 for €90 million (£77.2m/$98.3m) but has struggled with injuries, managing just seven appearances. Disillusioned with his current situation, Neymar is said to have an agreement in place with Santos, where he began his professional career and became a club legend. Neymar left Santos in 2013 after scoring 55 goals and providing 18 assists in 70 games, finishing fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings that year—an extraordinary feat for someone in a lower-profile league. Fans never imagined seeing him in Santos colors again, but his return appears imminent. For now, Neymar remains sidelined with injury and will watch Al-Hilal’s upcoming match against Al-Khaleej on November 23.
🚨🚨| BREAKING: Neymar has reached an AGREEMENT to return to his boyhood club, Santos! 🇧🇷
Works are underway to terminate his contract with Al Hilal.
[@CLMerlo] pic.twitter.com/A0IcyKKONL
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) November 17, 2024
The Three Lions thumbs Ireland 5-0 to secure UEFA Nations League promotion.
England sealed promotion back to the top tier of the Nations League with a commanding 5-0 victory over 10-man Ireland at Wembley in interim manager Lee Carsley’s final match in charge. After a sluggish first half, England exploded into life early in the second. Harry Kane’s penalty, Anthony Gordon’s volley, and Conor Gallagher’s close-range finish within five minutes shattered Ireland’s resistance. Substitute Jarrod Bowen added a fourth with a sharp strike from the edge of the area, while debutant Taylor Harwood-Bellis headed in the fifth. Ireland’s Liam Scales was sent off early in the second half for a foul on Jude Bellingham that led to England’s penalty, leaving his side to struggle with 10 men. The win confirmed England’s promotion to League A, topping Group B2 on goal difference over Greece. Carsley exits with five wins from six matches, handing over to incoming manager Thomas Tuchel in January.
FT: England 5-0 Ireland.
GOALS BY HARRY KANE, ANTHON GORDON, CONOR GALLAGHER, JARROD BOWEN & HARWOOD BELLIS! 🏴🌟 pic.twitter.com/RBxci9ocQT
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) November 17, 2024