Kolo Muani’s brace gives France a close victory over Belgium.
France moved closer to the Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over Belgium, thanks to a brace from Randal Kolo Muani. He opened the scoring from the penalty spot after a Wout Faes handball, but Belgium equalized in first-half stoppage time through Loïs Openda. Earlier, Belgium captain Youri Tielemans missed a penalty. France regained the lead in the 62nd minute when Kolo Muani headed in his second goal. The match took a tense turn when Aurélien Tchouaméni was sent off for a second yellow card with 15 minutes left, leaving France to play with 10 men. However, Didier Deschamps’ side held on to secure a crucial victory, significantly boosting their chances of reaching the Nations League quarter-finals.
France 🇫🇷 get the win in an eventful game 👀 pic.twitter.com/S8ak68jWC0
— 433 (@433) October 14, 2024
Libyan Football Federation’s president resigns amid Super Eagles’ dispute.
Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, President of the Libyan Football Federation, announced his resignation during a regular meeting of the Federation’s General Assembly. According to The Libya Observer, the decision was made on Sunday and shared via the publication’s website on Monday. Al-Shalmani cited his desire not to be associated with ongoing failures in Libyan sports as a key reason for his departure. Reflecting on his tenure, he acknowledged the difficulties faced during his time in office but expressed gratitude to his colleagues, saying, “I thank all members of the General Assembly, and I forgive everyone from all segments of the sports sector.” Despite the challenges, he emphasized his long-standing contributions to the International, Arab, and African federations. His resignation comes amidst rising tensions over the treatment of Nigeria’s national team ahead of an important Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The Libyan Football Federation president resigns amid Super Eagles drama pic.twitter.com/nUX3nL8utc
— GoldMyneTV (@GoldmyneTV) October 14, 2024
The NBA is targeting 2027/28 for when expansion teams can play in the league.
According to emerging reports, the NBA is gearing up for its 79th season starting on October 22, 2024, and discussions about league expansion are heating up. While previous reports suggested expansion could happen within the next two to three years, it now appears the league is eyeing the 2027-28 season for adding new teams. The last expansion occurred in 2004, and fans are curious about how the 2027-28 expansion draft might unfold. Previously, teams were allowed to protect up to eight players, leaving at least one player unprotected, with expansion teams only able to choose one player from each existing franchise. Additionally, active players cannot hold stakes in expansion or existing teams. Though these rules could change, including potential adjustments to the salary cap, no official updates have been released yet. Fans will have to wait to see how the NBA expansion draft rules evolve.
The NBA is targeting the 2027-28 season for when the expansion teams will start playing games 👀
(via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/I4U1gqG67K
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) October 14, 2024
Paulo Maldini’s son becomes the third generation of his family to represent Italy.
Daniel Maldini became the third generation of his family to represent Italy, debuting in a 4-1 victory over Israel in the UEFA Nations League. The 23-year-old came off the bench in the 74th minute, following in the footsteps of his father, Paolo, and grandfather, Cesare, who both played for the Azzurri. Paolo Maldini, a legendary defender with AC Milan, made 126 appearances for Italy, while Cesare earned 14 caps, with his last match over 61 years ago. Daniel, an attacking midfielder for Serie A side Monza, expressed joy at playing in front of his parents. Italy led 3-1 when Maldini entered, with goals from Mateo Retegui, Giovanni di Lorenzo, and Davide Frattesi securing the win. The Maldini’s are the first family to have three generations play for Italy, a four-time World Cup champion.
💙🇮🇹 Paolo Maldini’s son Daniel makes his debut for Italy in Udine, same pitch where Paolo made his debut as Milan legend.
It’s first time ever in Italy history to see three players from same family wear the Azzurri shirt (Cesare, Paolo, Daniel Maldini). pic.twitter.com/ubAZ9QHz7G
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 14, 2024
Jamie Leweling’s debut goal gives Germany a crucial win against the Netherlands.
Germany defeated the Netherlands to move closer to a Nation’s League quarter-final spot. Jamie Leweling had an early goal disallowed for offside after poor Dutch defending, with Virgil van Dijk absent due to suspension. Before the match in Munich, Germany held a tribute for retiring players Ilkay Gündogan, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, and Toni Kroos. A minute’s silence was also observed for Johan Neeskens and Dieter Burdenski, who had recently passed away. Leweling secured the win with a powerful first-time shot into the top corner from a half-cleared corner. The Dutch struggled to create clear opportunities but came close twice, hitting the crossbar through Cody Gakpo’s cross and Xavi Simons’ shot. Germany now leads the group with 10 points, while the Netherlands and Hungary are tied on five. The second-placed team advances, and third faces a play-off.
FT: Germany 1-0 Netherlands.
Bad result & bad performance vs Hungary, bad result & bad performance vs Germany, what a crap International break this was, Koeman. pic.twitter.com/KdRSapMopS
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) October 14, 2024