Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann wants to continue the momentum from their victory over France heading into their final match with the Netherlands before the European Championship in June.

Nagelsmann’s side ran out 2-0 winners over France on Saturday to end a run of three games without victory – dating back to October where they beat the United States 3-1 – and will now face the Netherlands in their last dress rehearsal before their home Euros.

The German manager does not want the result over France to be a one off and is keen to build on the performance by naming an unchanged side.

He told a press conference: “It’s about the team believing in itself and this path – even in negative moments in the game.

“We have turned into what we want to continue on the road towards the home European Championship.

“I plan that it will be the same first XI as in France.

“In football, you always have to back up a performance. A one-hit wonder, that can be nice, but we have to continue on our path.”

Germany will be hoping to go further in the upcoming Euro 2024, which will be played in front of their home fans following a disappointing World Cup which saw them head out in the group stage.

Nagelsmann knows the result has made some supporters content and was keen not to undo all their hard work going into the competition.

He added: “The team must be able keep things in perspective. We played a great game. We know it’s a first step, now we need to take another. We can’t just let everything fall apart tomorrow.

“The advantage with such euphoria is that we now feel a little more support from the population. From this point of view, yes, we can rely on it.

“To say that everything is magnificent, no. We just have to continue like this.”

The Netherlands come into the match fresh from their 4-0 victory over Scotland and are currently on a run of four wins on the bounce.

Despite the scoreline, boss Ronald Koeman was not happy with his side’s performance and knows they have to improve if they are to get a result against Germany.

He said: “We will have to do much better in the build-up against Germany, otherwise we will concede goals.

“We also have to play more compactly and communicate better with each other.

“Of course you want to win, swing on the field and score a lot of goals. But if you win a lesser match 4-0, you are not doing badly. And playing better when in possession of the ball does not seem that difficult to me.”

France forward Kylian Mbappe insists they will not panic following their friendly defeat to Germany as they prepare to face Chile on Tuesday.

The World Cup finalists lost to Germany for a second time in the space of seven months as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat thanks to goals in each half from Florian Wirtz and Arsenal forward Kai Havertz.

Didier Deschamps’ side now face Chile at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille and will be hoping to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time since 2015.

Mbappe described the Germany result as “a warning” but said it was important not to read too much into it.

He told a press conference, as reported by L’Equipe: “If we had won 5-0, I would not have said to myself that we were going to win the Euros with our fingers in our noses. I’m not saying to myself that we’re going to be overwhelmed either.

“It’s a warning, but we’re not going to throw everything in the trash for a friendly match, even if there were a lot of lessons for the future.

“Now the match is over, we will have to show a reaction against Chile. We must look ahead and realise that what we have done is not enough.

“It remains a friendly match, but there were a lot of warnings, there were too many things that went wrong to beat a team like Germany.”

The Chile game sees France boss Deschamps return to Marseille, where he spent three years as manager before joining the national side.

He said: “I’m always happy to come back here. I spent eight years in Marseille (five as a player from 1989 to 1994, three as a coach from 2009 to 2012).”

Declan Rice is ready for a “pinch me moment” when he captains England for the first time on Tuesday against Belgium.

The Arsenal midfielder, who will win his 50th England cap in the friendly, has been in great form for the Gunners since his club-record £105million move across London from West Ham last summer.

His fine season will continue when he leads his country out as skipper in front of a sold-out Wembley in the final match before manager Gareth Southgate names his 23-man squad for Euro 2024.

“Fifty caps is a pinch me moment,” he said. “It is going to be an honour tomorrow night and I’m really looking forward to it. I think I’ve grown so much as a player and a person since I first came into the group at 19.

“I was probably a bit of a nervous player when I first came into the England squad but as time has gone on, I’ve played more Premier League games, more games at higher levels, big major tournaments.

“I think I’ve grown into it in the side. I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it.”

Asked about Southgate’s decision to name Rice as captain in what will likely be a much-changed side, the former West Ham skipper added: “I was speechless to be honest, absolutely lost for words, when he said to me last night I was going to be captain.

“I gave him a hug, shook his hand, and said ‘thanks very much’. I owe him a lot. Since I first came into the team he’s always made me feel at home.

Fifty caps is a pinch me moment

 

“I’ve always felt so comfortable playing under him. I’ve really grown in confidence, for my 50th cap to walk out at Wembley in front of my family and friends, it’s an absolute honour, you can see it in my face, a bit speechless to be honest with you.”

Southgate handed Rice his debut in 2019, with the midfielder having already received three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland.

For the Kingston-born Rice, though, Southgate always saw a potential leader even from such a young age.

“Its his 50th cap, he has great leadership experience already at a tender age,” he said.

“No question (he had leadership potential). You get a feel for a human being, and often their family play a big part in that.

“With Dec you could sense that stability, maturity in the decision-making process that he’s going through. And of course he’s led from a very young age at West Ham as well.

“He’s already gained some good experiences and I’m pushing him in that aspect as well. Because it would be easy to take a little step back as we’ve got a lot of older players here, but some of our young ones have got great leadership already.

“They’re more than entitled to be bossing the older ones round a little bit as well, and being demanding of them and of us as a coaching staff, and driving the team, he’s got all those qualities and the respect of everybody to do that.”

Declan Rice is hoping to convince Arsenal team-mate Ben White to make an international U-turn and mark himself available to play for England.

The 26-year-old White has starred for the Premier League leaders this season but has not featured in the national team squad since the 2022 World Cup.

White returned early from Qatar for what the Football Association called “personal reasons” and reports later emerged of an alleged bust-up with England assistant Steve Holland.

England manager Gareth Southgate denied any such fall-out when he announced his squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, with Rice now named as captain for the latter on Tuesday night.

Rice will now lead out Southgate’s side at Wembley in the final friendly before the manager picks his 23-man squad for Euro 2024 – and then will set about convincing White to change his mind

“When I go back and I’ll speak to him and see,” Rice told talkSPORT.

“But hopefully he does change his mind on that because having a player like that – in the squad who’s performing well in the Premier League – it’d be a great addition to the (England) squad.”

White, whose new contract at Arsenal was announced the same day as his continued omission from Southgate’s squad, has been in fine form for his club this season.

Rice believes the versatility of the former Brighton man could also be a positive for Southgate heading into a tournament where squad size is at a premium.

“The only thing I can say is, it’s Ben’s life. It’s Ben’s decision,” added Rice.

“We can’t argue with him with what he wants to do. Of course, there’s always going to be people writing stuff, having their opinions on what they think.

“But at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is what he thinks and at this moment in time, he obviously doesn’t want to play for England.

“I really hope he does (change his mind), because I see him every day, he is such a good character. For people that don’t know, such a good character, very composed, very level-headed.

“When he’s on a football pitch, he will do anything to win but also I think for England as well, he can play as a centre-back and at right-back, as in inverted full-back. Now he’s a really key tool that we could have.

“So I hope he changes his mind. Obviously, at this moment in time, he doesn’t feel like he wants that. So that I think is his decision.

“I know him and Gareth spoke internally about it. So I don’t know too much of the ins and outs, but I just hope he changes his mind.

“If you know him as a person and as a player like I do, he’s such a good guy. He’s such a good guy and he’s an unbelievable footballer.

“Playing for England is the greatest honour you could ever have. So hopefully, with the quality that he has and the quality he can bring to this side, we can get him back in.”

The United States clinched their third consecutive Concacaf Nations League title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Mexico in the final of the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League Finals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna were the heroes for the USA, each finding the back of the net to secure the historic win against their arch-rivals.

The match kicked off with an electrifying atmosphere, and the intensity was palpable from the start. Christian Pulisic had an early opportunity to put the USA ahead but was denied by Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in the 5th minute.

Mexico responded by applying pressure in the USA's half, and their best chance of the first half came in the 22nd minute when Luis Chavez's shot was saved by USA goalkeeper Matt Turner after a flicked-on header.

As the first half progressed, the USA began to test Mexico's defense from distance. Sergino Dest came close with a shot that sailed just over the crossbar in the 38th minute. However, it was Tyler Adams who broke the deadlock just before halftime with a stunning long-range strike from 35 yards out, giving the USA a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Mexico looked to mount a response, but they struggled to break down the resolute USA defense. Instead, it was the USA who extended their lead in the 63rd minute when Gio Reyna capitalized on an initial clearance from the Mexican defense and fired a shot past Ochoa at the near post, making it 2-0 for the USA.

Despite Mexico's efforts to get back into the game, the USA defense held firm, denying their opponents any clear-cut opportunities. As the final whistle blew, the USA celebrated their third consecutive Concacaf Nations League title, reaffirming their dominance in the region once again.

 

 

England captain Harry Kane has resumed light training with Bayern Munich after being released from the national squad ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Belgium.

Kane suffered an ankle injury in Bayern’s Bundesliga victory over Darmstadt earlier this month and missed England’s loss to Brazil at Wembley on Saturday.

The 30-year-old was allowed to return to his club to continue his recovery and the German outfit published photographs on Monday of the striker participating in an individual fitness and ball work session.

Kane, who has 89 England caps, is the country’s record goalscorer with 62.

The former Tottenham striker has also proved a successful signing for Bayern and is currently the Bundesliga’s leading scorer with 31 goals in what is his first season at the club.

Wales and Poland fans have been warned not to bring pyrotechnic devices to Tuesday’s Euro 2024 play-off final at Cardiff City Stadium.

Seven Poland fans were arrested following a Nations League game between the two countries in Cardiff 18 months ago, including four for possession of pyrotechnics.

The Europa Conference League match between Aston Villa and Legia Warsaw in November was also marred by crowd trouble, with 46 Polish fans charged after violent clashes with police.

The Football Association of Wales was fined more than £14,500 by FIFA after home fans let off flares during 2022 World Cup play-off victories over Austria and Ukraine in Cardiff.

Superintendent Steve Rees told the PA news agency said: “South Wales Police has vast experience in the policing of major international sporting events which have been held successfully in South Wales over many years and a policing plan is in place for this important fixture for Wales.

“Being in possession of a pyrotechnic device at a football match, or attempting to bring one into a football stadium, is a criminal offence, and anyone found guilty of committing such an offence faces arrest and a Football Banning Order.

“We work closely with Cardiff City Stadium whose staff are responsible for ensuring that supporters abide by stadium regulations.

“As always we would encourage those attending the match to follow the supporter advice published by the Football Association of Wales.”

The FAW said: “There is no safe use of pyrotechnics in spectator areas at football events with their use having many health risks and dangers such as loss of sight, limb or digit removal due to their explosive power.

“Any person committing such an offence faces an FA Wales ban, probable arrest and a minimum 3-year Football Banning Order.

“Additionally, should persons be identified using pyrotechnics in places of public assembly away from and en route to the stadium, they can be issued with section 34 notices and be instructed to leave the area with details passed to the FAW, Cardiff City Stadium and the authorities.

“This may result in entry to the stadium being denied.”

FAW chief executive Noel Mooney responded to fans’ concerns about crowd issues posted on social media after Poland’s visit to Cardiff in September 2022.

Mooney wrote on Twitter, now X: “Picked up a good few messages from last night around policing, security, flags, pyro etc.

“It’s important we are talking to make sure the @Cymru experience is the best it can be.”

Around 1,900 Poland fans are expected in a 33,000 sell-out crowd, with the winners qualifying for Euro 2024 and taking their place in the same group as Austria, France and Netherlands this summer.

Wales welcome Poland to Cardiff on Tuesday with a place at Euro 2024 at stake.

The play-off final winners will qualify for the European Championship this summer, joining Austria, France and the Netherlands in Group D.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the main talking points surrounding the Cardiff City Stadium clash.

Golden era

Qualifying for a third successive European Championship, and a fourth major tournament out of five, would extend Wales’ golden era.

While that record would be expected by many countries, it would represent a huge achievement for a nation with a population of just over three million and one that did not reach a major tournament between 1958 and 2016.

It would also be achieved without their retired former captain Gareth Bale, who did so much in previous qualifying campaigns to get them over the line.

On the same Page

Wales boss Rob Page sprang a surprise in his semi-final line-up against Finland, opting to keep Kieffer Moore on the bench and choosing a three-man strikeforce of Brennan Johnson, David Brooks and Harry Wilson.

It was a bold call with targetman Moore in such good form at Ipswich. But Brooks and Johnson scored in an emphatic 4-1 win and Wilson was a constant threat with the Wales attack all on the same page.

Daniel James also scored and impressed coming off the bench, and Page now has another tough selection call to make.

Ramsey role reduced

Skipper Aaron Ramsey dominated much of the pre-Finland talk as the Cardiff midfielder was the subject of a club versus country row.

The truth, however, was that the 33-year-old was never going to start after an injury-hit season and, in the event, Ramsey did not get on the pitch at all.

Ramsey will be on the bench against Poland again and, although he remains a considerable influence in the dressing room, Page is only likely to use him in case of an emergency.

Red-hot Robert

With Bale enjoying retirement on the golf course, Poland can lay claim to having the play-off final’s one superstar – Robert Lewandowski.

The Barcelona striker may be 35 now, but he is still finding the net with incredible regularity.

Lewandowski has seven goals in his last nine Barcelona appearances and 23 for club and country this season.

With 82 Poland goals, only Romelu Lukaku (83), Ferenc Puskas (84) and Cristiano Ronaldo (128) have scored more in men’s international football in Europe. Stopping Lewandowski will be vital for Wales.

Rewriting history

Wales must rewrite history to reach Euro 2024 because their record against Poland is abysmal. Played 10, lost seven, drawn two and only one win.

That 2-0 victory came in their maiden clash in March 1973 when Leighton James and Trevor Hockey scored in a World Cup qualifier.

It has been downhill for Wales ever since with Poland winning the last six, including a Nations League double header in 2022.

Poland produced a late sucker punch to win 2-1 in Wroclaw and Karol Swiderski settled a tight Cardiff contest three months later.

What the papers say

Manchester City are the latest club to track Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to the Daily Mail. They join city rivals Manchester United, Tottenham and Real Madrid in following the 21-year-old.

United have also been linked with another defender in the summer. The Daily Mail says they could make a bid for Senegal youngster Mikayil Faye, 19, from Barcelona.

The Daily Star says Scott McTominay is going nowhere, despite being linked with a move away from Old Trafford. The club plan to offer the Scotland midfielder, 27, an improved contract.

Midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, 24, is being watched by Arsenal, reports the Daily Star. He may be available as Nottingham Forest look to balance their books.

Social media round-upPlayers to watch

Conor Gallagher: Tottenham are looking to make a summer bid in excess of £30million for Chelsea’s England midfielder, reports Football Insider.

Mason Greenwood: Juventus are looking at the Manchester United forward, 22, who is on loan at Getafe in Spain, according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz clinched third place in the CONCACAF Nations League on Sunday with a hard-fought victory against Panama at Arlington Stadium in Virginia.

The Boyz, under the guidance of coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, secured their triumph thanks to a 41st-minute strike from Dexter Lembikisa.

Lembikisa, operating as a fullback, received a well-timed through pass from Hector near the edge of the 18-yard box before unleashing a powerful shot into the top left corner of Oscar Mosquera’s goal. The goal, Lembikisa's first for Jamaica, sparked jubilant celebrations for the Reggae Boyz, who had suffered a heartbreaking 3-1 loss in extra time against the United States in their semi-final match just days earlier.

Jamaica welcomed back Demarai Gray and Shamar Nicholson, who had missed the previous match due to suspensions. Their return provided a boost to the team's attacking prowess.

In front of a sparse crowd at Arlington Stadium, Panama initially dominated possession in the scrappy affair. However, it was Jamaica who had the best chance to score early on when Shamar Nicholson's right-footed shot on goal was deflected into his path. His subsequent left-footed strike was cleared off the line by Mosquera.

Despite Panama's early dominance, Jamaica managed to create opportunities of their own. A build-up along the left flank saw Kasey Palmer squander a chance from Gray's cross into the box.

In the second half, Jamaica came close to doubling their lead when Damion Lowe's attempted lob over the goalkeeper struck the crossbar and stayed out of the net. Lowe, once more, had an outstanding game playing in midfield for Jamaica breaking up attacks and initiating attacking plays.

As time passed, Panama launched relentless attacks against the Jamaican defense in search of an equalizer. However, the Boyz stood firm, thwarting Panama's efforts and holding on to their lead until the final whistle.

The victory secured third place for Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League, capping off their campaign with a well-deserved win against Panama.

 

 Do you have Lay’s? Well, this seemingly simple question could lead to unexpected rewards, at unexpected moments, and sometimes by unexpected people. Lay’s, the world’s number one chip brand and official snack partner of the UEFA Champions League, has launched No Lay’s, No Game 2024, rewarding fans who are game day ready with Lay’s throughout the tournament. Through an ambitious “Chip Cam” stunt featuring football superstars David Beckham and Thierry Henry.

“We’ve heard from football fans from all over the world and they tell us the same thing: whether watching with a group of friends or at home solo, the experience is always better when sharing a bag of Lay’s,” said Ciara Dilley, vice president of marketing, Global Foods Group at PepsiCo. “This year, No Lay’s, No Game is giving fans even more reasons to have Lay’s in hand. For those who do, something truly remarkable might happen.

This year, Lay’s took a bold approach to its campaign and invited Beckham and Henry to ask, “Do you have Lay’s?” to a crowd of 75,000 cheering fans at San Siro during one of the most anticipated matches of the UEFA Champions League season between AC Milan and PSG. Just before kick-off, Beckham discovered, and couldn’t believe, that Henry had eaten all of his Lay’s chips. To solve it in just five minutes, the two put out a call through the Lay’s “Chip Cam” – an unexpected spin on the traditional kiss cam.

In what turns out to be a nail-biting, yet humorous, search for someone with Lay’s, the Chip Cam scans the crowd. Beckham and Henry see spectators offering up items on the jumbotron – like pizzas, empty Lay’s bags, even a couple kissing – desperate to be selected. Finally, to Beckham and Henry’s delight, two lucky fans, a father and daughter, are found with Lay’s and are invited to watch the game with the iconic football stars – proving having Lay’s can unlock a truly mind-blowing football watching experience. This epic hunt to find fans with Lay’s – and opening the door to a once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience for the lucky winners – serves as the main feature of this year’s No Lay’s, No Game commercial and will air throughout the UEFA Champions League 2024 tournament season.

“We had a great day filming at the San Siro stadium for No Lay’s, No Game. Whenever Thierry and I get together it’s always a lot of fun – and it was fantastic being able to surprise 75,000 fans,” said Beckham.

“Last year, I teamed up with Lay’s to surprise some of football’s biggest fans by literally going to their doors to see if they had Lay’s – and if they did, I stayed and watched the match with them,” said Henry. “This year, we really upped the ante with the Lay’s Chip Cam, and it was truly an exhilarating experience being back in the stadium with David. We spent a lot of our careers playing against each other on the pitch, so there’s something special about coming together with Lay’s in a whole new way to offer a once in a lifetime experience for fans.”

The campaign was created in partnership with Slap Global and directed by award-winning commercial and television director Andrew Lane.

You can catch UEFA Champions League action on Sportsmax and the Sportsmax app.

Connor Roberts hopes the “power of the tash” can help Wales to Euro 2024 play-off glory against Poland.

Roberts has embarked on long unbeaten Championship runs at Burnley and Leeds over the last two seasons after putting his razor away and growing a moustache.

The 28-year-old wing-back is now determined to avoid a close shave on the international stage and show off his new look in Germany this summer as Wales host Poland on Tuesday for a place at Euro 2024.

“It’s just a little bit of a joke,” Roberts said of his facial addition.

“My wife (Georgina) last year, she was like ‘Why don’t you grow it?’ so I did and then we went on an unbeaten run at Burnley.

“I’ve done the same thing this year and keep asking her if I should shave it off. But she likes it so I’m leaving it there as she’s the boss.

“I think it’s played about 25 Championship games and never lost, so I hope that continues in the Championship and maybe it gives us a bit of luck on Tuesday.

“It’s the power of the tache, isn’t it?”

Roberts won the Championship title at Vincent Kompany’s Burnley last season but found Premier League game time this term difficult to come by.

So he headed out to Leeds on loan in January with the hope of creating more special memories for club and country.

“When I think of my personal journey, I’ve always looked for those moments,” said Roberts, who scored in a 2-0 win against Turkey at the last European Championship.

“Again, this season, moving clubs was to achieve a moment, another promotion, hopefully. That is at the forefront of my mind.

“For Wales I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of big games – Hungary a few years ago, Ukraine. Life, football is about moments and Tuesday is another moment.

“When all is said and done, if we can look back and say it’s another qualification for another major tournament – the third one for most of us and even more for others – it will be something you can be very proud of when our football is finished.”

Wales will be greeted by another capacity Cardiff City Stadium crowd as the Dragons – 4-1 play-off semi-final winners against Finland on Thursday – attempt to qualify for a third successive European Championship.

It would also be a fourth major tournament out of five after Wales reached the 2022 World Cup by negotiating the play-off route with wins over Austria and Ukraine.

Roberts said: “Whenever I play for Wales, I never really feel tired.

“I always really just want to run more, want to do more for the team, do more for my country, for myself and make people proud.

“I’m sure that goes for every single player who gets to play for Wales.

“We’re not the biggest footballing nation, we’re not the best players in the world.

“But we all want to be here, we all want to do well and I think that that has shown in recent games. Hopefully, it shows again on Tuesday night.”

Chelsea returned to the top of the Women’s Super League with a controversial 2-0 win over second-bottom West Ham.

Aggie Beever-Jones’ second-minute strike put the visitors’ in control but West Ham should have been level through Honoka Hayashi only for the equaliser to be ruled out for offside.

Replays suggested the goal should have stood but without VAR there was no opportunity to overturn the decision and Erin Cuthbert’s 88th-minute effort saw Chelsea reclaim top spot, level on points with Manchester City but with a goal difference two superior.

Liverpool’s winless streak against neighbours Everton was extended to a fifth league game after a goalless draw at Goodison Park, although the point moved them above Manchester United into fourth.

Beth England’s first league goal of the season saw Tottenham beat bottom side Bristol City 1-0 to move within four points of Liverpool.

The 29-year-old striker, who has struggled with injury, struck in only the second minute to increase Bristol City’s woes as they are now six points adrift with top-three sides Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal still to play in their remaining five matches.

Elisabeth Terland volleyed a fine winner five minutes from time as Brighton edged a five-goal thriller with Leicester.

Lena Petermann had equalised moments earlier for the hosts, who had opened the scoring through Jutta Rantala only for Madison Haley and Katie Robinson to turn things around for Brighton before the late drama.

Everton and Liverpool were forced to share the spoils at Goodison Park in Sunday's Merseyside derby in the Women’s Super League with a 0-0 draw.

Liverpool dominated the early proceedings in what was a cagey affair at the home of Everton, but both sides were defensively organised leading to a lack of chances in the first half. 

As the game opened up after the break, there were more opportunities to break the deadlock, and Hanna Bennison came inches away from finding the back of the net, but her whipping effort struck the bar and came out. 

Ceri Holland had a golden opportunity for a winner in the dying seconds, but her deflected effort went just past the post and the sides ended up taking a point apiece in what was the first ever goalless women's Merseyside derby in the league.

The first half saw minimal chances for either side with a lengthy stoppage due to a Courtney Brosnan injury halting the momentum. The Everton goalkeeper went down under a challenge from Ceri Holland, but eventually got back to her feet and was able to continue. 

Nervous gasps echoed around Goodison Park in the 28th minute as Sophie Haug pounced on a mistake at the back by Everton’s defence before spotting Brosnan off her line. Her long-range effort was goalbound, but the Republic of Ireland international managed to get back in time to prevent the Reds from finding an opener.

Everton’s best chance of the first half came as Bennison picked out Emma Bissell on the left-hand side of the box, and the English wide player got it out of her feet before unleashing towards goal, but her effort slammed into the side-netting. 

After half-time, the Toffees looked to take the game to Liverpool and despite their lack of opportunities, the home side got into some advanced positions, but that final pass wasn’t quite there. 

Bennison found herself in space just outside the penalty area and looked to test Rachael Laws from range, but her ambitious curling effort cannoned off the bar and away from danger. That was the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock up to that point, and it was a superb strike from the Swedish international. 

The momentum shifted in favour of the Toffees for the final stages as they pushed to grab a winner, and Justine Vanhaevermaet stung the palms of Laws between the sticks with a thunderous striker from outside the box, but the Liverpool goalkeeper parried it away, preventing a certain goal. 

It appeared Holland would strike a hammer blow in additional time, but a couple of converging Everton defenders got back in the nick of time to deflect her shot wide and ensure the game ended goalless. 

Everton unable to do the double over rivals

The Toffees went into the game hoping to do the league double over their Merseyside rivals for the second time after the 2012 season. Brian Sorensen’s side were looking to end a disappointing run of form at home having won just one of their last eight games in the Women’s Super League on their own turf.

Everton struggled to create much of an attacking threat in the opening 45 minutes, failing to produce a shot on target, with their rivals on top before the break. 

After the interval, the Blues looked the more likely to find an opener, but a late onslaught on the Liverpool goal wasn’t enough for them to come away with the three points. 

Haug kept quiet as Liverpool struggle to create

Matt Beard’s team were looking to extend their unbeaten run of four games in the league, hoping to enhance their chances of catching third-placed Arsenal for a spot in the Champions League qualifiers.

With five goals already to her name in the Women’s Super League, all eyes were on Sophie Haug to produce the magic for Liverpool, with the Norwegian striker looking to score in three consecutive league matches for the first time in her career with the club. 

The Reds were unable to create too many clear-cut chances for Haug, and it was a relatively quiet outing for the 24-year-old by her standards.

Trinidad and Tobago's hopes of an historic qualification to the Copa America went up in smokes, as they suffered a 0-2 loss to Canada in their 2023/24 Concacaf Nations League Play-In encounter at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on Saturday.

Cyle Larin (61st) and Jacob Shaffelburg (90+1) struck in the second half to lift Canada, who will now join Jamaica, United States, Mexico and Panama in the prestigious CONMEBOL tournament to be hosted in the United States in June. For Angus Eve and his Soca Warriors, it is back to the rebuilding phase to challenge for FIFA World Cup qualification, which also starts in June.

 

Canada started off controlling possession, but it was Trinidad and Tobago who nearly got the first goal in the 18th, when a counterattack ended with Levi Garcia swinging a shot just wide.

Meanwhile, Canada fired a pair of warning shots when Jonathan David shot wide in the 22nd, and then Larin’s effort in the 26th, was saved by Trinidad and Tobago custodian Denzil Smith.

The chances kept coming for both sides. Trinidad and Tobago's defenders Andre Raymond swooped in to steal a pass and fired wide in the 47th, before David had a header cleared off the goal-line in the 55th.

The match was due for a goal and Canada inevitably found the go-ahead goal duly obliged, as a nice build-up from Tajon Buchanan and Ike Ugbo set up a fine strike from Larin.

Down a goal, Trinidad and Tobago were forced to open up and commit more numbers forward. Garcia proved a menace to the Canadian defence, but the Soca Warriors lacked composure in the final third.

Trinidad and Tobago mounted several late forays forward, including a chance for Garcia in the 85th, but the veteran striker watched as his effort was saved by Maxime Crepeau, in goal for Canada.

However, Canada eventually doubled the lead and confirmed victory courtesy of Shaffelburg, who drove home from close range after picking up a pass from David in time added.

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