Steve Clarke credited Scotland's defensive resilience after they boosted their hopes of remaining in the top tier of the Nations League by beating Croatia 1-0 at Hampden Park.

John McGinn came off the bench to score the all-important goal as Scotland took advantage of Petar Sucic's sending-off to claim their first win of the 2024-25 Nations League campaign.

The result – coupled with Poland's crushing 5-1 defeat in Portugal – means Scotland will stave off automatic relegation to League B if they win in Warsaw on Monday.

While Clarke felt Scotland could have done more with the ball, he was impressed both with their off-the-ball work and with the impact of super sub McGinn.

"My first thoughts when I came off the pitch were that we could play better," Clarke said. 

"We could be more clinical when we get to the final third of the pitch. The sending off changed the game, but we were due a little break.

"This is a group of players that want to be successful, want to do well for their country. 

"That's another clean sheet, two in a row. If you don't concede goals, you always have a chance to win the game.

"It was nice to get John on the pitch and I thought his finish was really good because it wasn't easy. It was nice to be able to look at the bench behind and know we had people who could come on and affect the game. It's nice when we get everybody fit and available."

The victory was Scotland's first in a competitive match since September 2023, when they beat Cyprus 3-0 in Euro 2024 qualifying.

They had gone 10 games without a competitive victory since then, drawing four and losing six, including a return of just one point from three outings at Euro 2024. 

Spain secured top spot in Group A4 of the Nations League with one match to spare after defeating Denmark 2-1 in Copenhagen. 

Mikel Oyarzabal and Ayoze Perez were on the scoresheet as the unbeaten Roja made it four wins and a draw to pull six points clear of the second-placed Danes. 

Luis de la Fuente's side capitalised on a poor pass from Denmark centre-back Jannik Vestergaard to open the scoring as Oyarzabal latched on to a ball from Perez and finished past Kasper Schmeichel in the 15th minute. 

Villarreal forward Perez then doubled the visitors' lead in the 58th minute after Dani Olmo turned provider with a defence-splitting pass. 

The hosts reduced the deficit with six minutes of regulation time left, as Fabian Ruiz's back pass to goalkeeper David Raya was intercepted by Gustav Isaksen, who had been denied by the woodwork moments earlier, and he slotted into an open goal to set up a tense ending. 

But the Spaniards held on for the win and will now face Switzerland in their final group game on Monday, before taking part in the quarter-finals, scheduled for March. 

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals – including a stunning overhead kick – as Portugal crushed Poland 5-1 to clinch top spot in Nations League Group A1, with all six goals coming in the second half. 

Ronaldo was joined on the scoresheet by Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes and Pedro Neto as Portugal improved massively following a first half in which they did not manage a single shot on target.

Having just shaded a quiet opening period, Poland found themselves behind when Leao stooped to nod Portugal ahead just before the hour mark, mere moments after Diogo Costa had denied Jakub Kaminski at the other end.

A Jakub Kiwior handball enabled Ronaldo to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot after 72 minutes, then Fernandes smashed a shot off the crossbar and in for 3-0 eight minutes later.

Chelsea winger Neto swiftly added a fourth by powering home on his weaker right foot, but the pick of Portugal's goals came via Ronaldo with three minutes of the 90 remaining.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner watched a dinked cross from the impressive Vitinha all the way before beating Marcin Bulka with an acrobatic overhead kick from close range.

Substitute Dominik Marczuk pulled one back for Poland at the death, but the heavy defeat – coupled with Scotland's 1-0 win over Croatia – puts them in severe danger of relegation.

Should Michal Probierz's team lose to the Tartan Army in Warsaw on Monday, they will drop to the second tier for the next edition of the Nations League in 2026-27. Portugal, meanwhile, are assured of a place in March's quarter-finals.

Data Debrief: Ronaldo remains the main man

After seeing Ronaldo go airborne to convert Vitinha's cross and put the icing on the Portugal cake, it was easy to forget that the legendary forward will enter his forties in just over two months.

He was well-marshalled by Poland in the first half, when Portugal only recorded nine touches in the visitors' area.

However, he ended the encounter with two goals from a game-high 2.06 xG, generated from five shots, also the most of any player on the pitch. He now has 135 senior international goals, 23 more than his great rival Lionel Messi.

While the 0-1 loss to the United States in their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal opener has left his Reggae Boyz with work to do in the second leg, Jamaica’s Head coach Steve McClaren remains optimistic about their chances to turn the tie around when they travel to St. Louis, Missouri, for the crucial clash on Monday.

McClaren’s wave of optimism that his team can secure a spot in the Nations League semifinals and, by extension, next year’s Concacaf Gold Cup, came as he expressed a mix of pride and frustration about Thursday’s outcome at the National Stadium.

A fifth minute by Ricardo Pepi gave reigning champions United States an early advantage, and despite Jamaica's strong press and numerous attacking opportunities, they were unable to find the elusive equaliser.

McClaren, however, was quick to praise the spirit and work ethic of his players throughout the match.

“What I really liked about the performance was the fight and the spirit. It was a great effort from the team in terms of pressing, but we were too open,” McClaren said in his post-match comments.

“In terms of creating chances, we had opportunities, we had the penalty, and we had moments when we won the ball back and could transition. But overall, the game felt too open. Credit to the team though; I’m proud of them. We were 1-0 down after just five minutes, and with the game being as open as it was, I thought the players showed real character to fight back. 12 shots at goal, and we felt aggrieved,” he added.

Jamaica’s attacking play was energetic, particularly in the second half of the encounter, where they enjoyed a decent passage of play and created a few key moments that could have leveled the score, including a penalty shout and a shot cleared off the line.

"I’m proud of the players for their performance. The way they worked, the way they defended, the way they pressed, and the way they created chances—I was very proud of all of them. Yes, we lost 1-0, but we showed that we can compete, and I know the USA will not take the game on Monday lightly," McClaren said.

“We know that we can give them a game. We know the first goal will be important. If we score the first goal, then the tie is on. So, as I said, proud. I'm really looking forward to Monday now to play them again,” he shared.

The over 20,000-strong Jamaican fans, who were vocal throughout the match, gave the players their support despite the early setback, and though there was a short burst of boos, McClaren believes the crowd's energy helped lift the Boyz for the most part.

"I was pleased with the crowd; they were great. I thought the fans were behind us all the way, and they got off their seats when we created those opportunities. I think you could see the attacking football and good performances, so we have to repeat that in the second leg.

“We just need to recover, get ourselves together, keep the spirit, keep the fight, and keep the belief that we can go there and score first and make a game,” the Englishman stated.

Meanwhile, defender Damion Lowe shared McClaren’s sentiments, acknowledging that the team gave their all despite the early setback.

“The guys really put it to the test. Conceding an early is never good, but we showed resilience. The Jamaican in us really fought, and we dug deep. We got the opportunity to win the game...we had two great chances, but that’s football—it’s cruel sometimes,” Lowe noted.

“But, it’s a two-legged tie, and we can’t beat ourselves up. It’s a quick turnaround, and we’ve been in this situation before. A year ago, we were in the same position (and turned it around against Canada), so we just have to do it again,” he ended.

Juventus and Paul Pogba have agreed to the mutual termination of the midfielder's contract after he was banned over a failed drugs test.

The 31-year-old will complete his suspension in March after testing positive for DHEA in September 2023, a banned substance that boosts testosterone levels.

He was initially banned for four years, only for his punishment to be reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in October.

Despite that reduction, Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli recently cast doubt on Pogba's chances of representing the Bianconeri again, and he has now been released by the club.

Pogba had a contract with Juventus to run until June 2026, but he will now train in Miami in the hope of finding a new club before his suspension ends.

"The club wishes Paul all the best for his professional future," Juventus said in a statement.

Pogba added in a statement of his own: "It has been a privilege to pull on the shirt of the Bianconeri and to share so many special moments together.

"I cherish the memories we made. They live on.

"Even in the most difficult moments over the past year, your support was crucial and I want to thank Juve fans around the world for their compassion.

"I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career and to stepping out on the pitch with my next club."

Injuries limited Pogba to just 162 minutes in five appearances across the 2022-23 season, his first campaign back in Turin after leaving Manchester United.

He then played a total of 51 minutes as a substitute before being suspended last season, reportedly agreeing to take a substantial pay cut while ineligible to represent the club.

New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has said he will need to win matches in order to earn time and create his own identity at the club. 

The Portuguese tactician, who left Sporting CP to become Erik ten Hag’s successor at Old Trafford, was speaking during his first interview with the Premier League club. 

"We know that we need time, but we have to win time. To win time is to win games. But the most important thing for me is identity. So since day one we will start with our identity," the 39-year-old said. 

"Of course we are going to prepare the games, but we will focus a lot in our game model. How to play, how to press, these small things, small details.

"You cannot go 100% on every detail because it will be confusing for the players. So if I have to say one thing, my main goal, my first goal, is identity."

Amorim is the seventh different manager to take charge of the club since Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 and will face a trip to Ipswich Town in the league on 24 November on his United debut. 

But the former Portugal international added that having a young squad will not be an excuse if he fails to get the desired results in the short term. 

"I don't want to say that we need time because we are a young team. They are prepared. They are prepared to cope with the demands of playing for United. They should be because they are here," Amorim said. 

"We know it will take time, but we have to start since day one without fear, without thinking that they are not used to playing like this. They will start on the first day with our idea, no matter what. That's the goal."

New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has said that he will need to win matches in order to win time and create his own identity at the club. 

The Portuguese tactician, who left Sporting CP to become Erik ten Hag’s successor at Old Trafford, was speaking during his first interview with the Premier League club. 

"We know that we need time, but we have to win time. To win time is to win games. But the most important thing for me is identity. So since day one we will start with our identity," the 39-year-old said. 

"Of course we are going to prepare the games, but we will focus a lot in our game model. How to play, how to press, these small things, small details."

"You cannot go 100% on every detail because it will be confusing for the players. So if I have to say one thing, my main goal, my first goal, is identity," he said. 

Amorim is the seventh different manager to take charge of the club since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 and will face a trip to Ipswich Town in the league on 24 November on his United managerial debut. 

But the former Portugal international also added that having a young squad will not be an excuse for not getting the desired results in the short term. 

"I don't want to say that we need time because we are a young team. They are prepared. They are prepared to cope with the demands of playing for United. They should be because they are here," Amorim said. 

"We know it will take time, but we have to start since day one without fear, without thinking that they are not used to playing like this. They will start on the first day with our idea, no matter what. That's the goal."

Yann Bisseck has signed a new contract extension with Inter until 2029.

The defender joined the club in July 2023 from AGF for around €7million and has since made 32 appearances in all competitions.

His initial deal would keep him at Inter until 2028, but the 23-year-old has signed a one-year contract extension.

Bisseck has played 11 times for Inter so far this term, including all four of their Champions League matches, making the second-most blocks (four) and the most interceptions (five) among his team-mates in the competition.

"I feel that the club has confidence in me, as does the coach: everyone has contributed to this renewal, and I'm happy with the progress I've made. I think this deal is a positive moment for everyone," he told InterTV.

"There are many things I can still improve. I'm not a perfect player, but I'm still young and there are many aspects that I still need to work on, especially from a tactical and mental point of view.

"Technically and physically, I've reached a good level. I think my mentality will be key to my future growth."

Seven-time champions Cornwall College and Manchester High survived penalty kicks to advance to the quarter-finals of the ISSA Ben Francis Cup, where they will be joined by Clarendon College and Denbigh High.

Cornwall College came from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw against Happy Grove High before winning 5-4 on penalties at Drax Hall, the same margin that Manchester High beat Dinthill Technical by after they played out a 2-2 draw at Wembley Centre of Excellence.

Clarendon College beat Kemps Hill High 3-1 in their all-Clarendon derby at Foga Road, while Denbigh High were 2-0 winners over Alphansus Davis High at Brooks Park.

The winners will await the four teams that fail to advance past the daCosta Cup quarter-finals for the next round of the Ben Francis Cup, which will be played on November 21^st.

Claudio Ranieri revealed he has turned down offers from other clubs since his retirement before answering Roma's call to be their new manager.

Ranieri announced his retirement at the end of last season after guiding Cagliari to Serie A safety, but after Roma sacked their second manager this season, the 73-year-old agreed on Thursday to take charge until the end of the campaign.

It is Ranieri's third spell as manager of Roma, the club where he began his playing career, and the Rome native will remain in a senior management role once his coaching term ends.

Across his previous two spells, Ranieri managed 96 games in all competitions, registering 53 wins, with a win percentage of 55.21%.

"I had stopped coaching, I have had more requests in recent months than when I won the league title with Leicester City," Ranieri told a press conference.

"I have always said no. I said only in two cases can I return to coaching, either for Roma or Cagliari, if something went wrong.

"I was convinced to have gone my own way, but fate wanted me to return home. I began at Roma as a player and I will finish there as an executive."

Ranieri has no interest in what has gone wrong for Roma this season, in which Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric have been dismissed.

"There are a thousand reasons, and honestly I don't care," he said.

"If I go looking at what happened yesterday, I won't achieve anything. I was given carte blanche and I have to do my best with these players. From now on, I am the one in charge.

"Changing two managers by November isn't easy for anyone, one wants to play in a certain manner, one wants to play another way, so there is a bit of an electroshock. That's normal."

Paulo Dybala's absence against Bologna led to speculation that it had more to do with his contract's automatic renewal clause on reaching a certain percentage of appearances than with the Argentine forward's physical fitness.

The Argentinian has made 12 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice in Serie A, including the only goal in their last win at the end of October.

Ranieri showed he means business when he revealed the conversation he had with Roma President Dan Friedkin.

"It's the first thing I asked the president," Ranieri said.

"I told him 'I do as I please, I don't want to know if he has clauses or not'.

"You can see that when Dybala is well he makes the difference. I wish he could always play, but he won't."

Ranieri's first game comes after the international break when Roma take on league leaders Napoli.

Ruud van Nistelrooy says Manchester United deserve to be successful under new head coach Ruben Amorim, having left the club after the Portuguese's arrival this week.

Amorim officially left Sporting CP for United on Monday, with Van Nistelrooy having overseen four matches as interim coach after Erik ten Hag was sacked last month.

United won three and drew one of those matches, beating Leicester City twice and overcoming PAOK in the Europa League while drawing 1-1 with Chelsea in the Premier League.

At 39 years old, new boss Amorim will become the youngest man to lead United since a 33-year-old Wilf McGuinness took charge of them on Boxing Day 1970 against Derby County. 

Van Nistelrooy, who had initially hoped to stay on in a backroom role under Amorim but departed earlier this week, is backing the Red Devils to be successful.

In a farewell post on Instagram, the former striker wrote: "To everyone at Manchester United football club, in particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans.

"I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support. It has been a privilege and honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together. 

"M.U.F.C will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope there are many more glory days at Old Trafford very soon - not only because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it!"

Amorim's first assignment as United boss will be a Premier League trip to Ipswich Town next week, before Bodo/Glimt visit Old Trafford in the Europa League on November 28.

Between his March 2020 appointment and his departure this month, Sporting won 77% of their Primeira Liga matches, the best win ratio in Europe's top 10 leagues in that span.

Scott McTominay says he has no regrets about leaving Manchester United to join Napoli after a lightning-quick start to life in Italy.

He has scored three goals in 10 appearances for the Italian club in all competitions, netting twice in Serie A to help them sit top of the table after 12 games.

Only Romelu Lukaku has scored more league goals for Napoli than him this season, while McTominay has also had the second-most big chances (four) among his team-mates, scoring two of them.

Before his transfer deadline day move, McTominay had spent 22 years at United, joining their academy aged five before making his debut in May 2017.

The Scotland international made 255 appearances for the senior team, scoring 29 goals, including 10 during his most prolific season in 2023-24, and providing eight assists.

While McTominay admitted leaving his boyhood club was not an easy choice, he is pleased with the outcome of the choice.

"Obviously, it's a big decision, there's no denying that. It was a huge decision for me and my family and my friends," he told The Times.

"At times like that in your life, you just have to say, 'Do I want to do it? Absolutely,' and go for it. There's no looking back. I've never had any regrets in my life, or my career and I continue that way to this day.

"I want my career to be successful, and I'm going to go out of my way to try and push myself to be the best football player and best person that I can possibly be."

Outgoing England interim manager Lee Carsley says his decision to start Ollie Watkins over Harry Kane against Greece was 'no slight' on his captain.

The Three Lions had suffered nine withdrawals from their initial squad announced last week, although Kane remained available for selection and came on for Watkins in the 66th minute.

But Carsley's decision paid off, with Watkins putting England ahead after just seven minutes, with his fifth international goal setting them on the way to a 3-0 win in Athens, with an own goal and Curtis Jones rounded off the scoring.

"It was brilliant for Ollie to get a goal," Carsley said. "It's important that I think if we are going to put these players in a position where we are going to go and win the World Cup, then these players need to have as many experiences as they can.

"So, it was no slight on Harry. He'll start the next game and I think there are a lot of positives to take from that performance."

When asked how the England captain reacted to not being named in the starting XI, Carsley explained that Kane had no issues with it.

"He was absolutely fine. It would be fair to say he wants to play every game, like all top players do," he said.

"I think he understands that it's important that other players experience that kind of experience that we had tonight.

"He's a great example to the rest of the players and I expect him to start on Sunday and play well."

The decision to start Watkins over Kane came alongside other selection decisions, as Rico Lewis, Noni Madueke, Jones, Lewis Hall and Morgan Rogers all featured for a youthful England side, with the latter three making their senior debuts.

Despite Carsley's roots as England Under-21 coach, he assured the post-match media that there was no nepotism on his part to include the more inexperienced players.

"No, none at all, to be fair," the interim boss said. "None at all.

"I see the quality that the players have got. You're now seeing it in terms of the younger ones, that they're more than capable with the mentality and quality they've got to play in stages like tonight.

"I thought a lot of the players, especially the younger ones - well, all of the players, to be fair - played with such quality tonight.

Didier Deschamps says Kylian Mbappe is "going through a period that is not the happiest of his career", which is why he is not included in France's Nations League squad.

Les Bleus were frustrated on Thursday as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Israel in front of a record-worst attendance at the Stade de France.

Despite the disjointed performance, France booked their place in the quarter-final of the Nations League with a game to spare.

However, post-match discussions came back around to Mbappe's absence and Deschamps' decision to leave him out of the squad.

Mbappe has scored eight goals in 15 appearances since joining Real Madrid, but he has hit the back of the net just once in his last six outings. Deschamps reiterated that he believed leaving his captain at home was the best decision for the player during this international break.

"He's not here, so I'll tell you what I already said. Leave him alone," Deschamps said. "I said what I had to say.

"Sometimes it's good not to say too much. There's no sanction. It's factual. He's in a complicated situation, I'm behind him.

"He's going through a period that's not the happiest of his career. Despite everything, he wanted to come. I think it's better for him at the moment. Everyone has the right to have a complicated period.

"There's the physical aspect, the psychological aspect too. There are constant interpretations, whether I speak or I don't speak. So, I'm careful to weigh my words. Either I say something, or I say nothing. I didn't say anything but I'm not going to get into debates."

France dominated against Israel, having 24 shots, eight of which were on target, as they created 2.22 expected goals.

They also had 72 touches in the opposition box, compared to the visitors' two, and 94 final third entries, though they struggled to find a way through a resolute Israel side.

Deschamps was frustrated by the lack of goals in particular and expects to make changes for their final Nations League group stage match against Italy on Sunday.

"I can't be satisfied with what we produced. We should have won. We're capable of doing better," Deschamps added.

"We could have done more against an opponent that was very compact and wasted a lot of time. We had the chances to win, but we weren't efficient enough. There was much more energy in the second half, but we still couldn't score.

"I need to take stock. There will definitely be some changes.

"I'll wait until the final training session on Saturday. Playing three days later is never easy, and there's fatigue, which is normal and not an excuse, but the players' bodies are under strain."

Lionel Scaloni says he is "not here to criticise his players" after they suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Paraguay in World Cup qualifying.

Lautaro Martinez had given Argentina the lead in the 11th minute – his powerful shot past Roberto Fernandez was initially ruled out for offside before a VAR review overturned it.

However, Paraguay were soon back on level terms. Gustavo Gomez rattled the crossbar with a diving header from a corner, but they regathered possession and pulled level with a sublime overhead kick from Antonio Sanabria 19 minutes in.

Two minutes into the second half, the hosts completed the turnaround through Omar Alderete, who met Diego Gomez's precise free-kick to nod in from close range.

Rodrigo De Paul arguably should have equalised for Argentina with just over 20 minutes to go, but under pressure, sliced over from close range, with the visitors unable to salvage a point.

It was a third defeat in World Cup qualifying for the Albiceleste, who remain top of the standings with 22 points, and Scaloni chose to focus on the positives.

"I'm not here to criticise my players; I'm here to support them," Scaloni said. "We knew it was going to be a tough match. We're here to move forward.

"In the first half, we played a good game, but the first action at the start of the second half made everything more difficult. We have to congratulate the opponent, who defended very well.

"I don't know if they found the antidote [to beating Argentina]. We're hoping to get back on the positive path.

"The team always tries and stands tall. That's what's important: never giving up on the game and always having the desire to compete."

Paraguay are sixth in the table, having extended their unbeaten run to six matches, which also includes a win over Brazil.

They had to dig deep, having only 23.2% possession throughout the game, though they had eight shots to Argentina's nine and scored with both of their efforts on target.

Head coach Gustavo Alfaro is yet to lose a game since taking over Paraguay after the Copa America, and he hailed his team's resilience.

"With the rebelliousness of these players in the face of adversity, I have no doubt that we will get there. When the predisposition is so great, time is secondary," he said.

"They were fantastic points, very difficult. It is difficult to take a point from Argentina."