Fivekaycooded present Football Round-up featuring Aminu Sule.
RECORD-MAN RONALDO
Another day, another milestone achieved, a day in the life of five-time Ballon d’or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo continued leaving records in his wake. This time he became the player with the most hat-tricks in the international stage with his latest one coming against Luxembourg. His hat-trick came in a 5-0 win with fellow man united star, Bruno Fernandes and Palinha also on the scoresheet. The Portugal No.7 also took his international goal tally to 115. It was also his fourth goal of this international break window. Ronaldo next opponents would be Leicester city in the premier league.
GERMANY, DENMARK QUALIFY FOR QATAR 2022
Germany became the first nation asides hosts Qatar to book their place for next year’s showpiece. This was confirmed after their 4-0 win over North Macedonia with Chelsea stars Timo Werner and Kai Havertz on the scoresheet alongside Bayern youngster Jamal Musiala. Denmark also booked their spot after a 4-0 win over Lithuania, the Danes also have perfect record with eight wins from eight, 27 goals scored and none conceded.
NIGERIA STUTTER
The Super Eagles of Nigeria had indifferent international break after stumbling on their road to Qatar with a win and a loss to Central African Republic. They made up for an embarrassing stoppage time inflicted loss at home by beating their opponents 2-0. However, the eagles remain firmly in the driving seat in the race.
BALLON D’OR NOMINATIONS
The nominees for this year’s awards have been released by the organizers. The 30-man shortlist includes players like current holder Lionel Messi, Bayern forward Robert Lewandowski, Chelsea and Italy midfielder, Jorginho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, Karim Benzema and a host of other stars. The nominees for the Kopa award for the best under 21 players was also released the list includes Mason Greenwood, Bukayo Saka, Pedri, Jude Bellingham and other youngsters. The Lev Yashine trophy for the best goalkeeper nominees includes Gianluigi Donnaruma, Edouard Mendy, Ederson, Allison, Oblak, Thibaut Courtois, Manuel Neuer and Keylor Navas. The award ceremony will be held in Paris on the 29th of November, 2021.
CLUB FOOTBALL
The international break is over and club action is set to resume. With the battle for domestic dominance already taking shape, clubs all over Europe’s top leagues will be looking to avoid anymore slipups.
In the premier league, Chelsea will be looking to maintain their place at the top with a victory over high flying newcomers Brentford, who have had a strong start to their maiden top-flight campaign. Defending champions will host struggling Burnley. Liverpool travel to Watford in Claudio Ranieri’s first game in charge of the hornets. Manchester united have a date at the King Power stadium. Newcastle first taste of action under the new owners comes against Tottenham hotspurs and Arsenal round the game week against Patrick Vieira’s crystal palace on Monday.
In Spain, Real Madrid and city rivals, Atletico will not be in action due coronavirus restrictions, while Barcelona face Valencia as they look to catch up with their rivals.
In the Bundesliga, Bayern München face Bayer Leverkusen as they look to bounce back from a shock loss to Frankfurt, while Dortmund meet Mainz and RB Leipzig square up against Freiburg.
In the French top flight, Messi and co. will want to shake off their 2-0 defeat to Rennes by taking victory against Angers tonight.
In Italy, Napoli look to continue their 100% record so far against Torino, Lazio clash with Internazionale, Milan host Verona, Juventus host Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
