FRANCE AND BELGIUM MAKE FIFA RANKING HISTORY

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World Cup winners France and Belgium are the first teams to share a joint top spot at the latest FIFA rankings. In its 25 year run, two teams were yet to spare the top spot but with victories against Scotland and Iceland, Belgium joined France at the top of the ladder.

France defeated Belgium at the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia, before going on to win the tournament. The Roberto Martinez-led side that knocked out Brazil went on to claim the third place. The Belgian side recently defeated Scotland 4-0 in a friendly game, and won their debut game against Iceland 3-0 in the Nations League. France played a goalless draw against Germany before defeating the Netherlands 2-1 in the Nations League. Continue reading →

Jan Oblak turned down Chelsea move

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Slovenia international Jan Oblak is reported to have turned down advances from Chelsea despite the club triggering the £90m release clause on his Atletico Madrid contract. The 25-year-old had emerged as the prime target for the Blues after Thibaut Courtois made his mind up to join Real Madrid but they could not convince the shot-stopper to head to Stamford Bridge.

According to The Sunday Times, the West London giants agreed to activate the £90m escape clause on the goalkeeper’s contract but the Slovenian nevertheless vetoed the move as the Blues could not assure him of Champions League football. As a result, the Capital outfit made a late attempt to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao instead and they were successful after triggering the £71m buy-out clause written into his contract.
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New Slovenian Football Premier League Season Begins

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The Slovenian Football Premier League- the 28th season is likely to get underway today. Maribor is all geared up to achieve the title who has already won national champions 14times. Although he lost 2 months back to his rival Olimpija of Ljubljana.

As far as Slavisa Stojanovic is concerned, he would be the new coach of Levski Sofia. The frequent traveler Stojanovic is in agreement to join Levski for a 1-year contract and has been given an option for extension for another year. He led Domzale to achieve the Slovenian title in the year 2007 and 2008 and achieved the Serbian league title in the year 2014. Stojanovic also did his coaching job in a few clubs in Latvia, China, and Belgium. He was the assistant coach for the United Arab Emirates from 2009 to 2011. Stojanovic will now replace Delio Rossi from Italy who was released due to an early exit last week.
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Antoine Griezmann Hails Jan Oblak As The Best Goalkeeper In The World

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Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has hailed Jan Oblak as the best goalkeeper in the world following his strong performance against Arsenal in the Europa League. The Spanish giants had found themselves a man down within 10 minutes of their semi-final first-leg clash at the Emirates and it required a series of saves from Oblak to ensure the teams went level at the break.

Following the interval, Alexandre Lacazette gave a 1-0 advantage for the hosts but Atleti eventually fought back for a draw with Griezmann scoring nine minutes from time. Speaking after the game, Griezmann was full of praise for Oblak, who made several blocks on the night including a late one which denied Aaron Ramsey the match-winning goal. Continue reading →

Atletico Madrid Confirm Injury Lay-Off For Slovenian Goalkeeper

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Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have confirmed goalkeeper Jan Oblak has undergone a series of scans for a groin injury which may keep him sidelined for the near future. The Slovenia international missed the first-leg of the Europa League clash with Lokomotiv Moscow last week and Marca suggested that he could miss the weekend league game versus Celta Vigo.


Argentine shot-stopper Axel Werner was brought in to play deputy to Oblak against Celta, but the 25-year-old managed to play out the entire 90 minutes. However, it appears that the club have now taken steps to find the extent of his problem, and Oblak is certain to miss the return leg of the Europa League round of 16 tie. A statement released by the club read: “Our goalkeeper has undergone an MRI to determine the extent of his injury. The medical report offered by the medical services of the club indicates that the Slovenian suffers an injury in the left gluteal muscles and will remain unavailable pending evolution.”
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Jan Oblak eyed as potential Petr Cech replacement

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly identified Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak as a potential replacement for Petr Cech in the summer. The Gunners are expected to bring in defensive recruits at the end of the campaign, but the shot-stopper position is also under consideration. According to Evening Standard, the Gunners have set their sights on a potential move for Oblak, who is seen as the perfect player to replace Cech as the club’s number one. The Slovenia international joined Atletico Madrid from Benfica shortly after Thibaut Courtois’ return to Chelsea, and he has since transformed into one of Europe’s leading goalkeepers.

Despite the interest, the Gunners are expected to have a tough time negotiating with their La Liga counterparts with Oblak presently contracted to the club until 2021. The former Benfica man also has an £88m, and this could prove a huge stumbling block for a club of Arsenal’s calibre, who remain reluctant to spend over proportions in the transfer market. Cech, now 35, was expected to help Arsenal close the gap on their Premier League rivals, but the veteran’s career appears to be on the downslide with his kicking ability at the least after gifting goals to Cesc Fabregas and Jordan Ayew with mistimed passes over the past 18 months.
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Thibaut Courtois eyed by Atletico Madrid

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Atletico Madrid could step up their interest to re-sign Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea next summer, should Jan Oblak pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere. The Slovenia international has been linked with a big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain, who are prepared to trigger the £89m release clause in his contract.

According to Spanish outlet AS, the Madrid giants are preparing for the worst situation, if Oblak refuses to commit to a new contract which would include an increased escape clause. The Slovakian has been the backbone behind Atleti’s improved defensive record in recent years, but the former Benfica man has yet to taste anything in terms of trophy success. As a result, the 24-year-old is likely to re-evaluate his future at the end of the season with Les Parisiens on the search for a new shot-stopper who can take over the gloves from Alphonse Areola, who is still prone of making mistakes.
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Fabian Delph Replaced by Harry Winks Ahead of World Cup Qualifier against Slovenia

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Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph has had to pull out of the World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia due to an injury.


As a result, England national team manager Gareth Southgate has had to bring in Tottenham’s Harry Winks as the replacement. This forced change means that Harry Winks is in the England squad for the first time in his career. He has been included from the England under 21 setup, as Southgate was to have a number of options in the midfield. There is a significant possibility of Harry Winks playing in the games against Slovenia or Lithuania.

England are closer to confirming their top spot in the group with the victory over Slovenia, who have reinvigorated the chances of qualifying for the World Cup 2018 by picking up three wins in the last five group matches. The recent victory for the Slovenia team game against Lithuania as they thrashed the opponent’s 4-0 at home. However, managerKatanec will be aware that it will be a difficult game for Slovenia when they travel to the English soil for a match at the new Wembley stadium. Continue reading →

PSG Ready to Make a £ 90 Million Move for Slovenia Goalkeeper

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Paris St Germain do not appear to be satisfied with the spending spree so far, as the club have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak.


Regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in the world, the Slovenian has been subjected to interest from PSG, who have just spent a whopping £ 196 million on Barcelona forward Neymar. The transfer broke the world record by a significant margin, but PSG are now looking set to do the same with regard to a transfer record for the goalkeeper.

Up until now, Gianluigi Buffon was the world’s most expensive goalkeeper after having cost £ 32 million for his transfer several years ago to Juventus. Manchester City broke this record by signing Edersonfrom Benfica for around £ 35 million. Now, PSG are reportedly ready to pay around £ 90 million for Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak. Incidentally, this is the release clause in his contract and this would help PSG do away with any negotiations just like in the case of Neymar. Continue reading →

ATALANTA SIGN ILICIC FROM RIVALS

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Serie A side Atalanta has succeeded in luring Slovenia star Josip Ilicic from rivals from Fiorentina, according to reports.


The player moved to Fiorentina in 2013 after spending three years at Palermo. The 29-year old midfielder has played 44 games for Slovenia in the international scene and is deemed a decent player in the league.

Ilicic scored five times last term in 30 appearances. He was crucial to Atalanta returning to European football after they finished fourth in the league. They would be playing in the Europa League for the first time in 26 years.

The club also signed Under 21-Belgian star Timothy Castagne to replace former right back Andrea Conti who moved to Milan. Thomas Foket of KAA Gent was the preferred replacement but after the player pulled out Atalanta had to move ahead with the deal for Castagne. The player helped Genk reach the quarter finals of the Europa League, contributing two goals in ten games. Continue reading →