Football
Patrick Vieira makes prediction for Arsenal’s Champions League showdown against PSG
Patrick Vieira believes Arsenal can still turn things around in their Champions League semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners head to the French capital needing to overturn a one-goal deficit after Ousmane Dembele’s early strike at the Emirates gave PSG the advantage.
It was a deflating night for Arsenal fans, as Mikel Arteta’s side failed to impose themselves in the first leg and now face an uphill battle to reach only the second Champions League final in the club’s history.
Confidence isn’t high within the fanbase, especially after Arsenal’s recent domestic form. They’ve managed just one win in their last five Premier League matches, and that came against already-relegated Ipswich Town.
A surprise home defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday added further doubt, but Vieira remains optimistic. Speaking to The Telegraph, the former Arsenal captain expressed his belief that his old club can still mount a comeback.
He pointed out that the team has the quality and experience to deliver a complete performance on the road and keep their Champions League dreams alive.
A key figure in any potential turnaround will be Declan Rice. The England midfielder has found a new lease of life since Arteta shifted him into a more advanced role.
Although he had a slow start to the season, Rice has been dominant since January and was named man of the match in both legs of Arsenal’s quarter-final win over Real Madrid.
His box-to-box play, energy, and leadership have earned him comparisons with Vieira himself, who once patrolled Arsenal’s midfield with authority.

Vieira praised both Rice and Arteta for the tactical adjustment, highlighting how the change in position has allowed Rice to express himself more freely.
Instead of sitting deep, Rice now drives forward, supports the attack, and poses a genuine goal threat.
Vieira emphasized Rice’s winning mentality, competitive edge, and willingness to push into the box—attributes that have elevated his performances in recent months.
Despite the daunting task ahead at Parc des Princes, Vieira insists Arsenal’s chances should not be dismissed.
He acknowledged the need for a flawless performance but remains confident that Arteta’s squad has the right blend of talent and belief to pull off a memorable result.
For Arsenal to keep their European hopes alive, every player will need to rise to the occasion, but with Rice leading the charge, a comeback remains within the realm of possibility.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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