On today’s episode of Pundit Digest, Xhaka tests positive to Covid-19, Algeria crush Djibouti, Camavinga speaks on Real Madrid move and more.
Welcome to another episode of Pundit Daily Digest where we bring you a recap of the juiciest, most newsworthy and most trending news around the world.
Let’s take a look at some of football’s biggest news:
1. Camavinga Speaks On His Move To Real Madrid
France midfielder Eduardo Camavinga made a move to Real Madrid on transfer deadline day.
The teenage sensation left Rennes for the European heavyweights for a reported €31 million euros, a fee which could rise to almost €40 million euros in add-ons.
The 18-year-old had this to say after scoring in France’s under-21s’ 3-0 win over North Macedonia:
“It’s a dream, every player wants to play for Real Madrid one day.
“It happened quickly, at the end of the transfer window. It gave me a lot of joy and pride.
“I feel like a leader. It’s a long time that I’ve been with the under-21s but signing with Real doesn’t mean I’ll have a higher status.”
Camavinga’s contract at Rennes was set to expire next year so the French club decided to cash in on him rather than lose him for free.
2. African Champions Get Off To A Flying Start
Algeria, the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions, began their quest to book a spot in Qatar next year in sublime fashion as they crushed 10-man Djibouti 8-0 in their Group A opener in Blida.
Islam Slimani scored four goals, while Baghdad Bounedjah, Ramy Bensebaini, Riyad Mahrez and Ramiz Zerrouki also scored.
The Fennec Foxes ran riot after the dismissal of Djibout’s Batio Youssouf midway through the first half.
Thursday’s World Cup qualifiers matches also saw East African derby rivals Kenya and Uganda draw 0-0 in Nairobi, to leave Group E topped by favourites Mali after their win on Wednesday.
Also Read:
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- Ilaix Moriba Joins RB Leipzig From Barcelona
- Allegri: “We Must Move On From Ronaldo”
3. Euro Finalists England Cruise At Hungary
England crushed Hungary 4-0 at the Puskas Arena to move five points clear at the top of World Cup qualifying Group I.
Hungary faced a Herculean task to qualify for the World Cup, but their ordeal will not be made easier as they will most likely face a FIFA investigation following racist chants and behaviour by the fans.
Following a goalless first half, Raheem Sterling put England ahead in the 55th minute, scoring after a Mount-Grealish combo created space for him.
Sterling turned provider eight minutes later after his deflected cross was headed in by Kane.
Manchester United teammates Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw combined for England’s third in the 69th minute after the former scored from the latter’s corner kick.
Declan Rice scored England’s fourth after Gulacsi failed to keep his effort out.
Speaking after the win, England captain Harry Kane had this to say:
“It is a real tough place to come, we knew it was going to be a difficult game and such a big game in the group as well, we knew if we won here it puts us into a great position and almost one foot into the World Cup.
“It couldn’t have been better than 4-0 away from home, a great night for us.”
4. Sweden Shock Spain At Friends Arena
Sweden were far from friendly as they defeated La Roja 2-1 at Friends Arena.
Sweden fought back from conceding an early goal to defeat Spain and take control of Group B.
Spain started brightly and went ahead after five minutes as Spain debutant Carlos Soler volleyed home Jordi Alba’s cross.
Barely a minute later, Alexander Isak, capitalised on Sergio Busquets’s error on the edge of the box to equalise.
Following a string of well-crafted chances, Dejan Kulusevski’s scored the winner after 57 minutes.
The win means Sweden move to nine points with three wins from three games, while Euro 2020 semifinalists Spain drop to second with seven points having played a game more.
5. Granit Xhaka Tests Positive To Covid-19
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has tested positive for Covid-19 while on international duty with Switzerland.
Rather fortunately, the Swiss was an unused substitute in his side’s 2-1 win over Greece on Wednesday.
The Arsenal player showed symptoms in the morning and although a rapid test returned a negative result, a PCR test confirmed the infection.
Xhaka is one of the players who has declined to be vaccinated against Covid-19. He is now currently self-isolating.
Xhaka will be suspended following the international break after being shown a straight red card in Arsenal’s 5-0 defeat against Manchester City last Saturday.
This article was written by Kayode Ogunbote.
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