Uruguay have no ´plan B´ to stop Colombia attack, says Bielsa

Marcelo Bielsa said Uruguay have no plan B in their attempts to stop Colombia s attacking talents ahead of their Copa America semi-final on Wednesday.

Uruguay come into the contest at Bank of America Stadium off the back of a penalty shootout over nine-time champions Brazil, but face a stern test against La Tricolor.

Colombia s 5-0 triumph over Panama in the quarter-finals extended their unbeaten run to 27 matches, equalling their longest unbeaten streak in all competitions.

James Rodriguez starred for Nestor Lorenzo s side, notching a goal and two assists, taking their team s total to 11 goals for the tournament so far.

Bielsa praised Colombia s array of attacking talent and said his side would need to defend well to reach a first Copa America final s…

Hodgson happy to make 2014 playoffs

England manager Roy Hodgson has revealed he would be happy to qualify for the 2014 World Cup via the playoffs.

Draws against Ukraine and Poland have seen his new-look side fall two points behind Group H leaders Montenegro, but the former Liverpool manager said he would be satisfied to reach Brazil by any means necessary should the Three Lions not secure top spot in the group.

England welcome the Samba boys to Wembley in February to celebrate the FA s 150th anniversary, before travelling to San Marino and the group leaders.

And Hodgson admitted that finishing in the top two is now the priority.

If we don t succeed in being number one, I d be more than happy to go into the playoffs, he told the BBC.

The important thing is we get one of those two …

Euro 2024 Data Dive: Merino´s late, late show downs Germany and France reach another semi-final

Two nations are now just 90 minutes away from securing a place in the Euro 2024 final following Friday s action.

Spain were the first to secure their place in the last four of the tournament, as Germany became the first hosts of a European Championship to be eliminated at the quarter-final stage.

Later on, France needed penalties to edge past Portugal, and they will meet Luis de la Fuente s side in Munich.

After another enthralling day of knockout football, we take a deep dive into the best statistics from the day.

Spain 2-1 Germany (AET): Merino s late, late show keeps Spain perfect

Mikel Merino proved to be the hero for Spain as his first international goal got them over the line.

The Real Sociedad midfielder broke German hearts, netti…

Deco backs Portugal to build on Euro 2016 success

Deco believes Portugal can build on their Euro 2016 triumph and achieve further success.

Despite previously boasting a number of fine talents, Portugal had consistently failed to deliver at major tournaments until the finals in France.

Now, having broken that duck, Deco has backed Fernando Santos men to push on and challenge again.

Portugal have had several talented generations and failed to win, he told Omnisport. This time, they succeeded so I think this generation, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, still have a lot to do in the future.

And it s still a new generation, with fantastic talent, so I really believe that Portugal can do something even more impressive.

I believe this is a very strong team with great players. It has players in a genera…

Thorgan Hazard happy to spend 2014/15 season on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach

Chelsea F.C. midfielder Thorgan Hazard is content with his decision to join Borussia Monchengladbach on loan for the 2014/15 campaign.

The Belgium international, 21, has spent the past two seasons on loan at Jupiler Pro League side Zulte Waregem, impressing to the tune of 14 goals in 39 league appearances last term.

Hazard, the younger brother of Belgian star Eden, will much to his delight be playing UEFA Europa League football with Glabach next season.

I didn t talk personally to Jose Mourinho this summer, but I was honoured that he came to Zulte Waragem to watch me, Hazard said.

My dad, who is my new agent, talked to Mourinho. He repeated what he said to me last year, that I have to play for a good team.

Then we started talking t…

Olmo considering RB Leipzig future following Euro 2024 success

Dani Olmo has said he has several options ahead of a potential move from RB Leipzig after playing a starring role in Spain s Euro 2024 triumph.

Olmo scooped the Golden Boot at the European Championships while also helping La Roja triumph a record fourth time in the competition.

His goal against France in their 2-1 semi-final victory saw him become the first Spanish player to score in three successive games at the Euros finals.

Olmo s five goal involvements at Euro 2024 (three goals, two assists) is the most by a Spaniard at a major tournament since David Silva at Euro 2012 (two goals, three assists).

The 26-year-old s form at the European Championships have seen him touted for a move in the transfer window, with Manchester City, Barcelona and Bayern M…

Juve´s latest Camp Nou success ´even more beautiful´ than 2017 semi – Bonucci

Leonardo Bonucci claimed Juventus 3-0 win at Barcelona was even more beautiful than the Camp Nou stalemate that booked their place in the 2016-17 Champions League final.

Juventus seized top spot in Group G on Tuesday with a deserved victory in Catalonia, where they had to better Barca s 2-0 triumph in the reverse fixture.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a pair of penalties either side of Weston McKennie s volley as Juve were again able to celebrate on the Camp Nou pitch.

Serie A champions Juve had visited Barca in the 2017 semi-finals and drew 0-0 to successfully defend a 3-0 aggregate advantage.

But despite the relative weakness of opponents Barca this time, the win was of particular note as the first time the Blaugrana had lost at home in the Champions League …

Week 5 NFL Parlay Picks: A Big Play Bengal Looks to Cash Again

Week 5 is upon us and at this point, surprisingly, we only have one undefeated team remaining. That team happens to be the Arizona Cardinals, who have outscored opponents 140-85. Although they are in a good spot to keep their undefeated streak alive at home, there are other wagers I’m targeting in Week 5. 

Take a look at my favorite Week 5 NFL parlay picks, below.

Jaguars vs Raiders Hall of Fame Game Picks and Predictions: Jacksonville More Prepared for Canton

The first taste of NFL preseason kicks off Thursday night as the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders will meet in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.

Neither team is expected to play many starters, and we’ve already seen some sharp money drop the total significantly. However, even with Trevor Lawrence not playing and backup C.J. Beathard out (groin), do the Jaguars still have some underappreciated talent at quarterback in Jake Luton and Kyle Sloter?

Find out in our free NFL picks and predictions for Jaguars vs. Raiders.

Isiah Pacheco Super Bowl 57 Prop Odds and Prediction: Pacheco Goes to Work

Isiah Pacheco is coming off his highest-usage game of the season vs. the Bengals, and his role likely won’t diminish with an ineffective Jerick McKinnon. That leaves the rookie in line for another big day in the passing game come Sunday, with Super Bowl odds reflecting as much.

Here are my Super Bowl picks for Pacheco, including a three-leg same-game parlay consisting of only Super Bowl player props.