Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti confirmed as new Brazil coach

Carlo Ancelotti has been confirmed as the new manager of Brazil’s men’s national team, the first foreign national to take sole charge of the world’s most successful side since 1925. After months of speculation, it has been confirmed that the 65-year-old Italian is to leave Real Madrid at the end of the Spanish domestic season to take up what will be his first international coaching role. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) revealed the news in a statement on Monday, welcoming Ancelotti, a man they described as a “legend” of the game.

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Ireland survive scare dismissing Bulgaria to retain League B status

Evan Ferguson scored his first goal since November as the Republic of Ireland preserved their Nations League B status with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Bulgaria. Adam Idah struck after coming off the bench to secure a 2-1 play-off second-leg win in Dublin to give the fans something to celebrate after Valentin Antov had given the visitors a shock lead.

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Ireland fight back to win away to Bulgaria

Finn Azaz and Matt Doherty scored first-half headers as the Republic of Ireland battled back to beat Bulgaria 2-1 in the first leg of their Nations League play-off. Marin Petkov fired the hosts into an early lead at a sparsely-populated Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv but midfielder Azaz quickly levelled with his first international goal.

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England demolish ten man Ireland to secure promotion

England sealed promotion to the UEFA Nations League top tier after a 5-0 win over Republic of Ireland. After a goalless first half, the game changed when England were awarded a penalty when Liam Scales brought down Jude Bellingham. Scales was sent off and Harry Kane scored the penalty. Anthony Gordon, Conor Gallagher, Jarrod Bowen and Taylor Harwood-Bellis also found themselves on the scoresheet.

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Ferguson on target as Ireland edge out Finland

Evan Ferguson’s goal and a superb penalty save from Caoimhin Kelleher helped Ireland to a 1-0 win over Finland in their UEFA Nations League clash. Finland were twice denied by the woodwork before Brighton striker Ferguson headed in from a Mikey Johnston cross on the stroke of half-time. The visitors were pushing for a deserved leveller when they were awarded a 77th-minute penalty after a VAR check for a handball by Ferguson.

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