France striker Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from international football – on his 35th birthday – a day after Les Bleus lost against Argentina on penalties in the World Cup final. The Ballon d’Or winner, who scored 37 times in 97 appearances, was expected to lead the line for France in Qatar but missed the tournament after sustaining a thigh injury in training the day before it started.
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A late Robbie Brady penalty saved Ireland’s blushes as they saw a 2-0 lead disappear in the space of two minutes to secure victory over Armenia in their UEFA Nations League clash. John Egan and Michael Obafemi had given Ireland a comfortable lead before the visitors staged a comeback.
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German players will receive a bonus of €400,000 each if they win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this year. Germany last triumphed in 2014 in Brazil with each player taking home €300,000 a semi-final spot will see them pocket €150,000, a third place finish €200,000 and if they were to lose the final they would get €250,000.
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A late Ryan Christie penalty handed Scotland a hard fought 2-1 win over Ireland in the UEFA Nations League. John Egan had given Ireland an early lead but Jack Hendry restored parity early in the second half before a late handball gave the hosts the opportunity to win it from the spot.
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Nathan Collins’ sublime individual goal earned Ireland a 1-1 draw away to Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League. The 21 year old centre back’s first half strike gave Ireland the lead but the hosts responded just minutes into the second half through Artem Dovbyk with both sides unable to find a winner in Łódź.
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