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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Callum Robinson scored the only goal of the game as Ireland finished their fixture list for the season with a dull win in Malta. Stephen Kenny’s men failed to impress against their weaker opponents an ominous sign with European Championship qualifying to come next season.
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Ireland’s final home game of the year ended in a disappointing defeat as Norway beat Stephen Kenny’s side 2-1 in tonight’s international friendly fixture at the Aviva Stadium. A below-par first 45 minutes led to the visitors taking a well-deserved lead thanks to Leo Ostigard, Alan Browne fired Ireland level in the second half but a late winner arrived for Norway through Substitute Ohi Omoijuanfo.
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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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