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Coupe du Monde 2026 : Quarante ans après Maradona, Bellingham marque l’Azteca de son empreinte
Quarante ans après les exploits de Diego Maradona, l’Estadio Azteca a été le théâtre d’une nouvelle performance de très haut niveau. Auteur d’un doublé face au Mexique en huitièmes de finale de la Coupe du monde 2026, Jude Bellingham a signé un exploit inédit depuis la légende argentine.
Un doublé qui rappelle Maradona
En inscrivant deux buts face au Mexique, Jude Bellingham est devenu le premier joueur à réaliser un doublé à l’Estadio Azteca lors d’un match de Coupe du monde depuis Diego Maradona. L’Argentin avait accompli cette performance en 1986 contre la Belgique, en demi-finale. Grâce à son milieu de terrain, l’Angleterre a décroché son billet pour les quarts de finale. amunra-opinie.pl
Deux buts en 98 secondes
Au-delà du doublé, c’est la rapidité avec laquelle Bellingham a frappé qui impressionne. À peine 98 secondes se sont écoulées entre ses deux réalisations. Ce passage éclair a complètement fait basculer la rencontre en faveur des Three Lions. À seulement 22 ans, l’international anglais confirme sa capacité à répondre présent lors des grands rendez-vous.
Un nouveau chapitre dans l’histoire de l’Azteca
Comparer Jude Bellingham à Diego Maradona reste forcément délicat, mais l’Anglais vient d’inscrire son nom dans l’histoire du mythique stade mexicain. Déjà incontournable au sein de la sélection anglaise, il s’affirme comme l’un des grands leaders de cette Coupe du monde 2026 et l’un des principaux atouts des Three Lions dans leur quête du titre.
The post Coupe du Monde 2026 : Quarante ans après Maradona, Bellingham marque l’Azteca de son empreinte appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.
FC Barcelone : Hansi Flick renforce son staff technique avec un préparateur physique
Le FC Barcelone a officialisé la nomination de Benjamin Kugel au poste de préparateur physique au sein du staff de Hansi Flick. Ce renfort s’inscrit dans la volonté de l’entraîneur allemand de s’entourer de collaborateurs de confiance avant le début de la nouvelle saison.
Une collaboration de longue date avec Hansi Flick
Benjamin Kugel retrouve un visage bien connu en la personne de Hansi Flick. Les deux hommes ont travaillé ensemble pendant plusieurs années au sein de la Fédération allemande de football, où Kugel a occupé un rôle clé dans la préparation physique de la sélection nationale. Cette collaboration a notamment été marquée par le sacre de l’Allemagne lors de la Coupe du monde 2014, une réussite à laquelle le nouveau préparateur physique du Barça a contribué en coulisses grâce à son expertise.
Une solide expérience à travers l’Europe
Avant de rejoindre le FC Barcelone, Benjamin Kugel a bâti une carrière riche dans plusieurs clubs européens de renom. Il a notamment exercé au Werder Brême, au FC Cologne, au PSV Eindhoven ainsi qu’à Benfica, développant une réputation de spécialiste reconnu dans la préparation physique de haut niveau. Son parcours, partagé entre le football de clubs et la sélection allemande, constitue un atout important pour le staff de Hansi Flick, qui souhaite mettre en place des standards physiques élevés.
Le Barça poursuit la mise en place de son projet
Avec cette nomination, le FC Barcelone confirme sa volonté de renforcer chaque secteur de son organisation sportive. L’arrivée du technicien allemand vient compléter le staff de Hansi Flick, déterminé à préparer son effectif dans les meilleures conditions afin de relever les défis de la saison à venir.
The post FC Barcelone : Hansi Flick renforce son staff technique avec un préparateur physique appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.
Rassie finds the ‘right fit’ to face Scots
Rassie Erasmus expects a switched-on performance from a new-look Springbok team that he believes has the depth and combinations to handle a dangerous Scotland side.
“We have good depth in our squad, and this will be a great test for the team,” said Erasmus on Monday after announcing the Bok line-up to face the Scots in their Nations Championship clash at Loftus on Saturday.
Ten players from the match 23 that beat England 45-21 last week have been retained, among them Jesse Kriel, Damian Willemse, Paul de Villiers, Ruan Nortjé and skipper Pieter-Steph du Toit, who all keep their starting spots.
TEAM: Pollard, Papier take charge of new-look Boks
Canan Moodie moves up from the bench, while Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Zach Porthen, Ben-Jason Dixon and Grant Williams have been named among the replacements.
“We told the players from the outset that we would give as many of them a chance as possible to play this season, while we are also trying to manage some players and others are not available for selection this week,” Erasmus said.
“So it was important to select a team with some continuity from last week, while bringing in players we believe will be the right fit for what we are expecting from Scotland.
“They had a good Six Nations campaign, and they come off a victory against Argentina away, so they will be psyched up going into this match.”
ALSO: Rassie reveals how Zach earned his chance
Erasmus has reshuffled his backline, with Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe and Moodie forming the back three, Kriel and Willemse combining in midfield, and Handré Pollard and Embrose Papier running things at halfback.
Up front, Boan Venter, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw make up the front row, with Cobus Wiese joining Nortjé in the second row. No 8 Evan Roos will pack down in the loose trio alongside Du Toit and De Villiers.
MORE: King Kolbe keen to keep on kicking
“All of the players have been working extremely hard at training, and they are fully aware of the threat Scotland poses. Many of these combinations have played together for the Springboks and for their provincial teams this season,” Erasmus added.
“Many of the players will also be playing at their home ground at Loftus Versfeld, so they know the field and conditions well.”
MEDIA REACTION: SA hails Boks’ fast start and fast finish
Turning to the opposition, Erasmus was under no illusions about the challenge Scotland present.
“They are a quality team, who will test us in all areas of the game, and they are well coached, so they will throw everything they have at us,” he said.
“Matches against them are always tough, and looking back, there have been some very close encounters between the sides in the past, so we need to be switched on from the first whistle, be accurate in all departments of the game, and use our opportunities if we want to get the desired result.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Rassie finds the ‘right fit’ to face Scots appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Transfer news: Kaizer Chiefs announce second signing
Kaizer Chiefs have continued to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season by announcing the signing of Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner.
The 28-year-old arrives at Naturena after an impressive spell with Sekhukhune United. HE becomes the club’s second confirmed signing following the arrival of Thabo Moloisane from Stellenbosch FC.
Amakhosi confirmed the move on Monday, welcoming the experienced shot-stopper to after Babina Noko missed the deadline date to renew his contract.
KAIZER CHIEFS ADD EXPERIENCE BETWEEN THE POSTS
In announcing the signing, the Betway Premireship giants highlighted Leaner‘s growing reputation in South African football.
“Kaizer Chiefs have strengthened their goalkeeping department with the signing of renowned shot-stopper Renaldo Leaner,” the note said.
“Born in Cape Town 28 years ago, Leaner arrives at Naturena with a wealth of experience, having impressed last season and earned a number of call-ups to the Bafana Bafana national team.
“We proudly welcome Renaldo to the Khosi Nation!”
The goalkeeper enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Sekhukhune United, establishing himself as one of the most reliable performers in the Betway Premiership.
His consistent displays earned him several call-ups to Bafana Bafana, where he made his senior international debut against Tanzania in June 2025 before adding more appearances in early 2026.
A JOURNEY BUILT ON HARD WORK
Born and raised in Elsies River in Cape Town, Leaner developed through the Ajax Cape Town youth academy before breaking into the senior side in 2019.
He later moved to Maritzburg United, where he continued to impress, recording six clean sheets during the 2022/23 Betway Premiership season.
His performances earned him a transfer to Sekhukhune United in 2023, where he cemented his status as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper with a string of commanding displays, including a memorable clean sheet against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Away from football, Leaner has also earned admiration for his academic achievements. While building his professional career, he completed a Bachelor of Education degree through the University of the Western Cape, along with qualifications in Sport Psychology from UNISA and Sport Science from the University of Pretoria.
With Moloisane and Leaner now officially through the door, Amakhosi appear determined to strengthen key areas of the squad as they prepare for a demanding season that includes domestic competition and the CAF Confederation Cup.
WHO ELSE TO DO EXPECT KAIZER CHIEFS TO SIGN?
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