Liverpool's Rampage, Atlético Nacional's Glory, Netflix's FIFA Deal, and More
Plus: CHAN qualifiers and Gulf Cup surprises
👋🏻 Welcome to Starting 11! Whether it’s Liverpool’s domination, Netflix’s game-changing FIFA partnership, or a nostalgic dive into football video game history, Starting 11 has you covered. From monumental league victories across the globe to insightful analyses of football’s financial and cultural impact, we bring the pulse of the beautiful game straight to your inbox.
Liverpool made a statement at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, thrashing Spurs 6-3 to go four points clear at the top of the Premier League. Mohamed Salah surpassed Billy Liddell with 229 club goals, scoring twice and adding an assist. Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Díaz shone, with each netting twice as well. Spurs, missing key players and fatigued from midweek action, were overrun by Liverpool's relentless attack. Despite the scoreline suggesting a closer contest, the Reds dominated from start to finish.
Roma dominated Parma with a 5-0 rout at the Stadio Olimpico, showcasing their offensive prowess in Serie A Round 17. Paulo Dybala shone, scoring twice, including a penalty in the 6th minute after being fouled by Botond Balogh. Alexis Saelemaekers volleyed in a stunning second goal, continuing his impressive form. Dybala added another after halftime, Leandro Paredes converted a penalty, and Artem Dovbyk rounded off the victory. Claudio Ranieri’s squad bounced back emphatically after last week’s misstep against Como.
Al Ahly delivered a commanding performance, crushing CR Belouizdad 6-1 in the CAF Champions League group stage. Wessam Abou Ali was the star of the night, netting a hat-trick that included a breathtaking free kick and a long-range stunner. After an early Belouizdad goal by Aimen Mahious, Al Ahly equalized before halftime and unleashed a second-half blitz. Hussein El Shahat, Percy Tau, and Emam Ashour also found the net, propelling the reigning champions to the top of Group C. A clear statement: Al Ahly remains the team to beat.
The final round of the 2024 African Nations Championship qualifiers is underway, delivering intense home-and-away clashes to decide Africa's representatives. Highlights from the first-leg fixtures include Guinea’s commanding 4-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau and South Sudan edging Rwanda 3-2 in a thriller. Other notable results saw Angola triumph 2-0 over Lesotho, Madagascar overpower Eswatini 2-0, and Sudan securing a 2-0 away win against Ethiopia. Stalemates like Ghana-Nigeria (0-0) and Liberia-Senegal (1-1) leave everything open for the return legs. The stage is set for an exciting finish in this high-stakes qualification round.
Iraq kicked off their Gulf Cup 26 campaign with a solid 1-0 victory over Yemen in Kuwait. Dominating the match, Iraq found their breakthrough in the 64th minute when Ayman Hussein’s precise header, set up by Amjad Attwan, secured the win. Despite Yemen’s resilient defense and goalkeeper Mohamed Aman’s heroics, Iraq's attacking flair shone through. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia suffered a disappointing 3-2 loss to Bahrain in Group B, leaving the Green Falcons with a steep climb to make the semifinals. A crucial clash against Yemen now looms for Saudi hopes.
Atlético Nacional secured their 18th Colombian league title, defeating Tolima 2-0 in the Clausura final’s second leg at Medellín's Atanasio Girardot. Goals from Alfredo Morelos and Andrés Felipe Román sealed the victory, with a 3-1 aggregate score. Under coach Efraín Juárez, Nacional also claimed the Copa Colombia, reaffirming their dominance as the most decorated Colombian team. Tolima, despite a missed penalty, fell short but will compete in the Copa Libertadores qualifiers. Nacional’s triumph solidifies their legacy in Colombian football.
Motagua claimed their 19th Honduran league title, edging Olimpia 2-1 on aggregate in the Apertura 2024 final. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the decider at Estadio Nacional “Chelato Uclés” saw an own goal by Jose Antonio Robledo in the 75th minute secure victory for the "Águilas Azules." Despite Olimpia's efforts and a disallowed goal, they fell short, earning their 20th runner-up finish. A bench brawl in stoppage time added drama, as Motagua solidified their status among Honduran football’s elite.
Charlotte FC has reignited its pursuit of Newcastle's Miguel Almirón after a failed summer transfer attempt. While the MLS club agreed on personal terms with the Paraguayan star, Newcastle’s $20 million asking price proved too steep at the time, with Charlotte offering just $10 million. Now, with Almirón playing a mere 119 minutes this season, Newcastle may accept a revised bid. Charlotte’s Designated Player slot is open, signaling ambition after their playoff run, though no deal is imminent. The MLS offseason could get interesting.
"The Cost of Promotion" by Swiss Ramble offers a deep dive into the financial realities of promotion in English football. Analyzing a decade of data, the article uncovers how the journey up the leagues comes with escalating costs, from operating losses to skyrocketing wage bills. It examines how clubs with parachute payments thrive, while others rely on strategy or benefactors. For fans, investors, and football enthusiasts, this piece unravels the economic complexities behind the dream of climbing the football pyramid. A must-read for understanding the price of success.
"A Tale of Two Halves: The History Of Football Video Games" by Richard Moss is a definitive chronicle for football and gaming enthusiasts alike. Covering the evolution of football video games from their 1980s origins to their 2000s heyday, Moss explores over 400 titles, including classics like FIFA, Pro Evolution Soccer, and Championship Manager. With expert analysis, developer interviews, and stunning visuals, this 628-page journey delves into the genre’s creativity and innovation. Perfect for fans of the beautiful game and its digital counterpart, this book is a nostalgic and informative celebration of football gaming history.
Netflix’s groundbreaking deal with FIFA marks a historic moment for women’s football. As the exclusive US broadcaster for the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups, Netflix will showcase every match live, including bilingual coverage in English and Spanish. Beyond streaming, the platform will produce compelling documentaries spotlighting players and the sport’s global growth. With its unmatched storytelling prowess and FIFA’s backing, this partnership promises to elevate the Women’s World Cup’s reach and redefine the narrative of women’s football for millions.
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