“Hey Ancelotti what about me? The national team has just been announced. We were not called up. I’m sad obviously.” These were the words of Neymar following his omission from Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia.

Neymar, who holds the record as Brazil’s top goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 games, has not played for the national team since 2023 due to an ACL injury. His absence raises concerns about his fitness and future participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to exclude Neymar was reportedly based on fitness rather than his status as a player. Ancelotti stated, “This decision was made with the team’s best interests in mind, focusing on players who are currently fit and ready to compete.”

Despite this setback, Neymar’s agent, Pini Zahavi, remains optimistic. He stated, “I believe Ancelotti will not make this mistake to give up the heart of Brazil, which is Neymar Jr.” This sentiment reflects the belief that Neymar still holds a crucial role in Brazil’s World Cup plans.

In the meantime, Brazil’s squad includes notable players such as Raphinha, Joao Pedro, and Vinícius Jr, who will take the field in the upcoming matches. Neymar expressed his disappointment but added, “Now it’s time to keep working, keep improving in everything and if there’s an opportunity, be prepared.”

The backdrop of Neymar’s omission is his recent injuries and lack of form, which have cast doubt on his ability to contribute effectively to the national team. As Brazil prepares for these friendlies, the focus will be on how the team performs without their star player.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding Neymar’s future in the national team, as his fitness and performance levels continue to be scrutinized. The final decision on Brazil’s World Cup squad is still pending, leaving fans and analysts alike to speculate on Neymar’s potential return.

The post Neymar Omitted from Brazil Squad for Upcoming Friendlies appeared first on News Casino.

Manchester City will face Real Madrid on March 17, 2026, at the Etihad Stadium, needing to overturn a 0:3 deficit from the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

Real Madrid enters the match with confidence after a commanding 4:1 victory against Elche, while Manchester City has struggled, drawing their last match against West Ham 1:1.

In the first leg, Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde made headlines by scoring a hat-trick, showcasing his ability to perform on the big stage. This performance has given Real Madrid a strong advantage heading into the second leg.

Historically, Manchester City has faced challenges against Real Madrid, winning only one of their last six encounters. This trend adds pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side as they prepare for the crucial match.

Manchester City has also experienced a dip in form, having drawn their last two matches, which raises questions about their readiness to mount a comeback against a formidable opponent like Real Madrid.

The upcoming match will be broadcast on CANAL+ Extra 1 and will also be available online via CANAL+ Online, allowing fans to follow the action closely.

As the match date approaches, observers are keen to see if Manchester City can harness their home advantage to reverse their fortunes against Real Madrid.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential lineup changes or tactical adjustments that either team may implement ahead of the match.

With the stakes high in the Champions League, both teams will be looking to secure a spot in the next round, making this encounter a must-watch for football fans.

The post Man city – real madryt appeared first on News Casino.

Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of the Brazil national team, confirmed that Neymar was not called up because he is not at full fitness. “I haven’t called him up because he’s not 100 per cent,” Ancelotti stated, emphasizing the importance of having fully fit players in the squad. Neymar, who has scored 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil, expressed his desire to return to the national team, saying, “I wish to go back to the national team and play in the World Cup, but that’s not up to me.” His absence is a significant blow to the squad as they prepare for the World Cup.

In contrast, the squad features several new faces, with Igor Thiago, Rayan, Leo Pereira, and Gabriel Sara all receiving their first senior call-ups. This marks a fresh chapter for the Brazil squad as they look to build a competitive team ahead of the World Cup. Igor Thiago, who has been impressive in the Premier League, is currently the second top-scorer with 19 goals this season, showcasing his potential to contribute significantly to the national team.

Rayan has also made an impact in the Premier League, scoring two goals in seven appearances, while Leo Pereira and Gabriel Sara are expected to bring their talents to the international stage. The inclusion of these players indicates a strategic shift by Ancelotti, aiming to blend experienced players with emerging talent.

Endrick, a promising young talent, returns to the squad after a year, adding to the excitement surrounding the selection. His previous performances have shown glimpses of his potential, and his inclusion could provide Brazil with a fresh attacking option. The decision to integrate new players reflects a commitment to evolving the team dynamics as Brazil prepares for the challenges ahead.

The upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia will serve as crucial preparation for Brazil, who find themselves in Group C at the 2026 World Cup alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. These matches will not only test the new squad members but also help solidify team chemistry as they aim for success on the world stage.

As the announcement of the Brazil squad unfolds, reactions from fans and analysts have been mixed. While many are excited about the new talent being introduced, others express concern over Neymar’s absence and the impact it may have on the team’s performance. The integration of new players alongside established stars will be closely watched as Brazil seeks to reclaim its status as a dominant force in international football.

With the World Cup on the horizon, the Brazil squad’s evolution is a topic of great interest. The upcoming friendlies will be pivotal in shaping the team’s identity and strategy moving forward. As they prepare to face formidable opponents, all eyes will be on how these changes play out on the pitch.

The post Brazil Squad Sees Major Changes Ahead of March Friendlies appeared first on News Casino.

Before Igor Thiago’s recent call-up to the Brazil national team, expectations surrounding his international career were modest. Despite his impressive performance in the Premier League, where he scored 19 goals this season, Thiago had not previously been recognized at any level of international football. His journey began when he joined Brentford in July 2024 for a club-record fee of £30 million from Club Brugge, but injuries had hampered his progress, leading to a significant gap in his international experience.

The decisive moment came when Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti announced Thiago’s inclusion in the squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia on March 26 and April 1, 2026, respectively. This call-up marks a turning point for Thiago, who has demonstrated remarkable resilience by scoring 21 goals in all competitions this season, including 18 in the league. His performance has not only earned him accolades but also a contract extension with Brentford, keeping him at the club until 2031.

The immediate effects of Thiago’s call-up are significant for both the player and the national team. For Thiago, this opportunity represents a chance to showcase his talent on an international stage, especially after missing most of the previous season due to a serious knee injury. Meanwhile, Brazil’s national team is in a transitional phase, as Neymar, a key player, has not played for the team since October 2023 due to injury. Thiago’s inclusion could provide the team with a much-needed boost as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

Experts have noted that Thiago’s rise is indicative of a broader trend in Brazilian football, where emerging talents are stepping up to fill the void left by established stars. Ancelotti’s decision to call up Thiago reflects the coach’s confidence in the player’s abilities, despite his lack of prior youth international experience. As Ancelotti stated, “I haven’t called him up because he’s not 100 percent,” indicating that Thiago’s performance has warranted this opportunity.

Thiago’s call-up is also a testament to his hard work and determination. Having won the Premier League’s Player of the Month award twice this season, he has established himself as a key player for Brentford. His ability to adapt and thrive in high-pressure situations will be crucial as he steps onto the international stage.

As Brazil prepares for the friendlies, the team is looking to solidify its strategy ahead of the World Cup, where they will face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C. Thiago’s performance in these matches could be pivotal, not just for his own career, but also for Brazil’s aspirations in the tournament.

In summary, Igor Thiago’s first call-up to the Brazil national team is a significant milestone in his career, reflecting his impressive performance in the Premier League and the evolving dynamics of the national team. As the football world watches, Thiago has the opportunity to make a lasting impression on the international stage.

The post Igor Thiago Receives First Brazil Call-Up appeared first on News Casino.

Santos will take on Mirassol in a crucial match in the 2026 Brasileirão on March 10 at 9:30 PM local time. Santos currently sits in 13th place with four points, while Mirassol is just ahead in 10th place with five points.

Player Updates

Notably, Neymar will not participate in the match due to muscle fatigue. According to sources, “Neymar chose to rest in order to be in good shape for the classic against Corinthians.” His absence could significantly impact Santos’ performance.

In attendance at the match will be Carlo Ancelotti, who is finalizing his squad for Brazil’s upcoming friendlies. He had confirmed his attendance before the announcement regarding Neymar’s condition.

Tiquinho Soares Situation

Mirassol opted not to pay a R$ two million fee to field Tiquinho Soares against Santos. Soares, who is on loan from Santos until the end of the year, has made a notable impact with nine goals and four assists in 43 games for the club.

Rafael Guanaes, Mirassol’s coach, commented on Soares’ fitness, stating, “Soares is progressing physically and any decision on starting depends on how long he can sustain intensity.” He emphasized, “The collective comes first,” highlighting the team’s strategy moving forward.

Recent Performance

Santos is coming off a victory, having won their last match 2-1 against Vasco. This win may provide a morale boost as they prepare to face Mirassol.

Looking Ahead

As the match approaches, observers are keen to see how Santos will adjust to Neymar’s absence and whether Mirassol’s decision regarding Soares will affect their game plan. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineups.

The post Mirassol vs santos appeared first on News Casino.

On March 9, 2026, at the London Stadium, Brentford faced West Ham in a highly anticipated FA Cup fifth round match. This London derby was crucial for both teams, with Brentford looking to advance in the tournament and West Ham aiming to maintain their strong form.

Key Moments

As the match unfolded, Igor Thiago emerged as a central figure. After a tense first half, he scored an equaliser for Brentford following a VAR check, which was described as a ‘major talking point’ in the match. Thiago’s goal not only showcased his skill but also highlighted his importance to the team, especially as he has been in remarkable form this season.

Thiago’s Season Performance

Throughout the current season, Igor Thiago has been a standout player for Brentford, netting 19 goals, with 18 of those scored in the Premier League. His performance has drawn attention from national selectors, with Carlo Ancelotti reportedly monitoring him for Brazil’s pre-World Cup camp. This interest underscores Thiago’s growing reputation in the football world.

Brentford’s Recent Form

Brentford entered the match against West Ham sitting in seventh place in the Premier League, having won seven of their last nine matches away from home. This impressive run has bolstered their confidence, especially as they faced a West Ham side that had lost only one of their last six matches in all competitions.

The match also held historical significance for Brentford, as it marked 37 years since the club reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. The team’s performance in this tournament has been a point of pride, and advancing further would be a significant achievement for the club.

Looking Ahead

As the match concluded, Brentford’s focus will shift to their upcoming fixtures, with Thiago’s form being crucial for their success. The team is keen to build on this momentum as they navigate the remainder of the season, with Thiago’s contributions likely to play a pivotal role in their aspirations.

Igor Thiago’s equaliser against West Ham not only reflects his individual talent but also signifies Brentford’s resilience in a challenging season. As they continue to compete in both the Premier League and the FA Cup, all eyes will be on Thiago and his ability to influence key matches.

The post Igor Thiago Scores Equaliser for Brentford Against West Ham appeared first on News Casino.

“I always got to a point where I guess a lot of people do in their career, do you keep going for what reason? What else do I want to achieve?” These words from Gareth Bale encapsulate his thoughts on retirement after a distinguished football career.

Bale, who moved to Real Madrid in 2013 for a then-record transfer fee, has had a significant impact on both club and international football. With 111 appearances and 41 goals for the Wales national team, he played a crucial role in helping Wales reach the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and the last 16 of Euro 2020.

His crowning achievement came when he scored the decisive goal against Ukraine, qualifying Wales for their first World Cup in 64 years. After a career that included 19 major honours, Bale announced his retirement from professional football in January 2023.

Reflecting on his post-retirement life, Bale stated, “I always said when I retired, I wanted one, two, three years just to decompress, enjoy the kids and then try and find a few paths I want to do.” This sentiment highlights his desire to take a step back and enjoy family life after years of intense competition.

In addition to his football career, Bale has ventured into business, owning Elevens Bar and Par 59 in Cardiff, and investing in Penderyn Whisky and TGL, an indoor golf league. His net worth is estimated at £120 million, showcasing his success beyond the pitch.

Bale’s time at Real Madrid was marked by a six-year, £150 million contract, during which he won 16 major honours. His contributions to the club and the sport have left a lasting legacy.

Recently, Bale expressed his thoughts on potential managerial candidates for clubs, stating, “I think he would do great,” referring to Carlo Ancelotti as a suitable choice for Manchester United.

As Bale navigates this new chapter in his life, he acknowledges the time he has spent planning for retirement. “I understand it’s a long time retired, I’ve been planning it since I was about 26 or 27,” he remarked, indicating a thoughtful approach to his future endeavors.

While Bale’s next steps remain to be fully outlined, his past achievements and current interests suggest he will continue to make an impact in various fields.

The post Gareth bale appeared first on News Casino.