PSG Defeats Atletico Madrid in a Thriller to Finish Pre-Season

Photo Credited by Getty Images

By: Leonardo Rodriguez

Paris Saint-Germain took on Atletico Madrid in their final ICC pre-season match before the start of the new Ligue 1 season. PSG needed a victory to gain some confidence heading to a new Ligue 1 campaign. Angel Di Maria came to the line up after his break from the World Cup. Thiago Silva also arrived to the camp but did not play. Neymar, Cavani and Mbappe have not appeared yet with the squad but will appear probably around later this week or beginning of next week.

PSG got this match started from a quick strike from promising young star Christian Nkunku. Nkunku had been their best player in this pre-season with his 2 goals were the standout for the squad.

PSG doubled the lead with Moussa Diaby. It was a mistake by the Atletico defense and Diaby was able to read the play and put it past Atletico’s Adan.

Atletico Madrid got their goal from 17 year old, Victor Mollejo, who was able to blast it past PSG’s Kevin Trapp

Atletico got their equalizer real quick from a own goal from PSG defender, Antoine Bernede. It was a unfortunate deflection from Bernede.

PSG was able to steal the victory away from Atletico in the dying seconds of the match. PSG’s Virgiliu Postolachi was able to curl it past Adan to give PSG the all important victory.

PSG manager Thomas Tuchel finally gets his first win as coach as it was thrilling match against Simeone’s men.

PSG will prepare for their first chance at a cup this season when they take on AS Monaco for the Trophee des Champions.

 

Arsenal Cruises Past PSG in Singapore

Photo Credited by Getty Images

By: Leonardo Rodriguez

Arsenal took on Paris Saint-Germain in Singapore National Stadium for both teams second ICC match. Arsenal completely dominated from the word go. Ozil, Holding and newcomer Eddie Nketiah was able to score a goal each. While Lacazette was able to snag a brace against Gianluigi Buffon.

PSG was able to steal a goal. Christian Nkunku scored the only goal of the match for PSG, what has been a miserable night for the French champions.

PSG are currently sitting dead bottom on the ICC Standings and will take on Atletico Madrid on their final match of the preseason.

Arsenal will square off against fellow Premier League rivals Chelsea in Dublin. Arsenal are currently sitting 2nd only Borussia Dortmund are ahead of Arsenal.

 

Belgium Takes Care of England to Finish Bronze for First Time

Photo Credited by Getty Images

By: Alexander Olman Vega

Belgium have secured third place in this years World Cup 2018 in Russia. Even though they were favorites to win the tournament after a great display of dominance against Brazil. Belgium were defeated by a very strong and talented young French team. France will face Croatia in tomorrow’s final.

 

Although England had more possession, they were ineffective in front of goal. Many of their shots were not on target. Belgium were more clinical with their chances as they ended up netting 2  goals against the Lions. In the 4^th minute an early cross by Chadli finds a bursting Meunier who finishes the ball in the net inside the box. England tied to comeback but they didn’t have the killer instinct in front of goal, all their chances were wasted or blocked by the strong Belgium defense. In the 82^nd minute Kevin De Bruyne finds Eden Hazard who accelerates leaving England defenders behind in the dust. Hazard coolly finds a corner in the net to make it 2 – 0 Belgium.

They later kept Brazil at bay dominating in the air by wining the 50/50 balls and counter attacking Brazil on the wings. Brazil looked like they never faced a powerful team like this and didn’t begin to threaten Belgium at all until later in the second half. Brazil managed to score in the last 10 minutes but the damage was already done as Belgium scored the two early goals leaving Brazil with no hope to break the strong Belgium wall. Even with the loss to France, Belgium can hold their heads up high as they did excellent in this year’s tournament. The Golden Generation really showed strength, courage, and leadership in their final game against England. Once named a Dark Horse team that can sometimes surprise you, they will now be a Team to be feared when playing against. The future looks bright for Belgium; I expect we will see more of their expertise and dominating play.

France Reaches World Cup Final After 1-0 Victory Over Belgium

Photo Credited by picture alliance/Getty Images

By: Leonardo Rodriguez

France defeats Belgium to reach the WC final for the first time since 2006.

FC Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti headed in the winner past Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois.

Belgium wasn’t the same team against France as they were unable to breakthrough the French defense.

Hugo Lloris made some incredible saves against Belgium to keep the clean sheet.

France will take on the winner of the Croatia/England match on Sunday, while Belgium will take on the loser for the Third Place match.

Manchester City Signs Riyad Mahrez From Leicester City

Photo Credited by Manchester City

By: Leonardo Rodriguez

Manchester City have officially announced that they have signed Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez. Riyad Mahrez signed on a 5 year deal that cost £60 million which is a club record signing.

Mahrez had success in the EPL with Leicester City. He won the Premier League title in 2015/16 with Leicester. He also won PFA Player of the Year in that year as well.

Mahrez is the first summer signing for Manchester City.