World Cup Gist: Why Super Eagles Lost To Argentina, Okocha Makes Critical Analysis

Legendary Nigerian football playmaker, Jay Jay Okocha has opened up on how the Super Eagles lost to Argentina and were eliminated at 2018 FIFA World Cup in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

 

Jay Jay Okocha

 

While speaking after Super Eagles were defeated 2-1 by Argentina at the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia on Tuesday night, former Nigerian captain, Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha, admitted that the Eagles lost due to the ‘limited experience’.

 

Argentina superstar, Lionel Messi broke his drought at the World Cup to give the 2-time world champions the lead in the 13th minute.

 

Victor Moses restored parity for the Super Eagles from the penalty spot after Javier Mascherano was adjudged to have fouled Leon Balogun in the box.

 

Manchester United star, Marcos Rojo scored a stunning late winner 3-minutes from time to send Jorge Sampaoli’s side to the next round.

 

Okocha said during his analysis on SuperSport during the game said; “Uzoho kept us in the game with the saves he made in the second half. We panicked in the first half.

 

“If you want to be a bit harsh. We were not clear to keep more players in attack. We were limited in terms of experience.

 

“It was a gift from Mascherano but then I thought we started the second half better. We got ourselves in better places. It was a fantastic penalty from Moses but I think we should have put them under more pressure.”

 

Speaking on the controversial penalty denied the Super Eagles, the former Bolton Wanderers playmaker said the Nigerian team did not put more pressure on the referee.

 

Marcos Rojo handled the ball in the box involuntarily and the referee viewed it on VAR but ruled it out.

 

“Nobody appealed under the referee. We know what the Argentines are like. Rojo got away with one.”

 

On Wilfred Ndidi’s chance in the 76th minute, Okocha said: “He had more time to keep the ball down to take a good shot.

 

“Scoring is not his thing but I feel he should have kept the ball a close more to take a better shot.”

 

On Odion Ighalo’s miss, Okocha’s said: “It was a glorious chance, the ball sat down well for him. If I was Ighalo I would try to force a save from the goalkeeper. If you don’t hit the target you don’t get your job done.”

 

Ighalo extended his goal drought to eight games. The Changchun Yatai striker has scored four goals in 21 games for the Super Eagles.

 

On the late goal the team conceded, the former PSG play maker added: “We’ve seen so many late goals in this tournament. Poor defending. Moses reacted late. I have seen him deal with that at Chelsea. I can’t fault the effort of the player, they gave their best.

 

“It was going to be tough for us and it lived up to that and it went to the last three minutes, but I think we have to look at the bigger picture. Most of these players it was the first time.

 

“For the manager he did well. It’s about continutiy. We don’t have to point fingers at anyone.”

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UEFA Slams One Year Ban On AC Milan

UEFA has sanctioned Italian giants AC Milan by banning the club from participating in any European football over an incident.

 

Italian giants AC Milan have been banned from European football for one year for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations.

 

Milan had qualified for the group stages of this season's Europa League after finishing sixth in Serie A.

 

Uefa said the club, which spent £200m on transfers last summer after a takeover, breached rules around requirements for clubs to break even.

 

The decision could be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

 

Before the verdict, Milan released a video on Twitter saying they expected "fairness, rulings based on facts and equal rules for all" from Uefa.

 

The statement said the club are "ready to pay for the errors made in the past" and "have the utmost respect for the rules, but we expect equality".

 

Why did Milan face sanctions?

The Italian club was owned by former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi from 1986 until it was sold to a Chinese consortium for 740m euros (£648m) in April 2017.

 

The club then went on a £200m spending spree in the summer, bringing in Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus for £35.1m and Andre Silva from FC Porto for £33.6m. It was the first time since 2002 the club had broken the £30m barrier for a player.

 

Uefa referred the case to its adjudicatory body to make a ruling as it said there "remained uncertainties" following an investigation into the Serie A club's financial affairs.

 

The "uncertainties" were said to relate to the refinancing of a loan due to be paid back in October 2018.

 

Uefa's financial fair play rules were brought in to stop clubs running up huge debts, and they can be punished if they spend more money than they earn.

 

Sanctions for breaching the rules range from warnings and reprimands to points deductions and transfer embargoes.

 

What did the club say?

Milan said the 2017 summer spending spree "renovated the squad, putting together the youngest side in Serie A".

"We invested more than 200m euros to open a new cycle," the statement added. "One year later, the value of the investment is unchanged and the market value of the squad is the third in Serie A."

 

The club says the first team's salaries are below 60% of revenues "thanks to investments mainly targeted on young players with a view to the future".

 

Milan also say the club are on course to meet the targets set in their business plan presented to Uefa, have made investments in the training ground, will field a women's team next season, have adhered to B-team initiatives and will participate in the next Lega Pro season with their Under-21 side.

 

"We immediately focused to ensure greater efficiency to our organisation, to manage the club in an upstanding, transparent and responsible way," the statement said.

"We lowered the operating costs by 6m euros. Our majority shareholder increased the capital over the course of a year by 88m euros (not loans), raising the value of the club's assets. The club is actually aiming for a more stable and thriving asset.

 

"All of these facts are inspired by a single mantra: working for the future of Milan, a valuable asset to the world of football."

 

*******

 

BBC Sports

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World Cup Gist: How Germany Crashed Out

 The German machines who won the last world Cup in 2014 have been humbled out of the World Cup in Russia courtesy of two late goals from the Koreans.

 

A picture from the match

 

South Korea caused Germany plenty of problems today, frustrating the European giants and then snatching a memorable victory at the death.

 

Germany are shellshocked, there is scenes of disbelief on the field and an inquest will surely take place. It is a result that will send shockwaves across the World Cup.

 

South Korea are also going home but two very late goals have eliminated the Low's side, who fail to get past the opening stage of a World Cup for the first time since 1938.

 

For the fourth time in five World Cup tournaments, the defending champions exit the competition at the group stage.

 

Germany dominated the possession with 74% while South Korea managed with a meagre 26%.

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Michael Jackson's Father Dies At 89

Joe Jackson, the father of one of the world's most successful musicians, Michael Jackson, has died.

Joe Jackson

 

It has been reported that Michael’s Jackson’s dad has died!

 

According to TMZ, family sources revealed that Joe Jackson, the patriarch of the Jackson family passed away at 3:30 AM Wednesday in L.A.

 

Joe was hospitalized in June with terminal cancer. His family had been flocking to his bedside since. His wife, Katherine, had been at his bedside as were some of Joe’s children and grandchildren.

 

Joe had been battling health problems for some time now. He was hospitalized back in 2016 after coming down with a high fever. But, he bounced back not long after and was seen partying in Vegas. His health was also fragile after a stroke and 3 heart attacks back in 2015. Doctors implanted a pacemaker.

 

Joe may have been the most successful parent managing his children in the history of music. He, with a little help from Diana Ross, engineered the careers of The Jackson 5, and then Michael and Janet Jackson as solo artists.

 

The elder Jackson took a lot of heat from Michael and his siblings for abusing parenting and management practices, including physical brutality. Joe copped to it but, far from apologizing … he said his methods made his kids successful and kept them out of jail.

 

Michael’s dad stood by him during his molestation trial. After Michael’s death, Joe was criticized for trying to make money off his son’s memory.

 

Joe had 10 kids with Katherine, his wife of more than 60 years. The 2 did not live together and had a strained relationship for the last years of his life, but they frequently interacted.

 

Joe was 89.

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Criticisms Trail Cristiano Ronaldo's Performance Against Iran

The Real Madrid forward missed a penalty and escaped a red card in his last outing, with World Cup progress secured on another controversial evening.

 

Cristiano Ronaldo 

 

Cristiano Ronaldo has offered enough to the Portugal cause down the years that he is “allowed an off day”, says Jose Fonte, but VAR continues to bemuse and frustrate those at World Cup 2018.

 

The introduction of technology into top-level football has been welcomed by many, but teething problems have yet to be ironed out and match officials are still coming to terms with the system.

 

Portugal discovered that again in their latest outing, with an eventful clash with Iran seeing them play out an action-packed 1-1 draw to book their place in the last 16.

 

Ronaldo was the beneficiary of outside interference at one stage, as he won a second-half penalty, but the Real Madrid superstar saw his effort saved and Ricardo Quaresma’s stunning opener cancelled out by a contentious stoppage-time spot kick from Karim Ansarifard after Cedric was adjudged to have handled inside the box.

 

Fonte said of his captain’s struggles, which also saw him avoid a red card for an alleged elbow on Morteza Pouraliganji: “We had an opportunity to make it 2-0, close the game out and we did not manage to score.

 

“Ronaldo scores for us so many times, so it is no problem - he is allowed an off day. He will get one in the next game.

“In the end, we managed to qualify, which is always the main objective, and after that we will see what comes.”

 

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz, a Portuguese native, was less than impressed by the decisions which went against his side on Monday, but Fonte was just as scathing in his assessment of VAR and the impact it has made on a tournament littered with penalties and breaks in play.

 

The former Southampton and West Ham defender said: “This World Cup is just crazy! We are not happy with the situation, the constant stopping the game, the controversy all the time.

“To end the game like that is just not fair. This VAR system is not my thing. Cedric is furious. In our opinion, he is not even looking at the ball. It is impossible to not have your arms raised in that position. How can you jump with both arms next to your body, it is impossible. The ball did not even change trajectory.

“In the end, we could have almost lost the game - VAR is unacceptable.”

 

Portugal’s reward for battling their way through Group B is a second round clash with much-fancied Uruguay – who won all three of their games en route to topping Group A.

 

Fonte is aware of the size of the challenge facing the Euro 2016 winners, but is ready to embrace it.

 

He said: “We have to face whoever we face. We will just take it as it comes.

“We are happy, how many teams have gone home? We are through and that is the main thing.

“We are not happy with how it went down in the last few minutes, but we were controlling the game, playing the ball out from the back, being patient, creating chances. In the end, we got done by a dubious decision and we have to move on. Sometimes you just don’t get the rub of the green.”

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Meet Top 12 Nollywood Actresses Who Are Currently Single Mothers

his is a list of some of the top actresses in the Nigeria movie industry who are currently single mothers.

It’s no news that that there are a lot of celebrities in the entertainment industry who are single parents – most especially women.

 

This league of parents tend to play the role of mother and father to their children, especially when either is not available.

 

We’re taking a look at the women, peculiarly in this post – these women have beautiful and strong children to show for their struggles.

 

Some of them were once in abusive marriages while some came from relationships that just didn’t work out.

 

In no particular order, here are 12 female celebrities who are single mothers and are playing the role of a father to their children – the list was compiled by CorrectNG.

 

1. BUKKY WRIGHT

 

 

The charming and radiant Bukky’s marital life has been a subject of controversy. Bukky who was born in Ogun state Nigeria in the year 1967 blessed with two kids out of marriage and choose to enjoy her life as a single mother and Nollywood actress. She has two sons, Eniola and Gbenga. She became a grandmother when one of her sons had a child.

 

2. FATHIA BALOGUN

 

 

The popular radiant Yoruba actress became a single mother when the line drawn-out with the veteran Nollywood actor and ex-husband Saidi Balogun.

 

The 48years old single mother enjoying her life with two kids and she changed to her maiden name Fathia William in 2015. She’s an actress, a producer and entrepreneur.

 

3. REGINA CHUKWU

 

 

The charming Nollywood Actress Regina Chukwu is one of the leading household names in the Yoruba movie industry even though she is not a Yoruba woman…she hails from Enugu State, Nigeria.

 

She’s a single mother with two kids, she took care of her kids since her husband died and she’s happy as a single mother with two teenagers, a girl and a boy.

 

4. BISI IBIDAPO-OBE

 

 

 

The radiant and charming Bisi Ibidapo-obe (Popular Known as Omologbalogba, born January 27, 1977, in Surulere, Lagos) is a Nigerian actress. She became famous for her role in Bisi Omologbalogba. She owns B.I.O Lingerie, an adult shop in Lagos.

 

She claimed to have a child with one Nigeria senator Dino Melaye when their marriage failed. She’s happy as a single mother.

 

5. LOLA ALAO

 

 

 

The gorgeous Lola Alao is an actress, known for Onilara(2008), Òkú tee sin (2004) and Dokita Alabere (2006).

 

The single mother has a daughter of a short marriage with a US-based dude, the marriage did not last.

 

6. IYABO OJO

 

 

 

Topping the list is Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, a mother of two teenage children Festus and Priscilla Ojo.

 

Iyabo is super proud of her achievements as a mother and she never stops showing us the reward for her struggles and labour: her two children Festus and Priscilla. She even named her enterprise after her children, FesPris.

 

7. ADUNNI ADE

 

 

 

Adunni Ade was in a long-term relationship and her two handsome sons were as a result of this. It is widely known that the actress adores her boys.

 

8. LIZ DA SILVA

 

 

 

Her son Raheem brought about so much controversy when he was born but asides that, the lovely actress is a great mother.

 

9. TAYO ODUEKE “Sikiratu Sindodo”

 

 

 

The look-alike daughter of celebrity actress, Tayo Odueke is 20 years old and her mother has single-handedly raised her and we can say she is doing a great job.

 

10. BIODUN OKEOWO

 

 

 

The actress was once in an abusive relationship that left her with the status of a single parent. Omobutty, as she is fondly called, is a proud mother of two children.

 

The actress might have had rough times in the beginning, but today she has her children to give her some solace.

 

11. MERCY AIGBE

 

 

 

The light skinned actress separated from her husband last year after he brutally assaulted her. She is a mother of two beautiful kids.

 

12. TONTO DIKEH

 

 

Tonto Dikeh is one of the most controversial Nollywood actresses in Nigeria whose utterances easily catch attention on social media. She has also become a single mother after she seperated from her husband, Olakunle Churchill.

 

She now takes care of her son King Andre whom she is very proud of.

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UK To End Diesel, Petrol Cars Sales By 2040

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14 International MSc Scholarships at University of L’Aquila in Italy, 2018/2019

 New Scholarship opportunities!

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World Cup Gist: How Senegal Fans Celerated after Crushing Poland

 After Senegal defeated Poland 2-1 in their first World Cup clash, their fans stayed behind to voluntarily clean up the mess they had made at their part of the stadium on Tuesday.

 

Senegal fans cleaning the stadium after their 2-1 victory against Poland

 

The Terranga Lions of Senegal on Tuesday, became the first African team to win a match at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia after they emerged victorious in a 2-1 defeat of Poland.

 

In a bid to celebrate their victory in style, the Senegalese fans showed their civil side by cleaning up the stadium joyfully 40minutes after their game against Poland in their opening game of Russia 2018 World cup.

 

 

The fans were seen packing drinks and food packaging and putting them in the bin bags in a bid to keep the stadium clean. They were later praised online for their act of cleanliness and ability to be humble and helpful despite their victory.

 

Coached by Alou Cisse, the captain of the Senegalese side which shocked France 1-0 on their road to the quarter finals of the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup, Senegal scored in both half to record an impressive win.

 

 

Led by Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, the West African country which is the highest ranked African nation in the FIFA rankings opened their World Cup account through an own goal by Brazil-born defender, Thiago Cionek on 37 minutes.

 

Senegal, in only their second World Cup appearance since their 2002 impressive debut, however, held on to record an impressive win over the shell-shocked Europeans, and will look to take control of Group H when they meet Japan, who earlier recorded a surprise 2-1 win Colombia, on 24 June.

 

#TyCSportsMundial Senegal consiguió un triunfo histórico. Pero sus hinchas en lugar de festejar a minutos de terminado el partido, se encargan de limpiar su sector antes de retirarse. #RESPECT. pic.twitter.com/RiKovpfmoT

— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) June 19, 2018

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World Cup Gist: Psychic Pig Predicts Nigeria Will Reach Semi-Final

A mystic pig who was said to have predicted Donald Trump's election, has predicted that Nigeria and Argentina will reach semi-final in the 2018 World Cup.

The Super Eagles in their locker room

 

The psychic pig, Mystic Marcus that predicted President Donald Trump’s victory has picked Nigeria, Argentina as semi-finalists for the 2018 World Cup, Daily Mail UK reports.

 

The pig has a history of sniffing out winners – and is hoping to continue his unbroken record for this summer’s World Cup.

 

Mystic Marcus has a 100 per cent track record of predicting sports results according to his owner Juliette Stevens.

 

Marcus was offered apples with flags denoting the 32 teams taking part in the competition

 

The black micro pig had previously guessed the winner of the 2014 World Cup and the Wimbledon tennis finals by picking apples.

 

And the eight-year-old prophesier even predicted Brexit and that Donald Trump would win the US presidential election.

 

Now Mystic Marcus is putting his skills to the test once more by forecasting the semi-finalists for this summer’s World Cup in Russia.

 

After eating Argentina, right, he sniffed out Saudi Arabia and Iran before choosing Nigeria

 

With bad news for England fans, Mystic Marcus expects Belgium, Argentina, Nigeria and Uruguay to make it through.

 

Farmer and micro pig breeder Juliette from Heage, Derbyshire, said: ‘Marcus is the seventh child of a seventh child and apparently they’re gifted with special powers so maybe that’s where it comes from.

 

‘A few years ago I was invited on a radio show because of Paul the octopus predicting results and they wanted to see if I had any animals that had the ability.

 

‘I hadn’t tried the seventh child theory out so thought I’d give it a go.

 

‘They used apples and oranges and Marcus predicted the football results, it was amazing.’

 

 

 

Juliette, 50, said after that first result they changed the method to make it more scientific.

 

Now Mystic Marcus, who has about 30 children and grandchildren, will pick from apples of a similar size and colour to make it as fair as possible.

 

The apples will include markers – such as pictures or flags – and Marcus will gobble down the winner.

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Breast Milk is Healthy for Children, Scientists Reveal in New Study

A new study has revealed the importance why nursing mothers should never skip giving their babies breast milk.

A baby

 

The unique composition of sugars in a mother’s breast milk may prevent food allergies in her infant, according to a study published in the latest issue of Allergy.

 

The study highlighted the health role of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are not found in infant formula, suggesting a potential for therapeutic interventions.

 

HMOs are structurally complicated sugar molecules unique to human breast milk, and the third most abundant solid component in human milk after lactose, a different type of sugar, and fat.

 

They are not actually digestible by infants, but could help guide development of the infant gut microbiota, which previous research suggests is a key influencer of allergic disease.

 

Previous studies have shown that breastfed infants have a lower risk for a variety of medical conditions, such as wheezing, infections, asthma and obesity.

 

Researchers at the University of California (UC), San Diego School of Medicine and their colleagues in Canada analyzed breastmilk samples taken three-to-four months after birth from 421 infants and mothers.

 

Then, at one year of age, infants were given skin prick tests to check for allergic sensitization to common allergens, including certain foods.

 

The team found that 59 of 421 infants (14 per cent) displayed sensitisation to one or more food allergens at age one.

“Our research has identified a ‘beneficial’ HMO profile that was associated with a lower rate of food sensitisation in children at one year,” said Lars Bode, associate professor of pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine, who led the study.

 

No individual HMO was associated with food sensitization, but the overall HMO composition appeared to play a role, according to the study.

 

Composition of HMOs in breast milk is variable and determined by factors like lactation stage, gestational age, maternal health, ethnicity, geographic location and breastfeeding exclusivity.

“A positive test is not necessarily proof of an allergy, but does indicate a heightened sensitivity,” said Meghan Azad, a Canada Research Chair in Developmental Origins of Chronic Disease.

 

“Sensitisations during infancy don’t always persist into later childhood, but they are important clinical indicators and strong predictors of future allergic disease,” said Azad. 

 

-Xinhua/NAN

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Canada, Mexico And The U.S. Will Host The 2026 World Cup.

2026 World Cup will he hosted by three countries in far North America, pulling resources together to make things happen.

 

 

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by Canada, Mexico and United States - known collectively as the United Bid - after they pipped Morocco in a vote held by the FIFA Congress on Wednesday.

 

The latest edition of football's flagship tournament begins in Russia on Thursday, with the host nation's clash with Saudi Arabia kicking off a month of tournament action.

 

In four years time, the World Cup will head to Qatar, whose victorious bid was shrouded in controversy.

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Why Married Men Sleep With Housemaids

These are some quick reasons why some men despite their social status in the society feel very comfortable sleeping with their housemaids.

 

File Photo

 

Cases of married men sleeping with house helps are not alien to us. Even if this trend does not make it to the media daily, it still happens.

This is a trend that has led to a lot of broken marriages in our society.

 

Here are some top reasons why married men cheat with the house helps:

 

1. If the madam of the house denies them s*x, then they can seek pleasure elsewhere, the maid comes across as an easy lay.

 

2. The house help does most chores that involve squatting and bending. If the man of the house is around and they see this, then they start thinking with the smaller head. One Johnson admits to have fallen victim of this.

 

3. The maid does basically everything especially if the madam is a career woman. The ‘maid cooks, serves and even irons the clothes of the mister. Men are attracted to ‘homely’ women

 

4. These women are often young, single, struggling with financial issues, and the men of this house can use this to lure them.

 

5. Some men derive pleasure from sleeping with vulnerable people. Most often the house helps come across as vulnerable.

 

6. The man is a born cheat and he just can’t keep his zip closed.

 

7. Some men are just risk takers. A risk taker sees an opportunity, grabs it and runs with it despite the consequences. Therefore, some men sleep with their house-helps to satisfy their adventurous side.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

2018 World Cup Gist: Spain Sacks Coach 24hrs To The World Cup Opening

 The move threatens to destabilize one of the most highly-rated teams in the tournament, with La Roja set to play Portugal on Friday.

 

File Photo

 

Julen Lopetegui has been sacked as manager of Spain, after taking the Real Madrid job on Tuesday.

 

Lopetegui was announced as Zinedine Zidane's successor in a move that surprised many   just days before the World Cup in Russia is due to start.

 

The announcement initially claimed that the 51-year-old would take the reins at Santiago Bernabeu after the conclusion of the tournament, but La Roja have acted now after calling a hastily-arranged press conference on Wednesday.

 

"We have decided to fire the national coach," Spanish Football Federation president, Luis Rubiales, said. "What we have achieved in getting here is due in great part to him, and we must thank him and wish him luck."

 

Rubiales insists he does not feel undermined, but has suggested that Real acted in a manner unbecoming of their status.

 

He added: “I don’t feel betrayed. Lopetegui has done impeccable work. How all this has been done is something else.

"I have spoken with the players and I can guarantee they will do everything, along with the new coach, to take the team as far as possible.

"Real Madrid look for the best coach, that is fine by me. I have no opinion about how Real Madrid act. But the federation have an obligation to represent all Spaniards.

"To win is very important, to have the best coach is very important, but above everything is acting in the right way. Maybe this is tough now, but in the end it will make us stronger.”

 

Lopetegui was unbeaten in his time in the Spain dugout, guiding his team to 14 wins and six draws from 20 matches, and he signed a new two-year contract to take him through to Euro 2020 in May.

 

The stunning development threatens to destabilise a team regarded as one of the favourites to win the tournament in Russia.

 

Spain face Portugal on Friday, and will also face Iran and Morocco in Group B.

 

Rubiales has not revealed who will be in charge for La Roja's opening game of the tournament, but insists that an announcement will be made in due course.

 

“We are going to touch as little as possible," he said. "We are working on it. When we know we will tell you.”

 

It has been reported that several Spain players were keen for Lopetegui to stay on throughout the tournament, but that Rubiales was keen to act after finding out of the manager's agreement with Real Madrid mere minutes before the announcement was made.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

2018 World Cup Gist: Jose Mourinho Predicts Four Teams For Semi-Final

Jose Mourinho has predicted the four teams that will reach the semi-final stage of the 2018 World Cup.

Jose Mourinho

 

Manchester United coach, Jose Mourinho says Germany will again a enjoy a strong World Cup run in Russia this summer, predicting they will progress to an intriguing semi-final clash against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, RT reports.

 

RT exclusively reveals on Tuesday exactly how the Portuguese managerial great thinks the knockout stages will play out in Russia, all the way up to the final four.

 

The Special One believes the Germans’ World Cup pedigree will see them cruise out of their group and then see off Switzerland in a predicted last 16 match-up.

 

He then believes they will knock out a talented Belgium team containing the likes of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, because “Germany is Germany.”

 

According to Mourinho’s powers of prediction, Joachim Low’s reigning champions will face Argentina in the last four in Russia – setting up a repeat of the final in Brazil four years ago, when Germany claimed a 1-0 extra-time win.

 

Mourinho believes their task will be equally as difficult this time around, facing “the little fellow” Lionel Messi and an Argentinian team laden with attacking threat.

 

On the other side of the draw, Mourinho has forecast his native Portugal to make a run to the semi-finals in Russia, where he believes they will face five-time winners Brazil.

 

Mourinho was clearly impressed with his picks for the final four this summer, saying: “Wow… look at this, two South Americans, the big rivals Brazil and Argentina. The European champion, the big Germany. That’s incredible!”

 

You won’t need to wait for long to find out exactly how the Manchester United sees the tournament playing out in the grand finale.

 

We’ll drop the next part of our Match Mourinho predictions playoff on Wednesday, when he will discuss the two semi-finals and final itself.

 

If you think the Special One is spot on or that he should avoid predictions and stick to the management day job, let us know.

 

You can post your own World Cup predictions at the bottom of the page or on RT Sport’s Facebook page. Keep an eye out for our #MatchMourinho hashtag on Twitter.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Statement from Donald Trump, Kim Jong Un after Summit

June 12 (UPI) -- On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met in Sentosa Island, Singapore for a historic summit.

Here is the full text of their joint statement:

President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) held a first, historic summit in Singapore on June 12, 2018.

President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un conducted a comprehensive, in-depth, and sincere exchange of opinions on the issues related to the establishment of new U.S.-DPRK relations and the building of a lasting and robust peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.

President Trump committed to provide security guarantees to the DPRK and Chairman Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Convinced that the establishment of new U.S.-DPRK relations will contribute to the peace and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula and of the world, and recognizing that mutual confidence building can promote the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un state the following:

1. The United States and the DPRK commit to establish new U.S.-DPRK relations in accordance with the desire of the peoples of the two countries for peace and prosperity.

2. The United States and the DPRK will join their efforts to build a lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.

3. Reaffirming the April 27, 2018 Panmunjom Declaration, the DPRK commits to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

4. The United States and the DPRK commit to recovering POW/MIA remains, including the immediate repatriation of those already identified.

Having acknowledged that the U.S.-DPRK summit -- the first in history -- was an epochal event of great significance and overcoming decades of tensions and hostilities between the two countries and for the opening of a new future, President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un commit to implement the stipulations in this joint statement fully and expeditiously. The United States and the DPRK commit to hold follow-on negotiations led by the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a relevant high-level DPRK official, at the earliest possible date, to implement the outcomes of the U.S.-DPRK summit.

President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea have committed to cooperate for the development of new U.S.-DPRK relations and for the promotion of peace, prosperity, and security of the Korean Peninsula and of the world.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Rising CO2 Poses Bigger Climate Threat than Warming, Study says

June 12 (UPI) -- Even if global warming is curbed and the increase in global temperature is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius, scientists warn rising CO2 concentrations could still trigger a dangerous increase in extreme weather.

Broadly speaking, more CO2 translates to higher temperatures, but the relationship between atmosphere and climate is complex, and scientists say there are scenarios in which warming could be limited to 1.5 degrees, despite a sizable increase in atmospheric CO2.

New climate models developed by researchers at the University of Bristol and the University of Oxford suggest CO2 levels, not global temperatures, are a better predictor of the most damaging consequences of climate change.

"Future work is needed to confirm exactly why we see this direct CO2 effect, but current research points to a combination of circulation and cloud cover changes, and an increase in the amount of direct radiation on the Earth's surface due to simply having more CO2 in the atmosphere," Hugh Baker, a PhD student in physics at Oxford, said in a news release.

In a new study, published this week in the journal Nature Climate Change, scientists argued climate change mitigation agreements need set targets for atmospheric CO2.

The new research suggests geo-engineering efforts designed to encourage cooling and reducing rising temperatures are likely to do little to prevent damaging weather extremes.

"Geo-engineering techniques that reduce the amount of sunlight hitting the Earth's surface are increasingly thought of as a way of achieving the Paris Goals because they decrease surface temperature," said Bristol scientist Dann Mitchell. "However, our results show that for extreme climate such as heatwaves, changing the global mean temperature is not enough, you need to reduce CO2 concentrations themselves."

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

World Cup Gist; Here are the 10 Most Expensive Stars to Watch

The ten most expensive football players who will be appearing at the World Cup 2018, have been revealed.

Neymar

 

Neymar is the most expensive player at the 2018 World Cup. The Brazilian forward already holds the record for the most expensive single transfer – the €222m ($262m) Paris Saint-Germain paid Barcelona last summer – and clubs have paid a combined  €310m (U$366m) to sign him over his career so far.

 

He is one of two Brazilians and six South Americans on the list, which ranks players by cumulative transfer fees. There would have been one more if Chelsea defender David Luiz (€125m / $148m total transfer fees) had made the Brazil squad. Cristiano Ronaldo takes his place, and could rise even higher if a rumoured move away from Real Madrid materializes. Lionel Messi, of course, does not feature, given he has played for Barcelona since he was 13. Barcelona and PSG have the most players from the list on their books – three each.

 

Though all are international soccer household names, there may be a few eyebrows raised to find clubs have paid considerably more than Angel Di Maria over his career than, for example, Luis Suarez. Larger-than-life LA Galaxy striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic would have been third on the list with €169m ($200m) but has retired from international duty with Sweden.

 

To see what the World Cup has in store for its most expensive stars, check out all my World Cup previews here

 

1. Neymar (Brazil) – €310m ($366m)

 

The talismanic Brazil forward needs no introduction. Despite smashing the world record transfer fee when he moved to PSG from Barcelona last summer, rumours persist Real Madrid could be preparing an even larger bid for one of the world’s best players.

 

2. Kylian Mbappe (France) – €180m ($213m)

 

 

 

The youngest player on the list, 19-year-old Mbappe has only moved once. But the €180 million ($213m) PSG paid Monaco for the services of the electric star rockets him to second place.

 

3. Angel Di Maria (Argentina) - €179m ($211m)

 

 

 

Another PSG player completes the top three. Winger Di Maria has earned his previous clubs, Benfica, Real Madrid and Manchester United, hefty transfer fees. In August 2014 he moved from Real to United for €75 million ($89m) but left the next summer for €63 ($74m) million.

 

4. Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina) - €141m ($167m)

 

 

 

The €90 million ($106m) Juventus paid Napoli for the lethal striker in 2016 puts him fourth on the list. He had joined Napoli from Real Madrid for €39 million ($46m).

 

5. James Rodriguez (Colombia) - €140m ($165m)

 

 

 

James seems to have been around forever but is still only 26. The creative midfielder has had big money transfers from Porto and Monaco but faces an uncertain future at parent club Real Madrid after spending last season on loan at Bayern Munich.

 

6. Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) - €138m ($163m)

 

 

 

The only current English Premier League player on the list is Manchester United striker Lukaku. He moved to his third EPL club last summer when United paid Everton nearly €85 million ($100m) for his services.

 

7. Philippe Coutinho (Brazil) - €136m ($161m)

 

 

 

Barcelona’s attacking schemer is the second Brazilian on the list. He joined the Spanish giants from Liverpool for an initial €120 million ($142m).

 

8. Ousmane Dembele (France) - €130m ($154m)

 

 

 

The 21-year-old French forward is already being linked with moves away from Barcelona after an underwhelming debut season. He arrived at the Nou Camp for an initial €105 million ($124m) from Borussia Dortmund, at the time the joint-second most expensive player in the world.

 

9. Luis Suarez (Uruguay) – €116m ($137m)

 

 

 

Known for controversial World Cup moments almost as much as his goalscoring, Suarez was another sold by Liverpool to Barcelona for a big-money fee – the fourth transfer of his career. Suarez has the same total transfer fees as Spain striker Alvaro Morata, but the Chelsea man was not selected in his country’s squad.

 

10. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) - €113m ($133m)

 

 

 

One of the world’s best players, Ronaldo is only happy if he’s on top. He squeezes into this list, an indication of how transfer fees have soared since his €94 million move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009. Talk the Portuguese star wants to leave Real continues, and, even at 33, he may have one hefty transfer left.

 

***

Via Forbes

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Donald Trump - Kim Jong-Un Handshake: A Lesson to Peace

The United States president, Donald Trump and North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un have finally met in Singapore.

 

Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump finally meet

 

Donald Trump has met Kim Jong-un, shaking the North Korean leader's hand and posing for the cameras at a historic summit in Singapore, The Independent reports.

 

Mr Trump arrived at the Capella hotel on Sentosa island looking slightly pensive, fiddling with his jacket buttons; Mr Kim appeared relaxed.

 

The pair greeted each other at a luxury hotel on the island, just off the Singaporean coast, before heading in for talks about denuclearisation.

 

It is the first time sitting leaders from both countries have ever met and marks a remarkable turnaround in the men's personal relationship. 

 

With somber expressions, the two men opened their highly anticipated meeting in Singapore shortly after 9am local time on Tuesday.

 

 

The pair met in front of a back drop of American and North Korean flags - a sign of how quickly relations between the two countries have thawed. 

 

President Trump extended his hand first as they reached each other. The handshake lasted at least ten seconds, with Trump adding a paternalistic pat on Kim's right arm. 

 

As the two shook, Kim could be heard saying “Nice to meet you Mr. President.”

 

Mr Trump, who is 6 foot 3 inches, towered over Kim, who is around 5 foot 7 inches and close to 40 years younger than the US president.

 

Once inside the pair appeared to warm up, smiling as they chatted after their initial handshake.

 

“We will have a terrific relationship, I have no doubt,” Trump said in brief remarks to reporters.

 

“It was not easy to get here,” Kim said. “There were obstacles, but we overcame them to be here.” The two men then exited.

 

Mr Trump – legs spread apart, fingers forming a triangle – said he agreed and reached out to offer another handshake.

 

They clearly wanted to get down to business.

 

Convoys carrying Mr Trump and Kim set off from their respective hotels earlier in the day, with the journeys broadcast live on cable news networks. 

 

Mr Trump had issued a series of tweets on Tuesday morning before the meeting, addressing domestic politics as well as his summit. 

 

 

 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Do You Know You can Make Money with Your Car? Here are 13 Easy Ways

In case you are unemployed and broke and you have a car, these are several ways by which you could make money with your vehicle.

 

File Photo

 

Sometimes, the cost of maintaining a car could drive one crazy. No wonder many believe that a car is a liability.

 

Well, you can actually transform your car from being a liability into an asset.

 

There are many things you can do daily to take your car from being a money-draining machine into a money-making machine.

 

Autojosh.com lists some ideas that can help you earn some extra money for yourself with your car:

 

Taking children to school and picking them up

 

You need to be a parent in order to really appreciate this service. Making 2 trips to your children’s school daily is such a chore. Most parents will gladly pay you so that they do not have to do these trips twice a day.

 

So, with your car, you can take children from multiple families to school. The fees could be per child or anyway you feel convenient. You can also charge them either weekly or monthly. Of course, you need to show proof of being responsible enough for parents to be able to trust you with their children.

 

Providing Ride-Share services

 

There are a growing number of ride-share companies out there. They include Uber, Taxify, Oga Taxi, etc. You can enlist your car and become one of their drivers. Using your car to provide ride-share services offers more flexibility and options than you might realize. You do not have to drive all the time. You can drive only when you find convenient. You can also do this together with your regular job. In addition, drivers enjoy several bonuses from the company.

 

Delivering Food

 

You can use your car to deliver groceries or other foodstuffs to people who are too busy to go to the market. You take their order, you go to the market, get their groceries and deliver it to them. Then you get paid.

Offer Driving Lessons

With your car, you could use it to offer driving lessons to learner drivers.

 

Rent Out Your Car

 

You could list your car as a rental car. This make a whole lot of sense especially if you have an extra car that you do not use often. Fees should be paid on how long it would be used or how far it would be driven. Of course, the car should be returned fully fueled. As a renter, it is very important that you verify and create a profile of your renters that would include proof of licence. Also, ensure that the car has tracking device installed. Especially the type that enables you to remotely demobilize the car.

 

Deliver Foodstuff For Restaurants Owners

 

Restaurants owners go to the market frequently to buy the requirements for their business. You could have an arrangement with some of them to convey them to and from the market.

 

Transport Other People’s Equipment

 

There are professionals who move around with the work equipment. For instance, TV production people. You can make them aware of the availability of your car to move them and their equipment around. But for a fee of course.

 

Wedding Chauffeur Service

 

You can advertise as a wedding chauffeur. If your car is decent-looking enough, it can be hired to transport intending couples on their wedding day.

 

Convey Workers To Work

 

You can have an arrangement to convey workers who reside at a particular location to their places of work. For instance, you could transport workers in you area who work at Victoria Island every morning to work. You can work out an arrangement for them to pay you weekly or monthly.

 

Do Paid Advertising

 

There are companies that pay people to wrap their cars with their adverts.

 

The longer your commute, the more you can be paid to wrap your car with their adverts. The more you drive, the more exposure the businesses get. So, they will be willing to pay a premium for those who cover lots of distance. Depending on your commute, location, and the campaign, you can earn a good sum with your car.

 

Start a Taxi Business

 

Indeed, you can earn income by starting a taxi business. And you have just what it requires: a car.

 

Lease To Company

 

You can lease your car to a company for use as one of their official cars. You can be paid monthly, or weekly or in any way you negotiate for.

Weekend Services To Families

 

There are families or individuals who do not own a car. Once a while, especially weekends, they often have a need to hire a car. Look out for such people and offer them weekend driving services.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)