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Bucharest set for Euro 2020 draw as tournament enters new territory Bucharest (AFP) – Bucharest hosts the draw for Euro 2020 on Saturday with the fates of World Cup holders France and reigning European champions Portugal providing the greatest interest just over six months before the start of what is a controversial tournament. The coaches of all qualified nations will be in attendance for the draw ceremony beginning at 1700 GMT (7pm local time) at the Romexpo exhibition centre in Romania’s capital, which will host four matches at the finals. For the first, and surely only, time, this European Championship — the second to feature 24 teams — is being held in 12 cities in 12 different European nations from June 12 to July 12, with the semi-finals and final taking place at Wembley in London. It was an idea championed by ex-UEFA president Michel Platini, before his four-year ban from the game, as a way of marking the 60th anniversary of the first European Championship in 1960. – Criticism – However, the concept has come in for criticism, and part of that is down to the fact that much of the suspense has already been taken from the draw. The need to ensure qualified host nations get to play at least two matches at home means some teams already know which group they will be in. For instance, four of the six top seeds are hosting games, with Ukraine and Belgium the only exceptions. However, the decision to keep Ukraine and Russia apart for diplomatic and security reasons has had an impact on the Belgians. Roberto Martinez’s team therefore already know they will be in Group B along with two hosts, Denmark and Russia. The only suspense is whether Wales or Finland from Pot Four complete their group. Belgium’s Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne made headlines recently when he called that “a scandal”. Similarly, the Netherlands — who will play group games in Amsterdam — know they will be in Group C with Ukraine. Dutch coach Ronald Koeman admitted he was confused by the new format and said: “I have asked my federation if I still need to bother going to the draw.” Despite that, he is expected in Bucharest on Saturday. The Netherlands could also end up playing Romania here, should the Romanians come through the play-offs next March, a process which still involves 16 teams including Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. Indeed, the draw will take place without all 24 finalists being known, with the last four spots going to the play-off winners.

Bucharest (AFP) – Bucharest hosts the draw for Euro 2020 on Saturday with the fates of World Cup holders France and reigning European champions Portugal providing the greatest interest just over six months before the start of what is a controversial tournament. The coaches of all qualified nations will be in attendance for the draw ceremony beginning at 1700 GMT (7pm local time) at the Romexpo exhibition centre in Romania’s capital, which will host four matches at the finals. For the first, and surely only, time, this European Championship — the second to feature 24 teams — is being held in 12 cities in 12 different European nations from June 12 to July 12, with the semi-finals and final taking place at Wembley in London. It was an idea championed by ex-UEFA president Michel Platini, before his four-year ban from the game, as a way of marking the 60th anniversary of the first European Championship in 1960. – Criticism – However, the concept has come in for criticism, and part of ...

Where to find Alaves vs. Real Madrid on US TV and streaming If you’re trying to find out how you can watch Alaves vs. Real Madrid on US TV in LaLiga, you’ve come to the right place. With Comcast Xfinity and DIRECTV dropping beIN SPORTS, be sure you don’t miss out on the LaLiga season, which you can watch for free with a trial to fuboTV. More details below. Match: Alaves vs. Real Madrid Kickoff: Saturday, 7am ET Looking to watch Alaves vs. Real Madrid online from your work, home or on the go? If you live in the USA, there are several options to catch all the action. We Recommend: US Only. Here are all of the details of where you can watch it on television and via legal streaming: Who: Alaves vs. Real Madrid What: LaLiga, gameweek 15 When: Game kicks off at 7am ET / 4am PT; Saturday, November 30, 2019 Where: Live on beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, fuboTV, Sling Latino, Sling World Sports and Fanatiz (free trial)     With fuboTV, you can watch Alaves vs. Real Madrid and tons more LaLiga games with a 7-day trial. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast. Now with fuboTV, you can stream NBCSN, FS1, FS2 as well as beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, NBC (in select cities), CNBC, USA, FOX (in select cities), FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports Net, RAI Italia, Telemundo, Univision, Univision Deportes, UniMas, Eleven Sports, CBS, CSN and YES. Plus fuboTV, the legal streaming service, also streams Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, Bundesliga, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and Euro 2020 qualifiers. The fuboTV app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhone, Apple iPad, Apple TV, Android smartphones, Android tablets, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Kindle.   Here are the steps to take to watch the Alaves vs. Real Madrid game with your free fuboTV trial: 1. Click on this link for the fuboTV 7-day trial. 2. Click on the red ‘Start for free’ button (see screengrab below) 3. On the login page, enter your e-mail address to sign up (or you can use your Facebook or Google logins) (see screengrab below) 4. After entering your login details and signing up for the free trial, you’ll be taken to the fuboTV main screen (see screengrab below) 5. From here, you can either scroll down the page to see the TV listings which include the Alaves vs. Real Madrid game (see screengrab below) 6. Or you can click on the ‘Guide’ button at the top to see all of the channels available to you, which will include beIN SPORTS featuring Alaves vs. Real Madrid (see screengrab below) SEE MORE: Schedule of LaLiga games on US TV and streaming

If you’re trying to find out how you can watch Alaves vs. Real Madrid on US TV in LaLiga, you’ve come to the right place. With Comcast Xfinity and DIRECTV dropping beIN SPORTS, be sure you don’t miss out on the LaLiga season, which you can watch for free with a trial to fuboTV. More details below. Match: Alaves vs. Real Madrid Kickoff: Saturday, 7am ET Looking to watch Alaves vs. Real Madrid online from your work, home or on the go? If you live in the USA, there are several options to catch all the action. We Recommend: US Only. Here are all of the details of where you can watch it on television and via legal streaming: Who: Alaves vs. Real Madrid What: LaLiga, gameweek 15 When: Game kicks off at 7am ET / 4am PT; Saturday, November 30, 2019 Where: Live on beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, fuboTV , Sling Latino , Sling World Sports and Fanatiz (free trial)     With fuboTV , you can watch Alaves vs. Real Madrid and tons more LaLiga games with...

Baptism of fire for Enugu coach Yusuf in CAF Cup Johannesburg (AFP) – Salisu Yusuf faces a baptism of fire as Enugu Rangers coach Sunday when the Nigerian club host Pyramids from Egypt as the CAF Confederation Cup groups kick off.    National team assistant coach Yusuf now has two jobs after replacing Benedict Agwu, axed by Rangers this week after one win in five domestic league matches. Enugu have not impressed in Africa either, edging modest rivals Pelican of Gabon and Kara of Togo to secure a group place in the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League,   On the other hand, expensively assembled Pyramids have won five of six CAF matches, including all three on the road, and believe they can lift the trophy at the first attempt. Here, AFP Sport looks at the eight matchday one fixtures in a competition won recently by many of the most successful CAF clubs, including the top two, Al Ahly and Zamalek of Egypt. Group A Rangers are banking on vastly experienced Yusuf to improve a team that does not seem capable of bridging a 42-year gap and bringing a second CAF trophy to Enugu. “It is great to have a coach of the calibre of Salisu,” said club spokesman Norbert Okolie. “He told us his plan is to turn around the fortunes of the team.” The fixture pits a Rangers team that has won both home qualifiers against a Pyramids side with a perfect three-match away record, including overcoming CR Belouizdad in Algeria.  Nouadhibou, the first Mauritanian club to reach the mini-league stage, host another Egyptian outfit, Al Masry, whose star forward is Palestinian Mahmoud Wadi.  Group B Moroccan side Renaissance Berkane hope to go one step further than last season when they lost a two-leg Confederation Cup final against Zamalek on penalties. The subsequent departure of Togo-born leading scorer Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba to Emirati club Al Ain has been a major blow to a team that overcame away losses in both qualifiers. Berkane have home advantage over ESAE, surprise survivors from three elimination rounds and the first Benin club to secure a group place. Democratic Republic of Congo outfit Daring Club Motema Pembe, winners of the now defunct African Cup Winners Cup in 1994, have home advantage over Zanaco of Zambia. Group C None of the 16 title contenders are more desperate to impress than South African side Bidvest Wits, who have often faced media accusations of not taking CAF competitions seriously.

Johannesburg (AFP) – Salisu Yusuf faces a baptism of fire as Enugu Rangers coach Sunday when the Nigerian club host Pyramids from Egypt as the CAF Confederation Cup groups kick off.    National team assistant coach Yusuf now has two jobs after replacing Benedict Agwu, axed by Rangers this week after one win in five domestic league matches. Enugu have not impressed in Africa either, edging modest rivals Pelican of Gabon and Kara of Togo to secure a group place in the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League,   On the other hand, expensively assembled Pyramids have won five of six CAF matches, including all three on the road, and believe they can lift the trophy at the first attempt. Here, AFP Sport looks at the eight matchday one fixtures in a competition won recently by many of the most successful CAF clubs, including the top two, Al Ahly and Zamalek of Egypt. Group A Rangers are banking on vastly experienced Yusuf to improve a team that does not seem capable o...

Benitez ‘helpless’ as thrashing compounds slow start in China Shanghai (AFP) – Rafael Benitez won the Champions League with Liverpool and coached Real Madrid, but the scale of the task he confronts in China was laid bare this week in humiliating fashion. The highly regarded Spaniard suffered one of the heaviest defeats of his managerial career when Dalian Yifang were thrashed 5-1 on Wednesday in the Chinese Super League (CSL). Going into Sunday’s final day of the season, Dalian are 10th of 16 teams, the same position as when Benitez took over in July. They have won once in their last nine matches in all competitions. “This is a game that I don’t quite understand,” an angry Benitez said following the heavy loss at relegation-threatened Tianjin Tianhai, accusing his players of giving up. Benitez, who has also managed Valencia, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Newcastle United, enjoyed a good start at Dalian but results have tailed off markedly. The 59-year-old, who is constantly linked with a return to the English Premier League, averages 1.31 points from his 16 games in China, according to transfermarkt.com. That is his poorest return since he was in charge at CF Extremadura in Spain 20 years ago, near the start of his managerial career. Benitez, who took Liverpool to the Champions League title in 2005, looked “helpless and frustrated” after Tianjin’s fifth goal, Soccer News said. Fans and Dalian’s owners, the conglomerate Wanda Group, were entitled to expect better from a team that includes Salomon Rondon, Yannick Carrasco and Marek Hamsik, the publication added. “If Dalian… want to talk about rejuvenation and rebuilding glory, it is almost a fantasy,” Soccer News said, labelling the Tianjin defeat “tragic”. The Dalian Evening News pointed the finger at Benitez’s players and questioned their ability and attitude. – Lure of the Premier League – Dalian fans appreciate that Benitez — who is on huge wages of $16 million a year — has been brought in to revamp the club, and are prepared to give him time. They lay the blame for the underwhelming results, especially in recent matches, on the players easing up with nothing to play for. “Benitez’s arrival brought hope,” said Cui Yuanchen, a Dalian fan for two decades. “Wanda’s youth training tends to be Hispanic (in system and style) and Benitez brought the Spanish model from youth training to the first team, which is what Dalian Yifang football fans want to see. “The team was also aging so in recent matches Benitez was using many younger players.”

Shanghai (AFP) – Rafael Benitez won the Champions League with Liverpool and coached Real Madrid, but the scale of the task he confronts in China was laid bare this week in humiliating fashion. The highly regarded Spaniard suffered one of the heaviest defeats of his managerial career when Dalian Yifang were thrashed 5-1 on Wednesday in the Chinese Super League (CSL). Going into Sunday’s final day of the season, Dalian are 10th of 16 teams, the same position as when Benitez took over in July. They have won once in their last nine matches in all competitions. “This is a game that I don’t quite understand,” an angry Benitez said following the heavy loss at relegation-threatened Tianjin Tianhai, accusing his players of giving up. Benitez, who has also managed Valencia, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Newcastle United, enjoyed a good start at Dalian but results have tailed off markedly. The 59-year-old, who is constantly linked with a return to the English Premier League, averages 1....

‘True gentleman’ – tributes as ex-Australia coach Pim Verbeek dies at 63 Sydney (AFP) – Former players and officials paid tribute on Friday after Pim Verbeek, who coached the Socceroos at the 2010 World Cup and also saw success with South Korea and Oman, died from cancer at the age of 63. Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer, who both played under the Dutchman at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, called him a “gentleman”, while Football Federation Australia said he would be sadly missed. “Pim made a great mark on Australian football, and is fondly remembered by the people that worked closely with him, many members of the media, as well as the public,” said FFA chairman Chris Nikou. “Pim’s record as coach of the Socceroos can only be looked back on as strong, however the outpouring of sincere sentiments since news of his passing filtered through highlights the esteem in which he was kept by many.” Verbeek was assistant coach of the Koreans at the 2002 World Cup, when they reached the semi-finals under Guus Hiddink, and at the 2006 tournament. After taking over from Dick Advocaat as head coach in 2006, Verbeek led South Korea to third place at the 2007 Asian Cup before becoming Australia coach just weeks before World Cup qualifying began. Verbeek duly guided the Socceroos to their second straight World Cup in 2010, where they lost 4-0 to Germany, drew 1-1 with Ghana and beat Serbia 2-1, missing out on the knockout phase on goal difference. “So sad to lose such a gentleman and someone who I respected a lot as a manager and person. Rest in peace Pim Verbeek,” tweeted Cahill, while Schwarzer called the news “heartbreaking”. “Very sad and heartbreaking news today of Pim Verbeek’s passing,” wrote the former goalkeeper. “He was an amazing human being, a true gentleman with an infectious smile. Someone I have had the privilege to call a friend. You will never be forgotten.” Verbeek managed the Socceroos in 33 matches, securing 18 wins and nine draws. He spent his entire playing career at Sparta Rotterdam before injury forced his retirement at the age of just 25. In his later years as a coach, Verbeek coached Morocco’s Under-23s for three years before taking over Oman in 2016, leading them to the last 16 for the first time at this year’s Asian Cup. After Oman were knocked out by Iran, Verbeek announced his retirement, saying it would be his last job in football.

Sydney (AFP) – Former players and officials paid tribute on Friday after Pim Verbeek, who coached the Socceroos at the 2010 World Cup and also saw success with South Korea and Oman, died from cancer at the age of 63. Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer, who both played under the Dutchman at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, called him a “gentleman”, while Football Federation Australia said he would be sadly missed. “Pim made a great mark on Australian football, and is fondly remembered by the people that worked closely with him, many members of the media, as well as the public,” said FFA chairman Chris Nikou. “Pim’s record as coach of the Socceroos can only be looked back on as strong, however the outpouring of sincere sentiments since news of his passing filtered through highlights the esteem in which he was kept by many.” Verbeek was assistant coach of the Koreans at the 2002 World Cup, when they reached the semi-finals under Guus Hiddink, and at the 2006 tournament. After taking o...

Football: Euro 2020 venues Bucharest (AFP) – The draw for the Euro 2020 finals takes place in Bucharest on Saturday at 1700 GMT, with just over six months to go until the start of the 24-team tournament, which for the first time will be played in 12 cities across the continent. Here is a factfile of the 12 venues: Rome Stadio Olimpico (capacity 68,000) Opened in 1953 Home of Lazio and Roma Four matches:  Three Group A matches, all involving Italy, on June 12, June 17 and June 21 One quarter-final on July 4 Baku Olympic Stadium (capacity 69,000) Opened in 2015 Home of Azerbaijan national team and venue for 2019 Europa League final Four matches: Three Group A matches on June 13, June 17 and June 21 One quarter-final on July 4 Copenhagen Parken Stadium (capacity 38,000) Opened in 1992 Home of FC Copenhagen Four matches: Three Group B matches, all involving Denmark, on June 13, June 18 and June 22 One Round of 16 match on June 29 Saint Petersburg Saint Petersburg Stadium (capacity 61,000) Opened in 2017 Home of Zenit Saint Petersburg Four matches: Three Group B matches on June 13, June 17 and June 22 (two of these matches will involve Russia) One quarter-final on July 3 Amsterdam Johan Cruyff Arena (capacity 54,000) Opened in 1996 Home of Ajax  Four matches: Three Group C matches, all involving Netherlands, on June 14, June 18 and June 22  One Round of 16 match on June 27 Bucharest Arena Nationala (capacity 54,000) Reopened in 2001 Home of Romanian national team as well as FCSB and Dinamo Bucharest games Four matches: Three Group C matches on June 14, June 18 and June 22 One Round of 16 match on June 29 London Wembley Stadium (capacity 90,000) Reopened following renovation in 2007 Home of England national team Seven matches:  Three Group D matches, all involving England, on June 14, June 19 and June 23 One Round of 16 match on June 27 Both semi-finals on July 7 and July 8 The final on July 12 Glasgow Hampden Park (capacity 51,000) Opened in 1903 Home of Scotland national team and Queen’s Park Four matches: Three Group D matches on June 15, June 19 and June 23 One Round of 16 match on June 30 Bilbao San Mames (capacity 53,000) Opened in 2013 Home of Athletic Bilbao Four matches: Three Group E matches, all involving Spain, on June 15, June 20 and June 24

Bucharest (AFP) – The draw for the Euro 2020 finals takes place in Bucharest on Saturday at 1700 GMT, with just over six months to go until the start of the 24-team tournament, which for the first time will be played in 12 cities across the continent. Here is a factfile of the 12 venues: Rome Stadio Olimpico (capacity 68,000) Opened in 1953 Home of Lazio and Roma Four matches:  Three Group A matches, all involving Italy, on June 12, June 17 and June 21 One quarter-final on July 4 Baku Olympic Stadium (capacity 69,000) Opened in 2015 Home of Azerbaijan national team and venue for 2019 Europa League final Four matches: Three Group A matches on June 13, June 17 and June 21 One quarter-final on July 4 Copenhagen Parken Stadium (capacity 38,000) Opened in 1992 Home of FC Copenhagen Four matches: Three Group B matches, all involving Denmark, on June 13, June 18 and June 22 One Round of 16 match on June 29 Saint Petersburg Saint Petersburg Stadium (capacity 61,000...

Hulu launches Black Friday deal at $1.99/month for streaming service Hulu has launched their deal of the year for new subscribers, which is only available today through Cyber Monday. Customers can sign up for a basic Hulu subscription for only $1.99 a month for the first year. Normally the price is $5.99 per month. Not to be confused with Hulu + Live TV, the basic Hulu subscription includes full seasons of exclusive series, hit movies, Hulu Originals, kids shows, and more. Hulu is the only TV service that brings together live, on-demand, originals, and library content all in one place, across living room and mobile devices. Add-ons available include HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX and STARZ. Hulu is a leading premium streaming service that offers instant access to live and on demand channels, original series and films, and a premium library of TV and movies to more than 20 million subscribers in the U.S. Since its launch in 2008, Hulu has consistently been at the forefront of entertainment and technology. Hulu is the only streaming service that offers both ad-supported and commercial-free current season shows from the largest U.S. broadcast networks; libraries of hit TV series and films; and acclaimed Hulu Originals including Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning drama The Handmaid’s Tale, Emmy-nominated series I Love You, America With Sarah Silverman, Emmy-nominated series The Looming Tower, Future Man, Marvel’s Runaways, Castle Rock, The First and Golden Globe-nominated comedy Casual, as well as Catch-22, Ramy and Little Fires Everywhere. Only new Hulu subscribers are eligible for the deal. If you previously signed up for the $.99 promo that ran during Cyber Week in 2018, those customers are not eligible for this deal.

Hulu has launched their deal of the year for new subscribers, which is only available today through Cyber Monday. Customers can sign up for a basic Hulu subscription for only $1.99 a month for the first year. Normally the price is $5.99 per month. Not to be confused with Hulu + Live TV , the basic Hulu subscription includes full seasons of exclusive series, hit movies, Hulu Originals, kids shows, and more. Hulu is the only TV service that brings together live, on-demand, originals, and library content all in one place, across living room and mobile devices. Add-ons available include HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX and STARZ. Hulu is a leading premium streaming service that offers instant access to live and on demand channels, original series and films, and a premium library of TV and movies to more than 20 million subscribers in the U.S. Since its launch in 2008, Hulu has consistently been at the forefront of entertainment and technology. Hulu is the only streaming service that offers b...