WHAT’S BEEN GOING ON
The biggest match in Europe saw Liverpool dominating Arsenal with a 4-0 score at Anfield Stadium. Coach Jurgen Klopp’s team proved that once again it has what it takes to reach the top, and on the other hand, Arsenal’s coach Arsene Wenger might be on the ropes with Arsenal.
In Spain, FC Barcelona signed French forward Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund as part of the team’s effort to replace Neymar.
Club León in Mexico, fired coach Javier Torrente and hired Uruguayan coach Gustavo Díaz who left team U Católica in Ecuador in order to coach León.
In the NFL, New England Patriots Receiver Julian Edelman got injured during last Friday’s game against the Detroit Lions, an injury that will leave him out for the rest of the season.
The U.S. Open kicked off, with the return of Maria Sharapova to a Grand Slam tournament after a suspension for doping, and on the men’s side, people will once again be treated to a possible Roger Federer vs. Rafa Nadal showdown. Maybe …
THE HAPPENING (football transfers will be updated as the window closes)
This week, football leagues all across the world will stop and national teams will battle each other for a place in the 2018 Russia World Cup, but the last week of the transfer market is in full swing as the clock runs out with all eyes on FC Barcelona (FCB) and their last minute purchases after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) signed Neymar and agreed on a loan deal for French youngster and AS Monaco star Kylian Mbappe.
In a interesting turn of events, FCB are now rumored to be negotiating with PSG for the transfer of Argentinian forward Angel DiMaria, while at the same time pursuing Liverpoool’s Phillipe Coutinho and Monaco’s Thomas Lemar. It’s do or die for FCB at this point. Their season and Lionel Messi’s contract renewal hang in the balance.
The only Mexican player in Europe who’s future is rumored to still be in the air is Portugal’s Benfica forward Raul Jiménez. There have been rumors of a transfer to English club West Ham all summer, but there have been no signs of any ongoing talks. There have also been rumors that Everton might try to sign him before the market closes.
In Mexico’s Liga MX, club Atlas of Guadalajara is close to signing former Manchester United rising star Ravel Morrison who was at one point described to be more talented than Paul Pogba, but his start in the English Premiere League (EPL) didn’t turn out as expected, and now Atlas hopes that he can bring all that potential to Mexico.
In NFL news, Hurricane Harvey’s destruction has led to the Dallas Cowboys vs. Houston Texans game being cancelled. Detroit Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford will become the best paid player in NFL history after he agreed on a five year contract renewal.
FOOTBALL-WORLD CUP 2018 QUALIFIERS
Mexico vs Panama – Friday 8:30 p.m. Estadio Azteca, México City, Mexico
This seemingly innocent game got heated this week due to the words of Panama defender Adolfo Machado who claims that the Mexican National Team think they are “the last coke in the desert,” in reference to a sense of superiority. If Mexico wins the game, they will remain in first place in the North America, Central America and Caribbean Football Federation (Concacaf) to secure a spot in Russia 2018.
Czech Republic vs Germany – Friday 1:45 p.m. General Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
Germany Sits atop Group C with a five point lead over Northern Ireland followed closely by the Czech Republic, so this game is key for the Czech’s world cup aspirations, and in case of a German victory, they will be pretty much securing the first place in the group.
Uruguay vs Argentina – Thursday 6:00 p.m.. Centenario de Montevideo, Uruguay
Lionel Messi’s team is currently in fifth place in the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) region, but they’re only one point away from third place Uruguay, a match up between Barcelona’s biggest stars Messi and Luis Suárez is unmissable.
NFL
New York Giants vs New England Patriots – Thursday 6:30 p.m. Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, New Jersey
Receiver Julian Edelman is out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury during last week’s game against the Detroit Lions. It will be interesting to see how coach Bill Belichik will try to replace Edelamn.
Baltimore Ravens vs New Orleans Saints – Thursday 7:00 p.m. Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans
Fresh from signing his contract extension, Ravens coach John Harbaught thinks his team has a chance to win a championship and what better chance to start proving it than against the Saints.
MLB
Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees – Series Starts Thursday 6:30 p.m. Yankee Stadium, New York
Yankees Aaron Judge has been going through a rough patch and maybe this series will be his time to shine once again. Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale on the other hand is firing on all cylinders and could be the key for the latest edition of this legendary rivalry.
