Hansi Flick has been sacked as Germany manager following Saturday’s 4-1 friendly defeat by Japan in Wolfsburg. He becomes the first Germany boss to be sacked since the role was created in 1926. Germany have lost four of their past five games, with Flick overseeing just 12 wins in his 25 matches.
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Didier Deschamps has extended his contract as France head coach until June 2026 and is expected to remain in charge for a fourth World Cup. He led France to World Cup victory in 2018 and to the 2022 final in Qatar, which they lost to Argentina on penalties.
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France striker Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from international football – on his 35th birthday – a day after Les Bleus lost against Argentina on penalties in the World Cup final. The Ballon d’Or winner, who scored 37 times in 97 appearances, was expected to lead the line for France in Qatar but missed the tournament after sustaining a thigh injury in training the day before it started.
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A late Robbie Brady penalty saved Ireland’s blushes as they saw a 2-0 lead disappear in the space of two minutes to secure victory over Armenia in their UEFA Nations League clash. John Egan and Michael Obafemi had given Ireland a comfortable lead before the visitors staged a comeback.
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German players will receive a bonus of €400,000 each if they win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this year. Germany last triumphed in 2014 in Brazil with each player taking home €300,000 a semi-final spot will see them pocket €150,000, a third place finish €200,000 and if they were to lose the final they would get €250,000.
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