BBC Sport - Football
Wales v England: Toni Duggan opens scoring
Toni Duggan breaks the deadlock after 57 minutes as England take the lead against Wales in their crucial qualifier for the 2019 Women's World Cup.
Football - Sports Mole
Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez left out of Chile squad
Alexis Sanchez is not in Chile's squad for next month's friendly double header in the Far East because Manchester United need him, according to coach Reinaldo Rueda.
Football – The Indian Express
ESPN FC News
Giggs tells journalist to keep his money in his pocket
Wales manager Ryan Giggs denies reports linking him to the Manchester United job.
Football - Sports Mole
Live Coverage: EFL Cup second round
Sports Mole brings you live text coverage of the EFL Cup second round.
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Mazzola blasts Handanovic after Inter Milan draw
Inter Milan legend Sandro Mazzola has blasted the players after their 2-2 draw with Torino.
Inter blew a 2-0 lead on Sunday night.
Read more on Tribal Football
BlameFootball
Wilfried Zaha Good Enough To Play For Real Madrid, Claims Graeme Souness
Reuters/Matthew Childs
Watford were able to trump Crystal Palace 2-1 on Sunday, as goals from Pereyra and Holebas secured three points with ease, and Wilfried Zaha’s 78th-minute goal proved to be a mere consolation in the end.
However, the Ivorian’s strike was special, as it made him Palace’s all-time top goalscorer.
The Manchester United reject has had a phenomenal run with the Eagles, and has often been slated for great things, with this summer in particular linking the 25-year-old to numerous clubs, including Chelsea and Spurs.
Now, it appears that his performance and sheer brilliance may have merited a fine honor for a Premier League achiever – a move to Real Madrid, at least according to Graeme Souness.
As per Sky Sports, Souness has remarked the following regarding Zaha’s future: “I think he’s sensational. I can see him playing for Real Madrid, that’s how good he is. I think there’s maybe a handful of players who have got the change of direction and balance that he does, and I think he should get more penalties, he isn’t a diver.”
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He went on to add: “I think he’s got a unique talent and with the utmost respect to Crystal Palace – and maybe he’s been scarred by the experience at Manchester United – he’s ready for a big, big club, the biggest clubs. If he stays at Palace he’s going to end up with no trophies and think, ‘What if’.”
Further, Madrid isn’t the only destination that the retired Scot and Liverpool legend deems Zaha to be fit for: “I think now he’s ready. Even for the big two in Spain, I think both of them would welcome him with open arms.
“He’s a door opener, and there isn’t too many of those players around. He’s unique in our football. He’s in that league, he’s got the stuff that gets you on the edge of your seat.”
Los Blancos have been famous poachers of Premier League success stories, with the likes of Ronaldo and Bale topping the list. But could Zaha join their ranks as well?
The post Wilfried Zaha Good Enough To Play For Real Madrid, Claims Graeme Souness appeared first on BlameFootball.
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Chelsea insiders deny claims they're up for sale
Chelsea have denied Sunday press reports they're up for sale.
The Mirror says a club source insists nothing has changed at Stamford Bridge, and that the club is not up for sale at the present time.
Read more on Tribal Football
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Liverpool soon undervalued at £2bn takeover assessment
Football finance experts believe talk of a 2bn takeover for Liverpool would see the club undervalued.
The Liverpool Echo says FSG have reiterated the club is not for sale but remain open to the idea of selling a minority stake in return for the right investment.
Read more on Tribal Football
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Chelsea boss Sarri declares his transfer hopes for Kovacic
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is pleased with what he's seen from Mateo Kovacic since his arrival.
On-loan from Real Madrid, Kovacic made his debut in victory over Arsenal last week.
Read more on Tribal Football
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
'Determined' Wilson impressing Bournemouth boss Howe
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe says he now has a more appreciative Callum Wilson at his disposal.
The England striker, who has suffered from major knee injuries in the past, has scored two goals in Bournemouth's opening two games, both of which were victories.
Read more on Tribal Football
Football - Sports Mole
West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini plays down criticism of fans
Manuel Pellegrini says that he was not criticising West Ham United's supporters when questioning why some fans left the defeat to Bournemouth during the closing stages.
Football - Sports Mole
Lucas Joao pens new Sheffield Wednesday deal
Sheffield Wednesday announce that forward Lucas Joao has penned a new contract at Hillsborough.
Football – The Indian Express
Football - Sports Mole
Uli Hoeness: 'Jerome Boateng could still swap Bayern Munich for Paris Saint-Germain'
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness reveals that Germany defender Jerome Boateng has a 50% chance of leaving for Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Football - Sports Mole
Lee Sharpe predicts pre-Christmas exit for Jose Mourinho
Lee Sharpe tips Jose Mourinho to be sacked by Manchester United before Christmas because of his 'negative football and constant moaning'.
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
DONE DEAL: Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic joins Hertha Berlin
Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic has joined Hertha Berlin.
Grujic has signed a new contract with Liverpool and joined Hertha BSC on a season-long loan deal, subject to international clearance.
Read more on Tribal Football
BBC Sport - Football
Everton: Phil Neville thinks it could be Toffees' year
Match of the Day pundit and former Everton captain Phil Neville is feeling confident about his former club's season following a promising start under new manager Marco Silva.
ESPN FC News
Cristiano Ronaldo's Serie A debut with Juventus can't overshadow long-term goals
Juventus are the unanimous pick from the FC crew to win Serie A, but not everyone is convinced Cristiano Ronaldo will be player of the year.
On the eve of Cristiano Ronaldo's debut for Juventus, Mina Rzouki and Gab Marcotti discuss their expectations for him and how he will be deployed.
James Horncastle breaks down what he expects the Juventus XI will look like at Chievo after Max Allegri confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will start.
Juventus is all about Cristiano Ronaldo, at least to the outside world. The arrival of the Portugal international, who will make his debut Saturday against Chievo Verona (noon ET on ESPN+), suggests a keen desire to win every trophy Juve will challenge for this season, and bookies, fans and pundits around the world feel this could be a very special season for the Old Lady, having come so close in recent years.
However, if the Turin giants are to excel, they need all their players to fire from...
ESPN FC News
Mauricio Pochettino hits back at critics writing off Tottenham's chances
Despite not making any signings, Mauricio Pochettino admits some players could leave Tottenham before the European deadline at the end of August.
Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino joked to reporters that he had mastered Dele Alli's celebration. LONDON -- Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has hit back at critics who have written off his side after their failure to make a single summer signing
Tottenham and Saturday's Wembley opponents Fulham had starkly contrasting transfer windows, with the promoted club spending more than £100 million on 12 new players.
But Pochettino said fans and pundits had the luxury of being able to change their minds during the campaign, while he had to deal with the consequences of his decisions.
"Maybe...
ESPN FC News
Counting the cost of Nigeria's football crisis
On Tuesday, FIFA showed that it had run out of patience with Nigeria due to the continued crisis in the country's domestic football, and sent a letter warning that if the issues were not resolved by August 20, Nigeria would face instant suspension.
The news prompted Nigeria's acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, to call a meeting with both NFF president Amaju Pinnick and Sports Miniser Solomon Dalung on Wednesday.
Osinbajo did not, however, meet with Christopher Giwa, who is leading the group claiming...
Football - Sports Mole
Marcel Brands: 'Everton paid over the odds to sign Richarlison from Watford'
Everton director of football Marcel Brands admits that the Toffees paid over the odds to sign Richarlison from Watford given the history between the two clubs.
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Montanier: Dembele the present and future of Barcelona
Philippe Montanier has urged Barcelona to stick with Ousmane Dembele.
Montanier coached Dembele at Rennes before the striker was sold to Borussia Dortmund.
Read more on Tribal Football
BlameFootball
Why Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus Debut Was Abandoned
REUTERS/Massimo Pinca
Having finalised his shocking move to Juventus this summer, Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have already hit the ground running for the season to come.
The former Real Madrid man did miss Juve’s pre-season tour to the USA, as he recovered from the World Cup. The forward joined the squad in Turin last week, and begun his preparations for the upcoming season.
Juventus have a long-standing tradition where they play against their B side in a private stadium which is owned by their club president, Andrea Agnelli. It gives the fans an opportunity to see their present and future stars in action just before the season begins.
Massimiliano Allegri took this opportunity to start Ronaldo, and allow him to get some minutes under his belt before the new season begins.
Cristiano Ronaldo scores 8 minutes into his Juventus debut 
Excited fans run on the pitch and mob him 
Game gets called off 
pic.twitter.com/oSfzfRKv3Y
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) August 13, 2018
The Portuguese forward managed to open his scoring account within the first 10 minutes itself, as he brought down a long pass from Bernardeschi before releasing a calm strike into the top corner, handing the senior team the lead. However, the match had an unexpected end.
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WATCH: Rooney Makes Game-Saving Tackle In 96th Minute And Produces Epic Assist
With 20 minutes left on the clock, fans decided to invade the pitch and gathered around Cristiano Ronaldo. The referee decided to abandon the game immediately, as the Portuguese forward was escorted by the police.
Pitch invasion time, game over, what a spectacle – People traveled far and wide to witness this. Love these traditions that set Juve apart from all the rest – Love that this event stretches back in history through the family and the club, Fino alla fine, FORZA JUVE
— Juvefc.com (@juvefcdotcom) August 12, 2018
Juventus begin their Serie A campaign with an away trip to Chievo this Saturday, and Ronaldo looks set to make his competitive debut in the game.
With the Italian giants looking to retain their regional silverware and win continental titles, it will be interesting to see if the decorated forward is able to fire Juventus to Champions League glory this season.
The post Why Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus Debut Was Abandoned appeared first on BlameFootball.
BlameFootball
WATCH: Rooney Makes Game-Saving Tackle In 96th Minute And Produces Epic Assist
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Wayne Rooney’s career has seen its fair share of ups and downs. From ruling the roost in terms of goals for his country, to becoming one of the Premier League‘s most iconic footballers, there isn’t much the tenacious striker hasn’t accomplished.
And it seems as if his glory might be following him to Major League Soccer. After joining DC United in a slightly surprising move, Rooney’s career hasn’t hit the heights many had imagined, but he still continues to prove he has plenty left in the tank.
In a game against Orlando, the former Manchester United talisman went into ‘beast mode’ at the dying stages of the game, after DC United goalkeeper David Ousted made his way forward to add to the attack from a late corner.
Rooney, being last man, had to get his tackle right, as failure to do so would have seen his club face another defeat, and perhaps a permanent end to their play-off hopes.
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Manchester United Planning To Make A Massive Change
But Rooney timed his challenge to perfection, and got the ball off the opposing player, and then had the foresight to spot his teammate Luciano Acosta with a cross-field pass that would have made his former Manchester United teammate Paul Scholes proud.
The 32-year-old’s delivery was inch-perfect, and Acosta headed home in the 96th minute to give DC a monumental victory, which has kept their play-off hopes alive.
Wazzaaaaa!! 
https://t.co/H5ebAO5xZe
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) August 13, 2018
What’s more, the goal marked a hat-trick for Acosta, and was an added reminder that the Wayne Rooney spirit is still very much alive, even if the legs aren’t quite what they were ten years ago.
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WATCH: Ronaldo Takes Just 8 Minutes To Open His Scoring Account At Juventus
The double-effort has since gone viral all over social media, with fans and players praising the former English international for his never-say-die attitude which deserves commendation.
While this was certainly a highlight to be proud of, Rooney would know there is still a long way to go if DC United are going to be a force to be reckoned with in the MLS.
The post WATCH: Rooney Makes Game-Saving Tackle In 96th Minute And Produces Epic Assist appeared first on BlameFootball.
BBC Sport - Football
'The modern-day Martin Peters' - who made Garth's Team of the Week?
Which player has the air of Martin Peters? And who has a touch of Alan Hansen? Find out in Garth Crooks' team of the week and pick your own.
BlameFootball
What Maurizio Sarri Did After He Wasn’t Allowed To Smoke On The Touchline In Premier League
REUTERS/Toby Melville
New Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri was seen chewing on cigarette butts while his side cruised past Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Chelsea enjoyed a wonderful start to their Premier League campaign, as Maurizio Sarri fielded a very strong starting XI, despite Eden Hazard bring left on the bench.
The Belgian has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. However, lack of training seems to be the reason behind Sarri’s decision, as the forward returned to Cobham only a few days ago.
The Blues managed to pick up an easy victory over Huddersfield Town, who narrowly escaped relegation last season.
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N’Golo Kante latched onto Willian’s cross to open the scoring for Chelsea in the 35th minute. New signing Jorginho made it 2-0 as he slotted a penalty just before half-time. Eden Hazard came on for Willian with 15 minutes left on the clock.
In the 80th minute, the Belgian International laid out a brilliant pass for Pedro, who made no mistake and slotted the ball home to hand Chelsea a 3-0 victory.
During his time at Napoli, Maurizio Sarri would easily light up a cigarette to relieve the stress during games. However, the Premier League has a strict policy with regards to smoking, having ordered the stadiums to be smoke-free since 2007.
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But the Chelsea gaffer seems to have found out a way to work around this rule, as he was seen chewing on cigarette butts while he watched his side from the touchline.
The 59-year-old looked really worried about his team, and apparently needed some nicotine to calm his nerves.
Sarri celebrating winning his first Premier League game by eating a cigarette pic.twitter.com/NYXS51cAZJ
— Did It Cross The Line? (@diditcross) August 11, 2018
Chelsea were amazing on the pitch once they found their grip, and allowed Sarri to take a breath of relief on his Premier League debut.
But the real challenge awaits next weekend, when his men will be up against Arsenal in the first London derby of the season. It will be interesting to see how the Blues fare against Unai Emery’s confident Gunners.
The post What Maurizio Sarri Did After He Wasn’t Allowed To Smoke On The Touchline In Premier League appeared first on BlameFootball.
BlameFootball
What Happened Between Pogba And Sanchez During United vs Leicester
Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Manchester United overcame Leicester City 2-1 in the opening game of the 2018-19 Premier League campaign at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The hosts went 1-0 up inside 72 seconds itself, when they were awarded a penalty. Alexis Sanchez was responsible for getting United with the chance after earning a hand ball with his shot.
While United were handed the spot-kick, there was a discussion between Sanchez and skipper Paul Pogba as to who will take the same.
Sanchez tried to convince the Frechman to give him the penalty-taking duties. But Pogba relented and took the shot himself before burying it in the top-right corner, above Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel.
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The scoreline read 1-0 for 83 minutes, until Luke Shaw slotted home to double the home side’s lead. Jamie Vardy got in an injury-time goal, but United held on to take all three points.
But the moment between Sanchez and Pogba in the early stages of the game caught the attention of several fans and pundits alike.
During his commentary for Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher said of the incident: ‘That’s Sanchez. He wants it! They both want to get off the mark. But the World Cup winner is having none of it. “I’m the captain. My ball”. 1-0. Great penalty.’
Watch Reactions:
Pogba will feel ecstatic after getting off the mark in the opener. After all that was speculated between the midfielder and his manager about all the rift and the former wanting to leave the club, this was a good start to the new season for the France international.
The post What Happened Between Pogba And Sanchez During United vs Leicester appeared first on BlameFootball.
BlameFootball
PL Predictions 2018/19: Who Will Win The Title, Top 4, Which Team Will Surprise Everyone?
Reuters / Dylan Martinez
Premature predictions may seem a bit far-fetched when the first kick of the new season hasn’t even occurred yet. Regardless, the business side of the great game, coupled with the mentality of players and gaffers often gives one the ability to paint a close to accurate picture of the Premier League table at the end of the season.
To this, one can also add the fact that it isn’t really a clean slate each time, and that the dynamic momentum from previous campaigns generally carries over. The same can also be said about past disappointments.
With that in mind, here are our predictions about how things could stand at the end of the 2018-19 campaign:
Winners
Reuters/Carl Recine
There is simply no escaping the truth, Manchester City are still the team best equipped to win the league. Although their task this season will assuredly not be as easy as last year, Guardiola’s tactics, coupled with a squad whose ability knows no bounds, make the victory seem inevitable.
This is despite the manner in which Liverpool have invested in this transfer window and Sarri being earmarked by Chelsea to have an impact, for no title-contender seems to be in a better spot.
Then again, winning back-to-back titles has been the task of woe in the Premier League all of a sudden, and City will be eager to take even this challenge in their stride. Are more records being eyed?
The Top 4
REUTERS/Andrew Yates
The second spot is bound to go to Liverpool. Despite being a side that has arguably had the best transfer window in England and possibly in Europe, perhaps expecting them to gel just fine straight away is a tad bit too much. Regardless, Klopp will be eager to drive his intent home, and a ferocious trident, now reinforced with a deeply creative midfield and a reliable backline, may finally let them come close to this being their year.
Third place may be Manchester United’s position this season, and that is if they somehow defy expectations and have their best-possible season. This is also the position that seems most likely to flip, particularly if the Red Devils don’t utilize the winter window to better their roster and its gaping flaws.
Coming fourth will be Chelsea, who will see an improvement in standing, but are unlikely to bring out a title-challenge, despite Sarri’s history. Rather, a fixing of problems and a rebuilding of brilliance seems to be the likely agenda going into this campaign.
The teams that will be rendered to the Europa League and come frustratingly close to UCL glory are apt to be the London duo of Tottenham and Arsenal. The Gunners appear to be in a stronger spot than their bitter rivals, and Emery may be able to guide them to a fifth-place finish. Tottenham’s relative mediocrity in the transfer market may prove to be their downfall, and end with them attaining the last spot of importance in the top half of the table.
Picks For Relegation
As for the fag end and the tale of woe, the relegation story may prove to be dramatic yet again. Huddersfield Town narrowly escaped relegation last time, but this campaign may not be as merciful. The curse of promoted teams not enjoying their second season at the top may hold true for them, and a stark relegation battle may be on its way.
A similar scare may exist for Brighton and Hove Albion as well, who could spend much of the season grasping at straws, as even the promoted sides, particularly Fulham and Wolves, seem eager to leave an impact this season.
Lastly, Cardiff City, who are back in the League, may taste its joy for only one season, as they don’t seem as firm as the other sides who have qualified, despite being placed second in the Championship, as the transfer window was also a vital opportunity waiting to be used.
Surprise Package
Reuters/Paul Childs
A surprising and unexpected leap could be provided by Everton. The Toffees seemed quite firm in their transfer business this season, with Barcelona, in particular, appearing to be the source of some worthy reinforcements.
If Yerry Mina stabilizes their defense, and Richarlison goes beyond his drought and puts in a strong showing, then a top 6 presence can be easily earned by them. If that happened, the question that remains, however, is who will be dropped from the top in order for them to make way?
The post PL Predictions 2018/19: Who Will Win The Title, Top 4, Which Team Will Surprise Everyone? appeared first on BlameFootball.
BlameFootball
Top 10 Biggest Premier League Transfers Of This Window
REUTERS/Eloy Alonso
This transfer window got super hectic in the Premier League, particularly around deadline day when records started to be broken and an intent to open the season strong seemed to be on everyone’s minds.
Here are the most expensive deals to have been sealed during this period:
The post Top 10 Biggest Premier League Transfers Of This Window appeared first on BlameFootball.
ESPN FC News
Meet the new class: Managers
This summer, a host of top European clubs have changed their manager. Some by choice, while others were forced into it. Here's what we can expect from the new arrivals. James Horncastle »
ESPN FC News
Barcelona vice president Mestre talks about U.S. tour, transfers and whether Real overshadowed double
Former Barcelona captain Eric Abidal insists the La Liga champions haven't strayed from their philosophy and club's footballing values by signing Arturo Vidal.
SAN JOSE, Calif -- Barcelona vice president Jordi Mestre sat down with ESPN FC to mull over the club's tour of the United States, this summer's activity in the transfer market and the idea that Real Madrid's Champions League success overshadowed the Catalans' domestic double last season.
What's been the highlight of this year's U.S trip?
We've had the ladies team here with us for the first time in history and we're very glad to share the tour with them. We made the presentation for the first sponsor...
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
DONE DEAL? Real Madrid accept Chelsea terms over Kovacic departure
Chelsea have won the race for Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
Kovacic has informed Real management he wants to leave this month and Marca says a deal has now been settled with Chelsea.
Read more on Tribal Football
Football – The Indian Express
Football – The Indian Express
ESPN FC News
Moussa Wague's rapid rise could finally give Barcelona an heir to Dani Alves' legacy
After a summer of big signings, including Arturo Vidal and Malcom, the FC crew assess whether Barcelona are early Champions League favourites.
Aspirations are coming true at a frightening pace for Moussa Wague. Three years ago, he was a totally unknown youngster at a Qatari-run academy. Now, after excelling at two World Cup tournaments, he has signed for the team of his very sacred dreams: Barcelona.
At the age of 19, the sky is the limit for one of the best young right-backs on the planet. While the Catalans initially plan to use the Senegalese prodigy in their reserve team in the third division, Wague is supposed to train with the...
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Number confirmed (sort of) for Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker's shirt number has been confirmed - for today.
The Liverpool Echo says Alisson will wear the provisional squad number 13 in today's friendly against Napoli in Dublin, Liverpool have confirmed.
Read more on Tribal Football
ESPN FC News
Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival to Serie A a 'leap of quality' - Federico Fazio
The dust is starting to settle in Madrid after Cristiano Ronaldo's exit, and Sid Lowe explains why the mood is so good in the Real camp.
New Real Madrid head coach Julen Lopetegui insists the club has the players to succeed this season despite the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Roma defender Federico Fazio has called the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus a "leap of quality" for Serie A and said he looks forward to competing against the former Real Madrid striker.
Fazio, 31, and Roma are in the United States for the International Champions Cup and will face Ronaldo's former team on Tuesday, Aug. 7 (8:05 p.m. ET on ESPN).
And ahead of the match, the Argentina international told ESPN Deportes in an exclusive interview: "It's important that important quality players...
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
WATCH: Juventus fans jeer new signing Bonucci as he arrives at HQ
Leonardo Bonucci's return to Juventus has received a mixed response from Bianconeri fans.
The centre-back quit for AC Milan last summer in a 42m transfer - a deal that shocked Europe.
Read more on Tribal Football
BBC Sport - Football
Inter sign Croatia full-back Vrsaljko on loan
Inter Milan sign Croatia right-back Sime Vrsaljko on loan from Atletico Madrid until the end of the season.
BBC Sport - Football
Jose Mourinho praises 'phenomenal' Manchester United players during pre-season
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho praises his "professional" and "phenomenal" players during their pre-season tour.
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