Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick made a positive start to his tenure in charge of the Austrian national team, defeating Croatia 3-0 in their Nations League opener.
It was Croatia who enjoyed most of the possession early, controlling 60 per cent in the first half, but it would be the Austrians heading into the break as the happier side after Marko Arnautovic tucked his strike into the bottom corner 41 minutes in.
After being out-shot by the Croatians 10-4 in the first half – with Austria's only shot on target finding the back of the net – the second half was a much different story.
Of the seven shots on target in the second 45, all seven belonged to Austria, and they were rewarded with two more quick goals as Michael Gregoritsch made it 2-0 in the 54th minute, before Marcel Sabitzer struck from long-range to cap off the win in stunning style three minutes later.
With the win, Rangnick became the first manager to guide Austria to a win and a clean sheet in their debut since Hans Krankl in 2002.
Speaking after the game, Rangnick said he was pleased with how his side navigated some early pressure to come out on top.
"We had problems in the first 25 minutes, but getting the lead just before the break did us good," he said.
"In the second half we played really well and scored two wonderful goals – we could even have scored more.
"I am very satisfied."
Striker Arnautovic added: "The players were full of energy. Croatia are an excellent team, but we played a great match.
"We turned our chances to goals and deserved this win. We want to return to the top."
Austria continues their Nations League campaign against Denmark on Monday.
CAS upholds life ban on former Haitain Football Federation vice president Rosnick Grant
The life ban imposed on Rosnick Grant, the former vice president of the Haitian Football Federation, has been upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. However, the fine imposed on Grant has been significantly reduced, CAS said in a release on Thursday.
This decision comes a few weeks after another CAS decision concerning the former President of the FHF, Mr. Yves Jean-Bart, who was released from the sanctions imposed on him by FIFA due to insufficient evidence. That CAS decision is currently being appealed to the Swiss Federal Tribunal.
CAS said the Arbitral Panel found that the evidence against Mr. Grant regarding the sexual abuse charges was sufficiently convincing and that, as a result, the sanction imposed on him by the Court should be confirmed, with the exception of the fine, which was reduced to 35,000 Swiss Francs.
Grant, the former Vice-President and Head of Referees of the Haitian Football Federation (FHF), was banned by the Adjudicatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee for violation of Article 23 (protection of physical and mental integrity) and Article 25 (abuse of power) of the FIFA Code of Ethics in connection with acts of harassment, sexual abuse, threats and coercion against female referees.
The fine of 100,000 Swiss Francs was initially imposed on Mr. Grant. That has been reduced to 35,000 Swiss Francs.
In May 2020, the Investigatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Mr. Yves Jean-Bart, former President of the FHF, who was suspected of having coerced several female players from the National Technical Centre in Croix-des-Bouquets into having sexual relations with him.
During the proceedings, the Investigatory Chamber identified Mr. Grant as one of the perpetrators of sexual abuse and opened an investigation against him in August 2020. On 22 July 2021, based on the final report of the FIFA Ethics Committee, the testimony of a victim, the statements of Mr. Grant, and the statements of the Chairman of the Investigation Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee, the Adjudicatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee issued the Challenged Decision.
On October 6, 2021, Mr Grant filed an appeal at CAS requesting the annulment of the Challenged Decision, claiming that he was innocent of the charges against him. A CAS Panel of three arbitrators, composed of Mr Alexander McLin, President (Switzerland/USA), Prof. Gérald Simon (France) and Mr José J. Pintó (Spain), was constituted to decide the appeal.
A hearing was held on 15 and 16 February 2023, during which numerous witnesses were heard, some of whom benefited from special protective measures.
As a basis for its decision, the Arbitral Panel considered the testimony of a victim, who had travelled to Switzerland for the hearing, to be accurate, coherent and credible. The Panel also noted the inconsistency and imprecision in the statements of the witnesses called by Mr. Grant, most of whom stated, in a contradictory and unconvincing manner, that the accusations against Mr. Grant were the result of a conspiracy against him.
Finally, the Arbitral Panel found that the fine imposed on Mr. Grant was disproportionate to the salary conditions he was subject to in Haiti. In conclusion, the Arbitral Panel found that the evidence against Mr. Grant regarding the sexual abuse charges was sufficiently convincing and that, as a result, the sanction imposed on Mr Grant by the Court should be confirmed, with the exception of the fine, which was reduced.
Gundogan future 'open' amid Barcelona links, says agent
Ilkay Gundogan's future remains "open" despite reports suggesting the Manchester City midfielder is keen to join Barcelona upon the expiration of his contract, according to his agent.
City captain Gundogan is entering the final three months of a four-year deal he signed back in 2019, and the Germany international is yet to agree to fresh terms.
Gundogan has appeared in 24 of City's 27 Premier League games this campaign, yet reports have claimed he has his heart set on a move to Camp Nou at the end of the season.
Despite suggestions Barcelona are willing to offer Gundogan a two-year deal, the player's agent and uncle Ilhan Gundogan says nothing has been decided.
"There's definitely no agreement yet with any club," he told The Guardian. "The focus of Ilkay in recent weeks was only on Manchester City and the birth of his son.
"Now he is in the final and crucial phase of the season and is completely focused on that. Where Ilkay plays next season is still open."
Gundogan has won four Premier League titles since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, scoring twice in a comeback win over Aston Villa to hand Pep Guardiola's team their latest triumph on the final day of last season.
The 32-year-old did not feature for Germany in the recent international break, with Hansi Flick opting against calling him up after the birth of his child.
Alexander-Arnold wants 'three big results' as Liverpool approach 'defining' week
Trent Alexander-Arnold says Liverpool's next three games could "define" their season and wants "three big results".
Liverpool have back-to-back trips to Manchester City and Chelsea before hosting Premier League leaders Arsenal at Anfield a week on Sunday.
The Reds have had a difficult campaign so far, out of every cup competition and sitting sixth in the league, seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with two games in hand, and five behind Newcastle United in fifth.
Knowing they cannot afford to lose any more ground in the race for Champions League qualification, Alexander-Arnold is hoping he and his team-mates can get some points on the board this week, starting at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
"I think if we get three big results, it's game on really, and hopefully the season pushes on to be a good one," he told Liverpool's official website. "These three results can define the season if we let it and if we want it to. We want to go out there and win all three games – and that's our plan.
"I think as a team we've probably lacked that confidence at times during the season. But to go and get big results against big teams will instil that confidence back within us. We're excited as a team, we're looking fresh, good in training and we're excited. It's going to be a big week and then hopefully a big end to the season for us."
City are once again in the race for the title, trailing Arsenal by eight points with a game in hand, and Alexander-Arnold is aware of the task at hand to try and defeat Pep Guardiola's men.
"Every time you play against Man City, the motivation's there no matter what," he said. "Over the past five, six years, I would say us and them have been the best teams in the league, and they show their quality year in, year out and consistently. They're always up there as one of, if not the best team in the world.
"That'll be the same on Saturday. We need to play a really good game and execute our game plan to have a chance of winning it. I think we're able to go there and get the result but it's about making sure we earn it."
One positive for Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is seeing Luis Diaz back in training, with the Colombia forward having not played since sustaining a knee injury against Arsenal in October.
"He's a top player, a top lad," Alexander-Arnold said about the former Porto man. "It's been a tough season for him to see him out so much. But he's back, he's back smiling, he's enjoying his football, so that's all you can ask [for].
"With a player like that, he brings enthusiasm to the team and brings a spark that not many players have. It's exciting to have him back."
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