Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia
United Arab Emirates

Result: Declan Rice on target as West Ham celebrate first home victory in Europa League

sportsmole.co.uk, 30 September 2021, 21:01
Declan Rice grabbed his second European goal as West Ham won their first ever home Europa League group-stage match 2-0 against Rapid Vienna.

England midfielder Rice struck in the first half to make it two goals in two continental outings for him, and Said Benrahma scored in stoppage time to wrap up two wins from two for the Hammers.

The only downside was a skirmish among rival fans in the stands which police and stewards had to deal with.

Nevertheless it was a fitting result the day after West Ham unveiled a statue of Geoff Hurst, Bobby Moore and Martin Peters - three of their 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup-winning side who went on to lift the World Cup for England a year later - outside London Stadium.

Having defeated Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 in their Group H opener in Croatia two weeks ago, David Moyes' side are already in a strong position a third of the way through the stage.

The ground was rocking before kick-off, with Rapid's 'spirited' visiting fans goading the home contingent and sending a few plastic bottles in their direction.

It was a match West Ham were expected to win comfortably with their opponents struggling badly in the Austrian league this season, and they almost went ahead after only eight minutes.

Rice's glancing header from Aaron Cresswell's free-kick beat Rapid goalkeeper Paul Gartler but came off the base of the far post.

The dominant Hammers were denied by the other post 15 minutes later, Craig Dawson thumping a header against it from a Cresswell corner.

But Rice fired them ahead on the half-hour mark. Michail Antonio chested the ball down from Andriy Yarmolenko's pass and raided down the left before crossing low for Rice to tap into an empty net.

It was the first home goal for a West Ham player in Europe, qualifiers aside, since Frank Lampard wrapped up a 3-0 UEFA Cup win over Croatian side Osijek in 1999.

Sadly the goal prompted some rival fans, who had been winding each other up non-stop, to try to get to each other with police and stewards having to intervene. The flare-up was quickly dealt with, though.

West Ham's tempo dropped in the second half so Moyes made a triple substitution, sending on Jarrod Bowen, Tomas Soucek and Manuel Lanzini.

They had a let-off when German referee Tobias Stieler gave a penalty after Rapid sub Marco Grull went down under a non-challenge from Ben Johnson, with VAR correctly overturning the decision.

Bowen should have wrapped things up when he rounded Gartler only to fire over the crossbar.

But Benrahma made sure it was goodnight Vienna when he cut inside and curled in the second in stoppage time.

30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Steven Gerrard 'not surprised' by claims that Sparta crowd targeted Glen Kamara
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard was not surprised to hear claims that Glen Kamara had been targeted by schoolchildren at Sparta Prague - but admitted he had not noticed himself.
30 September 2021
talksport.com
Nuno calls on Kane, who scores hat-trick, to help Tottenham beat minnows
Harry Kane scored a second-half hat-trick after being brought on to help get Tottenham over the line against minnows NS Mura in the Europa Conference League - Spurs running out 5-1 winners in the end.
30 September 2021
mirror.co.uk
Harry Kane digs Nuno out of a hole as Tottenham eventually see off minnows Mura
Harry Kane came off the bench to score a 19-minute hat-trick as Tottenham eventually eased past Slovenian side Mura in the Europa Conference League. Fresh from their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the weekend, Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo would have been concerned that an upset could be on the cards when Ziga Kous lashed the visitors to within one goal of the Premier League giants shortly after the break.
30 September 2021
mirror.co.uk
Messi's 17k-a-night hotel hit by masked raiders as jewellery and cash stolen
A gang of masked raiders have reportedly committed a burglary at the hotel where Lionel Messi is staying with his family in Paris. Thousands of pounds of cash and jewellery are said to have been stolen from four rooms in Le Royal Monceau in Paris. The thieves are thought to have gained unlawful entry to the property by scaling down the sides of the building from the roof.
30 September 2021
goal.com
North Carolina Courage sack head coach Paul Riley amid sexual harassment allegations
The National Women's Soccer League outfit have replaced the English manager with his assistant Sean Nahas until the end of the season
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Salernitana vs. Genoa - prediction, team news, lineups
Rock-bottom Salernitana seek their first win of the Serie A season on Saturday afternoon, as they welcome Genoa to Stadio Arechi.
30 September 2021
talksport.com
Rice goal sparks clashes between West Ham and Rapid Vienna fans in easy win
Police were called in to separate West Ham and Rapid Vienna fans after Declan Rice's Europa League opener sparked an angry reaction from the away end.
30 September 2021
talksport.com
Declan Rice goal sparks clashes between West Ham and Rapid Vienna fans
Police were called in to separate West Ham and Rapid Vienna fans after Declan Rice's Europa League opener sparked an angry reaction from the away end.
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Brendan Rodgers dismisses suggestions Leicester could face early exit
Boss Brendan Rodgers dismissed fears Leicester could suffer an early Europa League exit after their lacklustre defeat at Legia Warsaw.
30 September 2021
mirror.co.uk
West Ham and Rapid Vienna fans clash as objects thrown in ugly scenes
West Ham and Rapid Vienna fans clashed in ugly scenes inside the London Stadium during their Europa League tie on Thursday. Police and stewards had to form a barrier between both sets of supporters in one corner of the ground as objects were thrown across the divide. One fan could be seen in footage launching a large object into the melee while others chucked water bottles as officers and staff attempted to restore order.
30 September 2021
goal.com
Red-hot Osimhen on target as Napoli fall to Victor Moses' Spartak Moscow
Two Nigerian stars were in action at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona as the Russian visitors secured maximum points in a dramatic encounter
30 September 2021
mirror.co.uk
Kamara booed by schoolchildren and sent off as Rangers lose at Sparta Prague
Glen Kamara was routinely booed in a stadium full of schoolchildren and then sent off as Rangers fell to a 1-0 Europa League defeat against Sparta Prague. Kamara was clearly targeted by some of the 10,000 fans six months after being subjected to abuse by Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela, which earned the Czech Republic defender a 10-game UEFA ban.
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: FC Cincinnati vs. New York Red Bulls - prediction, team news, lineups
On Saturday, the New York Red Bulls will try to make up some ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race when they head to TQL Stadium for a matchup with FC Cincinnati.
30 September 2021
mirror.co.uk
Lionel Messi's chat with Luis Suarez on Barcelona before "everything changed"
Luis Suarez has revealed that Lionel Messi was intent on staying at Barcelona this summer before "everything changed" in an unexpected development. The two attacking stars played alongside each other at the Catalan giants between 2014 and 2020, before Suarez was sold - helping Atletico Madrid to win the league title ahead of Barca last season.
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Mallorca vs. Levante - prediction, team news, lineups
Levante will continue their search for a first La Liga win of the season on Saturday, when they travel to take on Mallorca.
30 September 2021
goal.com
Lugano loanee Sasere reaffirms Nigeria commitment despite Malta interest
Even after interest from the European nation, the striker has stated his ultimate desire is to represent the Super Eagles at senior level
30 September 2021
goal.com
Redknapp: Liverpool's Salah enjoying the form of his life ahead of Manchester City clash
The two-time African Footballer of the Year has been involved in 10 goals for the Reds across all competitions in this campaign already
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Result: Glen Kamara booed by crowd before being sent off as Rangers lose at Sparta
Glen Kamara was routinely booed in a stadium full of schoolchildren and then sent off as Rangers fell to a 1-0 Europa League defeat against Sparta Prague.
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Result: Leicester's Europa League hopes suffer blow with Legia Warsaw defeat
Leicester's Europa League hopes suffered another blow after a disappointing defeat at Legia Warsaw.
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs. Shrewsbury Town - prediction, team news, lineups
Promotion-chasing Bolton Wanderers host struggling Shrewsbury Town in League One action on Saturday, looking to build on their big win in midweek.
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Osasuna vs. Rayo Vallecano - prediction, team news, lineups
Newly-promoted Rayo Vallecano will look to stretch their winning run to four La Liga games on Saturday, when they travel to take on Osasuna.
30 September 2021
talksport.com
Leicester's bad form continues as they suffer Europa League defeat
Leicester's struggles continued as they were beaten 1-0 by Legia Warsaw in the Europa League.
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Cheltenham Town vs. Rotherham United - prediction, team news, lineups
In their bid to climb into the top two of the League One table, Rotherham United will travel to take on Cheltenham Town on Saturday.
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Gareth Southgate welcomes move towards 'tolerant society' as racism is punished
England manager Gareth Southgate believes Hungary's stadium ban and a prison sentence for a West Brom fan shows that a more "tolerant society" is emerging.
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Team News: Nuno Espirito Santo makes nine changes to Tottenham Hotspur XI for NS Mura clash
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has made nine changes to his starting lineup for Thursday night's Europa Conference League clash against NS Mura.
30 September 2021
goal.com
'Verratti would be an unbelievable signing' - Man Utd urged to move for 'Carrick replacement' by Young
A former Red Devil has expressed his belief that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should dip back into the transfer market for a midfield dictator
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Derby County vs. Swansea City - prediction, team news, lineups
Basement club Derby County will be looking to claim their second successive Championship victory when they welcome Swansea City to Pride Park on Saturday afternoon.
30 September 2021
talksport.com
Otamendi mocked Fati with Messi taunt in Barcelona's crushing defeat to Benfica
Barcelona suffered yet another bad night in the Champions League as they lost 3-0 to Benfica.
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Timo Werner to consider Chelsea future?
Chelsea striker Timo Werner is reportedly planning to consider his future at the club at the end of the current campaign.
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Luton Town vs. Huddersfield Town - prediction, team news, lineups
Luton Town and Huddersfield Town will be looking to claim their second successive Championship victories when they lock horns at Kenilworth Road on Saturday afternoon.
30 September 2021
talksport.com
Kamara 'booed with every touch' by 'kids under 14' before being sent off
Glen Kamara was subjected to boos from Sparta Prague fans and was later sent off as Rangers fell to a 1-0 defeat in the Europa League clash.
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Sassuolo vs. Inter Milan - prediction, team news, lineups
Still unbeaten in Serie A, on Saturday evening Scudetto-holders Inter Milan meet mid-table Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium.
30 September 2021
mirror.co.uk
Tottenham stars nickname duo "pinky and perky" as UEFA report shames Solskjaer
Tottenham players have dubbed Fabio Paratici and Steve Hitchen "pinky and perky" as they have suddenly become more noticeable this season. Managing director of football Paratici and technical performance director Hitchen have even sat on the bench for games this season but have been watching training and have even tried to be in team meetings.
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Leeds United, Aston Villa interested in Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah?
Leeds United and Aston Villa reportedly both hold an interest in Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.
30 September 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Hertha Berlin vs. Freiburg - prediction, team news, lineups
A struggling Hertha Berlin side will be looking to bounce back from a woeful defeat last weekend against high-flying Freiburg at the Olympiastadion on Saturday.
30 September 2021
goal.com
Liverpool's Salah battles Ronaldo and Sarr for Premier League prize
The Egypt, Portugal and Senegal internationals have been shortlisted for the best player in the English top-flight for the month under review
Show more

Top News

24 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Lithuania vs. Finland (Monday, 5.00pm) Aiming to extend their successful start to World Cup qualifying, Finland will visit Lithuania on Monday evening, for the second game of their Group G campaign. 24 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea will reportedly have to pay a penalty price of £5m if they renege on their obligation to sign Jadon Sancho in the summer transfer window. 24 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reportedly braced for competition from Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of Sunderland's Chris Rigg. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Virgil Van Dijk has reportedly decided to end his time at Liverpool, with Paris Saint-Germain touted as a likely destination. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Virgil Van Dijk has reportedly decided to end his time at Liverpool, with Paris Saint-Germain touted as a likely destination. 23 March 2025 talksport.com Chelsea must pay Manchester United £5million if they don't sign Jadon Sancho on a permanent deal this summer, talkSPORT understands. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk France dramatically completed a terrific UEFA Nations League comeback over Croatia as they reached the semi-finals with a 5-4 penalty-shootout win following a 2-0 quarter-final second-leg victory and 2-2 aggregate draw at the Stade de France. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Portugal advanced into the UEFA Nations League semi-finals after beating Denmark 5-2 in the second leg at home on Sunday night, winning 5-3 on aggregate after extra time. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Spain booked their spot in the semi-finals of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League courtesy of a penalty-shootout success over the Netherlands on Sunday night, with the two teams finally being separated after two blockbuster contests. 23 March 2025 talksport.com Michael Owen has revealed the formation he would have gone with to unlock the best of England's Golden Generation. 23 March 2025 talksport.com Phil Parkinson says win, lose or draw, Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have his back. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Julian Nagelsmann's Germany scraped into the semi-final of the UEFA Nations League after drawing 3-3 in a dramatic quarter-final second leg against Italy at Signal Iduna Park on Sunday night. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Egypt will aim to make it back-to-back wins in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they welcome Sierra Leone to the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday for a matchday six encounter. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk In-form Ecuador will make the trip to Santiago to face Chile in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday knowing they are within touching distance of reaching the finals. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Everton have reportedly identified Genoa centre-back Koni De Winter as a potential replacement for Manchester United-linked Jarrad Branthwaite. 23 March 2025 talksport.com Cristiano Ronaldo was denied from the penalty spot just six minutes into Portugal's crucial Nations League clash with Denmark. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool's Alisson Becker, Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes and Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes will all drop out of the Brazil starting lineup for Tuesday's World Cup 2026 qualifying clash against rivals Argentina. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul is pushing to start Tuesday's World Cup 2026 qualifying clash against Brazil in Buenos Aires. 23 March 2025 talksport.com Edin Dzeko has shown off the brutal facial injury he suffered playing for Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday. 23 March 2025 talksport.com Mohamed Salah wants to stay at Liverpool even though he hasn't yet agreed a new deal. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Argentina will look to officially secure their place at World Cup 2026 when they face rivals Brazil in Tuesday's clash at Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Morocco will look to continue their impressive start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers when they host Tanzania at Stade Municipal on Tuesday. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria have announced their starting lineups for Sunday's fixture in the UEFA Nations League. 23 March 2025 talksport.com It's almost been eight years since Andrea Pirlo retired from football, but he hasn't lost his world-class free-kick abilities. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Newcastle United have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Malaga's teenage winger Antonio Cordero ahead of the summer transfer window. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona have reportedly set their asking price for Ferran Torres, with the versatile attacker expected to be on the move during this summer's transfer window. 23 March 2025 talksport.com Steve Bruce has passionately responded to Dwight Gayle after he claimed he 'didn't do tactics' when in charge of Newcastle. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji this summer. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Luka Modric has revealed that he is yet to speak with Real Madrid over his future beyond the end of the campaign. 23 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Flash back to the first few months of Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham Hotspur reign, where the Australian took a marvellous 26 Premier League points from 30 on offer, the most by any head coach in their first 10 matches in the competition.