
Ilkay Gundogan rues Manchester City's failure to score seventh against Al Ain
Ilkay Gundogan bemoaned Manchester City's failure to score seven after thrashing Abu Dhabi side Al Ain 6-0 at the Club World Cup.
Veteran midfielder Gundogan struck twice as City secured their place in the last 16 with a comfortable victory in Atlanta but it was not enough to take them top of Group G.
Their performance lifted them level on points and goal difference with Juventus but it is the Italians who will have the slight edge – courtesy of goals scored – heading into Thursday's meeting between the two teams in Orlando.
City will now need to beat the Serie A outfit to ensure they avoid a clash with the winners of Real Madrid's group in the first knockout round.
'It felt like we needed the seventh at the end,' said Gundogan. 'We set that as our target at half-time but unfortunately we didn't start the second half good enough. We were a bit slow.
'It felt like it cost us at the end.'
Manager Pep Guardiola admitted Juve now hold an advantage over his side but played down its significance.
Guardiola said: 'With one more goal we would have two options, but we only have one now.
'It would be better but the important thing is we are in the next phase. If you want to go through you have to face top, top teams so it does not matter.
'We see Brazilian teams, European top-class teams. It is no big concern.
'I like that we tried. We spoke at half-time of trying to score as many goals as possible. At the end we had chances to score more but that is fine.
'We played a little bit better than the first game, especially in the second half, but there are some things we have to improve.'
Guardiola changed his entire XI following their 2-0 win over Wydad Casablanca on Wednesday.
Gundogan opened the scoring with a cross-shot after eight minutes before teenager Claudio Echeverri struck from a free-kick and Erling Haaland tucked away a penalty.
Gundogan capped a fine move to grab the fourth after the break and substitutes Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki netted in the closing stages. Other near misses saw Josko Gvardiol head against the post and Phil Foden go close late on.
Gundogan's performance, coming after reports linking him with Galatasaray, which were downplayed by Guardiola this week, was particularly eye-catching.
Guardiola said of the 34-year-old: 'He's an exceptional player, exceptional in all senses.
'He's really, really good and made a fantastic goal. He reads what we have to do every game. I'm really pleased.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
19 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Watch sports events on DAZN, Sky Sports and TNT with deals
The summer is packed full of unmissable sporting events, including the FIFA Club World Cup, British Grand Prix, Tour de France and Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2 As footie fans eagerly anticipate the kick-off of the 2025/26 season, there's a host of other sporting spectacles to savour this summer. Some of the globe's top clubs have descended on the USA for the FIFA Club World Cup, including Man City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), with the next match taking place today at 8pm between PSG and Seattle Sounders FC. Away from the football pitch, there are more unmissable sporting events lined up in July, such as the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Tour de France and the much-awaited rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois. However, with all this sporting drama spread across several UK broadcasters, it can be a bit of a puzzle deciding which subscription best caters to our sporting preferences. With that in mind, we've examined a range of major sports broadcasters, including DAZN, Sky Sports and TNT Sports, along with the top deals currently on offer. So, read on for a sneak peek of the summer highlights and the best deals to catch each one without breaking the bank. DAZN While many sports enthusiasts link DAZN with boxing, it actually offers a whole lot more. Throughout June and July, the broadcaster will be showing every match from the FIFA Club World Cup live from the USA. Supporters can stream every match for free by creating a complimentary DAZN account, which also provides access to a range of documentaries, features and clips from past tournaments. For those desiring HDR picture quality and Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound, fewer adverts and full access to the rest of the DAZN platform, DAZN offers a paid Premium subscription. Watch the Club World Cup free on DAZN £0 DAZN Get DAZN here Product Description DAZN Premium is currently priced at £9.99 for an annual plan, or £19.99 for the 30-day rolling Flex account. The DAZN App is compatible with smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles, streaming devices and any device with a web browser. In addition to football, DAZN's boxing schedule includes Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr (June 28), Catterall vs Eubank (July 5) and Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2 (July 19). However, bear in mind that certain fights will only be available on pay-per-view and are not included in a standard DAZN subscription. In our assessment of the DAZN platform, we found the app occasionally sluggish on an iPhone 13, but it operates smoothly once content is loaded, and streaming on a TV posed no problems. Sky Sports Despite being between Premier League and EFL seasons, Sky Sports has plenty to offer sports enthusiasts ahead of the new season starting in August. From the 2025/26 season, Sky is boosting its Premier League coverage, promising a 'record minimum' of 215 live matches, which it claims is more than any other broadcaster. Sky's flagship TV and sports package, the Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, is available for £35 per month. This gives viewers access to every fixture broadcast on Sky Sports, including over 140 weekend matches, evening games on Fridays and Mondays, three midweek rounds, and the festive round of fixtures. By signing up for a 24-month Sky Sports package, viewers secure access to both the 2025/26 and 2026/27 Premier League and EFL seasons. The package includes nine dedicated Sky Sports channels, such as Golf, Tennis, Cricket and F1, so fans can catch every practice, qualifier and race from the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on July 3-6. The package also includes more than 100 regular channels, along with free Netflix and Discovery+ subscriptions. However, the main drawback with Sky might be its 24-month contract length, which could deter those not looking to make a long-term commitment. If this is the case, Sky also offers a 30-day rolling plan for £43 per month, providing flexibility for a higher monthly cost. Existing Sky customers can add Sky Sports to their package for an additional £22 per month. Sky Sports is also included in Virgin Media's Bigger Combo bundle + Sport s, priced at £59.99 per month. This package justifies its higher price tag with the inclusion of 362Mbps broadband and a shorter 18-month term. TNT Sports The broadcaster formerly known as BT Sport is now accessible via a Discovery+ Premium subscription in the UK. Its coverage spans four telly channels and up to six digital or red-button channels, plus Eurosport 1 and 2. TNT offers a variety of sports to cater to any fan, including football, cycling, tennis, snooker, Premiership Rugby, MotoGP, boxing, UFC and more. This month's highlights include the remaining NBA finals games, with the Tour de France kicking off on 5 July. Also on the roster are the Bennetts British Superbikes and World Superbikes, along with the Grand Slam Track events from Miami, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Looking ahead, TNT Sports will once again air select matches in the upcoming seasons of the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League. All this can be accessed with a Discovery+ Premium subscription for £30.99 per month through Discovery+ or Amazon's Discovery+ Prime Video channel. TNT Sports can also be added to new or existing Sky and Virgin packages for £20 and £18 respectively. However, TNT Sports has faced backlash for its commentary on certain sports, with disgruntled users airing their grievances on Trustpilot. One tennis enthusiast described the commentary for the Men's and Ladies' French finals as 'dreadful'. One football fan remarked: "If TNT Sports football producers believe commenters shouting and screaming over each other enhances the experience, so be it. Most people I talk to either watch with sound off or now just don't tune in. However, other fans were more positive, as one said: "Giving five stars for Ally McCoist's match commentary. He's brilliant."


Wales Online
25 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Wales find a 6ft 8in teenage giant who loves to 'beat up' opposition players
Wales find a 6ft 8in teenage giant who loves to 'beat up' opposition players Luke Evans is a player Welsh rugby bosses are getting very excited about Giant Wales U20s lock Luke Evans in action against Italy U20s (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) There is a school of thought that Wales' struggles at senior level are down to a collective lack of size and power in the pack. That may well be true right now, but the future looks far brighter — and far bigger — in that regard. Last Tuesday, Wales U20s invited journalists up to the Welsh Rugby Union's National Centre of Excellence to chat, and every member of the squad was put up for interview. There were two things which stood out; the confidence of the players and the sheer size of many of the forwards who will be more than a match for the traditional heavyweights like England, France and South Africa at the World Rugby U-20 Championship this summer. One such player is Exeter Chiefs second-row Luke Evans, who is 6ft 8in and 117kg. The 18-year-old is one of a number of front five forwards Wales are excited about, with the likes of tighthead Sam Scott, loosehead Ioan Emanuel and hooker Harry Thomas among a plethora of players capable of mixing it with the stronger packs at U20s level. Evans is keen to showcase his physical prowess and make his mark this summer. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below "There's a lot of big lumps everywhere you go but I think in this group we've got some very big boys," Evans told WalesOnline. "You've got the likes of Sam Scott and Ioan Emanuel in the front-row while we've got some big boys at lock who can front up. "Even the not so big ones back themselves on physicality so taking on the bigger packs isn't going to be a worry for us this summer. "We aren't going to use size as an excuse. "That's a bit of an oversight by the public because we back ourselves to beat teams physically. "We are alright size wise." Wales U20s will need their pack to be dominant from the outset this summer with Argentina U20s and France U20s - two of the most powerful forward packs - in their pool. Evans is champing at the bit to get stuck into both teams. "I love being able to front up to someone and beat them up legally on the field of play," said Evans. "Size does help but I love that aggressive side of the game being physical and getting stuck in. "That's my favourite part. My work rate is non-negotiable. "I work as hard as I can and I'm as physical as I can be. "As a second-row the set-piece is huge but it doesn't get you everything so being dominant in the set-piece is important. "But I think my point of difference is around the park. I will be very busy in defence and attack. "I like to get my hands on the ball as much as possible and make as many tackles as I can. I relish the physical side of things and like to be as aggressive as I can." Luke Evans of Wales (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Big things are expected of Evans over the next few years. After playing his junior rugby for Llanharan RFC and Pontyclun RFC, Evans made his debut for Wales U18s at just 16 years of age. Such was his potential Evans took up an offer to join the Exeter Chiefs academy and was included in the England U18s squad. The WRU were not prepared to lose a player of his quality so pulled out all the stops to get him back involved in the Welsh set-up. Evans was born in Jersey so is eligible to represent all four of the home nations but makes it very clear his allegiance lies with Wales. "I was only out there (Jersey) for a year but it managed to make me eligible for four different countries but I count myself as Welsh through and through," he said. "All my family are Welsh and this is where I want to play my rugby. "As a kid I always wanted to play for Wales. "Having said that opportunities do come and if its right for you you've got to take them, but my childhood dream is to play for Wales. "When I played for Wales U18s I was quite lucky in that I was 16 playing for those. "I went down to Exeter. I captained Exeter U18s in the academy league when I had a few chats with the England coaches. "I never actually played for England U18s. I went to a few camps but I picked up an injury so didn't manage to play. "At the time it was the best for my progression. "Nothing against Wales because I am Welsh through and through and want to play for Wales. "I just think at the time it did help my progression both physically and rugby wise. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free "It was a tough decision at the time to go and choose England but at that time it felt right and was the best thing for my progression into Exeter and international. "I think I came through it a better player." Evans will study Sports Science at Exeter University from September and should get game time in the Bucs Super League while he will also train with the senior Exeter Chiefs squad. This is a well-trodden path with senior Wales internationals Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza having progressed through the same pathway. Exeter Chiefs have endured their worst season in its Premiership history and there will naturally be a changing of the guard next season. Evans wants to follow in Jenkins' footsteps by breaking into the Chiefs side and representing Wales over the next few years. "I remember speaking to Rob Baxter before I signed for the club and what he said was if you are good enough you will play regardless of your age," he said. "I know some coaches like to back experience but he's keen to give youth its chance. "As you've seen this season even though we weren't doing so well he was still picking the youngsters. "When I get the chance to go in and train with the likes of Daf Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza who are down there in my position it's great to compete and train with that level of player. "It's great to go at them, work hard, compare myself to them and try to compete with the best. "You see what he's (Daf Jenkins) done and how quickly it has all happened. I think it shows it is possible. Being around him and just picking things up in training or little things in games is invaluable. "Everyone knows his main strength is his physicality and that's how I want to be like as well. So, I think learning from him, being physical and just picking up things is really helpful. "If I want a little catch up I know he's there to speak to. Learning off him is great and is a perfect pathway for me to hopefully follow in his footsteps and do what he's done." Evans comes from a family of athletes, with his father, David, an outstanding squash player who was once ranked number three in the world and represented Wales at three Commonwealth Games. He also won the British Open event in 2000. His grandfather Derrick also played top class rugby for Cross Keys. Evans has learnt a great deal from his father and grandfather and is confident Wales U20s can compete to win the U20s World Championship this summer. "My dad comes to all of my games as does my grandad," he said. "It's good for them to give me advice. "He (his dad) doesn't speak about it too much but when I speak to other people they all say he was pretty good. Our family is built on working hard and grafting. "We might not be the most skilful but we work hard and that's what we pride ourselves on hard work and physicality. "If we (Wales U20s) aren't going there to win it then it's pointless going out there. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. "For us we are going out there to win it. Article continues below "We will back ourselves as you saw during the Six Nations where we beat last year's world champions (England). "We know as a group we can pick ourselves up and beat anyone in a one off game. Of course, it is going to be tough out there with quick turnarounds but we do back ourselves to beat anyone in a one off game."


Metro
28 minutes ago
- Metro
£25m Chelsea star wanted by Premier League rivals amid uncertain future
Robert Sanchez could leave Chelsea this summer (Photo: Getty) Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is attracting interest from a Premier League club with his future at Stamford Bridge looking increasingly uncertain. Chelsea have been very active in the transfer market so far this summer, signing Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr. Enzo Maresca is also desperate to buy a new left-winger and has his sights set on Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens. But there will also be significant outgoings, with up to 15 players reportedly up for sale, even those who have been regulars in the starting XI like Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke. Sanchez is another player who could leave Stamford Bridge despite being the No.1 goalkeeper for the past two seasons following a £25million transfer from Brighton. Get personalised updates on Chelsea every day Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. While the Spaniard has kept his place ahead of Filip Jorgensen and Djordje Petrovic, he has never looked entirely convincing, with no Premier League player making more errors leading to goal (five) than him last season. Chelsea tried to replace him ahead of the Club World Cup but were unable to strike a deal for AC Milan star Mike Maignan, but it is very likely they will attempt to sign a new keeper before next season starts. Chelsea tried to sign Mike Maignan to replace Sanchez earlier this transfer window (Photo: Getty) As such, Sanchez's future with the Blues looks bleak, but his career in England may continue as The Times report that West Ham are considering making a move for the 27-year-old. The Irons are looking at potential replacements for Alphonse Areola and have also been linked with Petrovic who is expected to leave Chelsea this summer. Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale is also on West Ham's radar and is available for £20m after suffering relegation with Southampton. Robert Sanchez Premier League stats 2024/25 Appearances: 32 Goals conceded: 34 Clean sheets: 10 Saves: 95 Errors leading to goal: 5 Earlier this year, Chelsea were urged to sign Ramsdale by former Manchester United keeper Ben Foster, who said the England international would be an 'upgrade'. More Trending 'At certain moments when he [Sanchez] needs to be calm under pressure, he panics, tenses up and that's where all the errors start creeping in,' Foster said. Chelsea have been previously linked with Aaron Ramsdale (Photo: Getty) 'He's trying to do too much. Instead of just being settled and being comfortable in knowing what he is as a goalkeeper and letting it come onto you, don't create work for yourself.' Chelsea are currently busy at the Club World Cup, with Sanchez starting their opening two games – a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC and a surprise 3-1 defeat to Brazilian side Flamengo last week. In order to progress to the knockout stages, the Blues must avoid defeat to ES Tunis in their final group game on Wednesday. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Arrow MORE: 'You little dope!' – Troy Deeney tells Bruno Fernandes to 'smash' Man Utd teammate in training Arrow MORE: Juventus could offer £60m star to Man Utd in exchange for Jadon Sancho