International football news – Australia faces a new beginning – Zakaria in the top 11 – Sport

Australia: Arnold makes way

National coach Graham Arnold has resigned in the crucial qualifying phase for the 2026 World Cup «Down Under». “After careful consideration, my gut feeling told me that it was time for change, for new leadership to move the team forward,” said the 61-year-old. He took over the position in July 2018 and led Australia to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In total, he was on the sidelines for 66 matches. At the beginning of September, the “Socceroos” got off to a bad start in the decisive 3rd round of the Asian preliminary round for the global finals in 2 years with a 0-1 defeat against Bahrain and a goalless draw against Indonesia. “Graham Arnold’s departure marks the end of an era,” said James Johnson, Managing Director of Football Australia: “Under Graham’s leadership, we have achieved remarkable milestones that have moved Australian football forward on the world stage.”

France: L’Equipe chooses Zakaria again

Denis Zakaria is in the eleven of the round, the French sports newspaper The team After the first matchday in the newly created league phase of the Champions League. The Monaco captain, who was honored by the same media on Monday after the fourth matchday in the domestic Ligue 1, also shone on Thursday against Barcelona. The Geneva midfielder was one of the main players responsible for the Monegasques’ prestigious 2-1 victory. The team Gave Zakaria a grade of 7. Bayern striker Harry Kane received the best rating of 9 for his four-pack.