Alex Manninger: Ex-Arsenal Goalkeeper Dies After Car Hit by Train Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48 following a tragic accident in Salzburg, Austria, where his car was struck by a train. The incident occurred on April 16, 2026, at approximately 08:20 local time (07:20 BST) at a level crossing. According to Salzburg police, first responders used a defibrillator on Manninger, who was alone in the vehicle, but could not revive him. The train driver was unharmed. Manninger, who played for Arsenal from 1997 to 2002, made 64 appearances for the club during his tenure. He was part of the team that won the Premier League and FA Cup during that period. However, he often played second fiddle to David Seaman, the England international goalkeeper, during his time at Highbury. Despite this, Manninger earned recognition for his performances, including a memorable FA Cup run in the 1997-98 season. He helped Arsenal defeat West Ham United on penalties in the sixth round of the FA Cup and delivered a standout display in a 2-1 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford. His efforts earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award for March 1998. Before joining Arsenal, Manninger began his career with his hometown club, Red Bull Salzburg. Over the course of his professional career, he played for 14 teams across Europe, including Siena, Juventus, Udinese, and Augsburg. In 2016, at the age of 39, he signed a short-term deal with Liverpool but did not make a competitive appearance for the club. Manninger also represented Austria at the international level, earning 33 caps and becoming a key member of the squad that participated in Euro 2008 in his home country.#arsenal #austria #alex_manninger #salzburg #red_bull_salzburg
LIVESTREAMING: Austria vs Ghana (International Friendlies) The Ghana national team, the Black Stars, will face Austria in an international friendly on Friday, March 27, 2026, as head coach Otto Addo continues preparations for the 2026 World Cup. This match marks the second meeting between the two sides, following a 1-1 draw in 2007. The game will take place at the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna, with kickoff scheduled for 17:00 GMT. Live updates and coverage will be provided throughout the match. The Black Stars’ lineup for the encounter has seen several key players, including the decision to bench Kamaldeen Sulemana. The probable starting XI includes a mix of experienced and emerging talents, reflecting the team’s strategy to balance depth and competitiveness. Other notable developments in the squad include a reported incident at a hotel, which the venue denied as a robbery, and a dance battle among players during training sessions. These moments highlight the team’s focus on both performance and camaraderie ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. The friendly match also serves as an opportunity for the squad to test tactical approaches and player fitness. Highlight reels from previous encounters, such as the iconic friendly against Real Madrid, have been shared to showcase the team’s history and progress. Fans are encouraged to follow the game for real-time updates, as the match is expected to draw significant attention both domestically and internationally. The fixture is part of a broader schedule for the Black Stars, with the team aiming to build momentum ahead of high-stakes competitions. The match against Austria will provide valuable insights into the squad’s readiness and adaptability, setting the stage for future challenges in the global football calendar.#world_cup #ghana_national_team #otto_addo #austria #ernst_happel_stadion
