In a thrilling Euro 2024 quarter-final at Düsseldorf’s Merkur Spiel-Arena, England clinched a dramatic victory over Switzerland. After a tense 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, England triumphed 5-3 in a penalty shootout to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Following a cautious first half with no shots on target, Switzerland took the lead in the 75th minute through Breel Embolo’s close-range finish. England responded with determination as Bukayo Saka equalized ten minutes later with a spectacular curling shot from outside the box. Both teams had opportunities to win in extra time, with Declan Rice’s long-range effort for England…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Euro 2024: Semi-final Pairings Set The semi-final matchups for Euro 2024 have been confirmed following the completion of the quarter-final fixtures on Saturday night. In the first semi-final, Spain will take on France. Spain advanced by defeating hosts Germany in extra time, while France secured their spot by winning a penalty shootout against Portugal. In the second semi-final, England will face the Netherlands. England progressed after a penalty shootout victory over Switzerland following a 1-1 draw in regular time. The Netherlands overcame Turkey with a 2-1 comeback victory in their quarter-final match.
All teams for this year’s Copa America semi-finals have been confirmed. Colombia secured their spot with a commanding 5-0 victory over Panama. James Rodríguez contributed one goal and assisted two others at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. This marks Los Cafeteros’ third semi-final appearance in the last four editions of the tournament. They will face Uruguay, who eliminated Brazil in a penalty shootout on Saturday, in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday. Meanwhile, defending champions Argentina will take on Canada in the other semi-final in New Jersey on Tuesday.
Brazil head coach Dorival Junior has accepted “full responsibility” for Brazil’s quarter-final exit from the 2024 Copa América. The Selecao were defeated 4-2 in a penalty shootout by 10-man Uruguay on Saturday. “I must acknowledge that these results were unexpected, and I take full responsibility for them. However, I believe this team has significant potential for growth and improvement,” Dorival told reporters. The match ended in a goalless draw after regulation time, with Brazil failing to capitalize on Uruguay’s Nahitan Nandez being sent off in the 74th minute. Both Éder Militão and Douglas Luiz missed their penalty kicks during the…
Renowned actor and wrestler John Cena surprised fans with his announcement of retirement from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) competitions at the WWE Money in the Bank event in Canada. The 47-year-old superstar, who has successfully ventured into acting over the past 18 years, disclosed that his final in-ring performance is scheduled for 2025 as part of a farewell tour. Cena, widely celebrated as one of the greatest professional wrestlers in history, has amassed an impressive 16 world champion titles since joining WWE in 2001. Speaking to the crowd in Toronto, he declared, “Tonight, I officially announce my retirement from WWE,”…
Georges Mikautadze, the striker from Georgia, remains among the joint top scorers of Euro 2024 with three goals as the tournament heads into the semi-finals. Joining him with the same tally are Jamal Musiala (Germany), Ivan Schranz (Slovakia), and Cody Gakpo (Netherlands). Players with two goals each include Kai Havertz and Niclas Fullkrug (Germany), Jude Bellingham (England), Fabian Ruiz (Spain), Harry Kane (England), Razvan Marin (Romania), Donyell Malen (Netherlands), Merih Demiral (Turkey), Breel Embolo (Switzerland), Florian Wirtz (Germany), and Dani Olmo (Spain). Here is the updated list of top scorers: – Georges Mikautadze – Georgia – 3 goals – Jamal…
Kelechi Iheanacho, now a free agent following his departure from Leicester City in June, ended a seven-year stint with the club as his contract expired. Interest in the former Manchester City forward isn’t limited to the Premier League, as clubs from Turkey, Spain, and Saudi Arabia have also shown interest in acquiring his services. Wolves and West Ham are reportedly actively pursuing the 27-year-old striker, with Crystal Palace and Aston Villa also linked with potential moves, as reported by GiveMeSport. During his time at Leicester City, Iheanacho scored 35 goals in 173 league appearances and contributed to the club’s FA…
Coaches of Super Eagles’ Group Opponents React to AFCON 2025 Draw Coaches of Benin Republic and Rwanda, drawn alongside Nigeria in the AFCON 2025 qualifying series, have shared their thoughts on the upcoming matches. Benin Republic’s head coach, Gernot Rohr, remains optimistic following the Squirrels’ recent 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Rohr, who previously managed the Super Eagles for six years, believes his team can replicate their success. “It’s a tough draw with Nigeria again, and we also face Rwanda, whom we know well and respect,” Rohr stated on the Benin Football Federation’s official…
As the 2024-25 Premier League season approaches, English top-flight clubs are gearing up for pre-season friendlies, as reported by Man Utd News. Manchester United, looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2023-24 season that saw them finish eighth in the league, have meticulously planned their pre-season campaign. In February, the club announced a tour to the United States, kicking off on July 15 with a match against Rosenborg at Lerkendal Stadion. They will then face Rangers on July 20 at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. The tour continues with three high-profile matches in the US. On July 28, they will take…
Italian left-back Riccardo Calafiori has shown strong interest in joining Arsenal, following positive developments in his negotiations with the London club. Sources close to the player indicate that Calafiori has agreed to a substantial €4 million net salary over a five-year contract, highlighting his eagerness to move to the Premier League. Known for his attacking prowess and solid defensive abilities, the 20-year-old has caught the eye of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who views him as a valuable addition to bolster the Gunners’ backline. While personal terms have been agreed upon, Calafiori’s potential transfer to Arsenal depends on ongoing negotiations between…
Chelsea has confirmed the departure of forward Chinonso Chibueze to Championship club Stoke City. The Premier League club announced this on their website, stating: “Chinonso Chibueze has left Chelsea to join Championship club Stoke City. We wish Chi Chi the best of luck for the future.” Chibueze, who joined Chelsea as an Under-10 player from Fulham, progressed through the ranks at Cobham and made his Under-18 debut during the 2021/22 season.
Ecuador has fired head coach Felix Sanchez following their elimination from Copa America 2024 at the hands of Argentina. Sanchez witnessed Argentina triumph 4-2 on penalties in the quarter-final match on Thursday, which ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of play. During the match, Ecuador’s striker Enner Valencia missed a penalty in the 62nd minute. In a statement, Ecuador’s Football Federation (FEF) expressed gratitude to Felix Sanchez and his coaching staff for their dedication and professionalism, wishing them success in their future endeavors.
UEFA announced on Friday that Manchester City and Girona are cleared to participate in the Champions League, while Manchester United and Nice are approved for the Europa League, following resolution of concerns over multi-club ownership. Manchester City, part of the City Group, and Girona, also affiliated with City Group, faced scrutiny due to shared ownership. Similarly, Jim Ratcliffe, who owns 25 percent of Manchester United and controls Nice through his Ineos company, prompted UEFA to examine potential conflicts with ownership regulations. UEFA confirmed the admission of these clubs into next season’s European competitions after adjustments were made to comply with…
Toni Kroos has officially retired from football following Germany’s exit from Euro 2024, where they were defeated 2-1 by Spain after extra time in the quarter-finals. The hosts of the summer tournament were eliminated after a tense 120 minutes in Stuttgart. Spain took the lead through Dani Olmo in the second half, but Florian Wirtz equalized late in regulation to force extra time. As penalties loomed, Mikel Merino struck in the final minute of extra time to secure Spain’s victory. This outcome marks the end of Kroos’s illustrious career. The legendary midfielder, who spent the last decade at Real Madrid,…
Three Spain players will miss their Euro 2024 semi-final match due to suspensions. La Roja advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Germany 2-1 in the quarter-final. However, their victory came with setbacks, as Pedri sustained a knee injury in the first half, ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament. Additionally, three players received suspensions that will prevent them from participating in the upcoming semi-final against either Portugal or France. Dani Carvajal was shown a red card, which automatically results in suspension, while Robin Le Normand and Alvaro Morata accumulated yellow cards, surpassing the limit and thus earning suspensions…
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Euro 2024 journey concluded in the quarter-finals as France triumphed over Portugal. Today, July 5, Portugal faced France at the Volksparkstadion in a quarter-final clash that failed to meet expectations, with both teams squandering their limited opportunities. Ronaldo, who had announced this Euro as his career’s last, found himself isolated against France. Throughout the match and extra time, he anticipated passes and crosses that never materialized, and struggled to make an impact as his teammates struggled to connect with him in attack. Despite his subdued performance, coach Roberto Martínez opted to keep him on the pitch. Meanwhile, Kylian…
Arsenal have entered negotiations with Bologna to secure a deal for centre-back Riccardo Calafiori, according to reports. Calafiori, 22, gained international attention this summer following an outstanding Serie A season and notable performances for Italy at Euro 2024, despite their unexpected elimination in the round of 16. Now focusing on his club future, Calafiori is reportedly the subject of talks between Arsenal and Bologna, as confirmed by the Daily Mail. Discussions also involve representatives of Calafiori as Arsenal aim to finalize the deal and preempt competition from other interested parties, notably Chelsea. According to Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal’s initial bid…
John Stones is confident in England’s adaptability to shift to a three-man defense as they prepare for their Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland, despite the absence of Marc Guehi. The Three Lions secured their spot in the tournament’s final eight teams with a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over Slovakia on Sunday. Their progression sets up a clash with Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday, necessitating adjustments to the lineup. Crystal Palace standout Guehi, who has played every minute of England’s Euro campaign and stood out as a key player, will miss the upcoming match due to suspension after receiving his second…
Jude Bellingham, the England midfielder, will be available for his team’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland after UEFA decided to impose a suspended one-game ban on the Real Madrid star. Bellingham came under scrutiny for allegedly making a gesture towards the Slovakia bench during their intense round-of-16 encounter. The 21-year-old clarified that the gesture was not intended to disrespect his opponents but was part of an ‘inside joke’ with friends in the stands. UEFA’s verdict includes a €30,000 (£25,400) fine for Bellingham and a suspended one-game ban, which will only be enforced if he breaches similar rules within the next…
Arsenal has officially announced the signing of seven academy players. The players include Brian Okonkwo, Maldini Kacurri, Josh Nichols, Ismeal Kabia, Harrison Dudziak, Sebastian Ferdinand, and Osman Kamara. The Gunners released a detailed statement on Thursday via their website confirming the new professional contracts for these players. “Seven of our academy players have committed to new professional contracts at the club,” Arsenal’s statement highlighted. In the meantime, Arsenal is anticipated to strengthen manager Mikel Arteta’s squad during the upcoming summer transfer window. The North London club finished second in the Premier League last season, trailing behind Manchester City.