Category: FOOTBALL

New Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expects Ilkay Gundogan to stay with the club this season, despite recent transfer rumors. Gundogan, who joined Barcelona from Manchester City in 2023, is in his final contract year. The 33-year-old German midfielder missed Barcelona’s opening league match due to a minor injury. Flick expressed appreciation for Gundogan as a player and person, stating they have a good relationship. Barcelona’s next LaLiga match is against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. Reuters

Robert Lewandowski scored twice as Barcelona came from behind to beat Valencia 2-1 in their La Liga opener under new coach Hansi Flick. Hugo Duro put Valencia ahead, but Lewandowski equalized before halftime and scored a penalty early in the second half. Barcelona fielded three 17-year-olds, including Lamine Yamal, whose father was recently stabbed. Flick praised the team’s improved second-half performance and Lewandowski expressed satisfaction with the win. AFP

Al Hilal won the Saudi Super Cup, defeating Al Nassr 4-1 in a dramatic comeback. Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Al Nassr before halftime, but Al Hilal dominated the second half with goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Aleksandar Mitrovic (2), and Malcom. The victory marks Al Hilal’s second consecutive Super Cup title and their fifth overall, maintaining their position as the most successful team in the championship’s history. The match showcased Al Hilal’s resilience and offensive prowess, overcoming an early deficit to secure a convincing win. Reuters

Lamine Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, was reportedly stabbed multiple times in Mataro, Spain, leaving him in serious but stable condition. The incident occurred after an argument while Nasraoui was walking his dog. Catalan police are investigating, with some arrests made. The attack happened in Rocafonda, Yamal’s childhood neighborhood, which he references in goal celebrations. Yamal, 17, is a rising star for Barcelona and Spain, having played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory. AFP

Real Madrid won a record sixth UEFA Super Cup, defeating Atalanta 2-0 in Warsaw. Kylian Mbappe scored on his debut for Real Madrid, sealing the victory after Fede Valverde’s opener. Coach Carlo Ancelotti equaled Miguel Munoz’s record of 14 titles with the club. Mbappe started as the central forward, flanked by Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. Jude Bellingham played in midfield and provided the assist for Mbappe’s goal. The win marks a strong start for Real Madrid’s new-look attack featuring Mbappe. AFP

Juan Antonio Cobos, an 86-year-old Real Madrid superfan, will support his team at the UEFA Super Cup match against Atalanta in Warsaw. Cobos, a retired pharmacist, has been a dedicated fan for over 70 years. He has attended all but one of Real Madrid’s 15 Champions League final victories. Recently honored for his 60-year club membership, Cobos attributes his passion to family influence. Despite health challenges and the pandemic, he continues to follow Real Madrid across Europe, balancing his love for family and football. Reuters

Kylian Mbappe is set to make his highly anticipated debut for Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta in Warsaw. The French star, who joined Madrid as a free agent in June, will play his first official game for the Spanish giants. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Mbappe’s readiness to start. The match offers Mbappe a chance to win his first European trophy with his new club. Atalanta, Europa League winners, are competing in their first Super Cup. AFP

The Premier League has launched a social media account, @PLMatchCentre, to provide near real-time updates and explanations on VAR decisions during matches. This initiative aims to increase transparency and reduce frustration with the VAR system, which faced significant criticism last season. The account will offer insights from the VAR hub and refereeing experts, as well as clarify the laws of the game. This move comes after teams voted to retain VAR in June despite widespread complaints. Reuters

Manchester United’s Luke Shaw will miss the first three Premier League games due to a calf injury. The England defender is expected to return after the international break in September. This setback could affect his participation in England’s upcoming Nations League matches. Shaw, who was part of England’s Euro 2024 squad, has been struggling with injuries recently, having played limited minutes in the tournament due to a hamstring issue. AFP

Argentine star Lionel Messi will miss Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Columbus due to an ankle injury. The tournament features MLS and Liga MX clubs, with Miami defending their title. In the opening round, Seattle Sounders defeated Pumas 4-0. Other knockout matches are scheduled, with quarter-finals set for Friday and Saturday. The tournament brings together top teams from MLS and Mexican leagues in a competitive showcase. AFP

Bangladesh Football Federation President Kazi Salahuddin refuses to resign despite protests from fan group Bangladesh Football Ultras. He plans to contest the upcoming BFF elections on October 26 for a fifth term. Salahuddin dismisses the protesters’ demands, citing his football background and numerous awards. He alleges the Ultras are linked to Tarafder Ruhul Amin, a claim Tarafder denies. The controversy follows recent political changes in Bangladesh.

Barcelona, under new coach Hansi Flick, suffered a 3-0 defeat against Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy friendly. Goals from Camara, Embolo, and Mawissa secured Monaco’s victory. Gundogan left injured, while young star Yamal briefly energized the team. This loss comes as a setback before Barcelona’s La Liga opener against Valencia on Saturday, as they aim to reclaim the title from Real Madrid. AFP

Barcelona has announced the departure of captain Sergi Roberto after 14 seasons. The 32-year-old midfielder, who came through La Masia academy, made 373 appearances and won 25 trophies with the club. Roberto, known for his versatility and crucial goal in the 2017 Champions League comeback against PSG, leaves after his contract expired in June. He won two Champions Leagues and seven La Liga titles during his tenure. AFP

Lee Carsley, currently England’s under-21 manager, has been appointed as temporary manager of the senior England national team. The FA announced that Carsley will lead the Three Lions in their upcoming Nations League matches against Ireland and Finland in September. His tenure could extend further depending on how quickly the FA selects a permanent replacement for Gareth Southgate. AFP

Spanish footballers Alvaro Morata and Rodri have been suspended for one match by UEFA for singing “Gibraltar is Spanish” during the Euro 2024 trophy presentation in Madrid. The incident occurred after Spain’s victory over England in the final. UEFA’s disciplinary committee cited the players for violating basic decency rules and using a sporting event for non-sporting demands. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, a status disputed by Spain. AFP

Spanish players Alvaro Morata and Rodri received one-match bans from UEFA for singing “Gibraltar is Spanish” during a Euro 2024 celebration in Madrid. The incident occurred on July 15, following Spain’s victory over England in the final. UEFA cited violations of conduct principles and using a sporting event for non-sporting manifestations. The ban applies to their next eligible UEFA international match. Reuters

Climate activists spray-painted Lionel Messi’s mansion in Ibiza, protesting wealth inequality and climate change. The group, Futuro Vegetal, targeted the property, claiming it was illegally constructed. Argentine President Javier Milei condemned the act, calling it “cowardly and crazy.” Messi reportedly bought the mansion in 2022 for €11 million. The activists have previously staged similar protests, including gluing themselves to paintings at Madrid’s Prado museum. AFP

Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, 38, has extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2025. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner has won 26 trophies with Real since 2012, including six Champions League titles. Despite expectations of retirement, especially after teammate Toni Kroos announced his, Modric plans to continue playing both for Real Madrid and internationally for Croatia. He expressed uncertainty about how long he’ll continue but shows no immediate plans to retire from football. Reuters

Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana called out teammate Enzo Fernandez for posting a video containing “uninhibited racism” after Argentina’s Copa America win. The video featured offensive chants about French players. Fernandez apologized, claiming he got caught up in celebrations. The French Football Federation plans to file a complaint with FIFA over the “racist and discriminatory” content. Chelsea is reportedly investigating the incident.Source:AFP

Spain won the Euro 2024 final, defeating England 2-1 in Berlin. Nico Williams scored for Spain early in the second half, assisted by Lamine Yamal. England equalized through substitute Cole Palmer, but Mikel Oyarzabal scored a late winner for Spain. This victory marks Spain’s fourth European Championship title, solidifying their resurgence in international football. The win showcased the talent of Spain’s young generation, particularly 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, while ending England’s hopes for their first major title since 1966. AFP

Uruguay defeated Canada 4-3 on penalties in the Copa America third-place playoff after a 2-2 draw in regular time. Luis Suarez scored a late equalizer to force penalties. In the shootout, Canada’s Kone and Davies missed their attempts, giving Uruguay the win. The match saw Canada nearly upset Uruguay, leading 2-1 late in the game before Suarez’s dramatic intervention.Source:Daily Star

Argentine captain Messi hopes Di Maria ends his international career with a goal in Sunday’s Copa America final against Colombia. Di Maria, 36, plans to retire after 15 years representing Argentina. Messi wishes for a repeat of Di Maria’s crucial goals in previous finals. Despite team hopes for him to reconsider, Di Maria seems determined to retire after a stellar career spanning 144 appearances.Source:Daily Star

England’s Ollie Watkins scored a crucial late winner against the Netherlands, securing a 2-1 victory and a place in the Euro 2024 final. The substitute striker claimed he “manifested” the goal, having discussed it with teammate Cole Palmer at halftime. Watkins expressed his joy and relief after limited playing time in the tournament. England will face Spain in Sunday’s final in Berlin, aiming for their first Euro title. AFP

Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 in the Copa America semi-final, securing their spot in Sunday’s final in Miami. Julian Alvarez scored the opener, while Lionel Messi added the second goal. Argentina dominated the match with superior play from veterans Di Maria and De Paul. The world champions will face either Uruguay or Colombia in the final, aiming for their 16th Copa America title and third consecutive major tournament win.Source:Daily Star

Spain advanced to the Euro 2024 final after defeating France 2-1 in a thrilling semi-final match. France took an early lead with Kolo Muani’s header, but Spain rallied with goals from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo. Yamal’s strike made him the youngest scorer in Euro or World Cup history. Despite France’s second-half pressure, Spain held on to secure their spot in Sunday’s final in Berlin. Reuters

Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni confirms Lionel Messi is fit to play in the Copa America semi-final against Canada, despite recent hamstring concerns. Messi played the full quarter-final match against Ecuador but missed a penalty in the shootout. Scaloni acknowledges Canada’s physical strength and aggressive play, stating Argentina will try to control the game with their assets. The match is set for Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.Source:Daily Star

France faces Spain in the Euro 2024 semi-final on Tuesday, with hopes pinned on Kylian Mbappe despite his underwhelming tournament performance. The 25-year-old captain, soon to join Real Madrid, has struggled with form and fitness, scoring only once from a penalty. Coach Deschamps remains positive about Mbappe’s impact, but his poor form, along with Griezmann’s, partly explains France’s low goal tally in the tournament.Source:Jagonews

Portugal exited Euro 2024 after losing to France on penalties in the quarterfinals. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, struggled throughout the tournament, failing to score in five matches except during the shootout. His performance raised questions about whether he extended his international career too long. Despite Portugal’s talented squad, Ronaldo’s presence seemed to hinder the team’s potential. This tournament marked a disappointing end to what might be Ronaldo’s final major international competition. Source:Daily Star

Uruguay defeated Brazil 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the Copa America quarter-finals. Despite Uruguay’s Nandez being sent off, Brazil couldn’t capitalize. In the shootout, Uruguay’s goalkeeper Rochet saved a penalty, while Brazil’s Luiz hit the post. Ugarte scored the decisive penalty, sending Uruguay to the semi-finals against Colombia. The match was intense with 41 fouls. Brazil exits in the quarter-finals for the second consecutive major tournament.Source:Daily Star

The Netherlands defeated Turkey 2-1 in the Euro 2024 quarter-final, advancing to the semi-finals for the first time in 20 years. Turkey took the lead with a 35th-minute goal by Samit Akaydin, but the Dutch turned the match around with goals from Stefan de Vrij (70′) and an own goal by Mert Muldur (76′). The Netherlands will face England in the semi-final in Dortmund. This marks their first semi-final appearance since Euro 2004. NDTV

England advanced to the Euro 2024 semi-finals after a 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Switzerland. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Breel Embolo scoring for Switzerland and Bukayo Saka equalizing for England. Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji’s penalty, while England converted all their spot-kicks. This marks England’s continued quest for their first major tournament win in 58 years. They will face either Turkey or the Netherlands in the semi-final in Dortmund. AFP

Canada advanced to the Copa America semi-finals, defeating Venezuela 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time. Jacob Shaffelburg scored for Canada, while Salomon Rondon equalized for Venezuela. In the shootout, Canadian goalkeeper Max Crepeau made a crucial save, and Ismael Kone scored the winning penalty. This marks Canada’s first Copa America appearance, setting up a semi-final clash with defending champions Argentina, who they previously lost to in the group stage. AFP

France defeated Portugal 5-3 on penalties in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal after a goalless 120 minutes. Theo Hernandez scored the winning penalty, while Joao Felix missed for Portugal. This likely marks Cristiano Ronaldo’s last Euros appearance. France advances to face Spain in the semi-finals. The match was tense and disappointing, with both teams struggling to play to their potential. Mbappe had a frustrating night, subbed off before the shootout. Source:Daily Star

Portugal exited Euro 2024 after Joao Felix missed a crucial penalty in the shootout against France. Manager Roberto Martinez defended Felix and praised the team’s performance. The loss likely marks the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career, who missed a key chance in extra time. Veteran defender Pepe was emotional after the game. Despite the defeat, Martinez highlighted positives and expressed confidence in the team’s future. Source:Daily Star

France defeated Portugal 5-3 on penalties in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals after a goalless 120 minutes. Theo Hernandez scored the winning penalty, while Joao Felix missed for Portugal. This likely marks Cristiano Ronaldo’s last Euro appearance. France will face Spain in the semifinals. The match was tense with few clear chances. Kylian Mbappe was substituted before the shootout. This victory avenges France’s 2016 Euro final loss to Portugal. AFP

Turkey’s defender Merih Demiral has been banned for two Euro 2024 matches by UEFA for making an alleged ultra-nationalist salute during goal celebrations against Austria. The gesture is associated with the Turkish right-wing extremist group Grey Wolves. Demiral will miss the quarter-final against the Netherlands and a potential semi-final. Turkey’s sports minister condemned the ban as unfair and politically motivated. The incident has sparked diplomatic tensions between Turkey and Germany. AFP