Category: Sport News

HAMBURG: Turkiye scored late in the game to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 and advance to the last 16 of Euro 2024 as Group F runners-up.

Portugal, who lost 2-0 at the hands of Georgia, remain group champions and will face Slovenia, while Turkiye face Austria.

The Czech Republic needed a win to revive their chances of progressing to the knockout rounds but a red card on midfielder Antonin Barak in the 20th minute jeopardized their mission.

Turkiye captain Hakan Calhanoglu opened the scoring in the 50th minute but Tomas Soucek equalized 16 minutes later to revive the Czech Republic’s chances.

Turkiye, however, secured victory through Cenk Tosun’s stoppage time goal.

The Turkiye players then delayed the game until the final whistle, thus sparking a ruckus between the two teams after the match.

LONDON: Cristiano Ronaldo was seen taunting the Czech Republic goalkeeper and midfielder after Portugal rallied to win 2-1 in the first leg of Euro 2024.

The 39-year-old gave a fist gesture to Czech Republic goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek who was just sitting on the pitch and shouted something into midfielder Petr Sevcik’s ear.

Ronaldo’s celebration came after Francisco Conceicao scored the winning goal for Portugal in the 92nd minute.

However, many supporters do not seem to like Ronaldo’s actions.

“No class,” said one supporter on the X platform site.

“There’s no need to do that. It doesn’t even look great,” said another supporter.

Some also left comments such as ‘Messi would not do this to opposing players. That’s why Messi is the best player of all time (GOAT).”

“This video shows why I don’t like Ronaldo. Why is it necessary to celebrate a goal in front of the opponent’s face,” said another supporter.

“Terrible sportsman,” added another netizen.

LONDON: Manchester United and Manchester City met at Wembley Stadium last night for the second year in a row with the Red Devils emerging as champions of the English FA Cup.

Not only was the victory important for both teams to prove their prowess in Manchester, but the decision also determined which English club would play in Europe next season.

Erik ten Hag’s men produced the worst Premier League finish by a Manchester United team in the club’s history, finishing eighth and missing out on Europe for the first time in 10 years.

However, Bruno Fernandes and his teammates know that victory at Wembley could at least save their season and also play in Europe next season.

Both Newcastle and Chelsea will definitely support Manchester’s blue team to win the FA Cup because it will maintain their position playing in Europe.

By finishing sixth, Chelsea are guaranteed a place in Europe no matter what the result at Wembley.

If City wins it means they will play in the Europa League.

Because United pulled off one of the biggest upsets against their opponents, Chelsea will now be in action in next year’s Europa Conference League.

Newcastle are also too dependent on the hope that the four-time league champions in a row will lift the FA Cup trophy to ensure their place in Europe.

United’s success meant The Toons immediately missed their chances.

If Manchester City wins, everything will remain as before.

LISBON: 39-year-old Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo will make his sixth appearance at the Euros while defender Pepe is also on the 26-man list under Roberto Martinez.

Ronaldo, who has scored in every Euro edition since his first appearance in 2004, already has a collection of 14 goals in the tournament.

In fact, he also has a record of 10 goals in the qualifying campaign that took place last year.

“Cristiano? It’s better to talk to the data. He’s a player who scored 42 goals in 41 games with his club,” Martinez said of Ronaldo, who now joins Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

“That shows his physicality and his ability to stay fit, including the quality he displays in front of goal… something we really like and need.”

However, in the list announced by Martinez, Ronaldo is not the most veteran player listed since Porto’s defender, Pepe, who is 41 years old, will also take on team duties.

“Pepe’s role in the dressing room is very important, the way he values ​​the national team jersey. I think about it during the training camp, football is a constant struggle,” said Martinez.

Nine players from the English Premier League are also listed including Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota.

LONDON: The supercomputer predicted the final position of the English Premier League this season after Arsenal’s victory at Spurs.

The Gunners remain at the top of the table with a one-point advantage over Manchester City after a 3-2 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, Mikel Arteta’s squad is expected to once again miss the chance to win the first league title after 20 years because the defending champions, Manchester City, who have played one game less, are the champions.

The super computer, BETSiE, makes rival formulas based on data and match statistics throughout the season and Arsenal are once again predicted to be runners-up.

In third place, Liverpool while Aston Villa fill the fourth and final position for qualification for the European Champions League.

Tottenham were forced to be satisfied in fifth place, followed by Newcastle United in sixth place who managed to ask Manchester United for a slot in the Europa League.

If it comes true, Erik ten Hag’s United – or his successor – will play in the European Conference League.

It’s also unfortunate for Chelsea who are in eighth place without any European action next season.

In the relegation zone, Nottingham Forest is predicted to be safe with Luton and Burnley accompanying Sheffield United to the Championship League next season.