SPORTS

Lionel Messi Reacts As Argentina Beat Canada To Reach 2024 Copa America Final

Published

2 months ago

July 12, 2024

Argentine football icon, Lionel Messi finally got his goal in the 2024 Copa America as his national team knocked out Canada in the semi-final stage.

Argentina and Canada met at the MetLife Stadium in the United States for the game which was expected to end in favour of the reigning Copa America champions.

As expected, Argentina proved their superiority over Canada even though the Canadian side gave a relatively good account of themselves as they enjoyed 49 per cent of the ball possession.

In the 22nd minute of the encounter, Manchester City’s 24-year-old forward, Julián Álvarez, gave Argentina the lead but that didn’t make Canada play under pressure.

The first half ended with Argentina going into the break with a slim lead. In the second half, the South American team kept their composure at the back as the Canadian side found it impossible to break their defence.

To make the game tougher for coach Jesse Marsch and his boys, Lionel Messi finally grabbed his first goal in the 2024 Copa America in the 51st minute of the encounter.

The goal was all Argentina needed to win the game with a 2-0 scoreline as coach Lionel Scaloni led the South American giants to their second Copa America Final in a row.

After the victory, 37-year-old Messi acknowledged how stunning it is that he and his “older guys” made it to another final.

He said, “What this team has done, what the Argentina national team has done, because after this everyone gives more importance to all the finals that me and the ‘older guys’ have played. Me, Fide [Angel Di María], Ota [Nicolás Otamendi], and that Argentina can play another final is amazing.

“To be honest it has been a difficult tournament, the level has been as equal as ever, very bad surfaces, high temperatures that make it hard to play, very tough rivals. So the fact we made it and we are here again playing a final is something to enjoy and highlight.”

Argentina will face either Colombia Or Uruguay in the 2024 Copa America Final at 1 a.m. on Monday, July 15.

SPORTS

Mbappe Speaks On Winning Ballon d’Or After Joining Real Madrid

Published

2 months ago

July 16, 2024

Bamidele Damilare

France football star, Kylian Mbappe, who recently joined Real Madrid during the summer transfer window, has expressed his belief that the prestigious Ballon d’Or award will be within his reach if he secures trophies and seamlessly integrates into his new team.

World wide gist reports that Mbappe shared this thought during his formal introduction as a Real Madrid player on Tuesday in Madrid, Spain.

The French international athlete signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid following the conclusion of his current contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the end of the summer.

When queried about the potential impact of his move to Real Madrid on his aspirations of winning the UEFA Champions League and the Ballon d’Or, the 25-year-old responded: “There is no better place than Madrid to win titles. But the key is to adapt well. If I do that, the rest will come naturally.

“Winning everything is an objective, but in the long term. Now I want to get back to training and adapt to the team.”

World wide gist reports that Madrid had previously shared a photograph capturing the France superstar, alongside Perez, in front of the club’s 15 replica Champions League trophies.

The Spanish champions, who have long held a deep admiration for one of the most renowned talents in world football, had been actively pursuing his acquisition last summer.

This was in anticipation of Mbappe’s impending departure from PSG at the end of his contract.

SPORTS

‘Thomas Tuchel Open To Replacing Gareth Southgate As England Manager’

Published

2 months ago

July 16, 2024

Bamidele Damilare

The former manager of Bayern Munich, Thomas Tuchel is reportedly ready to replace Gareth Southgate as the manager of England.

Thomas Tuchel is not known to be a national team coach, but a UK publication, the Sun, claimed that the German tactician wants to start his international coaching career with England.

Recall that Tuchel resigned as Bayern Munich coach after one year and a half seasons at the German Bundesliga giants. He decided to part ways with the club on mutual grounds after he failed to win the league title for the perennial winners.

Before his not-too-impressive spell at Bayern Munich, Tuchel had coached Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint Germain, and Chelsea.

At Chelsea, the German coach had the best run of his career as he helped the London-based club to win the UEFA Champions League, the Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Since he is currently without a coaching job, he sees the Three Lions of England coaching role as his next stop after Southgate confirmed his resignation from the role earlier today, July 16.

Recall that Southgate reigned as England’s head coach for eight years in which he led them to the Euro 2021 final, which they lost to Italy, and the Euro 2024 final which they lost to Spain.

While Tuchel is said to be open to negotiate with the English FA, Newcastle United coach, Eddie Howe is said to be the favourite to replace Southgate.

Other coaches mentioned for the job are former English midfielders Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, alongside former Brighton coach, Graham Potter.

SPORTS

Yamal, Walker, Rodri Listed As UEFA Unveils Euro 2024 Team Of The Tournament

Published

2 months ago

July 16, 2024

Bamidele Damilare

UEFA has unveiled its official selection for the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament, highlighting exceptional players in the just concluded competition in Germany.

World wide gist reports that the selected team, organized in a 4-3-3 configuration, includes players from a diverse array of countries, with Spain emerging as the dominant force.

In the goalkeeping position, France’s Mike Maignan is recognized for his outstanding performances.

The defensive line is anchored by England’s Kyle Walker, Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji, France’s William Saliba, and Spain’s Marc Cucurella.

The midfield trio is led by Spain’s Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, and Dani Olmo.

The forward line is particularly noteworthy, with Germany’s Jamal Musiala serving as the central striker, supported by Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.

It is worth noting that this youthful attacking trio has played a pivotal role in their teams’ success.

Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament

On the final day of the Euro 2024, Rodri was honoured as the top scorer of the tournament, having contributed significantly to La Roja’s victory over England with a score of 2-1, securing their fourth championship title in Berlin on Sunday.

World wide gist reports that Rodri’s performance was momentarily interrupted at the halftime of the final due to a knee injury, yet his exceptional contributions were recognized as Spain also managed to defeat Germany and France, securing their place in the final.

His sole goal of the tournament was scored in a 4-1 victory over Georgia in the last 16.

Despite this, coach Luis de la Fuente praised Rodri as a “perfect computer,” acknowledging his consistent passing and strategic understanding of the game, which were crucial in guiding a young team to victory against a particularly challenging schedule.