Sports
Mexico Eliminated From Copa America After Barren Draw With Ecuador
Mexico dominated possession in a must-win game against Ecuador in the Copa America Group B finale on Monday morning, but ultimately could not find the back of the net and had to settle for a scoreless draw — and elimination — in front of a friendly crowd at State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
Ecuador advances to face defending champion and Group A winner Argentina in the quarterfinals as the Group B runner-up, while El Tri now faces massive questions just two years ahead of 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup which Mexico co-hosts with the United States and Canada.
Mexico was initially given a penalty after Felix Torres’ tackle on Guillermo Martinez, but VAR showed that Torres’ foot made contact with the ball first.
Mexico had one more chance before the final whistle, but ultimately could not score as the game ended in a scoreless draw and elimination for El Tri.
The scoreless draw in the final game of Group B, solidifying their third-place status, which was not enough to advance into the Copa America knockout stages.
Venezuela topped the group thanks to three consecutive wins, while Ecuador finished in second with the same record as Mexico, but it advanced due to superior goal difference (plus-one to zero).
Ecuador will now play Lionel Messi and the defending champions Argentina in the quarterfinal on Thursday, July 4. Venezuela will meet Canada.
Mexico will now again have to return to the drawing board after not advancing past the 2022 World Cup group stage, either.
But El Tri may not be the first major exit in the tournament. The U.S. men’s national team could follow suit Monday but if it cannot get a result against Uruguay, which will instead see Panama advance.
Sports
Paris 2024: Waldrum upbeat Super Falcons will qualify from ‘group of death’
Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, is positive of a good outing at the 2024 Olympic Games despite his team been drawn in a tough group.
The West Africans are in Group C with Brazil,
former world champions Japan, and reigning world champions Spain.
Waldrum unveiled his squad for the women’s football event on Thursday.
The Super Falcons made a big impact at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying from a tough group that has reigning Olympic champions Canada and Australia.
The American is optimistic his players can repeat their performance in Australia and New Zealand at the Olympics.
“I think this one could be a special group,” Waldrum told ESPN.
“We’ve shown our quality against some of the best teams in the world at the World Cup and hopefully, we’ll do the same at the Olympics.”
The Super Falcons will be up against Brazil in their first game at the Stade Bordeaux on July 25, before confrontations with Spain on July 28 and their final group game against Japan on July 31.
The matches against Spain and Japan will hold at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.
Sports
Copa America 2024: Argentina captain, Messi reacts to penalty miss against Ecuador
Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi, has reacted to his penalty miss against Ecuador at the Copa America 2024.
Recall that Messi missed his penalty kick as Argentina defeated Ecuador 4-2 in the quarter-final clash on Thursday to qualify for the semifinals.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made two saves during the penalty shootout.
The match had ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Messi said he was angry after missing his penalty kick.
“I was very angry because I was convinced to take it that way if the opportunity arose.
“I had talked with Dibu and Rulli in advance,” Mrssi told the press.
Sports
Euro 2024: Mbappe reveals two things Ronaldo always does for him
France captain, Kylian Mbappe has revealed that Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo always tries to give him “advice and keep up to date with what is going with him.”
Mbappe spoke ahead of France’s Euro 2024 quarter-final clash with Portugal on Friday night.
According to him, it is “an honour” to play against the Al Nassr forward.
“It’s the admiration I have always had for Cristiano, for the player.
“Over time, I have had the chance to get to know him and talk to him many times. We’re still in touch,” said Mbappe at his pre-match press conference ahead of the match.
“He’s always trying to give me advice and keep up to date with what is going on.
“Playing against him is an honour for everything he has done in football.”
Sports
AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Super Eagles begin with away trip to Libya
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their quest for a place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with an away game against Libya, DAILY POST reports.
The draw ceremony took place in Johannesburg, South Africa on Thursday with the Super Eagles drawn in Group D with the North Africans, Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Matchday one and two will be played between September 2 and 10.
The rest of the qualifiers will be played in October and November.
The Super Eagles defeated Libya 3-2 the last time both teams met in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The top two teams in the group will qualify for the 2025 AFCON finals which will be staged in Morocco.
The competition will run between December 21, 2025 and January 18, 2026.
Sports
Ten Hag Signs Man Utd Contract Extension
Erik ten Hag has signed a contract extension that keeps him at Old Trafford until 2026, the Premier League club announced on yesterday.
There had been intense speculation over the Dutchman’s future after a poor 2023/24 Premier League campaign but he guided the club to FA Cup success against Manchester City.
It was widely leaked in the British media last month that after a review by the club’s new part-owner, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, Ten Hag would be staying at the club. “Erik ten Hag has extended his contract as Manchester United men’s first-team manager until June 2026,” United said in a statement.
The former Ajax manager, whose deal had been due to expire in 2025, admitted there was work to be done to close the gap on United’s Premier League rivals.
“Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined,” he said.
“However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles.”
Dan Ashworth, Manchester United sporting director, said: “With two trophies in the past two seasons, Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in European football.
“While the club’s review of last season highlighted areas for improvement, it also reached a clear conclusion that Erik was the best partner for us to work with in driving up standards and outcomes.”
Ten Hag, 54, ended a six-year trophy drought for United in his first season by lifting the League Cup in 2023 and finished third in the league, encouraging fans that they might launch a Premier League title bid in 2023/24.
But they lost 14 games and ended with a negative goal difference, finishing a whopping 31 points behind champions Manchester City.
Sports
Arteta Sets To Sign Contract Extension At Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has dropped the strongest hint yet that he will sign a new contract at Arsenal by insisting he doesn’t “predict any issues happening” when talks take place.
The 42-year-old’s existing deal expires in the summer of 2025 and it was initially expected that negotiations would be held at the end of last season.
However, all parties have prioritised planning for the next campaign instead and Arteta has assembled nine players not involved in either Euro 2024 or the Copa América for a summer training camp in Marbella.
Speaking to ESPN from the Spanish city in an exclusive interview, Arteta said: “There is no update [on his contract] at the moment. The thing that hasn’t changed is how happy I am and how valued I feel here and how much I love representing this club.
“Things happen in a natural way and our relationship is that good that I don’t predict any issues happening. But things have to develop in the right way and it will happen.”
Pushed on whether clarity over his future would help demonstrate stability for future signings, Arteta continued: “I understand that but the focus now is ‘OK, how we can improve things around the team, how we can improve now the things in the transfer window that we have.’ We have time to sit down and discuss that.”
Arsenal are monitoring Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, sources have told ESPN, but are yet to make any fresh moves in the market..
Discover more from SPAZR
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Sports
Paris 2024: Super Falcons star, Ayinde vows to bounce back from injury
Super Falcons star, Halimat Ayinde is optimistic she will emerge stronger from her latest injury setback.
Ayinde was forced to pull out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2024 Olympic Games after sustaining an injury in training at her Swedish club, Rosengard.
The 29-year-old has struggled to stay on her feet in recent times missing crucial games for club and country.
Reacting to the unfortunate incident, the defensive midfielder vowed to bounce back from the injury.
Ayinde also eulogised her club and teammates for their unwavering support.
“With a heavy heart, I announce I won’t be part of the Super Falcons for the Olympics.
“I’m deeply grateful to FC Rosengård and my teammates for their support and love. Best of luck to my fellow Super Falcons.
“I’ll be cheering for you and will return stronger. Go Super Falcons,” Ayinde wrote on her X account.
Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum is expected to name a replacement for the player in his squad for the games.
Sports
Djokovic Survives Tough Wimbledon Test, Advance To Round 3
Novak Djokovic came through a testing Wimbledon workout to stay on course for a record-equalling eighth men’s title yesterday.
Seven-time champion Djokovic did not have it all his own way against British wild card Jacob Fearnley but came through 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5 in a second-round match lasting three hours.
It appeared to be business as usual for the Serbian as he coasted into a two-set lead on Centre Court but the 277th-ranked Fearnley broke his illustrious opponent twice in the third set to reduce the deficit.
Fearnley, playing in his first Grand Slam, carved out two break points in the sixth game of the fourth set but missed his chance and Djokovic broke in the 11th game before serving out for the win.
“I didn’t have a chance to see him play,” said Djokovic, 37. “Actually two days ago, I saw him for the first time
“Obviously there’s always an element of surprise and with him having nothing to lose.”
“Most of the British players grow up being exposed to grass courts, quick surfaces, so they know exactly how to play. It’s a very windy day, very challenging conditions and I thought he served very well.”
Djokovic, who is playing with protection after a recent knee operation, is seeking to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon men’s titles and is aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Sports
Bayelsa United confirm Okorie’s departure
Bayelsa United have confirmed the departure of forward, Ekeson Okorie to Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Rangers.
Okorie joined the Flying Antelopes after spending two years with Bayelsa United.
He turned down the chance to extend his stay with the Prosperity Boys by linking up with Rangers.
Bayelsa United announced Okorie’s departure on their account.
“We can confirm the departure of winger Ekeson Okorie to Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Enugu Rangers after two season loan spell with us from Cynosure FC of Abakaliki,” the club stated.
“Okorie joined the Prosperity Boys in 2022 on loan but decided not to renew the loan deal with Bayelsa United at the end of the season.
“We have earlier approached Okorie Ekeson to stay in the club but he opted to leave.
“We enjoyed your time here with us, your dedication and commitment to the club is worth emulating by players.
“Our prayer is for you to excel in your new club as well as wearing the national team jersey.”
Sports
Osimhen To Resume Pre-season Training With Napoli
Super Eagles star striker, Victor Osimhen, is expected to start the pre-season with Serie A side Napoli next week as no club has yet made concrete offers for him.
New Napoli coach Antonio Conte could meet Osimhen in Castel Volturno next week as no European club has yet made a formal offer to secure the reigning African best footballer’s services.
Osimhen has a €130m clause included in his contract with the Partenopei but despite rumours linking Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United with the 25-year-old, there are still no official bids on Napoli’s table.
No club seems willing to pay €130m for Osimhen, and it may be difficult to find suitable candidates even if club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis lowers the price to €100m.
Now Football Italia is reporting that Conte is prepared to part company with the Osimhen, but if no club steps up over the next few days, he will have to start the pre-season with Napoli on Thursday, July 11, 2024.
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal prefer Viktor Gyökeres to Osimhen even if they also consider the Sporting striker’s €100m clause too high.
However, Gyökeres has a lower salary than Osimhen, so the Gunners are focused on him currently.
On their part, Chelsea have changed their transfer targets after the appointment of the Italian Enzo Maresca, while Manchester United have set their sights on Joshua Zirkzee and will continue relying on ex-Atalanta ace Rasmus Hojlund, especially after Erik ten Hag was confirmed in charge at Old Trafford.
Osimhen dreams of playing in the Premier League, but PSG have also been monitoring the Nigerian ace.
PSG, however, seem more interested in Osimhen’s teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and have already held talks with the winger’s agent, which didn’t go down well with Napoli.
-
Latest23 hours ago
We Are Suffering And Smiling
-
Sports3 days ago
Osimhen Set To Leave Napoli, Says Transfer Expert
-
Latest1 day ago
Troops Neutralize Terrorists In Kaduna, Capture Weapons
-
Latest3 days ago
EU Confirms Nigerian Govt Paid $850m Foreign Airlines Backlog
-
Latest1 day ago
President Tinubu Makes Fresh Appointments (Full List)
-
Sports3 days ago
Transfer: Chelsea sign new midfielder as Man Utd confirm deal for Heaton
-
Sports3 days ago
Transfer: Romano makes clarification on Chelsea including Jackson in exchange deal
-
Sports3 days ago
Transfer: Tijani completes loan move to Plymouth Argyle
-
Sports3 days ago
Transfer: Man Utd offer De Ligt five-year contract
-
Latest3 days ago
Three Students at UNILAG’s Medical College Accused of S3xual Assault
-
Latest3 days ago
I Turned Down N250M Bribe For Third Term Agenda – Former Senate President, Wabara
-
Latest3 days ago
Content Creator, Egungun Surprises Fiancée With Various Apple Gadgets On Her Birthday (Video)
-
Latest3 days ago
Many People Will Not Recognize Nigeria Again Seven Years From Today – Senate President, Akpabio
-
Sports3 days ago
France Edge Out Belgium, Advance To Euros Quarterfinals
-
Sports3 days ago
Euro 2024: Lehmann gives two reasons Spain will lose to Germany
-
Latest2 days ago
Nigerian Lady Marries Man She Met in BBNaija Facebook Comment Section
-
Sports3 days ago
Austria vs Turkey – Euro 2024: Rangnick’s side aim to continue impressive form in last 16 clash – stream FREE, team news
-
Sports3 days ago
NPFL: Rangers hand youngster Igwilo first pro-contract
-
Latest23 hours ago
Peter Obi To Hold Crucial Meeting With NLC
-
Latest3 days ago
Lagos Busts Banned Styrofoam Warehouse In Mushin (Video)