Page 39 - Football

UEFA fines Albania, Serbia for nationalist fan banners at Euro 2024 games

UEFA fined the Albanian and Serbian soccer federations 10,000 euros ($10,700) each on Wednesday for fans displaying banners with nationalist maps at European Championship games. Each federation was charged with transmitting provocative messages not fit for a sports event because they are responsible for the conduct of their fans at stadiums. Albania fans displayed a banner with a map of their country extending its borders into the territory of neighboring countries. It was shown during the 2-1 loss against Italy on Saturday in Dortmund. Serbia fans' banner included the independent territory of Kosovo and a slogan No Surrender at a 1-0 loss against England in Gelsenkirchen. A case was prosecuted by FIFA at the 2022 World Cup when players were photographed with a similar banner in their locker room ahead of a game against Brazil. UEFA also opened a separate investigation into alleged discrimination by Serbia fans. The Kosovo soccer federation field a formal complaint with UEFA. The

Euro 2024: Musiala magic sees Germany beat Hungary 2-0, reach Round of 16

Jamal Musiala scored his second goal of the tournament to help Germany beat Hungary 2-0 on Wednesday and book its spot in the European Championship knockout stage. Musiala opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a goal that was furiously protested by Hungary. Ilkay Gndogan had set that up and the Germany captain got on the scoresheet himself in the second half. The 21-year-old Musiala had netted Germany's second goal in the 5-1 opening victory over Scotland on Friday. Hungary lost 3-1 to Switzerland on Saturday and now faces an uphill challenge to advance. Hungary plays Scotland in the final Group A match on Sunday, when Julian Nagelsmann's team takes on Switzerland. Germany is definitely into the next round at least as a best third-place team. It will be confirmed in the top two if Scotland fails to beat Switzerland later Wednesday. Hungary was unbeaten in its previous three matches against Germany, winning the last time the two met, and it put up a good fight against the host

Euro 2024: Group C leader England faces Denmark in semifinal rematch

England faces Denmark on Thursday as the leader of Group C at the European Championship after a 1-0 win over Serbia. Denmark was denied by Slovenia's late leveler in a 1-1 draw also on Sunday. They meet in Frankfurt at the Waldstadion where kickoff is at 6 pm local time (1600 GMT). Here's what to know about the match: Denmark's need for a win is greater, ahead of a final Group C game against a physically imposing Serbia team. The teams renew their rivalry from a Euro 2020 semifinal played three years ago at Wembley Stadium. England won 2-1 after extra time, sealed when Harry Kane followed up his penalty being saved by Kasper Schmeichel to score when the ball rebounded to him. Denmark did not easily forget how England got that decisive spot-kick, for a foul awarded against defender Joakim Mhle "a penalty which should not have been a penalty," coach Kasper Hjulmand said then. There is a familiarity between the squads with teammates at Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Brentford

Serbia hit with UEFA charges and inquiry for fan misconduct at Euro 2024

UEFA filed one disciplinary charge and opened a separate investigation into alleged discrimination by Serbia fans at the European Championship game against England. The details were not specified by UEFA on Monday but followed a formal complaint by the soccer federation of Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008 that its neighbor has never recognized. UEFA's disciplinary panel will consider a charge against Serbia of its fans transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event and throwing objects during England's 1-0 win on Sunday at Gelsenkirchen. Serbia fans displayed a national flag which included in its borders the territory of Kosovo, its former republic. Kosovan soccer officials alerted UEFA to flags, chants and banners which they said contained political, chauvinistic and racist messages against their country. The charges should be judged before Thursday, when Serbia plays its second Euro 2024 game against Slovenia in Munich. A fine would typically

After 2 years out of team, N'Golo Kante key to France's success once again

It was a classic N'Golo Kant performance. Effective, understated and overshadowed by a teammate. With all the attention on Kylian Mbapp and his injured nose, Kant's tireless defensive midfield work was quietly crucial to France's 1-0 win over Austria at the European Championship on Monday. Kant had not played a competitive game for France in two years. It was as if the 33-year-old had never been away. He completed 92% of his passes and stopped Austria counterattacks to preserve France's lead following an Austria own goal. Of course he was brilliant, he was bright tonight, we needed that, France coach Didier Deschamps said through a translator. On a night when seven yellow cards were issued in total and emotions ran high, especially after Austria fans booed the injured Mbapp for what they saw as time-wasting, Kant brought much-needed calm to the French midfield. Kant was a key part of the team which won the 2018 World Cup but he last played a competitive game for France in the Nat

Mbappe's injury casts shadow on his continued participation in Euro 2024

Kylian Mbapp's facial injury in France's 1-0 win against Austria has put in doubt whether he will continue at the European Championship. An aerial head-on-shoulder collision with Austria's Kevin Danso left Mbapp curled on the field with his nose bloodied and swollen late in the Group D game at Dusseldorf Arena. I don't have the elements in my hands, France coach Didier Deschamps said. He didn't get off lightly. It is still to be seen. I cannot at this stage give the answer (if he will be ruled out). Mbapp's obvious pain following the incident prompted Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz to signal for urgent medical assistance. We're worried to see Kylian leave the field like that, France midfielder N'Golo Kante said. We still don't know what the situation is. ... We hope that it's not too severe and that he's back with us for the rest of the competition. Mbapp is France's talisman and his injury likely struck fear in the hearts of fans. Later he appeared to try to lighten the mood.

Mbappe suffers face injury as France wins 1-0 against Austria at Euro 2024

Kylian Mbapp suffered a facial injury and was replaced as France beat Austria 1-0 in its opening game of the European Championship. The striker, involved in the first-half goal, clashed heads with Austria's Kevin Danso late in the Group D game at Dusseldorf Arena on Monday. He was in obvious pain as he lay curled on the grass, prompting Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz to signal for medical attention. Mbapp received treatment and his shirt was covered with blood from what appeared to be a blow to his nose. He tried to play on but quickly fell to the ground, holding his face and prompting whistles and jeers from Austria's fans, who seemed to believe he was time-wasting as France held on for the win. He was booked by referee Jesus Gil Manzano and replaced by Olivier Giroud. France needed an own goal from Maximilian Wober in the 38th minute and handed Didier Deschamps his 100th victory as national team coach. On a mixed day for Mbapp, it was his moment of inspiration that led to the

Ten Hag reveals Man Utd spoke to other managers before deciding to keep him

Erik ten Hag says he was aware that Manchester United had spoken to other managers before the Premier League club decided to stick with the Dutchman after a difficult season. Ten Hag said he was on holiday in Ibiza when members of the United hierarchy arrived to inform him they wanted him to remain as United manager. Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel and England manager Gareth Southgate were among those linked with the position after United finished eighth in the Premier League last season. Speaking on Dutch TV channel NOS, Ten Hag said: The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza. They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me. As in any organization, it is wise to evaluate. Manchester United did that too. The new owner (Jim Ratcliffe) is new to football, he has taken his time. They have indeed told me that they have spoken to other managers. That is not even allowed in the Netherlands." The two parties are

Euro 2024: UEFA charges Albania over 'provocative message' and fireworks

Albania is facing four UEFA charges over a provocative message allegedly displayed by its fans and other behavior in a European Championship loss to Italy. UEFA said Sunday that the Albanian soccer federation was facing disciplinary proceedings over the message, the throwing of objects, use of fireworks and an invasion of the field of play. One person entered the field of play near the end of the game, which Albania lost 2-1. UEFA didn't say which message it objected to, only that the charge relates to transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event. Some Albanian fans had displayed flags of the Kosovo Liberation Army. Ethnic Albanian separatists from the group fought a 1998-1999 war with Serbian forces in what was then the province of Kosovo. Kosovo declared independence in 2008. Serbia doesn't recognize it as independent. A flag depicting a map of Greater Albania was also displayed at the game. The charges are the first disciplinary matters announced by UEFA at Euro

Euro Cup 2024: Belgium vs Slovakia live match to begin at 9:30 PM IST today

On Monday, June 17, three matches will take place in the Uefa Euro 2024 being played in Germany. Teams such as Romania, Ukraine, Slovakia, Belgium, Austria and France will be involved

Euro Cup 2024: Weghorst's late goal helps Netherlands beat Poland 2-1

Netherlands forward Wout Weghorst loves to make a big impression off the bench and he did it again Sunday late in a 2-1 win over Poland at the European Championship. The giant striker struck with a low left-foot shot in the 83rd minute with his first touch after coming on to replace Memphis Depay who had wasted several shooting chances. Weghorst might not look like the most elegant player. Still, his reputation for being effective was earned at the 2022 World Cup with two late goals against Argentina to force extra time in a memorable quarterfinal against the eventual champion. This time, Weghorst's goal was worth a win that puts some pressure on Group D favourite France, which already beat the Dutch twice in qualifying last year and plays Austria on Monday. I said it this morning to my girlfriend: 'Scores level, 0-0, 1-1, 20 minutes to go. It was a bit later. But you feel it and visualize it for yourself," Weghorst told Dutch broadcaster NOS. Poland was forced to cope without its

Euro Cup 2024: England vs Serbia live match to begin at 12:30 AM IST

On Sunday, June 16, three matches will take place in the Uefa Euro 2024 being played in Germany. Netherlands registered win vs Poland. Slovenia vs Denmark at 9:30 PM IST

Euro Cup 2024 opening ceremony live time, performer, streaming today

Uefa and the German Football Association (FA) will honour the legendary German player and coach Franz Beckenbauer, who breathed his last earlier this year

Chhetri-less India enter transition phase with WC qualifier against Qatar

The influential Sunil Chhetri's absence will be a difficult void to fill as the Indian football team enters a testing transition phase with a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match against heavyweights Qatar here on Tuesday. The 39-year-old Chhetri called time on his glorious international career by playing in last week's fixture against Kuwait in Kolkata, which ended in a goal-less draw as the team failed to give him a fitting farewell. Chhetri ended with 94 goals in 151 matches, having led the country with aplomb for more than a decade. The Indian team will be led by the 32-year-old first-choice goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who has so far appeared in 72 internationals and is the most experienced player in the 23-member squad after Chhetri's retirement. An acid test awaits India as they run into two-time Asian champions Qatar at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, knowing well that a defeat will end their campaign and dash all hopes of securing a maiden entry into the third round

FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier, India vs Kuwait highlights: Sunil Chhetri finishes without scoring

In his last appearance for India, the 'captain, leader, legend' Sunil Chhetri couldn't score and neither could India and Kuwait with the match ending 0-0, India's chances of qualification diminishing

Rise in global transfers, fees show increasing options for women in soccer

One of the most striking signs of the global rise of women's soccer is the growing international transfer market and the fees club teams are shelling out for players. Case in point was the record transfer fee of $788,000 paid by National Women's Soccer League expansion team Bay FC for Zambian forward Racheal Kundananji this year. The Orlando Pride acquired fellow Zambian Barbra Banda for a $740,000 fee. More international movement shows not only that players have more options, but that women's clubs have more resources. "I thinks it's really cool that now you're seeing it go both ways, you're seeing players going to Europe and major clubs, and those players getting a massive deal like at Bay FC," said U.S. captain Lindsey Horan, who plays professionally in France for Lyon. I think that's incredible. It says a lot about the women's game right now and that's what we want. We want it to grow. We want players to want to come to the NWSL, we want players to want to go to Europe. Other U

City Club to club football's Citadel: Making of the legend Sunil Chhetri

Playing for the City Club in Delhi at 18, Chhetri scored in one of the four games in the Durand Cup 2001-02 and made it to the top five promising players of the tournament

Here's how legend Sunil Chhetri shaped Indian football for the future

The tidal shift in the football fandom of the national team can be credited to one man in particular and that is Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri's dedication, ability to evolve set him apart: Rahim Nabi

Former India midfielder Syed Rahim Nabi on Thursday heaped praise on Sunil Chhetri, who is retiring from the international game after Thursday's World Cup qualifying round match against Kuwait, saying the records set by the iconic footballer will be difficult to surpass. He, however, hoped that someone in future will fill the boots of Chhetri. "The records that he (Chhetri) has set, surpassing that will be very difficult," Nabi told PTI at the East Bengal club ground a few hours before the all important match at Salt Lake Stadium. "Bhaichung (Bhutia) filled the boots of the great IM Vijayan, Sunil filled Bhaichung's boots, someone will fill his (Chhetri's) boots but what he has done," said Nabi, who had played many matches together with Chhetri in the national team. He complimented Chhetri for his longevity and said that the ace striker was always able to adapt and evolve. Nabi, who played in more than 60 matches for India between 2004 and 2013, said it was a matter of pride that

Euro 2024: Netherlands coach Koeman looks to ditch favourite 4-3-3 setup

Few aficionados in European soccer obsess about numbers the way the Dutch do. Like 4-3-3. Or 5-3-2. There's also the traditional 4-4-2, and even 4-2-3-1. But mostly, in their part of the world, it's all about 4-3-3. As baffling and bewildering as those digits may look to some, each of them relates to a specific soccer formation. And for Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, as he hones his squad for the European Championship in Germany, maybe the numbers game has gone too far. We in the Netherlands sometimes talk too much about systems, Koeman told Dutch national broadcaster NOS in a sideline interview before his team playing 5-3-2 (five defenders, three midfielders, two forwards) beat Greece 3-0 in Amsterdam in a Euro 2024 qualifier. The Dutch fixation with the formation of four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards is rooted in the golden age of the small nation's soccer history. The 4-3-3 system was the bedrock for the Clockwork Orange brand of soccer, led by the mercuri