Roberto Martinez came to the defence of Joao Felix after his missed penalty resulted in Portugal’s exit from Euro 2024 and what seems the last time players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe would play at the European Championship. Nothing could separate Martinez’s team and France following their goalless affair after 120 minutes and Felix’s penalty – which was the only miss of the shootout – came off the post with the battle from 12 yards ending 5-3. However, the Portugal gaffer insisted fingers were not to be pointed as he blamed the penalty on badluck. “I can tell you that…
Author: Somto Isaac
Germany gaffer Julian Nagelsmann cut a positive and proud figure after his side’s quarter final Euro 2024 exit in the hands of Spain, believing his team were better. The hosts exited the competition in painful fashion following a dramatic winner in extra-time in Friday’s quarter final. Spain’s Mikel Merino headed home with less than a minute left of the 120, with the game finely poised for penalties thanks to Florian Wirtz’s 89th equaliser after the opener from Dani Olmo. Nagelsmann extended praises to La Roja for their progesssion to the last four but felt his players deserved more after their…
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro – an inspiration to many and an undoubted legend of the game to all. With a career defined by beautiful achievements too much to count, consensus alike is that a man who brings joy to the hearts of many, should remain on the pitch forever. Cristiano Ronaldo: “This will be my last Euro, for sure… of course”. “But I’m not moved by this, I’m moved by enthusiasm”. “I was sorry for the fans. I’ll always give my best for this shirt, whether I miss it or not. And I’ll do this my whole life. You…
CONMEBOL have admitted the referee and Video Assistant Referee [VAR] made a huge error and mistake by not awarding Brazil a penalty in their 1-1 draw with Colombia on Tuesday. The contest was the final Group D game and the incident occurred in the 42nd minute as Vinicius Junior was tripped by Daniel Munoz. In what was a top-of-the-table deciding clash at Levi Stadium, the situation occurred while Brazil were leading by a lone goal and Vinicius ran into the box from the left before he was brought down by Munoz. The Brazil players clamoured for a spot kick but…
Arsenal came up short in last season’s Premier League title race and Mikel Arteta has been on the search to find the right profiles to bolster his squad. The Gunners have been touted to get a striker this summer but it seems attentions might be turned elsewhere, particularly in midfield and the defence line. The option of getting a new face for latter is what has made headlines in recent days. Riccardo Calafiori has emerged as a target for the North London club with progress and breakthrough in talks reported to have been made on Wednesday. Arsenal are said to…
Brazil head coach Dorival Jr has urged for calm and focus on the basic steps following the progression of his team to the Copa America quarter final stage. The nine-time champions played out a 1-1 draw with Colombia on Tuesday – which confirmed they finished with five points from three games in Group D behind their opponents. Dorival, who took charge in January and led the side to four games before Copa America, has come under the spotlight following a rather unconvincing campaign. The 62-year-old said to reporters: “It’s a process, nobody skips stages, you don’t get from A to…
Lionel Messi has been an injury doubt for Argentina as they continue their attempt to retain their Copa America title – with reports previously suggesting he would most likely not be fit for the rest of the tournament. However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner resumed training with Argentina on Monday as they gear up for their Copa America quarter final tie with Ecuador in Houston. The 37-year-old not trained since his thigh/groin problem during their 1-0 win against Chile on June 25. The Inter Miami star also sat out the 2-0 triumph over Peru on Saturday. The Argentine Football Federation…
Ronald Koeman has revealed his Dutch team took time to reflect and point out problems in the side while also admitting he would have hoped for shorter time-frame from their last group game to their last 16 affair with Romania. The Netherlands took to the field last in Berlin on Tuesday, in what was their final group D game, losing 3-2 against Austria which left them with a third place finish but securing a knockout phase ticket as part of the four best losers. Koeman said in a press conference: “It has been a very long week. Seven days is…
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez had nothing but words of praise for Cristiano Ronaldo after their shootout victory against Slovenia to progress to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. The Portugal captain missed a penalty in extra time but stepped up first and scored in the 3-0 penalty shootout win. Ronaldo was captured in tears during half-time in extra time after his miss from the spot — which made the game sail into penalties but he redeemed himself and apologized to the fans in the shootout as goalkeeper Diogo Costa also made three saves to secure Portugal’s ticket. “He [Ronaldo] doesn’t…
Jude Bellingham came down hard on critics as he expressed satisfaction at being able to hit back at “people who talk a lot of rubbish” – as he netted equaliser in injury time with a bicycle kick in England’s 2-1 victory against Slovakia. The Three Lions were staring at potential elimination at the last 16 stage of Euro 2024 after their opponents took the lead on 25 minutes through Ivan Schranz’s goal but Bellingham’s audacious effort with seconds remaining on the clock. Captain Harry Kane netted in the opening minute of extra time to give England the lead which also…