FOOTBALL
Euro 2020 Preview: England vs Germany
England and Germany have a great tradition of footballing rivalry.
In 32 meetings so far, England and Germany have played out just four draws with Die Mannschaft having a slight upper hand in the head-to-head record with 15 wins (L13).
Germany are unbeaten in their last seven games against England at Wembley (W5 D2).
They have not lost there since a 2-0 defeat in a friendly way back in 1975.
Their last competitive loss at the stadium was the 1966 World Cup final when England stunned them 4-1, aided by a famous Geoff Hurst hat-trick.
But all that is in the past.
What matters is the now and the current form.
Analysing the two teams
England reached the UEFA Euro 2020 Round of 16 by topping Group D, having been one of just seven teams to end the group stage unbeaten.
More importantly, the Three Lions are the only team yet to concede a goal at the tournament.
But worryingly, England have lacked fluency in attack, managing just two goals across three games so far.
Germany, on the other hand, were drawn in the group of death and endured a roller-coaster ride into the Last 16 stage.
Die Mannschaft lost to France, beat Portugal convincingly before a 2-2 draw with Hungary meant they finished runners-up in Group F.
Joachim Low has a full-strength squad at his disposal but will be worried over the suspension tightrope, with Matthias Ginter, Ilkay Gundogan, Joshua Kimmich, Kai Havertz, and Leroy Sane all on yellow cards.
They could miss the next game if booked.
While Sane is not a starter for Germany, the rest of the players are key figures in the 3-4-3 formation, Low is expected to deploy.
Ginter will line up in the three-man central defensive unit, with Mats Hummels and Antonio Rudiger being his partners at the back.
The battle will be won and lost in the midfield where Toni Kroos will be tasked with keeping Germany in control, with support from Ilkay Gundogan.
Joshua Kimmich and Robin Gosens are certainties, with the duo combining to form the most fearsome wing-back partnership at UEFA Euro 2020.
In attack, Thomas Muller, Kai Havertz and Serge Gnabry will hold their spots in the side.
Gareth Southgate does not have any fresh injury concerns either.
Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell will be available after missing the final group game.
Mount might walk straight back into the starting lineup, replacing Jack Grealish.
Southgate is expected to be loyal to captain Harry Kane, who will lead the line for England and will be hoping to turn his fortunes around after a dreadful group stage.
Raheem Sterling is key for England u after scoring two goals so far.
On the right wing, Bukayo Saka will hope to keep hold of his spot after an impressive showing versus Czech Republic.
Unfortunately, Phil Foden might miss out again.
Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips could be the defensive pivots despite the availability of Jordan Henderson.
Germany Probable Lineup (3-4-3):
Neuer; Ginter, Hummels, Rudiger; Kimmich, Gundogan, Kroos, Gosens; Havertz, Muller, Gnabry
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Phillips; Saka, Mount, Sterling; Kane
Prediction
The key to their performance will be the performance of the defensive unit and here, England has the edge.
We expect a low-scoring contest and England winning by a solitary goal.
FOOTBALL
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Emotional Moment Recalled by Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand shared an emotional incident involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Alex Ferguson during their Manchester United days. The story highlights Ferguson’s management style and Ronaldo’s journey to becoming a football legend.
According to Ferdinand, the incident occurred early in Cristiano Ronaldo career. Ferguson criticized Ronaldo in front of the team after a subpar performance. The harsh words left Ronaldo in tears, but they also sparked a determination to improve.
Ferdinand explained that Ferguson used such moments to build mental toughness in young players. The criticism wasn’t meant to demean but to push Ronaldo toward greatness. This tough-love approach became a hallmark of Ferguson’s management.
Ronaldo responded by working harder on his game, focusing on areas Ferguson pointed out. Ferdinand recalled how Ronaldo’s commitment to improvement impressed both teammates and coaches. This incident marked a turning point in Ronaldo’s development.
The story also sheds light on Ferguson’s ability to read players and tailor his approach. While his methods were tough, they often brought out the best in players like Ronaldo.
Ferdinand emphasized that Ronaldo’s resilience and willingness to learn set him apart. He turned criticism into motivation, eventually becoming one of the greatest footballers in history.
This anecdote offers a glimpse into the dynamics of a legendary player-coach relationship. It also highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in professional sports.
Ronaldo’s ability to handle challenges and grow from them remains a key lesson for aspiring athletes. The story serves as a reminder of how tough moments can lead to extraordinary success with the right mindset.
FOOTBALL
Bukayo Saka Injury: Arsenal Star Out for Several Weeks
Bukayo Saka had hamstring injury will keep him sidelined for several weeks, confirmed Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. This announcement comes as a significant blow to Arsenal’s campaign, as Saka plays a pivotal role in the team’s attack.
Arteta revealed that Bukayo Saka injury occurred during a recent match and requires adequate recovery time. Medical evaluations confirmed the severity of the issue, necessitating a break from competitive football.
Saka’s absence creates challenges for Arsenal, particularly in crucial upcoming matches. The team must now explore alternative strategies to maintain their performance without one of their key players.
Arteta emphasized the importance of player health and stressed that Saka’s recovery would not be rushed. The manager expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and adaptability to manage this period effectively.
Arsenal’s medical staff will closely monitor Saka’s rehabilitation to ensure a safe and complete recovery. The club remains optimistic about his return later in the season.
Fans expressed their support for Saka, wishing him a speedy recovery. His contributions this season have been vital, making his absence a significant setback. Arsenal supporters eagerly await updates on his progress.
This development highlights the physical demands on players in competitive football. Teams must balance performance and player welfare to prevent such injuries. Arsenal’s handling of Saka’s situation reflects their commitment to safeguarding their players’ health.
Saka’s injury adds pressure on Arsenal to perform without their star winger. The team’s response during this period will test their resilience and ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.
FC Goa
FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory
FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.
Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.
The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!
FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.
The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.
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