Connect with us

FOOTBALL

Euro 2020: Unai Simon helps Spain reach semis

Published

on

Spain became the first team to enter the semi-finals at Euro 2020 after they edged past 10-man Switzerland in Saint Petersburg.

The victory was achieved after a 1-1 stalemate at the end of official time through a dramatic penalty shootout.

Spain will play Italy in the first semi-final at Wembley next Tuesday.

After hitting 10 goals in the their previous two games, Spain ended with 28 shots and 10 on target against the Swiss.

However, Enrique will be concerned by the misfiring Alvaro Morato and his replacement Gerard Moreno who missed chances galore. 

Spain started the game with their trademark passing, but when the goal did arrive in the eighth minute there was a healthy slice of luck involved.

Jordi Alba hit a left-footed half-volley after the ball dropped to him from a corner and a heavy deflection off Zakaria sent it past a wrong-footed Yann Sommer.

This was the 10th own goal of the tournament – which is more than in all the previous 15 editions of the Euros combined.

The Swiss suffered another setback after 23 minutes when they lost Embolo to injury following a clash with Spanish full-back Pau Torres.

However, this is a Swiss side that believes in itself.

They continued to attack and it finally paid off.

A defensive mix-up between Aymeric Laporte and partner Pau Torres saw the ball come to midfielder Remo Freuler who passed it to the unmarked Shaqiri.

The Liverpool star and Swiss captain, Shaqiri swept it past Unai Simon Simon to score his 26th goal for the national team.

The drama continued when Switzerland found themselves reduced to 10 men following a red card to midfielder Remo Freuler in the 77th minute.

This didn’t deter Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer who heroically kept Switzerland in the game, during extra time by producing several outstanding saves, including a point-blank shot from Moreno.

It was finally down to penalties and for the first time in the tournament, Switzerland looked unnerved.

Spain started badly with misses from Sergio Busquets and Rodri.

However, amazingly, the Swiss trio of Fabian Schar, Manuel Akanji and Ruben Vargas all missed their efforts, thanks to some brilliant shot-stopping by keeper Unai Simon.

For Simon, it was a great way to redeem himself after his horrendous own goal against Croatia.

Finally, Mikel Oyazabal scored to send Spain through, 3-1 on penalties.

It was a cruel end to the Swiss who won the hearts of football fans all over the world after a stunning victory against France.

 

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FOOTBALL

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Emotional Moment Recalled by Rio Ferdinand

Published

on

By

Rio Ferdinand recalls Alex Ferguson’s tough criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting his resilience and eventual rise to greatness.

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.

Continue Reading

FOOTBALL

Bukayo Saka Injury: Arsenal Star Out for Several Weeks

Published

on

By

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka faces weeks of recovery due to a hamstring injury. Manager Arteta confirms plans for his return.

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.

Continue Reading

FC Goa

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

on

By

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan

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.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Wolf777news.