Football Archives - Page 7 of 11

Bonucci hails Italy heart after Azzurri ‘suffer’ through win over Spain

Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci admitted that Tuesday’s clash with Spain was the toughest game he ever played as the Azzurri booked their place in the Euro 2020 final.

Bonucci’s side outlasted Spain in a shootout, earning a place in the finale against either Denmark or England.

After a back-and-forth match that saw Spain equalize in the 80th minute on an Alvaro Morata goal, Bonucci was beaming with pride as he said his team showed exactly what they’re made of to move one step closer to a major trophy.

What was said?

“This is the toughest game I have ever played. I congratulate Spain for what they showed, but once again this Italy showed heart, determination and the ability to push through difficult moments and the lottery of penalties rewarded us,” Bonucci told RAI Sport.

“The victory you suffer for is always the most enjoyable one.”

“Now there’s one more centimeter to go. Just one more centimeter,” he added. “It’s incredible what we are doing, but we mustn’t feel satisfied. We’re in the final. It is in five days, and we need the same hunger and spirit of sacrifice to bring this trophy home after many years.”

‘We suffered to the end and we snatched it’

Gianluigi Donnarrumma also hailed the spirit in Italy’s team after the victory, saying they “snatched” the victory after a difficult game.

Donnarumma made the pivotal shootout stop on Morata, who had scored on him earlier in the game, paving the way for Jorginho to seal the win with a calmly taken penalty.

“It’s indescribable. I was relaxed because I knew I could help the team,” Donnarumma told RAI Sport.

“The team was fantastic, I thank everyone, the people in the stands, we gave our all and now we need one final step to make our dream come true.

“Spain are very strong, but this Italy has a huge heart, we never give up and we saw that because we suffered to the end and we snatched it, but Spain deserve a lot of credit for …

Football / Sports

Emiliano Martinez penalty heroics sets up Argentina – Brazil final

Emiliano Martinez put forth a heroic, legendary performance in goal for Argentina on Tuesday, sending his team to the Copa America final with a 3-2 win on penalty kicks over Colombia. The match ended 1-1 and went straight to the shootout, and from there the trash-talking, hip-thrusting Aston Villa goalkeeper saved three of the five penalties he faced. His team did enough as Lionel Messi, Leandro Paredes and Lautaro Martinez finished their chances from the spot, setting up a dreamy Argentina-Brazil final on Saturday night.

The match started off with Argentina threatening from the opening whistle, taking just seven minutes to get their goal. Gio Lo Celso played a world-class ball into the box to the feet of Messi, who set up Lautaro Martinez for the opener.

Argentina maintained control of the match and felt like the most likely to get the second goal until halftime. That’s when Colombia coach Reinaldo Rueda made three changes that gave his team some more technical ability and speed, and the problems began for the favorites.

Colombia continued to look like a threat against an underwhelming Argentina defense and made them pay dearly in the 61st minute. A quick free kick was played to send Luis Diaz through, and the Porto man did the rest, finishing from a title angle to equalize it.

But Argentina had their chances, missing two golden ones late in the second half. First, Martinez missed on a goal that was defended by just one defender as David Opsina was caught out, but his poorly taken effort was cleared with ease. Then it was Messi who was played into the box, turning and firing off the left post, resulting in the match going to penalties.

The favorites maintained their composure, with their goalkeeper putting together a brilliant display on how to dominate a shootout.

Argentina and Brazil will meet Saturday night at the legendary Maracana in Rio de Janeiro at 8 p.m. ET.…

Football / Sports

Brazil beat Peru 1 – 0 and advance to Copa America Final

Brazil have stormed through to the Copa America Final yet again after a near flawless tournament, where they went undefeated through six games — scoring 12 goals and conceding just two in the process.

Eder Militao has not featured much in the last few games as Brazil head coach Tite has gone with Thiago Silva and Marquinhos at the back. Meanwhile Vinicius, until now, had played just 32 minutes in this tournament. Both players started this game on the bench, but did enter the game through a triple sub in the 84th minute when they, along with Fabinho, replaced Fred, Richarlison, and Renan Lodi.

Casemiro though, featured from the start, and played the full 90 minutes on the right side of a double pivot alongside Manchester United midfielder Fred. He was involved in several nice attacking sequences and one-touch passing plays in the first half as he combined well with Lucas Paqueta, Neymar, and Richarlison. Those four in particular were huge instigators in attack as Brazil carved Peru over and over again in the first half. Peru, defending in a 5-4-1, kept everyone behind the ball apart from striker Gianluca Lapadula. Thus, they struggled getting any attacks in transition, and even though they tried to stay compact defensively, struggled to limit space between the lines for Brazil’s runners to find space in. They also allowed both Casemiro and Fred to pick out all the passes they wanted without being pressured. Casemiro had two long distance stingers which forced saves from Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Brazil opened the scoring though Paqueta in the 35th minute after some sorcery from Neymar.

Brazil looked set to steamroll a helpless Peru side. But at half-time, their head coach Ricardo Gareca made two subs to advance his team’s shape. Most notably, the entrance of attacking midfielder Raziel Garcia for one of his defenders provided some help for Lapadula in attack and immediately brought Peru back into the game. They got better opportunities in transition, were able to keep the ball better, and gave Casemiro — …

Football / Sports

Messi leading the race to Golden Boot?

Will Lionel Messi win the Golden Boot award in the current edition of Copa America?

The 2021 edition of the Copa America is underway, and Brazil, Peru, Argentina and Colombia are the four semi-finalists vying for the top prize.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi has been the standout performer in the competition with four goals and has also provided as many assists. Interestingly, it must be mentioned that Messi has never won the Golden Boot award at Copa America.

Messi needs four more goals to equal Norbeto Mendez (Agrentina) and Zizinho (Brazil)’s tally of 17 goals each, who are the all-time top scorers at Copa America.

He started the 2021 edition of the tournament in style with a gem of a free-kick against Chile before adding a couple against Bolivia in their last group game. In the quarterfinal against Ecuador, Messi was in sublime form as he provided two assists and scored at the death from a free-kick.

Messi is the only player with four goals to his name. There are 10 players who have scored twice in this competition however, only five are still in contention with their teams being in the semis.

Player	Team	Goals
Lionel Messi	Argentina	4
Papu Gomez	Argentina	2
Lautaro Martinez	Argentina	2
Andre Carillo	Peru	2
Gianluca Lapadula	Peru	2
Neymar	Brazil	2

The other players who have scored two goals are: Erwin Saavedra (Bolivia), Edinson Cavani (Uruguay) Ángel Romero (Paraguay), Ayrton Preciado (Ecuador) and Eduardo Vargas (Chile)

…

Football / Sports

After Mexico, Eagles Team B to face Canada, Ghana, Cameroun

More home-based stars for World Cup qualifiers
Super Eagles’ home-based players have another chance to show the technical crew why they deserve more opportunities in the senior national team when they play friendly matches against Canada, Ghana and Cameroun.

The team met yesterday lost 0-4 to Mexico in a friendly game played in the Los Angeles Coliseum, California, United States.

Speaking after the game watched by over 50,000 fans, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, revealed that the federation was at the verge of finalising arrangements for the friendly games, which would hold before the 2022 World Cup qualifiers begin later this year.

He added that the matches would hold in the 73,000 capacity M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, United States.

“This is the launchpad we are providing for you to showcase your talents,” Pinnick told the media.

“This team is our pride, and we will keep you and monitor you because you are the next big thing in Nigerian football.

“In October, we will be flying the team to Baltimore for friendly games against Ghana possibly, Cameroun and Canada, maybe. We will sort that out in the coming weeks.

“We will tidy up all the documentation. You will be playing at the 73,000 capacity M&T Bank Stadium.”

In the game against Mexico, Nigeria presented a team made up of players from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) with Ibrahim Sunusi, who plays for Montreal FC the only foreign-based star in the squad.

Speaking on the game, Super Eagles Head Coach, Gernot Rohr, praised the team for ‘a good outing.’

He said, “These are young players playing in front of over 50,000 fans in a foreign land. It was not easy but they showed they can play this game.

“We are very happy that fans are returning to stadiums after a long time playing in empty stadiums. Mexico is number 11 in the world and our young team is the best players in the professional league at home. They have learnt a lot from this game. I saw some …

Football / Sports

Patrick Vieira’s biggest managerial test

The recent managerial merry-go-round has seen similar names linked with jobs at Tottenham, Everton and Crystal Palace – Nuno Espirito Santo did the rounds at all three before landing at Spurs, while Everton opted for Rafa Benitez.

But Steve Parish, Dougie Freedman and the board have moved away from the conventional managerial names to land Vieira, who had turned down the vacant role at Bournemouth earlier in the summer, reportedly in favor of a Premier League move.

He was a player synonymous with Arsenal’s Invisibles and while no one can deny he was among the most talented midfielders of his generation, he has little managerial experience in Europe, let alone in England and even that has not been at senior level.

Vieira also oversaw the incomings of European football royalty. Andrea Pirlo, David Villa and Lampard have all played under him, giving the former France international a key insight into coaching players of such quality.

A look at his most recent spell at Nice could be a concern. Interestingly, he replaced Favre at the Ligue 1 club, who made a late U-turn and decided not to take the Crystal Palace job in June.

His first two seasons can be regarded as largely successful – a seventh then fifth place league finish saw Nice secure Europa League football. But the 2020/21 campaign started off poorly and Vieira was sacked after a run of five successive defeats and an exit at the Europa League group stages. They finished bottom of Group C with just one win and five …

Football / Sports

Eagles depart Abuja for international friendly with Mexico in Los Angeles

Super Eagles’ contingent for Saturday’s international friendly game against Mexico will depart Nigeria today for Los Angeles, U.S., venue of the game.

Made up of solely home-based players, the team is expected to travel aboard a Turkish Airline flight for the game billed for the Los Angeles Coliseum, a 77,500 capacity facility that has hosted major international games.

The team, led by Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, with support from former U-20 national team coach, Paul Aigbogun, has been preparing for the encounter in Abuja in the last six days.

Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr, will also be with the squad in America to monitor the performance of the players and advise the handlers where necessary.

Eguavoen recently trimmed the team to 23 for easy management of the players, who are expected to use the match to justify their demand for more representation in the Super Eagles main team.

The players got their visas from the U.S. Embassy and also did their COVID-19 tests yesterday ahead of their journey today.

Among the players billed to make the trip to the U.S are goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland), John Noble (Enyimba) and Lobi Stars’ Stanley Nwabali Bobo.

The defenders are Olisa Ndah (Akwa United); Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors); Tope Olusesi (Enugu Rangers); Imoh Obot (Enyimba); Tebo Franklin Degaulle (Nasarawa United); Lawal Oriyomi Murtala (Kwara United); and Enyinnaya Kazie (Rivers United).

The midfielders are Anthony Shimaga (Rangers International); Seth Mayi (Akwa United); and Uche Onwuasoanya (Plateau United.

Anayo Iwuala of Enyimba, who has been part of the main Super Eagles in recent times, will lead the attackers, who also include Stephen Jude (Kwara United); Ibrahim Olawoyin (Enugu Rangers); Charles Ashimene (Akwa United); Auwalu Ali Malam (Kano Pillars); Nenrot Emmanuel (Plateau United); Abdulmutalif Sanusi (Katsina United); Sunday Adetunji(Rivers United); Mohammed Zulkifilu (Plateau United) and Chinonso Eziekwe (Enugu Rangers).

Saturday’s match against Nigeria is part of Mexico’s Mex Tour Series, which involves four games. The game kicks off at 7.30 p.m. Los Angeles time on Saturday, which is 3.30 a.m. on …

Football / Sports

England beat Germany as Sterling and Kane send them to Euro 2020 last eight

For England, it was always going to be about finding the moment, the one to blow apart a tight game, to cut through so much negative tournament history – particularly at the hands of Germany. And for long spells, as the tension rose to near unbearable levels at a raucous and emotional Wembley, the home crowd wondered whether it would come.

Gareth Southgate had reverted to a 3-4-3, ignoring the clamor for greater fantasy and more creative players. It was the England manager sticking bravely to his principles, seeking security, the platform for the moment, and a part of the equation was patience, which was not in abundant supply inside the stadium.

Germany had shown their quality in the first half, particularly early on, yet England came to match them physically and tactically. The longer the second half wore on, the greater the assurance of those in white shirts. Could they find the incision, the note of clarity?

Southgate had called for a hero, somebody to score a goal that will live for ever, and with 15 minutes to go he found one. Yet again, it was Raheem Sterling. After his match-winners in the group stage against Croatia and the Czech Republic, Sterling bristled with confidence and hard running. The qualities were stamped all over the goal that ignited English dreams.

Southgate had introduced Jack Grealish from the bench and the midfielder was involved in the move, taking a pass from Harry Kane and ushering in the overlapping Luke Shaw on the left. But it was Sterling who started the move and it was he who finished it, driving into the box to guide home Shaw’s low delivery. Sterling has scored 15 times in his past 20 England appearances.

The abiding image of the occasion from a German point of view would come shortly after. It was of Thomas Müller, his face contorted in despair. It was always going to be about moments and Germany’s came on 81 minutes when the veteran was sent clean through by Kai Havertz.

A …

Football / Sports

France crash out of Euro 2020 on penalties to Switzerland

Kylian Mbappe missed the all important spot-kick as France crashed out of Euro 2020 on penalties to Switzerland in the last 16 after a rollercoaster 120 minutes of action. The Paris Saint-Germain star failed to score at the tournament and he fluffed his lines under the pressure as Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer denied him from 12 yards to book his side’s place in the quarter-finals where they will meet Spain. Arsenal midfielder and Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka won the toss and decided to go first in the shootout – it was a decision he would not live to regret. Mario Gavranovic, Fabian Schar, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Vargas and Admir Mehmedi made no mistake from the spot as Switzerland scored all five of their spot-kicks.

Paul Pogba, Olivier Giroud, Marcus Thuram and Presnel Kimpembe were also on target for France before Mbappe made the long walk up to the penalty spot. He struck the ball hard to Sommer’s right but the Borussia Monchengladbach No 1 was equal to it as he parried the ball away to break French hearts.

Ricardo Rodriguez stepped up but was denied by the paws of Hugo Lloris who dived down to his right to make a crucial save.

Seconds later up the other end, France made them pay as Karim Benzema controlled beautifully and slotted prodded the ball past the onrushing Sommer.

The Real Madrid front man, who has made his return for Les Blues at the tournament, then headed in a second shortly after to put France in front.

Paul Pogba then scored the goal of the night when he curled home from 30-yards to showcase his star quality.

But the game wasn’t done there as Seferovic pulled back another with his second of the night to give the Swiss hope.

Then in the dying embers, shortly after he had a goal disallowed, Gavranovic rifled home an equaliser to send the game to extra-time.

There is now plenty for France to ponder and although they were rocked by injuries ahead of the knockout stages, their …

Football / Sports / Stories

Most Famous Brothers In Football History

Siblings are a blessing people say – A brother or sister to share the plays, the chores, and many other things around the house. It is indeed wonderful when both of you share the same interests and hobbies – like playing football. Indeed there are some famous brothers in football.

When you have an older sibling playing football, it is a gift. Not only can he teach you everything he knows, but also he helps you in achieving your goals.

There have been many brothers in world football who have come to play at the world’s biggest stage. Some have played together, and some have even played against each other.

Here, after much deliberation, we have compiled a list for the top 10 most famous brothers in football. Take a look at them below –

10. Eden and Thorgan Hazard

The Hazard name is very famous in world football. Most of this fame is associated with Belgium’s National Team Captain, Eden Hazard. Most people are not aware of the fact that there is another of him who also plays football.

Thorgan Hazard plays for the German club Borussia Dortmund. In contrast, his elder brother, Eden, plays for Spanish giants, Real Madrid, after some successful years at Chelsea Football Club. Their parents and were professional football players. Eden and his three brothers have followed in their parents’ footsteps.

Their mother, Carine, played as a striker for the Belgian Women’s First Division and retired when she was three months pregnant with Eden. Their father, Thierry, was a defensive midfielder for the Belgian Second Division team, La Louviere.

There are two more brothers of the Hazards, Kylian and Ethan. Kylian played for his brother’s club Chelsea, before joining Cercle Brugge in 2019. Ethan plays in the youth academy of Tubize like his elder brothers did.

9. Michael and Brian Laudrup

When you are searching for brothers who went on to become great football players for their country, you’ll definitely come across the Laudrup brothers.…

Football / Sports

I do not understand criticism from Mourinho – Luke Shaw

England defender Luke Shaw says he does not understand why he continues to receive criticism from his former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.

In his role as a radio pundit, Mourinho said Shaw’s set-piece delivery was “drastically bad” in England’s win against the Czech Republic.

Shaw said even his international team-mates had asked: “What’s his problem?”

“Clearly I am in his head a lot and he clearly thinks about me a lot,” the 25-year-old said.

“There is no hiding that we didn’t get on,” Shaw added, speaking of his time playing under Mourinho.

“I think he was a brilliant manager but, you know, the past is the past. It is time to move on. I am trying to move on but, obviously, he can’t.

“He continuously talks about me, which I find quite strange. Even some of the lads have said ‘what’s his problem?’ and ‘why does he keep talking?’ He just needs to move on.”

‘I find it easy to ignore him’

Shaw has been on an upward trajectory since Mourinho’s Manchester United sacking in December 2018.

The defender won just one England cap while he struggled to get into the United side, but has started the last two Euro 2020 fixtures at left-back.

He helped United finish second in the table and was named in the Premier League Team of the Year for 2020-21 after becoming a first-team regular under Mourinho’s replacement, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Mourinho followed his time at United with an 18-month stint at Tottenham before being named as Roma’s new head coach in May, but has been working as a pundit on Talk sport during Euro 2020.

“What he says now is nothing compared to how it used to be if I am being totally honest,” Shaw said.

“I am so past it now. I have grown up a lot. The three years I had with him, I learnt a lot. I find it easy to ignore him now and even laugh about it. But it’s better just to ignore it and move on with …

Football / Sports / Stories

Okocha, Yobo, sports presenter Praiz for SuperSport’s UEFA Euro 2020 Coverage

As the Euro 2020 tournament heads into the round of 16 matches, football fans get to experience expert analysis pre and post selected Euro 2020 matches by former Nigerian professional footballers and European stars: Jay-Jay Okocha and Joseph Yobo.

This will be hosted by famous sports presenter, Mozez Praiz.

“In addition to our great coverage of the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, we have three home-grown talents flying the Nigerian flag high on a continental platform for an international tournament. The DStv and GOtv platforms go beyond showcasing movies and music talent. We cut across all spheres of entertainment and are beyond thrilled to provide the platforms for these football legends to be seen and heard,” said John Ugbe, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria.

Augustine Azuka Okocha, popularly known as Jay Jay Okocha, was born in Enugu, Enugu State on August 14, 1973.

He is arguably the best Nigerian footballer of all time.

He began playing football at a very young age, playing on the streets with makeshift balls, which was where he developed some of the skills that made him the renowned footballer he is today.

Okocha’s professional football career began in 1990 when he joined Enugu Rangers.

It was during his time at the club that he produced many of the spectacular displays he is known for today.

JJ Okocha was later signed by Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in December 1991.

The ex-Super Eagles star continued to amaze the spectators with his spectacular display, dribbling skills and confidence with the ball.

Okocha was also good with goals to the extent that one of his goals was voted Goal of the Season by many soccer magazines.

Joseph Michael Yobo is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a centre back.

He was the captain of the Nigerian national team until his international football retirement in June 2014, and is Nigeria’s joint record appearance holder.

Seeing that Joseph Yobo had an eye for football, he was enrolled in Michellin-Harcourt at the age of 16 in 1996, and in 1997, he …

Football / Sports / Stories

Buhari snubs Yekini, Siasia, allocates houses to ‘94 Super Eagles

Late Rashidi Yekini’s name was conspicuously missing as President Muhammadu Buhari approved allocation of three-bedroom houses to the Super Eagles Squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunis, Tunisia in 1994, making real a promise by the Federal Government.

The late gangling striker, also known as the Goalfather, scored Nigeria’s first goal at the World Cup.

He also played a vital role in Nigeria’s qualification for the mundial.

Other top stars missing on the list are Samson Siasia, Dan Amokachi, Chidi Nwanu and Uche Okechukwu.

Meanwhile, following a memo by Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, the President approved the allocations in their states of preference, noting that six players and three technical crews received their houses already.

The players are: Peter Rufai, Alloy Agu, Ike Shorounmu, Uche Okechukwu, Samson Siasia, Efan Ekoku, Sunday Oliseh, Benedict Iroha, Isaac Semitoje, Mutiu Adepoju, Emmanuel Amuneke, Victor Ikpeba, Austin Eguavoen and Wilfred Agbonavbare (Deceased).

Others are: Uche Okafor (Deceased), Thompson Oliha (Deceased), Stephen Keshi (Deceased), Christian Chukwu, Dr Akin Amao, Stephen Edema, Col. A Asielue and B. Aromasodun.

…

Football / Sports

Pitch invader with rainbow flag protest ahead of Germany vs Hungary

A pitch invader carrying a rainbow flag was tackled as they protested during the pre-match anthems ahead of Germany’s Euro 2020 clash against Hungary on Wednesday.

The supporter entered the pitch wearing a Germany shirt and brandished the flag during the Hungarian national anthem.

They attempted to run towards the Hungary players before stewards rushed towards them and tackled them.

The protest came after UEFA turned down a request from the mayor of Munich for the city’s stadium to be lit up in rainbow colors for the Euro 2020 Group F match between Germany and Hungary.

Dieter Reiter said he wanted to light up the stadium in the colors in protest against a new law in Hungary that bans the dissemination of content in schools deemed to promote homosexuality and gender change.

On that basis, UEFA said it could not grant the request and proposed alternative dates for the stadium to be lit up in rainbow colors.

The controversy follows UEFA’s decision to drop an investigation into Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s wearing of a rainbow-colored armband in Germany’s Euro 2020 matches against France and Portugal.

The Bayern ‘keeper had been wearing the armband, which is a symbol of solidarity with the LGBT+ community, during Pride Month in June.…

Football / Sports

UEFA sending ‘wrong signal’ with rainbow stadium refusal: Germany

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Wednesday criticized UEFA’s decision to block plans to light Munich’s Allianz Arena stadium in rainbow colors for Germany’s Euro 2020 match against Hungary.

“It’s true, the football pitch is not about politics,” Maas wrote on Twitter after the European football body blamed the “political context” for its decision.

“It’s about people, about fairness, about tolerance. That’s why @UEFA is sending the wrong signal,” he said.

City authorities had wanted the Allianz Arena — owned by Bayern Munich, but rented to UEFA for Euro 2020 — in rainbow colors for the crucial Group F match to “send a visible sign of solidarity” with Hungary’s LGBT community.

But UEFA refused the request, insisting it must remain a “politically and religiously neutral organization”.

Hungary’s right-wing government last week passed a law banning the “promotion” of homosexuality to minors, outlawing any educational programs or material in which homosexuality is mentioned.

UEFA’s move drew condemnation from football personalities across Europe, as well as from Germany’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community.

After UEFA’s refusal, Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter announced plans to decorate other city landmarks in rainbow colors.

Munich will put up rainbow-colored flags at its town hall and illuminate a huge wind turbine close to the stadium, as well as the city’s 291-metre (955-foot) Olympic Tower.

Other stadiums across Germany are also planning rainbow light displays, including Berlin’s iconic Olympic Stadium, as well as Bundesliga stadiums in Cologne, Frankfurt and Wolfsburg.…

Football / Sports / Stories

Japanese football star Kumi Yokoyama comes out as transgender man

Japanese Women’s World Cup star Kumi Yokoyama has come out as a transgender man — one of the few athletes to do so in a country where LGBTQ rights lag behind other developed nations.

Yokoyama, who represented Japan at the 2019 Women’s World Cup and currently plays for National Women’s Soccer League side Washington Spirit, said living in the United States made it easier to be “open” about sexuality and gender.

“Recently, the term LGBTQ has become familiar in Japan, and you see it in the media nowadays,” said the 27-year-old footballer.

“But I thought that if people in my position didn’t speak up, things wouldn’t progress.”

Yokoyama’s message was posted on the YouTube channel of former Japan teammate Yuki Nagasato — a World Cup winner in 2011.

Yokoyama, who wishes to be referred by the gender-neutral pronouns “they” and “them”, had a breast-removal operation at the age of 20.

They intend to have further gender reassignment surgery after they have retired from playing.

The forward said there was pressure to conform to gender norms in Japan, but there was less discrimination in the United States and Germany, where Yokoyama previously played for Frankfurt.

“In Japan, you’re always asked ‘do you have a boyfriend?’, but here it’s normal to ask ‘do you prefer men or women’,” Yokoyama said.

“I hid it from my teammates in the beginning, but they told me it was uncool to hide it, and that I didn’t have to.”

Yokoyama found support from Washington Spirit, who tweeted: “We support and are so proud of you Kumi. Thank you for showing the world it’s OK to embrace who you are!”

On Monday, New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard was chosen as the first transgender Olympic athlete.

Hubbard, 43, who transitioned to female in her 30s, met all the qualification criteria for transgender athletes.…

Football / Sports

Italy cruise into Euro 2020 last 16 as Wales close on knockouts

Italy became the first team to reach the knockout stage of Euro 2020 as midfielder Manuel Locatelli scored twice in a 3-0 win over Switzerland in Rome on Wednesday, while Wales moved to the brink of joining them by beating Turkey.

The Azzurri, now unbeaten in 29 matches and having won their last 10 games without conceding a goal, sit first in Group A and are guaranteed a top-two finish and last-16 berth.

“We played well, we wanted to win at all costs,” Italy coach Roberto Mancini told RAI.

“They started well, it was not easy to win a second game in five days.”

Mancini’s men, looking to win Italy a second European title after their sole success in 1968, host Wales in their final group game on Sunday, with top spot up for grabs.

A new star shone for Italy at the Stadio Olimpico, where they had brushed aside Turkey 3-0 in the tournament’s opening match last week, as Sassuolo’s Locatelli scored twice before Ciro Immobile’s late third.

Captain Giorgio Chiellini had an early effort ruled out by VAR for handball, before the 36-year-old defender was forced off with what appeared to be a thigh injury.

But the hosts always looked the more dangerous side and took the lead in the 26th minute.

Locatelli played a wonderful volleyed pass to his Sassuolo teammate Domenico Berardi on the wing, who powered to the byline and picked out Locatelli for a simple tap-in.

The three points and a place in the knockout phase for the fourth straight European Championship were all but secured less than seven minutes after the interval, when a flowing move ended with Locatelli driving a left-footed shot into the bottom corner from outside the box.

Immobile had wasted a couple of earlier chances but did grab his second goal of the tournament in the 89th minute, curling a low effort past Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

Switzerland will now likely have to beat Turkey in Baku on Sunday to reach the next round.

Impressive Wales see off …

Football / Sports

Aaron Ramsdale after Dean Henderson withdraws with hip injury

Dean Henderson has been forced to withdraw from England’s Euro 2020 squad due to a hip injury, and has been replaced by Aaron Ramsdale.

Henderson sat out training for a second time on Monday due to his hip issue, and it was deemed the problem would have continued to hamper his ability to train throughout the tournament.

The 24-year-old will now return to Manchester United for further assessment and rehabilitation ahead of the 2021/22 season.

His replacement Ramsdale was originally a member of Gareth Southgate’s 33-man pre-tournament group for friendlies in Middlesbrough, but was one of the seven players to be left out of the 26-man squad for the Euros.

…

Football / Sports

Super Eagles’ Austria winless jinx continues, hold Indomitable Lions to goalless draw

Super Eagles’ search for their first victory in Vienna, Austria, continued yesterday, as they could only manage a goalless draw with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a friendly match. It was the fifth time the Nigerian senior national team would fail to secure a win in that country.

The coach Gernot Rohr-led team lost 0-1 to Cameroon on Friday at the same venue, and Nigerians were looking forward to something different in their second friendly match yesterday.

The Super Eagles search for victory in Austria dated back to May 2008, when they were forced to a 1-1 draw by the host country, Austria, at the UPC Arena in Graz.

In October 2020, Nigeria played two matches against Algeria and Tunisia, losing 1-0 to the Desert Foxes and drawing 1-1 with the Carthage Eagles.

In their last 13 friendly matches dating back to November 2017, the Super Eagles have won only three times: Against Argentina (4-2 in Krasnodar, Russia), Egypt (1-0 in Asaba) and Poland (1-0 in Stadion Miejski, Wrocław). They lost four of the friendly matches and drew the remaining six.

While Friday’s encounter was action-packed with the Eagles having more scoring chances than the Lions, who, however, won 1-0, yesterday’s game was a dour affair.

Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr, tweaked his side with Terem Moffi, Abraham Marcus and Valentine Ozornwafor getting opportunities to show the gaffer what they can do.

While Nigeria lacked the urgency required of a team seeking revenge in the first half, they had a few scoring chances in the second half, but Kelechi Iheanacho and Terem Moffi could not make hay.

Speaking after the game, Rohr said his boys played under difficult conditions, adding, however, that the team is gradually taking a shape.

Nigeria’s next match will happen in the United States on July 4 when they face Mexico, perhaps, with the full complement of first-team stars available.

The team played without Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Joe Aribo, Victor Osimhen, Simi Nwankwo and Sodiq Umar, who missed the matches because of club …

Football / Sports

Transfer News Update

Thiago Silva has signed a one-year contract extension with Chelsea after a fantastic debut campaign.

The Brazil international arrived at Stamford Bridge on a free following his release from PSG, featuring 34 times in all competitions.

As well as winning the Champions League and FA Cup in his first season in English football, the 36-year-old is a vital member of Thomas Tuchel’s squad due to his experience.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: “When we brought Thiago Silva in last summer, we knew we were adding a world-class player to the squad.

“Thiago has duly shown everyone at Chelsea his immense quality throughout this season, and he has had a huge influence on and off the pitch for us.

“We said when he signed that we hoped Thiago would add new trophies to his impressive list of honours, and he has done just that with our success in the Champions League this weekend.

“We now hope that he carries on in exactly the same fashion in the coming year.”

Gareth Bale insists Carlo Ancelotti’s return to Real Madrid does not change his future.

The Italian coach left Everton to rejoin Los Blancos earlier this week, just six years after being sacked by club president Florentino Perez.

Bale scored 11 goals in 20 Premier League games in a loan spell with Tottenham last season and previously said a decision on his future would cause ‘chaos’.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Bale revealed he is still in the ‘same boat’, despite Ancelotti’s reappointment at Real Madrid.

He told Sky Sports: “I know Carlo Ancelotti is a great manager. I get on with him really well, we had some great times in the past.

“He’s returned to Real Madrid and he’s a great guy.

“We had a great time together at Real Madrid and I’m sure he’s going to be amazing in charge there.

“I spoke to him when we played Everton at the start of the season, we hugged and had a little chat which was nice.

“But I’m still in …

Category: Football

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