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Tag: argentina

  • World Cup hero gone, two shock returns and six rookies as Popovic names Socceroos squad

    World Cup hero gone, two shock returns and six rookies as Popovic names Socceroos squad

    Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has made 10 changes to his squad for two must win World Cup qualifiers this month against Indonesia and China, headlined by the omission of veteran striker Mitch Duke.

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    The extended 26-player squad features six uncapped players in Scotland based midfielder Nectarios Triantis, Melbourne Victory midfielder Ryan Teague, Melbourne City defender Kai Trewin, Middlesbrough goalkeeper Thomas Glover, fellow shot stopper Paul Izzo and Sydney FC defender Alex Grant. It’s the first time Triantis, Teague, Grant and Trewin have earned a senior national team call-up.

    Popovic has also turned to two players, Jason Davidson and Fran Karacic, who haven’t been a part of the Socceroos’ set-up for some time. Davidson, a 33-year-old left back who plays for Panserraikos F.C in the Greek Super League, hasn’t featured for Australia since a friendly against Jordan in 2022. Before that, the 2015 Asian Cup winner’s last appearance was in a World Cup qualifier against Bangladesh in November that year. Karacic’s last involvement for the Socceroos was during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The right back, who now calls NK Lokomotiva in Croatia home, was part of the squad for all four games and featured in the group stage win against Tunisia and the 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16.

    A raft of injuries to first choice players made picking this squad a tricky task. Goalkeeper Joe Gauci (hip), defenders Hayden Matthews (ankle), Harry Souttar (achilles), and Jordy Bos (hamstring) are all missing while Riley McGree (knock) continues to struggle with his fitness at Middlesbrough. Alessandro Circati is also a long-term absentee as the 21-year-old Parama defender continues to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament tear. The only two bits of good news from the frequent medical reports came in the form of striker Kusini Yengi returning to action for Portsmouth in the Championship three weeks ago after the 26-year-old hurt his knee in the Socceroos last match against Bahrain in late November while giant defender Cameron Burgess has seemingly shrugged off a calf complaint suffered in Ipswich Town’s fifth round FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest on March 4.

    Mitchell Duke celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup match between Tunisia and Australia.Source: AFP

    The rest of the squad is a mix of potential, young stars ready for their chance and one veteran who probably thought his time had passed.

    Melbourne Victory’s Daniel Arzani gets another chance to impress after Popovic blasted the talented winger during an interview with reporters in January. The coach said Arzani “wasn’t good enough” when he came into camp in October last year and that his “level was really poor in training.” Arzani, once dubbed “the next big thing” in Australian football, missed selection for the November window and has been left in no doubt as to what Popovic wants to see from him. Marco Tilio’s impressive comeback for Melbourne City from a two-and-a-half-month stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury has also caught Popovic’s eye. Those two will be fighting to fill the inverted winger role with Ajdin Hrustic not selected. Hrustic has played just 16-minutes for Italian second division side US Salernitana in 2025.

    Triantis made himself almost impossible to ignore after a stunning run of form for Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League where he has featured as a ball-winning midfielder. Melbourne Victory’s Ryan Teague adds depth to the fight for that deeper lying role in the centre of the park. Speculation had recently linked him to the Chinese national team if his exploits had seen him overlooked for Australia again.

    Triantis and Teague were picked over Max Balard and Patrick Yazbek. Balard has been a regular starter for NAC Breda in the Dutch top flight and was called into the Socceroos squad for the November window, but didn’t get on the field.

    Defender Alex Grant gets his reward for a solid run of games with Sydney FC since signing a short-term deal with the Sky Blues in February. Grant is hugely experienced and has an Asian Champions League final appearance and a Korean Cup winners medal on his resume from his time with Pohang Steelers. At 6 foot 3 inches, the 31-year-old goes some way to filling the giant voids left by the injured Souttar and Matthews.

    “It was a whirlwind start to the beginning of my tenure with the national team, and since November we’ve had the chance to review and assess all facets of our program ahead of these Qualifiers,” Popovic said.

    “We understand the importance of these upcoming games and are excited by the opportunity to further cement our position in the group’s automatic qualifying positions.”

    Australian coach Tony Popovic.Source: News Corp Australia

    The biggest surprise is Duke missing selection. The striker has been a regular in green and gold since late 2019, but despite a huge work rate without the ball, hasn’t found the back of the net with the type of regularity the Socceroos have needed to smooth their path at or on the road to, major tournaments. Duke has found the back of the net just four times in 24-games at international level since the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The 34-year-old has also played 45-minutes for J-League side Machida Zelvia this season. Goals will now need to come from the boots of Yengi, Adam Taggart and Brandon Borrello.

    There also wasn’t room for Nestory Irankunda once again despite the 19-year-old being named the Swiss Super League’s Player of the Month for February after his move from Bayern Munich to Grasshoppers.

    The games against Indonesia on Thursday in Sydney and China in Hangzhou on Tuesday shape as crucial to Australia’s hopes of sealing direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico. The Socceroos currently sit in second spot in Group C with four games left in the third round. If they stay there, they’ll earn an automatic berth to the game’s global showpiece. It makes two wins from these next two fixtures vital with Japan at home and Saudi Arabia away to come in June. Just one-point separates second placed Australia from last placed China.

    “I’m looking forward to seeing the players and getting the squad together on the pitch in preparation for what will be a great occasion at the Sydney Football Stadium,” Popovic added.

    Extended 26 player Socceroos squad:

    Daniel Arzani, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Anthony Caceres, Jason Davidson, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Thomas Glover (GK), Craig Goodwin, Alex Grant, Jackson Irvine, Paul Izzo (GK), Fran Karacic, Lewis Miller, Aiden O’Neill, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan (GK), Adam Taggart, Ryan Teague, Marco Tilio, Nectarios Triantis, Kai Trewin, Nishan Velupillay, Kusini Yengi

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  • ‘Self-inflicted chaos’: Late drama saves Ange as Aussie calls out fresh toxic turn — PL Wrap

    ‘Self-inflicted chaos’: Late drama saves Ange as Aussie calls out fresh toxic turn — PL Wrap

    Tottenham fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Bournemouth in north London, saving boss Ange Postecoglou from another embarrassing defeat.

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    Tottenham lost 1-0 at AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League last 16 first leg on Thursday.

    That competition represents Tottenham’s last chance of fulfilling Postecoglou’s boast that he always win a trophy in his second season.

    Languishing in 13th in the Premier League, Postecoglou’s side have gone three games without a win in all competitions.

    ‘UNACCEPTABLE’: Arsenal boss storms out of interview, left fuming as grim PL reality sinks in

    Tottenham conceded in the 42nd minute when Marcus Tavernier applied the finishing touch to Milos Kerkez’s pin-point cross after Pedro Porro carelessly conceded possession.

    Bournemouth struck again in the 65th minute as Evanilson raced onto Justin Kluivert’s pass and lifted a composed finish over Guglielmo Vicario.

    But Pape Sarr reduced the deficit two minutes later, the Tottenham midfielder catching out Bournemouth keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga with a misjudged cross that somehow dipped in at the far post.

    Tottenham completed their escape in the 84th minute as Kepa conceded a penalty with a desperate lunge on Son Heung-min.

    Son calmly slotted home from the spot for his first goal in 10 games, taking him to 11 in all competitions this season.

    – Spurs must show fighting spirit against Alkmaar: Postecoglou –

    Ange Postecoglou urged Tottenham to replicate the fighting spirit that salvaged a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth when they return to action in Thursday’s crucial Europa League tie with AZ Alkmaar.

    Postecoglou’s side slumped to a 1-0 defeat in the last 16 first leg at AZ on Thursday and looked set for another loss when Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth a half-time lead on Sunday.

    Cristian Romero’s return after a three-month injury absence did little to improve Tottenham’s fortunes as Evanilson doubled Bournemouth’s advantage after 65 minutes.

    With the atmosphere turning toxic in north London and the pressure mounting on Postecoglou, Tottenham showed some much-needed character to scramble out of trouble.

    Pape Sarr’s miscued cross crept in to give Tottenham a fortunate lifeline and Son Heung-min converted an 84th-minute penalty that the South Korean won himself.

    Languishing in lower mid-table in the Premier League, Tottenham can now turn their attention to the visit of AZ on Thursday in the second leg.

    “Chaotic game, for sure. We added to the chaos and it was a little bit self-inflicted, especially in the first half. Just with the ball, we were really careless with our passing,” Postecoglou said.

    “At 2-0 down, it would have been very easy, particularly with the atmosphere as it was, for the boys to just let the game get away from us, but credit to them, they found a way to get back into the game and we got something out of it.

    “I don’t think it was a case of being open because we were throwing men forward, we just kept giving the ball away. We certainly need to be better in the way that we execute that part of our game for Thursday.

    “You can imagine the noise around if the players didn’t respond. Thursday is obviously a massive game for us.

    “At least from that perspective – and even for the players themselves – we’ve obviously got a challenge, but they overcame a fairly big challenge today and hopefully we show the same kind of mindset.”

    Adding to Postecoglou’s woes, Romero’s first appearance since December was followed by a pointed social-media post where he thanked the medical staff of Argentina and not Tottenham on his X account.

    Micky van de Ven also returned for his first league fixture in three months and lifted a nervous crowd, which Postecoglou conceded could lead to more tension among his players in the AZ clash.

    “I can’t sort of dictate to people how they sort of interact, but AZ’s crowd certainly helped them on Thursday night and we need our crowd to get behind the boys,” he said.

    “To make it an atmosphere where maybe we lose some of that nervousness and anxiety within our game.

    “The reality is, we as a team have to respond irrespective of the atmosphere and one may follow the other. If we start the game strong, it’ll get the place nice and loud, which will help us.”

    ARSENAL HOPES ALL OVER

    Arsenal’s fading hopes of winning the Premier League suffered a fresh blow as Manchester United held the Gunners to a 1-1 draw, while Chelsea boosted their bid to qualify for the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Leicester on Sunday (Monday AEDT).

    After Liverpool’s 3-1 win against Southampton moved the leaders 16 points clear at the top on Saturday, there was no margin for error when Arsenal arrived at Old Trafford 24 hours later.

    But United captain Bruno Fernandes put the hosts ahead with a superb free-kick in first half stoppage-time.

    Declan Rice’s clinical finish from just inside the United area hauled Arsenal level in the 74th minute.

    But Mikel Arteta’s second-placed side couldn’t find a winner and now sit 15 points adrift of Liverpool.

    Despite holding a game in hand on Liverpool, Arsenal look certain to miss out on the title yet again after finishing as runners-up for the last two seasons.

    Liverpool are bidding to win a record-equalling 20th English title and their first since 2020 in Arne Slot’s first season in charge.

    The Anfield club need a maximum of 16 more points from their last nine matches to ensure they clinch the silverware.

    Not for the first time, Arsenal have faded as the title pressure mounts, with a run of three league games without a win effectively gifting the trophy to Liverpool.

    Troubled Manchester United are down in 14th place, with just one win in their last six games in all competitions.

    Adding to the gloom around Old Trafford, thousands of United fans staged a pre-match protest against co-owners the Glazer family and Jim Ratcliffe.

    At Stamford Bridge, Marc Cucurella struck with a long-range rocket in the second half to lift Chelsea above Manchester City into fourth place.

    The Blues are two points ahead of City in the race for the top four finish that guarantees a Champions League berth.

    It was only Chelsea’s fourth victory in their last 12 league games as they responded to boss Enzo Maresca’s challenge to win all their remaining home matches.

    Maresca believes that should be enough to ensure Champions League action, but Chelsea will have to improve on a spluttering performance against second-bottom Leicester.

    – Cucurella lifts Chelsea –

    Chelsea’s Cole Palmer missed the first penalty of his career and was later substituted, making it seven league games without a goal or assist for the England forward.

    Second-bottom Leicester have lost five successive league games and sit six points from safety as they slide towards relegation.

    Victor Kristiansen’s clumsy challenge pole-axed Jadon Sancho, earning Chelsea a first half spot-kick.

    Usually such a ruthless penalty taker, Palmer seized the ball, only for Mads Hermansen to deny him with a superb save.

    Chelsea finally took the lead in spectacular fashion on the hour when Spanish defender Cucurella drilled into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

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  • ‘Poor’ United scrape by strugglers as last-minute offside controversy raises eyebrows

    ‘Poor’ United scrape by strugglers as last-minute offside controversy raises eyebrows

    Harry Maguire headed a last-gasp winner as FA Cup holders Manchester United came from behind to beat Leicester 2-1 on Saturday (AEDT), denying Ruud van Nistelrooy a fairytale return to Old Trafford.

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    Bobby De Cordova-Reid put the Premier League strugglers ahead late in the first half of the fourth-round tie against a pallid United, who have lost their fear factor at home.

    But the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho at half-time gave United a different dimension and fellow substitute Joshua Zirkzee levelled midway through the second period.

    Ruben Amorim’s team pushed for a winner and it finally came when former Leicester defender Maguire headed in a Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick deep into stoppage time.

    The Portuguese manager, who is struggling to implement his ideas at Old Trafford three months into his reign, said it was a “poor performance” from his side.

    “We didn’t have any energy in the beginning, especially in the first half,” he told ITV. “Then in the second half we played a little bit better, with a little more speed, winning second balls.

    “Then we managed to turn things around so it was a good result but not a good performance.

    “The coach is the first responsible. When one team doesn’t perform, doesn’t improve, it is the coach but we are here to do things and to see the game, to study the game and try to improve.” United scored eight goals in two games against Leicester earlier in the campaign during Van Nistelrooy’s brief spell as interim boss at Old Trafford following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.

    But this time their former star striker was in the opposition dugout. United, who beat Manchester City in the final at Wembley last May, were short of confidence after five defeats in their past seven matches at home in all competitions.

    The home side were tepid in attack in the early stages but Leicester’s Jordan Ayew tested Andre Onana at the other end.

    Leicester, the 2021 FA Cup winners, gave the Old Trafford crowd a familiar sinking feeling in the 42nd minute.

    Manuel Ugarte gave the ball away near the left touchline and Bilal El Khannouss got to the byline before pulling the ball back to Wilfred Ndidi.

    Onana saved Ndidi’s shot with his feet but De Cordova-Reid nodded home from close range.

    United’s players traipsed off at half-time to a chorus of boos after failing to manage a shot on target.

    Amorim brought on Garnacho at half-time for debutant Patrick Dorgu in a desperate search for inspiration and the Argentina international immediately menaced the Leicester defence.

    United’s equaliser came after fine work from the lively Garnacho down the left. Rasmus Hojlund’s flick from Garnacho’s cross was blocked but Zirkzee tapped into an empty net for just his fifth goal of the season.

    United looked the more likely to find a winner but it did not arrive until the 93rd minute, when Maguire headed home from Fernandes’ free-kick.

    The England defender appeared to be offside but there was no VAR. Van Nistelrooy was angry that off-side flag was not raised.

    “We deserved to go into extra time, go for the battle in extra time and maybe penalties,” he said.

    “Decisions like these in our level are hard to swallow.” United, 13th in the Premier League, ended the January transfer window lighter than when they started in terms of attacking options after allowing Marcus Rashford and Antony to leave on loan.

    Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez was missing after sustaining cruciate ligament damage during last week’s defeat against Crystal Palace.

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  • Barcelona’s last-gasp winner in nine-goal thriller; Reds progress as Villa fall short — UCL Wrap

    Barcelona’s last-gasp winner in nine-goal thriller; Reds progress as Villa fall short — UCL Wrap

    Raphinha struck a dramatic winner in stoppage time as Barcelona came from behind to beat Benfica 5-4 in a wild match on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) and virtually ensure direct qualification to the Champions League last 16 — meanwhile, Liverpool beat Lille and Aston Villa lost to Monaco (scroll down for reports).

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    Benfica were leading 4-2 with under 15 minutes remaining but Barcelona mounted a stunning late comeback to stay three points behind leaders Liverpool.

    Vangelis Pavlidis hit a first-half hat-trick for the hosts, in part thanks to two big errors by Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

    However a Robert Lewandowski double from the penalty spot, Eric Garcia’s header and a brace for Raphinha helped Barcelona claim a stunning last-gasp triumph in Lisbon.

    “We knew how hard it would be here, in front of their fans, and they know how to play really well, they have top level players,” Raphinha told Movistar.

    “We didn’t let ourselves sink at 3-1 down, we were focused on what we needed to do to try and change the game.

    “It was a spectacular game for everyone. They could have won, or us, but we managed to take it.”

    Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Raphinha celebrates victory at Benfica.Source: AFP

    Benfica opened the scoring in the second minute, when Pavlidis escaped Pau Cubarsi and fired home from Alvaro Carreras’ low cross.

    Barcelona responded swiftly with Lewandowski scoring from the penalty spot after Alejandro Balde was brought down by Benfica defender Tomas Araujo.

    The hosts nosed back ahead through a stroke of luck, when Szczesny raced out of his goal to try and cut out a through-ball, but crashed into Balde.

    Greece international Pavlidis gleefully collected the loose ball and rolled his second into the empty net.

    Barcelona, who lured Szczesny out of retirement to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen in October, soon fell further behind.

    Pavlidis completed his half-hour hat-trick with a penalty after another Szczesny mistake, with the goalkeeper flying in to try and dispossess Kerem Akturkoglu but bringing him down.

    Lamine Yamal and Raphinha missed good chances before the break as Barcelona pushed forward.

    Raphinha controls the ball in Lisbon.Source: AFP

    Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin saved from Jules Kounde, who should have scored, and Lewandowski could not turn home from Pedri’s dangerous ball across the face of goal.

    Raphinha pulled one back for Barcelona in bizarre fashion as a clearance by Trubin struck his head on the edge of the area and flew back into the net.

    However, Benfica soon struck again, with Ronald Araujo nudging past Szczesny into his own net as he tried to cut out a cross.

    Barcelona kept pushing and Lewandowski converted another penalty after Nicolas Otamendi brought down Yamal.

    The Catalan giants, who last won the Champions League in 2015, pulled level when substitute Garcia headed home from Pedri’s inviting cross.

    Szczesny saved former Real Madrid star Angel Di Maria’s low shot before Raphinha’s dramatic winner.

    With Benfica appealing for a penalty, Barcelona sprang a quick breakaway and the Brazilian winger slotted home to end a blockbuster battle.

    Players from both sides clashed after the final whistle as tempers flared following the thrilling denouement.

    “To go behind in the second minute… spoils your plans,” said Garcia. “The team showed an incredible mentality.”

    Robert Lewandowski scores Barcelona’s first goal.Source: Getty Images

    LIVERPOOL BEAT LILLE

    Liverpool maintained their perfect Champions League record to guarantee a top-two finish in the league phase and automatic last-16 qualification with a 2-1 win over Lille at Anfield on Tuesday.

    Harvey Elliott’s deflected strike secured a seventh consecutive Champions League victory for Arne Slot’s men after Jonathan David cancelled out Mohamed Salah’s opener.

    Liverpool remain three points clear of Barcelona, who came from 4-2 down to beat Benfica 5-4.

    Lille’s first defeat in 22 games in all competitions leaves the French side 11th.

    Liverpool will welcome direct progress to the last 16, without the need for a play-off round, with the Premier League leaders still involved in four competitions.

    Slot took the chance to rotate with the Reds already all but assured of progress to the next round.

    Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez, fresh from his match-winning contribution, came in from the side that beat Brentford 2-0 on Saturday to open up a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

    Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai celebrate their win.Source: AFP

    Lille arrived on Merseyside full of confidence with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid among the notable scalps on their long unbeaten run.

    The visitors were far from overawed early on as they started impressively without ever seriously threatening Alisson Becker’s goal.

    Liverpool had struggled to get going until one defence-splitting pass from Jones freed Salah to gallop clear and coolly slot in his 50th European goal for the club on 34 minutes.

    Jones had to be replaced at half-time in an injury concern for Slot, who also took the chance to rest Ryan Gravenberch for the second 45 minutes as Elliot and Alexis Mac Allister were introduced.

    Lille’s task looked to be an impossible one when Aissa Mandi was sent off for a second bookable offence for chopping down Luis Diaz.

    Yet, within three minutes, Liverpool’s club-record European run without conceding was brought to an end.

    David swept home the rebound after Hakon Arnar Haraldsson’s effort had been blocked by Kostas Tsimikas.

    Liverpool had not conceded for one minute shy of 10 hours since Christian Pulisic struck for AC Milan inside the first three minutes of their opening Champions League game of the season.

    Yet, not for the first time this season, Liverpool’s strength in depth made the difference with another winner from a substitute.

    There was an element of fortune about this one as Elliott’s strike from the edge of the area took a huge deflection off Ngal’ayel Mukau to wrongfoot Lucas Chevalier.

    The Lille ‘keeper denied Federico Chiesa a third in stoppage time, before Nunez was flagged offside as he swept in the rebound.

    Arne Slot applauds the Liverpool fans.Source: Getty Images

    ASTON VILLA DEFEATED BY MONACO

    Monaco ground out a 1-0 home win against Aston Villa in the Champions League on Tuesday, denying the Premier League side the chance to all but book their spot in the round of 16.

    Wilfried Singo’s early header was the difference between the teams as Villa tasted defeat for the first time in six outings in all competitions.

    Monaco had only won two of their last 11 matches, including back-to-back defeats in the Champions League, but now have their eyes on securing progress to the knock-outs.

    The defeat dropped Villa from fifth to seventh provisionally. They can qualify automatically for the last-16 with a top-eight finish.

    “We started the Champions League not being favourites to finish in the top eight, and we still aren’t. Tonight we are disappointed,” said Villa manager Unai Emery.

    Emery’s side host 21st-placed Celtic in their final league phase match next week.

    Villa and Monaco are among nine teams on 13 points, ahead of the rest of this week’s matches, a pack headed by Arsenal in fourth place in the table with Monaco in ninth Monaco conclude their league phase campaign with a visit to Italian champions Inter Milan — also on 13 points ahead of a visit to Prague on Wednesday — knowing nothing but a win will do to avoid a play-off spot.

    “We have one match remaining which will be very difficult. We are going to go to Milan next week with a lot of ambition and to win,” said Singo.

    Aston Villa manager Unai Emery reacts during a loss to Monaco.Source: AFP

    Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s every touch was booed by the home support in the early stages — the crowd had not forgotten his role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final victory over France.

    To the delight of their fans, Monaco’s opener came after the Argentinian parried Thilo Kehrer’s header from a corner up into the air. Singo pounced to nod home from close range on eight minutes.

    Martinez showed his class with a sprawling dive to claw away Maghnes Akliouche’s whipped effort shortly afterwards.

    Villa came within inches of levelling in first-half added time following excellent build-up play by Emiliano Buendia, but Radoslaw Majecki got down quickly to deny Ollie Watkins.

    At the start of the second period, Morgan Rogers flashed a strike narrowly wide, before Akliouche had a strike disallowed for offside.

    Emery turned to Jhon Duran from the bench to give his side a spark, sending on the Colombian 11 minutes after the interval in place of winger Bailey.

    With Watkins and Duran on the pitch together, Villa boasted a striking duo with 22 goals between in all competitions this term.

    Rogers and Matty Cash combined to create Villa’s next chance, the right-back dragging his effort across goal and wide on 69 minutes.

    Monaco looked the more likely to score in the final 20 minutes. Aleksandr Golovin rippled the side netting from a tight angle in the 88th minute.

    Duran then attempted a bicycle-kick in the crowded box in the 92nd minute, but his ambitious effort flew well over the bar as Monaco held firm.

    “It was an important win,” said Monaco coach Adi Huetter. “I give compliments and praise to my team for how they fought.”

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  • ‘Many will die’: Outrage over $1 trillion World Cup ‘vote’ as two strange tournaments locked in

    ‘Many will die’: Outrage over $1 trillion World Cup ‘vote’ as two strange tournaments locked in

    The vote for 2034 World Cup hosting rights has descended into farce with claims a $1 trillion “atrocity” is about to be made official.

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    FIFA will on Thursday (AEDT) confirm the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 World Cups and the outrage has begun before the result is even made official.

    A joint bid led by Morocco, Spain and Portugal is set to be awarded the 2030 hosting rights, while, Saudi Arabia has been a controversial choice to host the event in 2034.

    The awarding of hosting rights for both tournaments will go to a vote during a FIFA Congress to be held virtually, but there is no doubt about the outcomes with neither bid having a rival.

    The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.

    Saudi Arabia’s bid for 2034 was boosted heavily as FIFA invoked its principle of continental rotation, therefore only welcoming bids from Asia or Oceania.

    Controversially, the body gave potential bidders barely a month late last year to submit candidacies, and Australia and Indonesia quickly abandoned their interest.

    That left Saudi Arabia as the sole candidate, clearing the way for the World Cup to return to the Gulf region following Qatar’s hosting in 2022.

    FIFA also linked the 2030 and 2034 votes together meaning European nations who would otherwise object to the Saudi event would be forced to vote against the Morocco, Spain and Portugal tournament – which they won’t.

    The kingdom’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been using sport for some time now to amass influence and improve its global image.

    Being handed the 2034 World Cup will be a crowning moment, and Saudi will win despite currently only boasting two stadiums with a capacity of 40,000, when a minimum of 14 are required.

    FIFA seems desperate for a fight.Source: Supplied

    The centre pieces of the bid were a stadium that will be built at the $1 trillion mega-city of Neom and a 92,000 seat venue to be called King Salman Stadium in Riyadh.

    Beyond that logistical challenge, the baking temperatures in the northern hemisphere summer could mean pushing the tournament back to later in the year, as happened in 2022.

    However, the fact that Ramadan will take place in December that year is an added complication.

    Moreover, the awarding of the World Cup to Saudi will make the issue of human rights a major talking point again, just as in 2022.

    Rights groups highlight mass executions in Saudi Arabia and allegations of torture, as well as restrictions on women under the conservative country’s male guardianship system. Free expression is severely restricted too.

    Saudi Arabia, which is hosting several high-profile events including Formula One and the WTA Finals tennis, is often accused of “sportswashing” — using sport to divert attention from its rights record.

    The push back has already begun.

    Norway’s soccer federation plans to abstain from giving its approval when the vote is formalised, AP reports.

    “FIFA’s own guidelines for human rights and due diligence have also not been adequately integrated into the process, increasing the risk of human rights violations,” Norway federation president Lise Klaveness said in a statement Tuesday.

    Steve Cockburn, Amnesty’s head of labour rights and sport, said in a recent statement: “There will be a real and predictable human cost to awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without obtaining credible guarantees of reform.

    The King Salman Stadium will be completed in 2029.Source: Supplied
    The Marrakesh Stadium in Morocco has a long way to go. Photo by AFP.Source: AFP

    “Fans will face discrimination. Migrant workers will face exploitation, and many will die.

    “FIFA must halt the process until proper human rights protections are in place to avoid worsening an already dire situation.”

    He earlier said: “As expected, FIFA’s evaluation of Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid is an astonishing whitewash of the country’s atrocious human rights record.

    “There are no meaningful commitments that will prevent workers from being exploited, residents from being evicted or activists from being arrested.

    “By ignoring the clear evidence of severe human rights risks, FIFA is likely to bear much responsibility for the violations and abuses that will take place over the coming decade.

    “Fundamental human rights reforms are urgently required in Saudi Arabia, or the 2034 World Cup will be inevitably tarnished by exploitation, discrimination and repression.”

    The 2030 tournament, meanwhile, will mark a century since the first World Cup was held in Uruguay, and as a result the bid will also see the South American nation handed a game along with Argentina and Paraguay.

    That makes it a remarkable and completely unprecedented bid, involving three different continental confederations.

    FIFA already confirmed over a year ago that the joint proposal led by Morocco, Spain and Portugal was the sole contender for 2030, with all other potential candidacies having fallen by the wayside.

    The Stade de Hassan will be the biggest football stadium in the world with 115,000 capacity.Source: Supplied

    A joint British and Irish bid was abandoned when they decided to focus on hosting Euro 2028, while there were suggestions of a bid from South Korea, China, Japan and North Korea.

    Four South American countries launched a joint bid in 2019, convinced that the centenary World Cup should entirely take place on the same continent where it all began.

    In late 2022, UEFA promoted a bid uniting Spain and Portugal with war-torn Ukraine in a show of “solidarity” following the Russian invasion.

    However, Ukraine was quietly dropped from that candidacy last year as Morocco joined forces with the Iberian neighbours, while South America agreed to step aside in exchange for being awarded the hosting of three games, one each for Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina.

    Following these “centenary celebrations” in the comparative chill of the southern hemisphere winter, the six teams involved — along with their fans — will have to cross the Atlantic Ocean to play a part in the remaining 101 matches.

    This tentacular tournament will conclude with the final on July 21, and it remains to be seen where that game will be staged.

    Spain, which hosted the 1982 World Cup, is set to be the centrepiece as it boasts 11 of the 20 proposed stadiums.

    Morocco — which has tried and failed on five previous occasions to be awarded the staging of the tournament — will become the second African nation to host the competition after South Africa in 2010.

    Potential venues for the final include the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid and Barcelona’s renovated Camp Nou, as well as the planned Hassan II stadium between Casablanca and Rabat, which is set to become “the biggest stadium in the world” with a capacity of 115,000.

    Portugal, which hosted Euro 2004, will offer two stadiums in Lisbon and one in Porto, and hopes to stage a semi-final.

    — with AFP

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  • ‘Deeply saddened’: Football world in mourning as Johan Neeskens dies

    ‘Deeply saddened’: Football world in mourning as Johan Neeskens dies

    Johan Neeskens, part of the Ajax and Netherlands teams that created “total football” in the 1970s and a key team-mate of Johan Cruyff, has died aged 73, the Dutch football federation said Monday.

    “With Johan Neeskens, the Dutch and international football world loses a legend,” the KNVB federation said in a statement, adding that the midfielder had died on Sunday from an unspecified illness.

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    Neeskens was part of the Ajax team that won three straight European Cups in the early 1970s and was also a member of the ‘Clockwork Oranje’ Dutch team that reached consecutive World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978.

    He won 49 caps for the Netherlands.

    “With his characteristic tackles, sublime insight and iconic penalties, (he) will forever remain one of the leading players that Dutch football has ever produced,” said the KNVB.

    After his playing career, Neeskens took part in coaching programmes around the world including as an assistant to Australian national team manager Guus Hiddink for the 2006 World Cup where the Socceroos progressed from the group stage to the Round of 16.

    Known on the pitch for his uncompromising tackling, he also had a softer side, the KNVB said in its statement.

    He was “a world citizen and a gentle family man who was proud of his children and grandchildren and who, until the very end, knew how to touch others with his love for football.” The KNVB said it would hold a minute’s silence at the next two international matches against Hungary and Germany.

    Ajax wrote on X: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Johan Neeskens. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.” “Rest in peace, Ajax legend.” Barcelona, where he was known as “Johan The Second” (after Crujff), according to Dutch public broadcaster NOS, also tweeted condolences.

    “A blaugrana legend who will forever be in our memory.” Current Dutch coach Ronald Koeman described Neeskens as his “great idol”. Playing football in the street as a boy, Koeman said his friends either wanted to be Crujff or Dutch star Willem van Hanegem.

    “But I wanted to be Neeskens,” said Koeman, cited by local news agency ANP. “His style really appealed to me. His fight, for example. And he was also a great penalty specialist.”

    Neeskens, tough midfielder in Cruyff’s Ajax and Dutch teams

    Johan Neeskens, who has died aged 73, was the powerful but smooth engine of the Ajax and Netherlands teams that created “total football” with Johan Cruyff at their heart.

    Neeskens was part of the Ajax team that won three straight European Cups and a key component of the “Clockwork Oranje” Dutch team that reached consecutive World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978, losing both.

    “He was worth two men in midfield,” Ajax team-mate Sjaak Swart once told FIFA.com.

    Neeskens was a relentless runner and tough tackler, but he was also skilful. He finished the 1974 World Cup with five goals, second to only to Grzegorz Lato of Poland and top scorer in a Dutch team that also contained Cruyff and the flamboyant Johnny Rep.

    “I always liked to play with style — and to win,” Neeskens said. Johannes Jacobus Neeskens was born in Heemstede, west of Amsterdam, on September 15, 1951. He was signed from his home-town club by Ajax coach Rinus Michels in 1970.

    Neeskens was right-back when the club beat Greek side Panathinaikos 2-0 for their first European Cup win in 1971. He then switched to central midfield, playing there as Ajax won two more titles in 1972, against Inter Milan, and 1973, against Juventus.

    The Ajax team led by Cruyff and Neeskens formed the spine of the Dutch side that dazzled on the way to the 1974 World Cup final in West Germany.

    After just two minutes in Munich, Neeskens set two World Cup final records, scoring the quickest goal in as he converted the first penalty, awarded before any West German and most Dutch players had touched the ball.

    “As a player it is a little bit strange because sometimes you need the feeling,” he later told FIFA.

    “I’d hardly touched the ball and wasn’t even warm. Then you have to make that penalty in front of 80,000 who are against you and of course the whole world is watching it.

    “That was the first time that I was a little bit nervous in taking a penalty,” he said.

    “When I started running, I was thinking: ‘which side am I going to shoot?’ It was more or less always in the right side of the goal. At the last step, I thought ‘no, I’m going to shoot the other way’. It was not my meaning to kick the ball straight through the middle.” But he also said: “If you’re not sure, just hit it as hard as possible. If you don’t know where it’s going, nor will the keeper.” The West Germans fought back, equalising with the second ever World Cup final penalty, converted by Paul Breitner, and winning with a goal by Gerd Mueller.

    Despite the loss, “that tournament was a dream,” Neeskens told FIFA. “I was 22 and a key player.” The Dutch had caught the eye, but West Germany took the trophy. “We lost that game but everybody was talking about our team and our football,” Neeskens recalled. “We deserved to win that final.”

    – ‘Kamikaze pilot’ –

    Four years later in Argentina, as Cruyff opted to stay at home, Neeskens was again a key part of the Dutch team that reached the final.

    He was injured early in a group loss to Scotland and missed the revenge victory over West Germany. He returned for the last two matches, including the 3-1 defeat in extra time as the Dutch again lost the final to the host nation.

    By then Neeskens had followed Cruyff to Catalonia, where Barcelona fans dubbed the midfielder “Johan the Second”.

    In five years at Barca, he won a Copa del Rey and European Cup Winners’ Cup before heading to the United States for five seasons with the star-studded New York Cosmos.

    Bobby Haarms, Michels’ assistant at Ajax, was quoted in “Brilliant Orange”, a book on Dutch football by David Winner, as saying Neeskens was “like a kamikaze pilot.” He coached in the Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland and South Africa and spent more than four years as Netherlands assistant coach under first Guus Hiddink and then Frank Rijkaard.

    He was also Rijkaard’s assistant at Barcelona and Hiddink’s assistant with Australia.

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  • Shocking racism scandal ignites as Argentina superstars slammed for disgusting chant

    Shocking racism scandal ignites as Argentina superstars slammed for disgusting chant

    The French Football Federation (FFF) said on Tuesday it plans to lodge a complaint with FIFA and take legal action after racist chants from members of Argentina’s Copa America winning team.

    FFF president Philippe Diallo “condemned with the greatest firmness the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made against players of the France team”.

    The chants were heard during a live video posted on social media by Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez from the team bus in the wake of the Copa victory over Colombia in Miami on Sunday.

    Some players, including Fernandez, sing a chant dating back to the 2022 World Cup final that Argentina won against France.

    The song targets France’s star striker Kylian Mbappe and includes homophobic insults as well as racist remarks.

    ET goal solidifies TRIPLE CROWN dream | 00:51

    “Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks, contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly challenge his Argentine counterpart and FIFA and to file a legal complaint for racial and discriminatory offensive remarks,” an FFF statement read.

    Fernandez’s Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana criticised the video on social media.

    “Football in 2024: racism without a complex,” the French international said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

    Chelsea is reportedly investigating Fernandez, while three of his club teammates – Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto and Fofana – unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram.

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    French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera also called for world football’s governing body FIFA to take action.

    “Pathetic. Behaviour all the more unacceptable because it is repeated,” Oudea-Castera wrote on X.

    “FIFA: a reaction?” she added.

    Argentina and France have maintained a heated rivalry since the South Americans’ last 16 elimination to eventual champions France at the 2018 World Cup.

    Two years ago, the FFF also filed a complaint against racist comments on social media

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  • ‘Horrible’: Ticketless fans climb into air vent as Copa America final rocked by crowd chaos

    ‘Horrible’: Ticketless fans climb into air vent as Copa America final rocked by crowd chaos

    Chaotic scenes erupted at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday as thousands of fans were kept waiting outside the venue ahead of the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia.

    Tournament organisers halted entry into the ground and delayed kick-off of the South American football showpiece by 30 minutes after throngs of fans were kept waiting at entry gates.

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    A statement by Copa America organisers on X, formerly Twitter, appeared to suggest the chaos had been caused by unticketed fans attempting to gain entry.

    “Please be advised that people who do not have tickets will not be able to enter the stadium,” the statement said.

    “Only those who have purchased tickets will be able to enter once access is reopened.

    “The match will be postponed for 30 minutes, starting at 8.30pm local time (0030 GMT).” Police and security staff clashed with supporters who tried to enter the ground before kick off.

    An AFP reporter on the scene witnessed several fans receiving treatment from paramedics inside the venue.

    The Athletic’s Jack Lang branded the crowd issues as “the worst thing I have ever experienced.”

    It was genuinely horrible,” Lang wrote on X.

    “So many kids in tears. Adults at their wits’ end. Those fans deserve huge credit for not erupting at some point there. Again, something like a miracle.”

    Security had their hands full amid crowd trouble before the Copa America final. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

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    Miami Dade Police said in a statement there had been “several incidents” prior to the game at the venue.

    “These incidents have been a result of unruly behaviour of fans trying to access the stadium,” the statement said.

    “We are asking everyone to be patient and abide by the rules set by our officers … unruly behaviour will get you ejected and/or arrested. We have a zero tolerance behaviour against unruly conduct from everyone attending.” Fans however took aim at the organisation of he event, with one Argentina supporter saying fans had been treated like “animals.” “They are treating us like animals, basically there’s no organisation whatsoever, there is nothing. I mean, they didn’t prepare for 60,000 people,” Cabarelli said.

    “There is no preparation, people are fainting and passing out.” Asked if the situation had felt dangerous, Cabarelli said: “100 per cent. I’m still shaking. I feel like I’m a cow.”

    Crowd chaos delayed the start of the Copa America final. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Other fans interviewed by AFP described chaotic scenes at the entrance gates, with some fans forcing their way into the venue past security staff as frustration boiled over.

    “It was crazy, people were just trying to get in like crazy,” said David Fernandez, a Colombia fan from Gainesville, Florida.

    “They just didn’t want to wait. They were just rushing over and running over. They’ve opened the gates three different times — it was good for two or three minutes and then everybody was just rushing.”

    Rosy Riales said fans lining up in sweltering temperatures had got increasingly frustrated at the failure to open the gates on time.

    “People are just riled up and excited, so they’re pushing and it’s like mayhem,” she told AFP. “They should have opened the gates sooner to let people in slowly.” The chaos comes amid heightened scrutiny of stadium security at the Copa America following a brawl which marred the end of Wednesday’s semi-final between Colombia and Uruguay.

    Uruguayan players climbed into the stands and clashed with Colombian fans, claiming family members had been threatened in the aftermath of Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat.

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  • Inside the race for Olympic spots as crucial warm-ups to decide Aussie team — Boomers guide

    Inside the race for Olympic spots as crucial warm-ups to decide Aussie team — Boomers guide

    After the glorious success of “rose gold” in Tokyo, the Australian Boomers are hoping to add another medal to their collection at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

    But the make-up of the team is yet to be determined, with a changing of the guard between generations of NBA talents, and a tricky balance for coach Brian Goorjian to strike.

    Goorjian will cut the squad down from 17 to just 12 players after two exhibition games this week at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena, both against China.

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    The Boomers will face China on Tuesday July 2 and Thursday July 4, while the women’s side the Opals will also face China on Wednesday July 3 and Friday July 5, with all matches beginning at 7:30pm AEST and shown live on Foxtel via ESPN.

    These won’t be the final warm-up matches for the Boomers, who will move to Abu Dhabi after this week and face the USA and Serbia, before heading to France for the Olympics.

    But this is the toughest cut-down the Aussies have faced in some time with Goorjian telling ESPN: “It’s been really competitive.

    “I think there’s an element of wanting to be way better on the defensive end, and I think there’s an element of nervousness about making the squad. Last time, I felt like, within the 17, there was a lot of ‘thank you for letting me be here’. This is, everyone looking over their shoulders: ‘you see that, I’m f–kin in’.”

    Australian Boomers players (Back row) Josh Green, Xavier Cooks, Duop Reath, Will Magnay, Nick Kay, Matisse Thybulle, and (front row) Chris Goulding, Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels pose at an in-store appearance at QV Shopping Centre on June 28, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Dyson Daniels and Josh Giddey, traded to the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls respectively over the past week, are both in camp with Giddey having to travel to the US for physicals with his new team in the interim.

    The pair look likely to attend their first Olympics, while 10 players are hoping to keep their place in the squad from Tokyo – Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum, Chris Goulding, Joe Ingles, Nick Kay, Patty Mills, Duop Reath, Josh Green, Jock Landale and Matisse Thybulle.

    Other potential new faces are Xavier Cooks, Jack McVeigh, Will Magnay, Dejan Vasiljevic and Jack White.

    Veterans like Dellavedova, who missed last year’s World Cup, and even Mills and Ingles are no certainties to be selected – though the latter two would be shock omissions given their statuses earned by on- and off-court exploits.

    Of the newcomers, McVeigh – Championship Series MVP in the Tasmania JackJumpers’ NBL triumph earlier this year – is viewed as one of the most likely inclusions thanks to his shooting and scoring abilities.

    “How we play together and what’s important still isn’t clear, but Jack’s made a case,” Goorjian told ESPN.

    “He’s scoring the ball. He’s shooting the s— out of it. He’s an elite basketball player, he’s an international player, and he’s in the mix.”

    Boomers start Olympics selection camp | 01:18

    While the Aussie men won bronze in Tokyo, they were disappointingly eliminated early in the World Cup nine months ago, going 3-2 with losses to eventual champions Germany and Luka Doncic’s Slovenia (who they beat in the third-place game in Tokyo).

    The Boomers’ draw for the 2024 Olympics is yet to be finalised, but a tough group looms.

    Australia has already been drawn with Canada, third-placers at the 2023 World Cup, and will be joined by two qualifiers.

    One will come from the tournament being held this week in Valencia, Spain where world No.2 Spain is the warm favourite to advance, and the other will come from the tournament being held this week in Greece, where Doncic’s Slovenia, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece and New Zealand are amongst the contenders.

    The top two teams from the Olympic group will advance into the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placers across the three groups.

    At a minimum Australia would need to win one game and have a strong points differential to advance into the knockouts.

    They went 3-0 in the groups at the 2020 Olympics, beating Italy, Germany and Nigeria, then defeating Argentina in the quarter-finals and falling to the USA in the semis.

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  • Fernandez apologises as he misses Olympics after Pochettino leaves Chelsea

    Fernandez apologises as he misses Olympics after Pochettino leaves Chelsea

    Enzo Fernandez has apologised after Chelsea reneged on Mauricio Pochettino’s promise to send him to the Olympics.

    Fernandez had been desperate to play for Argentina at the Olympics this summer with Paris.

    3

    Fernandez has been stopped from going to the Olympics by ChelseaCredit: Getty

    Former Chelsea manager Pochettino had told the midfielder that he would allow him to go but the 52-year-old has since left the club, and now Fernandez isn’t allowed to leave.

    Speaking to TyC Sports, per Fabrizio Romano, the 2022 World Cup winner said: “I did everything possible to be there.

    “Pochettino had given me the ok… there was a change of coach and the club changed its position.

    “I did everything possible to be there, I apologise to [Argentina Olympics coach Javier] Mascherano.”

    The Paris Games will get underway on July 26 with the Opening Ceremony held along the Seine through the heart of the French capital.

    However, the football will start on July 24 – with Argentina set to open the tournament against Morocco in Men’s Group B.

    Former Barcelona and Liverpool star Mascherano is leading the nation’s Under-23s, which could include Brighton ace Valentin Barca and incoming Manchester City starlet Claudio Echeverri.

    Fernandez was earmarked as one of the big stars to help lead the Albicelestes to gold in Paris.

    Fernandez was set to be the star man for Argentina at the Olympics

    3

    Fernandez was set to be the star man for Argentina at the OlympicsCredit: Getty
    Pochettino had promised Fernandez he could go to the Olympics before he was dismissed

    3

    Pochettino had promised Fernandez he could go to the Olympics before he was dismissedCredit: Getty

    But Chelsea have been keen to lower the 23-year-old’s workload after he missed the end of last season through injury.

    In April, Fernandez underwent surgery on a groin issue and has only recently recovered.

    The Blues are keen for the former Benfica star to arrive for the first day of pre-season with the club fit and raring to go, especially with a new regime in charge.

    Pochettino departed Chelsea last month despite a strong run of form that saw them finish sixth in the Premier League.

    Enzo Maresca has replaced the Argentine coach after one season as a manager, where he led Leicester to the Championship title.

    The 44-year-old is keen to implement a tika-taka style of football at Stamford Bridge with Fernandez set to be a key player.

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