Son named Spurs captain after Kane departure

Sun, 13 Aug, 2023

Son named Spurs captain after Kane departure

London: Son Heung-min was named Tottenham's new captain on Saturday on the day the club's all-time top goalscorer Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been Spurs skipper since 2015, but the Frenchman's future at the club is in doubt.
 
Kane was expected to take over had he remained in north London rather than moving to Germany in pursuit of the first silverware of his career. New signing James Maddison and Argentine centre-back Cristian Romero have been named vice-captains.

#AsianCup2023 five-month countdown: Fan-voted all-time AFC Asian Cup™ Dream XI revealed

Fri, 11 Aug, 2023

#AsianCup2023 five-month countdown: Fan-voted all-time AFC Asian Cup™ Dream XI revealed

Kuala Lumpur: With five months to go to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, the final all-time Dream XI for the AFC Asian Cup™ has been determined by the passionate fans of Asian football.

The formidable line-up was voted for out of a pool of 48 players who left their mark in the proud and storied history of the Continent’s most prestigious national team competition.

Future bright for Japan, says Ikeda

Sat, 12 Aug, 2023

Future bright for Japan, says Ikeda

Auckland: Japan head coach Futoshi Ikeda said his team could take pride in their run at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 despite being knocked out in the quarter-finals in a 2-1 defeat by Sweden on Friday.

The Nadeshiko had been touted as candidates to go all the way after cruising through the group stage with three wins out of three, including a 4-0 demolition of Spain, before seeing off Norway in the last 16.
 
A win over Sweden in Auckland would have set up another meeting with Spain, but Ikeda's side fell short at Eden Park, going two goals down early in the second half before attempting a late comeback.

Australia edge France in shootout thriller to reach semi-finals

Sun, 13 Aug, 2023

Australia edge France in shootout thriller to reach semi-finals

Brisbane: Australia booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 for the first time in their history after beating France 7-6 on penalties after the 120 minutes at Brisbane Stadium ended 0-0 on Saturday.

Cortnee Vine scored the winning penalty for the Matildas, who will face either England or Colombia in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

England survive bruising Colombia test to reach last four

Sat, 12 Aug, 2023

England survive bruising Colombia test to reach last four

Sydney: England fought back from a goal down to beat Colombia 2-1 on Saturday in a bruising encounter to set up a mouthwatering FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 semi-final with Australia.

Arsenal forward Alessia Russo scored the winner for the European champions just after the hour in front of 75,000 in Sydney to end Colombia's run in the tournament.
 
Earlier in the day, co-hosts Australia beat France 7-6 in a thrilling penalty shootout in Brisbane to reach the last four for the first time in their history. The semi-final will be in Sydney on Wednesday.

Paralluelo lives up to expectations for history-making Spain

Sat, 12 Aug, 2023

Paralluelo lives up to expectations for history-making Spain

Wellington: Teenager Salma Paralluelo was ecstatic to have played a defining role in Spain's 2-1 win over the Netherlands in their FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 quarter-final on Friday. 

In an exciting tie at the Wellington Regional Stadium, Mariona Caldentey scored an 81st-minute penalty for Spain, only for Stefanie van der Gragt to equalise in added time.
 
The 19-year-old Paralluelo, however, ensured penalties would not be needed as she produced a brilliant solo finish in the 111th minute to put Spain into the semi-finals for the first time, with Sweden up next on Tuesday. 

Firmino hits hat-trick on Al Ahli debut

Sat, 12 Aug, 2023

Firmino hits hat-trick on Al Ahli debut

Jeddah: Brazilian forward and former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino hit a hat-trick on his Saudi Pro League debut on Friday as Al  Ahli Saudi FC defeated Al Hazem 3-1.

The 31-year-old skipper found the net in the sixth, 10th and 72nd minutes for the promoted team who also fielded fellow new signings Riyad Mahrez, Allain Saint Maximin, Frank Kessie and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.