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A Brazil without joy | Copa América 2024 | Soccer Of the last nine official tournaments since 2010, including four World Cups and five Americas Cups, Brazil has only won one title, in 2019, when it became champion of the Americas in a tournament organized in its country. In the rest of the participations, the most seductive team of the 20th century confirmed that it is going through an identity crisis in modern football: it produces players like no other country in the world but does not transfer that talent to the results of its team. In that Brazilian GPS that cannot find the coordinates, the 0-0 against Costa Rica in its debut in the Copa América United States 2024, this Monday night in a 22nd century stadium, in Inglewood, the metropolitan area of Los Angeles, Nor did it leave auspicious feelings for Vinicius’ team, so lost that he was replaced in the second half. The tie left Colombia at the top of group D, after its 2-1 victory against Paraguay, but the big winner on Monday was Costa Rica. To its formidable campaigns in the Italy 1990 World Cup and especially Brazil 2014, when it finished among the 8 best, Tico football will always remember this night: it added a point but it can be said that it beat Brazil 0-0. In the sum of shots on goal, of course, the five-time world champion swept: 19 to 2. But it was in vain. “We knew how to keep the score at 0-0. We did an important defensive job. We wanted to play as equals but Brazil takes you back. We are the youngest team in the Copa América,” said Costa Rica’s captain, Francisco Calvo, of FC Juárez, from Mexico, at the end of a night that is already in the history of his country. If the stadiums in the United States came under controversy for the quality of their grass or for their dimensions on the verge of regulations, the one in California could have been accused of having an unevenness: with so much Brazilian control of the ball, it seemed that the field was inclined towards an arch. The first 45 minutes ended with 76% possession for the Dorival Júnior team, almost all played in the Costa Rican half of the field, but in a sterile way, almost without risk for Patrick Sequeira, the goalkeeper of a team from the third category of Spain, Unión Deportivo Ibiza, who successfully replaced Keylor Navas, the legend who resigned from the national team after three World Cups and 114 games. Dorival Junior, this Monday at SoFi Stadium.CAROLINE BREHMAN (EFE) The Brazilian traffic light already turned yellow in the opening chapter, when, of the nine shots on goal, only two were under Sequeira’s three sticks. It is also true that Brazil reached the goal with a touch from Marquinhos at the start of a Raphinha free kick, deflected at the near post by Rodrygo’s shoulder, but the VAR – after taking a couple of minutes to analyze the play – annulled 1-0 due to a millimeter and controversial advanced position by the PSG defender. With very little of Vinicius – for now more splendid in ...

As Messi awaits, a look at the 10 best players CanMNT have ever faced – Canadian Premier League On Thursday, the Canadian men’s national team will open the 2024 Copa América against a living legend of the game, Argentina’s Lionel Messi. With a stunning eight Ballons d’Or won, Messi is unquestionably the best player that Canada has ever come up against. However, over the years they have faced many football legends in friendlies, World Cup matches and other competitions. Canada have played against multiple superstars of the Dutch, German, Spanish and Brazilian teams of the 1990s, France at the 1986 World Cup, England legends like Gary Lineker and Peter Shilton, as well as the likes of Kevin De Bruyne at the 2022 World Cup. They faced a number of top opponents ahead of the 1994 World Cup in the United States, which is playing out again in the lead-up to 2026 with recent friendlies against the likes of the Netherlands and France. It shows how significant this opportunity is for the team to use this platform as World Cup hosts to test themselves against top teams before the tournament. In honour of the famous number 10 they’ll be playing on Thursday, here is a look at 10 of the best players that the Canadian men’s national team has ever faced in international action. RELATED: PREVIEW: CanMNT prepare for battle with Lionel Messi, Argentina in Copa América opener Sergio Agüero, Argentina As Canada gets set for its latest meeting against Argentina, it is worth looking back to the last time they played in 2010 ahead of that year’s FIFA World Cup. Canada were ultimately dominated 5-0 on that day with Maxi Rodríguez, Ángel Di María and Carlos Tevez all scoring. The fifth goalscorer, however, was none other than Sergio Agüero, who would go on to become one of the most prolific strikers in English Premier League history. Agüero scored 260 times in all competitions for Manchester City, winning the league five times, and an FA Cup in 2018-19. With Argentina, he won an Olympic gold medal in 2008, a Copa América in 2021 and was World Cup runner-up in 2021. That goal against Canada was the eighth of 41 he ultimately scored for his country. Dennis Bergkamp, The Netherlands In the lead-up to the 1994 World Cup in the United States, Canada played several home friendlies against top opposition. One such matchup came against the Dutch at Toronto’s Varsity Stadium on June 12, 1994. That star-studded Dutch team featured several legends, including Arsenal star Dennis Bergkamp, who opened the scoring in a 3-0 victory for the Netherlands on that day. Marc Overmars and Frank Rijkaard also scored for the Oranje. The three-time English Premier League champion was a part of Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ team that went undefeated in 2003-04. He scored 120 goals and also won four FA Cups during his time with the Gunners. Cafu, Brazil On June 5, 1994 Canada earned one of their most impressive results in national team history as they drew powerhouse Brazil 1-1 in fro...

France Edges Austria 1-0 in Euro 2024 Opener Despite Mbappe’s Injury In a closely contested match at the Merkur Spiel-Arena, France secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Austria in their Euro 2024 opener, courtesy of a Maximilian Woeber own goal. The win marks a positive start to their campaign as they aim to reclaim the European Championship title. The only goal of the match came in the 38th minute when Woeber inadvertently diverted Kylian Mbappe's cutback into his own net, giving the French team a crucial lead going into halftime. Despite dominating possession, France faced a resilient Austrian side under the management of Ralf Rangnick, whose pressing game posed significant challenges for the 2022 World Cup runners-up throughout the match. However, the victory was not without its concerns for Didier Deschamps' squad. Kylian Mbappe, a pivotal figure in France's attack, was forced to leave the field late in the game due to a collision that left him with a bloodied nose. This injury raises questions about his availability for upcoming fixtures and adds a layer of uncertainty to France's campaign. The match was significant not only for its on-field action but also for the backdrop of political discussions surrounding the French team. In the lead-up to the tournament, players, including Mbappe, had been addressing questions about the upcoming elections in France, which could potentially influence the country's political landscape significantly. The focus and determination shown by the French squad on the pitch, amidst these distractions, underscore their professionalism and commitment to performing at the highest level. With this victory, France joins the Netherlands at the top of Group D, each team having secured three points from their respective opening matches. The Netherlands overcame Poland 2-1 in a thrilling encounter in Hamburg, setting the stage for an exciting battle for supremacy in the group. France's next challenge will be against Poland, where they will look to build on their winning start and consolidate their position in the group. The outcome of Mbappe's injury will undoubtedly be closely monitored in the coming days as Les Bleus continue their quest to capture their third European Championship title, their first since 2000. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on France to see if they can maintain their focus and determination amidst both sporting and political pressures, as they strive to reaffirm their status as one of Europe's footballing powerhouses. https://lnkd.in/d5S2zS7D

Who Will Win Euro 2024 in Germany? The Euro 2024 Championship is already on the way, and the anticipation among football fans across Europe is palpable. This prestigious tournament, hosted in Germany, will see the best national teams battle it out for continental supremacy. Predicting the winner is no easy task, but we have our expert and all time best people who have continuously predicted winners in the past and got it right.Given the plethora of talent spread across the various teams in Europe. However, by examining the current form of the top players, their league performances, goal-scoring records, and national team contributions. we can make an informed prediction by our experts, see below. Let’s delve into the potential champions and key players who could make the difference.   France: The Perennial Contenders France, the reigning world champions, are undoubtedly one of the favorites for Euro 2024. The French squad is brimming with talent across all positions, making them a formidable force.    Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): ·         League Goals (2023/24):27 ·         National Team Records:36 goals in 65 appearances ·         Why He’s Key:Mbappé's pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability make him one of the most dangerous forwards in the world. His knack for performing in crucial moments could propel France to glory.  England: Hungry for Success England has been on the cusp of glory in recent tournaments, and Euro 2024 could be their moment to shine. With a blend of youth and experience, the Three Lions are a force to be reckoned with.  Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur):  League Goals (2023/24): 36 Goals  National Team Records: 65 goals in 95 appearances Why He’s Key: Kane’s goal-scoring prowess and leadership qualities are vital for England.    Conclusion: Who Will Win Euro 2024? Predicting the winner of Euro 2024 is challenging given the immense talent spread across the top teams, but our experts who have always got their prediction have already predicted the winners of Euro 2024.  However, if we consider the current form of players, their league performances, and national team contributions, France emerges as the favorite. The combination of Mbappé’s explosive talent, Dembele speed, agility , and Kanté’s midfield mastery provides France with a balanced and formidable squad. England, with their hunger for success and a talented squad, will pose a significant threat. Spain’s resurgence, Germany’s home advantage, Italy’s defensive solidity, and Belgium’s golden generation add to the mix of strong contenders. Ultimately, football is unpredictable, and the beauty of the game lies in its uncertainty. Euro 2024 promises to be an exhilarating tournament, showcasing the best of European football and potentially delivering a new champion.

Upstart Spain Confront Seasoned France For Spot In Euros Final https://ift.tt/t4q7naY Munich, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 9th Jul, 2024) Luis de la Fuente’s Spain are the form team of Euro 2024 but face tournament specialists France in Tuesday’s semi-final in Munich. Spain have lit up Euro 2024, winning all Five games while scoring 11 goals and are just one win away from the final. To get there however, Spain will need to go through a France side who while not impressing in Germany have shown their expertise and experience at major tournaments to navigate their way to the final four. France have only scored three goals at Euro 2024, none of which have come from general play. Misfiring captain Kylian Mbappe, playing in a specialized mask due to a broken nose sustained in the opening fixture against Austriahas scored from the spot once, while the French have benefited from two own goals. Led by coach Didier Deschamps however, France have shown the necessary nous and guile to go within one game of their fourth final in the last five major tournaments. With a 25-year-old captain and one of the youngest squads at Euro 2024, it is easy to overlook how the French have established themselves as the dominant force in Europe football over the past decade. Since a quarter-final defeat by eventual champions Germany at the 2014 World cup, France have made the final at every major tournament other than Euro 2020. That run includes a World Cup triumph in 2018 and a loss on penalties to Argentina in Qatar four years later, along with an extra-time defeat by Portugal at Euro 2016 on home soil. The importance of France‘s experience at major tournaments has been clear in Germany. Despite a run to the semis, the French have failed to impress. France are yet to score from general play, with only an Mbappe penalty and two own goals in the plus column. That 1-0 loss to Germanyjust over 10 years ago, was their last defeat in regulation time at a major competition. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot said France had full faith even if they are yet to light the tournament on fire. “We’ve always talked about it being a team game, needing a team effort. It’s the case for all recent competitions we’ve played in and is the case at this Euros. “Even if we’ve had difficulties, we’re in the semi-finals.” A self-described pragmatist, coach Deschamps said Monday results are what matters at major tournaments. “Maybe it’s not the same As it was in the past, but we do have the ability to spark emotions and make lots of French men and women happy with our results.” De la Fuente shot down suggestions France were boring, but said Spain‘s game plan “is closer to a nice show, a nice Spectacle, if we do it right. “In that respect, we’re a nice team to watch.” Spain have scored 11 goals through eight different goalscorers, posing threats across the park. The Spain coach echoed his counterpart’s statements, even...

Doug McIntyre Soccer Journalist The knockout stage of the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League season begins on Tuesday, when several of Europe’s leading teams — including last year’s winner Manchester City and record 14-time titlist Real Madrid — play the first leg of their two-match, total-goals-wins round of 16 series. As usual, there are no shortage of questions heading into the business end of soccer’s most important club competition, which concludes June 1 at Wembley Stadium in London. Four of the biggest are below. Can Manchester City repeat as champs? Although Pep Guardiola’s side won all six of their matches in the group stage, the holders haven’t been totally convincing during their title defense so far. This isn’t quite the same team that steamrolled to a historic “treble” of trophies last year, when the club’s long-coveted first European trophy was accompanied by domestic honors in both the Premier League and FA Cup. City sits second in the current Prem standings. Star striker Erling Haaland missed almost two months of the campaign with a foot injury.  But Haaland is back now, and the Sky Blues got a favorable round of 16 opponent in Denmark’s FC Copenhagen, which will visit the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday to open the home-and-home. Somewhat counter-intuitively, there’s also less pressure on Guardiola this time around, what with City having finally gotten over the hump in the Champions League last spring. In addition to still boasting probably the deepest and most talented roster in the sport, this is now a proven, grizzled, battle-hardened team. So while we haven’t seen the best of the Cityzens so far, they’re the bookies’ consensus favorite for fairly obvious reasons. Time will tell if Man City can win for the second time running, but bet on this much: they won’t relinquish the silverware without a fight. Would Pep Guardiola consider coaching USMNT? | SOTU <!-->--> Will Real Madrid add a 15th crown? If any team knows how to turn it on in do-or-die Champions League matches, it’s Real Madrid. Easily the most decorated club on the continent — with 14 European titles, Los Blancos have twice as many as Italy’s AC Milan, the next most successful team — Real is still at the tail-end of its perhaps its greatest era: They’ve won the Champions League five times since 2014. The most recent of those came two years ago. Real’s squad has changed a lot since then, with the likes of longtime striker Karim Benzema and midfield rock Casemiro having left and brilliant young midfielder Jude Bellingham — acquired last summer from Borussia Dortmund — emerging as the new face of the club. But mainstays such as captain Nacho Fernandez, maestro Luka Modrić, winger Vinícius Júnior and midfielders Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde remain, providing both experience and stability. Real’s championship pedigree will be tested on Tuesday in

Nations League Draw – Who Are England Set To Face? https://ift.tt/gtqsW2U Love it or hate it, the UEFA Nations League is here to stay, and there’s no denying it’s made those mid-season international breaks slightly more exciting. After a very poor showing during the last campaign, England faced relegation and now will play in League B. Today we found who the three teams England will be facing in group B2, and here’s a rundown on who they’ll be going up against.  Finland  Markku Kanerva’s side were drawn out from pot two during the draw and theoretically will be Gareth Southgate’s toughest opponent.  Ranked 59th in the FIFA world rankings, Finland ended their previous Nations League campaign in second place in their B League group, falling short of promotion by three points to Bosnia & Herzegovina.  The Huuhkajat are looking to qualify for their second European Championship this summer, when they take on Wales in the playoffs. Republic Of Ireland  Arguably the draw everyone wanted, the Three Lions will be facing their local rivals, the Republic of Ireland.  It’ll be their first meeting in front of fans since 2015, with just one meeting coming in between, a 3-0 win for England behind closed doors in 2020.  Ireland are placed just one behind Finland in the FIFA World Rankings and finished third in their previous Nations League group, where they faced other local rivals Scotland.   Unlike Finland, the boys in green will 100% not be in Germany in June, following a fourth-place finish, seven points behind a potential playoff place. Greece  Greece enter the B League for the first time, following a promotion in the previous tournament.  Despite being in the lowest pot, Greece are the highest-ranked team in the world rankings, being placed 47th.  The 2004 European Champions face Kazakhstan in the playoffs to try and claim their place in their fifth Euro finals.  England should be looking at that group and look at gaining promotion back to the A-League with ease. With a potential new manager coming in after the European Championships, this tournament could be the perfect opportunity to win over the Three Lions fans with exciting football.  lewisgart0n Read More At Look Sports Media

🚨 Another UWCL season is in the books.   The final saw the current two best teams in the world coming face to face with FC Barcelona winning their 3rd title overall, their 2nd in a row. They remain far from Lyon's historic 8 UWCL record. A feat I believe will be hard to beat in the coming years.   ✔The attendance record for a UWCL final was broken with 50827 spectators present, most of which were Barca fans.   ❓Was I surprised? Not really. Barca fans have proven over the last few years that they’re CLUB fans. 💓If they support FC Barcelona, they’ll support ALL of the club’s teams: men’s & women’s football, men’s handball, etc.   Something that’s still, unfortunately, missing in Lyon (and all of France actually). And that is, in one way or another, preventing the development of French women’s football.   But there are other reasons as well. 😌The game is stuck in a vicious circle and it seems like there’s no way out of it anytime soon: ◻ TV visibility is at a minimum compared to other championships. The final wasn’t even broadcast on live French TV… ◻ In most clubs, the women’s side is not the priority. I’m not going to go into the details of this situation, but if you’re interested, you can read about what’s happening with Brest and Orléans. ◻ The gap between the two major clubs (OL & PSG) & the other clubs impacts the league as it becomes less attractive with fewer ways of innovation. Seeing historic clubs such as Marseille, Nice, and Monaco play in the first division MIGHT increase this attractiveness. ◻ The FFF is trying to counterattack this with the play-offs system… But it is not fair for the leading club and watching OL smash Stade de Reims 6-0 is surely not going to raise the interest in the league. ◻ And lastly, players have a role to play. Not only on the field but outside of it too. They should be vocal, demand better conditions, demand to be treated professionally, etc. Kenza Dali said it when I interviewed her a few days ago. "What makes the difference between England and France is not the football. I’ve played in both leagues and I tell you, the quality of football is not better. It’s the marketing. They’re so much better there. In France, They’ve got the best players in the world there and they’re not doing anything to promote it.” You can read the interview here: https://lnkd.in/dcWETUEB What do you think? Why is French women's football stagnating?

After an incredible 35 days in Germany and Gareth’s decision to resign I’ve took a little time to make sure I chose the right words to describe the last 8 years being an England fan and decided that I don’t know enough adjectives so I chose statistical context instead; Since I was born in 1971 we have won 38 Tournament matches 16 of those (42%) in the last 6 years. We have also won 15 knockout games in that period, 9 of those victories coming in the last 6 years (60%) We have been to 5 semi finals in that 53 year period, 3 (60%) in last the 6 years and finally 2 finals both coming in the last 3 years (100%) Between 1971-2018 we have been involved in 9 Penalty shootouts we had won one (11%) but in last 6 years we have won 3 out of 4 (75%) We have had only two managers in that 53 year period to have managed in four tournaments; Sir Bobby and Gareth Southgate. Sir Bobby failed to qualify in his first tournament 1984 euros. He then got to 1/4s in 1986; Lost all 3 group games in 1988 euros. And reached that famous Semi final in 1990; His overall record in tournaments was played 14 Won 5 Lost 5 Gareth Southgate; 2 finals a Semi and one 1/4 final. Played 25 Won 16 Lost 5 It’s also worth noting that 9 of those wins were against teams currently in the top 20 in the world rankings. Also worth noting that Players at Sir Bobbys disposal Bryan Robson Glenn Hoddle Gary Lineker Peter Beardsley John Barnes Paul Gascoigne Chris Waddle Peter Shilton Stuart Pearce David Platt Tony Adams etc so certainly a decent bunch… some would say better than today. Southgate also had the greatest goals per game ratio of any manager of the last 53 years, 2.1 goals per game. During the 30 years of FIFA rankings England have had periods of very low ranking, 28th and 24th after Taylor and McLaren and 19th after Hodgson, we are now Sat at 3rd our all time high ranking and dropped one place to 2nd in the UEFA rankings. It’s also remember noting that since 1971 we have actually failed to even qualify for 7 tournaments, one of these with Sir Alf as Manager! We have also had to qualify through the playoffs on two separate occasions… Under Gareth we have played 37 Qualifiers Winning 30 Drawing 6 and losing 1… During that 53 year period we have won no trophies and we may never win one again in my lifetime but I can say without hyperbole or equivocation that Gareth Southgate is the greatest England Manager of my time and has given me pride, happiness and memories I will never ever forget.