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Category: International Sports

  • Chelsea’s Mass Exodus

    [Photo courtesy of Gaspafotos/MB media /Getty images]

    Despite spending a whooping £570 million on transfers in the space of two windows, Chelsea’s fortunes don’t seem to be turning around. The London side endured a horrid season after finishing 12th in the Premier league.

    The Blues had multiple managerial changes with Todd Boehly sacking Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter after poor performances. Lampard became the fourth manager, after Bruno Saltor took charge of one match following the dismissal of Potter.

    Now with former Spurs manager, Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, the blues faithful might have something to hang on to. Yet the exodus witnessed at the club during the transfer window, does little to inspire faith and optimism.

    Chelsea have lost nearly half of their starting XI from last season with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy joining Saudi pro league side Al-Ahli. Senegalese center back, Kalidou Koulibaly likewise, has joined Saudi pro league side Al-Hilal, while club veteran Cesar Azpilicueta, has joined Spanish side Atletico Madrid.

    The transfers of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz have raised a few eyebrows. With the England international and the Croatian joining both Manchester sides, United and City respectively and the German international joining London rivals Arsenal, Chelsea seems to be strengthening direct rivals.

    Arsenal pushed City all the way last season. Adding Havertz to their ranks will only further their title ambitions. Manchester United as well will be looking to build on their success last season with a third-place finish, a Carabao cup to their name and now Mason Mount in their ranks. Manchester City having lost Gundogan will do with a much-needed reinforcement in midfield and Kovacic provides just that.

    Other noticeable departures include French international, Ngolo Kante who joins Saudi side Al-Ittihad while Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic both join Italian side AC Milan, following in the footsteps of former blues player, Olivier Giroud. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s absence will also be felt as he joins French side Marseille.

    Blues supporters will be hoping these transfers don’t come to haunt them if any of their former players lead their rivals to glory.

     

  • Burnley Completes Signing of Goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City

    [Photo courtesy of Burnley Official]

    By Eugene Oyier

    Burnley has officially completed the signing of 20-year-old goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City on a four-year deal, with the transfer fee remaining undisclosed. Trafford spent last season on loan at Bolton, showcasing his skills in League One.

    During the recent European Under-21 Championship, Trafford’s impressive performance included a crucial diving save to deny Abel Ruiz’s penalty in stoppage time, securing a 1-0 victory for England in the final.

    Expressing his happiness about joining Burnley, Trafford said,

    I feel very happy to officially be a Burnley player. I want to improve and learn as much as I can here, both individually and as part of the team. We’ll take it one day at a time and strive for success together.

    Burnley’s successful Championship campaign, earning them 101 points and promotion to the Premier League, paves the way for Trafford to showcase his skills in top-tier football. Manager Vincent Kompany is thrilled with the young talent’s signing, emphasizing his talent, confidence, and maturity. He expressed the club’s excitement to develop Trafford further and witness his potential unfold on the field.

  • Arsenal Thrash MLS All-Stars

    [Photo courtesy of AFC ]

    The All-Star Game against Arsenal, revealed just how the gap between American competition and Europe’s elite was strikingly evident. The Gunners dominated with a resounding 5-0 victory, captivating a packed crowd at Audi Field.

    The MLS attackers struggled to find a cutting edge, but it was the league’s defenders who appeared most out of their depth. Cincinnati’s Alvaro Barreal endured a tough time on the right flank, relentlessly targeted by Bukayo Saka, who exposed his defensive vulnerabilities. Saka’s brilliant play led to a beautifully chipped opening goal by Gabriel Jesus

    Barreal’s challenges continued as he earned a yellow card for a foul on Saka in the 18th minute, and shortly after, Saka again got the better of him, providing an assist to Leandro Trossard for the second goal.

    The first half ended with MLS collecting four yellow cards, and their attacking play lacked cohesion in the final third. Hany Mukhtar’s passing was wasteful, Christian Benteke had a clumsy touch in front of goal, and Denis Bouanga struggled to make an impact, save for a few bursts of speed.

    The second half started on a sour note for the hosts, as Arsenal earned a penalty just seconds after the restart due to a handball by Tim Parker. Jorginho calmly converted the penalty, securing Arsenal’s dominance in this preseason tune-up.

    Gabriel Martinelli extended Arsenal’s lead with a composed finish on the break, followed by Kai Havertz scoring the fifth and final goal of the game.

    Arsenal’s Record signing, Declan Rice came on in the second half to a warm to reception from the travelling support. The English man joins the Gunners from fellow London team West Ham

     

     

  • Manchester United Maintain Perfect Pre-season Record

    [Photo courtesy of MUFC]

    By Eugene Oyier

    Manchester United secured a 1-0 pre-season victory over Lyon as Donny van de Beek made a triumphant return from his knee injury.The Dutchman scored just minutes after coming off the bench, capitalizing on an excellent cross by Dan Gore.

    Another notable return for United was Jonny Evans, who put in a solid performance in the second half after signing a short-term contract with the club.

    The match at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh started with a flurry of opportunities for Manchester United. Antony had a chance to score but shot straight at Lyon keeper Anthony Lopes instead of attempting a dink. Amad Diallo also had two chances, with one shot going over the bar and another forcing a save from Lopes.

    The return of Jonny Evans to United on a short-term deal was a major talking point before the game, and he impressed with his performance after coming off the bench in the second half.

    Overall, it was a successful pre-season outing for Manchester United, with Van de Beek’s goal and the promising displays from returning players.

     

     

     

  • Alcaraz Triumphs in Remarkable Wimbledon Comeback Against Djokovic

    [Photo courtesy of USA TODAY Sports]

    Nearly three days after tennis star Carlos Alcaraz accomplished the nearly impossible in his brief career, the tennis world is still ablaze with excitement. The 20-year-old Spaniard overcame one of the best players in sports history, Novak Djokovic, in a spectacular comeback that shook the All England Club’s historic Centre Court.

    Alcaraz is a picture of the next group of athletes who are anticipated to carry the game past the dominance of the Big Three, which consists of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Shortly after the victory, Rafael Nadal, the last Spaniard to win a Wimbledon championship, sent Alcaraz a kind letter.

    Congratulations @carlitosalcarazz . You have given us immense joy today and for sure our pioneer in Spanish tennis, Manolo Santana, has also been cheering wherever he is as a member of Wimbledon whom you have joined today. A very strong hug and enjoy the moment Champion!!! We’re having a great time with our team!

    Djokovic had been the player to beat at The All England Club for five years, winning four consecutive trophies. Alcaraz stopped him from winning the fifth and moving closer to Borg and Federer, the only players with 40 consecutive victories in the cathedral of tennis.

  • Marcus Rashford Commits to Manchester United with Contract Extension

    [Photo courtesy of Manchester United]

    By Eugene Oyier

    Premier League club Manchester United has announced a contract extension for 25-year-old forward Marcus Rashford until June 2028. Rashford, who joined the club at the age of seven, has made close to 360 appearances and scored 123 goals since his debut in 2016.

    Rashford’s impressive performances helped the club secure a third-place finish in the 2022-23 season, with 30 goals to his name. He expressed his passion and determination to succeed, aiming to win more trophies and contribute to the team’s success in the coming years.

    Recognized as the club’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year for the season,

    Rashford has been praised for embodying the qualities of a successful Manchester United player.

    The club’s Football Director, John Murtough, highlighted Rashford’s talent, humility, dedication, and drive, expressing confidence in his future growth and his commitment to achieving success at the highest level.

    The decision to extend his stay at Manchester United comes as a testament to the faith Rashford has in the club’s ambition and its ability to challenge for major honors.

    With the contract extension now secured, Marcus Rashford can focus on his on-field performances and continue to evolve as a key figure in Manchester United’s quest for silverware.

     

     

     

  • Spurs 1st friendly ends in defeat

    [Photo courtesy of Spurs official]

    Angel Postecoglou watched on as Spurs were narrowly beaten by their London rivals in a closely contested match at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia. The match was Spurs’ first outing of pre-season.

    The Australian was in charge of his first friendly match since taking over at spurs going with a strong lineup spearheaded by want away striker Harry Kane. New signing James Madison featured in the match as well alongside Kulusevski and Solomon Manor in attack.

    Gianluca Scamacca, Danny Ings and Divin Mubamba were all on target for David Moyes’ side, as they cruised to a third-successive pre-season victory. The Hammers have been on a roll in pre-season and this latest result further cemented that.

    Spurs, meanwhile, nearly rescued a draw through second-half strikes from Giovanni Lo Celso and Destiny Udogie but it was too little, too late for the north London side. The North Londoners will fancy their chance at a first win in pre-season when they take on Leicester on July 23.

    There’ll still be plenty of positives for Spurs fans to look back on, after getting a glimpse of their new attacking-style in action for the first time. They’ll be hoping to keep hold of their starman and English striker Harry Jane who is rumored to want a transfer to Bayern.

  • Kylian Mbappe’s Contract Saga

    [Photo courtesy of PSG]

    By Eugene Oyier

    Kylian Mbappe, the French football sensation, returns to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for preseason training amidst ongoing debates about his future. After enjoying a summer break, Mbappe’s focus is now on his day job, although discussions surrounding his contract extension have reached a critical point. PSG has set a deadline of July 31 to resolve the stand-off, as they aim to avoid losing their star player for free.

    Last summer, Mbappe signed a highly lucrative contract with PSG, making him the highest-paid footballer in Europe. However, this contract was for two years with the option of one more, and the decision to extend was in Mbappe’s hands. Reports suggest that the contract, if extended, is worth €630 million before tax. This summer, rumors sparked when Mbappe informed PSG that he did not intend to trigger the contract extension. Despite this, he publicly stated that he does not want to leave the club this summer, potentially departing for free in 2024.

    PSG is determined not to let Mbappe leave without receiving a fee. They are focused on reaching a resolution by July 31, favoring his departure next summer after leading the club for one more year. Losing him for free is seen as an unacceptable outcome for the club. However, if Mbappe does not renew his contract, it may create financial challenges for PSG. Potential investors view the large contract as a liability, impacting the club’s financial fair play compliance and causing a £150 million shortfall.

    Mbappe has consistently expressed his desire to play for PSG in the upcoming season. He has denied reports of wanting to leave this summer, emphasizing his commitment to the club. His contract does not expire until July 31, and he has chosen not to trigger the extension. This sets up the possibility of a free departure next summer, with Real Madrid considered a likely destination.

    New PSG coach Luis Enrique is aware of the contract situation and has chosen to keep discussions private. He aims to build a strong squad and believes in establishing a level of trust with players to help them perform at their best. Luis Enrique’s approach to handling Mbappe within the team will be crucial.

    While rumors have caused frustrations among some PSG teammates, Mbappe’s talent remains highly valued. The departure of Lionel Messi, the arrival of a new coach, and changes within the team dynamics present new opportunities for Mbappe and the squad.

    As the contract saga continues, Real Madrid maintains a quiet presence, having kept in touch with Mbappe’s camp since his decision to stay at PSG last summer. The outcome of this high stakes game of poker remains uncertain, with the future of one of the world’s best footballers hanging in the balance.

  • Mexico Claims Record Ninth CONCACAF Gold Cup Title In Dramatic Fashion

    By Eugene Oyier

    Mexico’s national football team celebrated a stunning triumph as they clinched the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 1-0 victory over Panama. The victory marked a rapid turnaround for El Tri, who had suffered a disappointing early exit from the World Cup eight months prior. Santiago Giménez, a late substitute, became the hero of the match with a dramatic 88th-minute goal.

    Giménez’s winning goal came after an electrifying sprint from the center circle, where he outpaced Panama’s Harold Cummings and Fidel Escobar before scuffing a left-footed shot over goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. The Feyenoord forward’s goal secured Mexico’s record ninth Gold Cup title and his second of the tournament.

    Under the guidance of interim coach Jaime Lozano, who took over just a month before the tournament, Mexico showcased an impressive resurgence. After a disappointing Nations League loss to the U.S., Lozano led the team to a triumphant Gold Cup campaign. The victory brought immense joy to the passionate Mexican fans in attendance at SoFi Stadium, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a World Cup match.

    Mexico’s defensive solidity throughout the tournament was a key factor in their success, with the team conceding only two goals. With this win, Mexico now has more Gold Cup titles than all other nations combined. The U.S. has seven titles, while Canada has secured one.

    Panama, despite putting up a strong fight, could not convert their solid scoring chances against veteran Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. This marked their third appearance in a Gold Cup final, having previously finished as runners-up in 2005 and 2013, both times losing to the U.S.

    Mexico’s dominant performance in the first half, with 14 shots on goal, was met with resolute defending from Panama. The match saw Henry Martín’s close-range goal disallowed after a video review confirmed he was offside.

    With this victory, Mexico’s football program has reinvigorated its ambitions for future success. Although Lozano’s contract was solely for the Gold Cup, he dreams of leading the national team in the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, the U.S., and Canada.

    The Gold Cup final, held in Southern California’s SoFi Stadium, saw an overwhelming presence of Mexican fans, demonstrating the passionate support the team receives in this region. Despite the absence of the U.S. national team, the sellout crowd created an electrifying atmosphere, showcasing the profound love for football in Southern California.

     

  • Gareth Bale retires from football aged 33

    By Benjamin Wanguba

    Gareth Bale has stunned the world by retiring from the game of soccer at the ripe age of 33. The former Real Madrid star’s move has caught many by surprise as he is considered to be relatively young. Furthermore, Bale had a good year in football last year as he won the MLS Cup with Los Angeles FC. He also participated in the 2022 world cup with Wales over the winter however they did not manage to progress past the group stages.

    Gareth Bale’s career started at Southampton before moving to Tottenham where he stunned the league earning him a world record move to Spanish Giants Real Madrid. His time there saw him win 5 champions league titles despite some challenges. He finished his career playing in the MLS with Los Angeles FC.

    5 time UCL winner Gareth Bale

    His retirement further surprised fans due to the fact that he has not picked up an injury in recent times. In a statement released by Bale he expressed how fortunate he was to have made a career out of the game he loves but that it was time for him to hang his boots.

    “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football. I feel incredibly fortunate to have realized my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.” he said. He finished by saying, “So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure…”

    Bale wrote on social media

    Bale retires with various accolades including 5 Champions League titles that he won at his time at Real Madrid. Bale was also at one time the most expensive signing ever when Real signed him from London side Tottenham for a then record fee of €100 million. In Wales, he holds various records including record number of caps for the Welsh men’s national team having played 111 times for them. He also holds the national men’s team goalscoring record scoring 41 goals for Wales since first playing for them in 2006 at age 16. This made him become the youngest player to ever play for his country.