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Category: International Sports

  • Red Devils Ease Past The Toffees

    [Photo Courtesy]

    By Eugene Oyier

    Manchester United handed Everton their 11th consecutive winless match in the Premier League, beating them 2-0 at Old Trafford. Under Erik ten Hag, United continued their dominance with a fifth straight victory against the Toffees.

     

    Despite Everton’s desperate need for goals – they’ve managed only 14 in open play this season, the lowest in the league – they made a disastrous start by conceding early. James Tarkowski’s challenge on Alejandro Garnacho inside 10 minutes forced referee Simon Hooper to award United a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes calmly converted.

     

    Even as Everton had chances of their own, with Dwight McNeil and James Garner coming close, United maintained control. Before halftime, another penalty was given as Garnacho was brought down by Ben Godfrey, and Marcus Rashford confidently doubled United’s lead.

     

    In the second half, Everton hoped to turn the game around, but United looked more threatening. Garnacho and Fernandes continued to create opportunities, testing Jordan Pickford in goal.

     

    As the match progressed, United secured the win, breaking their streak of back-to-back defeats and keeping their top-four aspirations alive. However, Everton’s persistent struggles in front of goal raise concerns, as their five-point gap above the relegation zone becomes increasingly precarious with each passing week.

  • Juventus Midfielder Pogba Banned For Four Years For Doping

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    Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has reportedly been handed a four-year ban from football after failing a drugs test last August.

     

    The French man tested positive for testosterone after Juventus’s first game of the season against Udinese.

     

    The midfielder left Manchester United for the second time in summer of 2022 to join Juventus for a second stint after a mixed time of highs and lows with the Red devils.

     

    Pogba’s second stint with the Old lady did not live up to expectations and fell incredibly short of what he achieved in Turin prior to his move to Manchester in 2016.

     

    The ban could be career ending for the 30-year-old who will be turning 31 next month, and will not see a return to the pitch until he is almost 35.

  • Manchester City Moves Within One Point of Liverpool With Brentford Win

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    Manchester City kept pace with league leaders, Liverpool after a 1-0 triumph over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, February 20.

     

    The Cityzens were made to wait as Erling Haaland broke the deadlock in the 71st minute to hand Pep Guardiola’s side all three points against Bees.

     

    After a frustrating display against Chelsea, the Danish striker was back on the scoresheet as he capitalised on a mistake from Krisstofer Ajer, who slipped at the vital moment, allowing him through on goal.

     

    The victory took City above Arsenal into second spot and one point behind the leaders who they are yet to play at Anfield on March 10.

     

    For Brentford, with six points from their last 11 games, they are only five points off the relegation zone and still searching for the sustained improvement that will get them away from trouble.

     

     

  • Atletico Come Up Short as Dortmund Held

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    Atletico Madrid’s hopes of reaching the quarter-final stage of the Champions League have taken a blow, as they lost 1-0 to Inter Milan at the San Siro.

     

    The round of 16 encounter saw Inter take the game by the scruff limiting Diego Simeone’s men to few chances as Lautaro Martinez nearly put the hosts ahead nearing half-time but scuffed his chance.

     

    The Nerazzurri pulled ahead when Marko Arnautovic who was introduced at half time due to an injury for Marcus Thuram, proved to be the difference maker for Inter.

     

    After missing two clear-cut chances in the second half, the Austrian scored the winning goal with 15 minutes to play as he pounced on a rebound from Lautaro’s saved shot.

     

    Diego Simeone’s men are however far from condemned as the 1-0 scoreline means they do have a chance of overturning the deficit in the reverse fixture in Spain.

     

    In another fixture, PSV Eindhoven held Borussia Dortmund to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 encounter.

     

    Goals from Donyell Malen for the German side and Luuk de Jong for the Dutch side ensured all was to play for going into the second leg set to be played in Germany.

     

  • Sebastien Haller’s Remarkable Journey From Cancer Treatment to AFCON Final

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    Sebastien Haller’s journey from battling testicular cancer to scoring crucial goals for the Ivorian national team in the Africa Cup of Nations final is a testament to his resilience and determination. Born in Paris to a French father and Ivorian mother, Haller’s decision to represent his mother’s homeland on the international stage proved pivotal in the Elephants’ journey to the final.

     

    In July 2022, just two weeks after joining a Bundesliga side, Haller received the shocking diagnosis of testicular cancer. Despite the daunting prognosis, Haller faced his illness with courage and fortitude, undergoing rigorous treatment with unwavering determination. With the unwavering support of his team and fans, Haller emerged victorious from his battle against cancer, returning to full training in early January 2023.

     

    His comeback was marked by a goal against Freiburg on World Cancer Day, symbolizing his triumph over adversity. However, injury struck again in December, hindering his participation in the 2023 Nations Cup. Nevertheless, Haller’s return to the squad provided a much-needed boost after a rocky start for the Elephants.

     

    His impact was immediate, as his physical presence and skill proved crucial in key matches. From his pivotal role in securing a dramatic victory over defending champions Senegal to his contribution in the thrilling quarter-final against Mali, Haller’s influence on the pitch was undeniable.

     

    Now, as Ivory Coast prepares to face Nigeria in the AFCON 2023 final, Haller’s presence embodies more than just football; it represents the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. With the prospect of securing Ivory Coast’s first Nations Cup title since 2015 within reach, Haller’s journey serves as an inspiration to all who face challenges in their path.

     

    As Haller himself reflects on the upcoming final, he remains focused on the task at hand, determined to seize the opportunity to etch his name in the annals of Ivorian football history. With his remarkable journey from cancer diagnosis to AFCON final, Sebastien Haller’s next game promises to be his most memorable yet.

  • The Making of a Football god: Ronaldo at 39

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    By Leeroy Wuone

    Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Santo Antonio, the mountainous neighborhood of Funchal, Madeira. The Portuguese superstar  was born on February 5, 1985 as the youngest of four children; two girls and two
    boys.

    Ronaldo’s mother Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro was a cook and cleaning lady while his
    father, Jose Dinis Aveiro was a gardener and the parents ensured that they worked extremely hard to
    provide for Cristiano’s siblings and Cristiano himself.

    Ronaldo who had trouble controlling his temper was expelled from school for throwing a chair at a
    teacher and this led the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star to assume he would become a village fisherman.

    One time when asked by Canal 11 where he thought he would be at the age of 35 as a kid he said he thought he was going to be a fisherman in his village In Madeira.

    “This never came to my mind and I wanted to be a professional footballer but I
    did not think I was going to win everything I won by 35,’’ he said.

    Cristiano who had little interest in academics later joined Clube Desportivo Nacional of Madeira and then transferred to Sporting Clube de Portugal or Sporting CP also known as Sporting Lisbon, where he played for various youth teams.

    The then teenager made 31 appearances for Clube Sporting Lisbon and scored 5 goals as he later went on
    to be signed by English club Manchester United in 2003 at 18 years old. It was later revealed he joined
    the English giants because every other club that was interested in signing the winger wanted to loan him back to sporting CP. This was revealed by his agent Jorge Mendes.

    In Manchester United’s 2008 squad, instead of being part of the frontline, Ronaldo primarily played as a right-sided midfielder in former United coach Sir Alex Ferguson’s preferred 4-2-2 formation. He played on the right and operated as a hybrid right midfielder-winger.

    The 2008 UEFA Champions league took place on 21 May 2008 at the Luzhniki Stadium in
    Moscow, Russia and was contested between Man United and Chelsea, making it an all-English final for the first time in the history of the UEFA competition.

    Manchester United won the game after a 6-5 penalty shootout win, as CR7 was the Fan’s man of the match having scored the opener goal in the 26th minute after a cross by Wes Brown while Edwin van der Sar, the united veteran goalkeeper was the UEFA man of the match.

    The Portuguese will forever go down as one of La Liga’s all time greats having made the switch to Spanish giants, Real Madrid in 2009 and enjoyed an incredible nine-year stint in the Spanish capital as he went on to score a total record of 450 goals and 131 assists in 438 games while winning 4 ballon d’ors with the Los Blancos.

    Most football fans can attest they enjoyed the positive football rivalry between Cristiano and Argentine great Lionel Messi of who plied his trade at arch rivals Barcelona at the time, well known for his dribbling and use of his magic wand of a left foot.

    At Juventus club in Turin Italy, the famous number seven managed to become the fastest ever Juventus
    player to score 100 goals for the club having been  signed for a reported fee of 117 million euros from the Los Blancos in the summer of 2018 .

    Currently at Al-Nassr after making a surprise move to the Saudi pro league, Cristiano has managed to score a whooping 44 goals in 50 games for the Riyadh based team. Two of these goals earned the team a trophy as Al-Nassr won their first Arab Club Champions cup in 2023 courtesy of a CR7 brace in the final against rivals Al-Hilal.

    Apart from football the polarizing superstar has had great impact in society having supported a wide range of charities, including Save the Children, UNICEF, and world vision. He has also donated money to help victims of natural disasters such as the Nepal earthquake and the covid-19 pandemic.

    For sure outside the pitch Cristiano the GOAT isn’t as fierce as he seems in boots and on shorts. For me, CR7 is my greatest of all time footballer, for some Messi for his humbleness, natural skill and immense impact he has had among football lovers more so his hometown In Rosario, Argentina.

    Happy 39th birthday CR7, 5th February,1 985 and a GOAT was born

  • Arsenal Close the Gap on 1st Placed Liverpool With Convincing Win

    [Photo Courtesy ]

    Arsenal came out on top in a six-pointer match against Liverpool, at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, February 4 2024.

    The excitement peaked in the 10th minute when Bukayo Saka missed a golden chance, setting the tone for a nail-biting encounter. Just two minutes later, Donyell Malen’s shot for Liverpool narrowly missed the target, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

     

    In the 14th minute, the crowd erupted as Saka found the back of the net, putting Arsenal in the lead with a stunning goal. However, Liverpool quickly equalized in the 48th minute, thanks to an unfortunate own goal by Gabriel.

     

    The tension continued to rise as both teams fought tooth and nail for dominance. In the 67th minute as Gabriel Martinelli secured a crucial goal for Arsenal, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

     

    The drama didn’t end there, as Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate received his marching orders in the 88th minute after receiving a second yellow card, leaving his team with a mountain to climb.

     

    As the clock ticked into injury time, Arsenal sealed their victory with a goal from Leandro Trossard in the 92nd minute, putting the result beyond doubt.

     

    Despite the fierce competition, Arsenal emerged triumphant with a final score of 3-1, much to the delight of their fans. The match showcased the intensity and skill of both teams, leaving spectators eagerly anticipating their next encounter.

    The result leaves the Gunners trailing the league leaders by just 2 points, seating on 49, 2 behind Liverpool and 3 ahead of Manchester City.

  • Manchester United Dominate West Ham with 3-0 Victory at Old Trafford

    [Photo Courtesy]

    By Eugene Oyier 

    Eugeneoyier@gmail.com

    In a commanding display, Manchester United secured their fourth win in five games in 2024 with a resounding 3-0 triumph over West Ham United. The Red Devils extended their unbeaten head-to-head record against the Hammers at Old Trafford to an impressive 16 league games.

     

    The match kicked off with both teams displaying end-to-end action, with goalkeepers Alphonse Areola and André Onana being called into action early on. Manchester United took the lead when Casemiro intercepted the ball in the Hammers’ half, setting up Rasmus Højlund for a brilliant finish from the edge of the box.

     

    Despite West Ham’s efforts to respond, the Red Devils almost doubled their lead just before half-time as Højlund narrowly missed a shot from a tight angle. The second half saw a goalkeeping switch for West Ham, with Łukasz Fabiański replacing the injured Areola. However, United quickly capitalized on this change, with Alejandro Garnacho’s deflected shot finding the back of the net, leaving Fabiański helpless.

     

    While United sought a third goal, defensive vulnerabilities left them exposed at the back. West Ham had an opportunity to cut the deficit, but Diogo Dalot’s last-gasp block denied Jarrod Bowen a chance to score. In the final half-hour, United’s defense put up a solid performance, providing a platform for Scott McTominay to seal the victory in the 85th minute by setting up Garnacho for his second goal of the game.

     

    Despite defensive frailties shown throughout the season, United’s backline demonstrated resilience in the later stages, securing their third clean sheet in 12 home league games this season. The win keeps Manchester United in contention for a top-four finish, with only eight points separating them from fourth-place Aston Villa.

     

    This commanding performance by Erik ten Hag’s side sees them climb above West Ham in the Premier League table, with a comfortable 3-0 victory that marks their biggest home win of the season. The Red Devils now set their sights on a crucial clash with top-four hopefuls Aston Villa, while West Ham looks to bounce back against title challengers Arsenal at the London Stadium.

  • Manchester United Win it Late in a Seven-goal Thriller Against Wolves

    [Photo Courtesy]

    By Eugene Oyier 

    eugeneoyier@gmail.com

    In a pulsating Premier League showdown, Manchester United scripted a sensational last-minute comeback, clinching a remarkable 4-3 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, with Kobbie Mainoo stealing the spotlight.

    The breathtaking drama unfolded with Marcus Rashford’s early opener, setting the tone for an actionpacked encounter. Rasmus Hojlund doubled the lead, placing Manchester United in a commanding position by halftime.

    However, Wolves orchestrated a stunning comeback, overcoming a halftime deficit and a 3-1 scoreline on 85 minutes. Pablo Sarabia’s penalty kick and Scott McTominay’s header seemed to have secured the win for United, only for Wolves to mount a relentless late surge.

    In the dying moments, Wolves’ captain Max Kilman and Pedro Neto unleashed chaos, leveling the score at 3-3 in the sixth minute of added time. The Molineux erupted in celebration, anticipating a memorable draw.

    Yet, in a twist of fate, 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo seized the opportunity. With seconds remaining, Mainoo, displaying composure beyond his years, curled in a magnificent winner past Jose Sa, sealing a sensational 4-3 victory for Manchester United.

    Erik ten Hag’s side, propelled back into the top seven, snapped a four-match away league winless streak, positioning themselves eight points off the coveted Champions League places. Wolves, though valiant in their efforts, found themselves grappling with a fourth consecutive head-to-head defeat, remaining in 11th position.

    The victory propels Manchester United to seventh in the table, maintaining an unbeaten streak of four matches. The thrilling encounter at Molineux displayed Mainoo’s brilliance and resilience, epitomizing the unpredictable nature of football and leaving fans and pundits alike in awe of the extraordinary lastminute comeback.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • How Tiger Woods and Nike Revolutionized Golf – The Alpha and Omega of a Sporting Odyssey

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    Genesis of a Partnership (1996)
    “Hello, world.” With these words, a 21-year-old Tiger Woods stormed into the golfing arena in 1996, not just as a golf prodigy but also as the fresh face of a ground-breaking collaboration with Nike. Picture the high-energy halls of Nike HQ, where a legendary partnership was born, setting the stage for a narrative that would etch an unforgettable mark in sports history.

    Symphony of Triumphs and Tribulations (1997 – 2000)
    This was not just a deal; it was a rollercoaster of victories and challenges. Woods, with eyes blazing and a swing that defied logic, embarked on a 27-year journey. The 1997 Masters Triumph marked the start of a new era, with Woods donning the iconic red polo, not just as a style statement but as a symbol of audacity and unyielding will. Fast forward to 2000, and the Tiger Slam displayed dominance, turning Nike’s Swoosh from a logo to a symbol of unmatched achievement.

    Facing the Storm (2008 – 2009)
    Yet, challenges emerged. Tiger’s tenacity and Nike’s unwavering support shone in the 2008 U.S. Open victory, and in 2009, scandal rocked the partnership. Amidst the chaos, Nike stood firm, turning a business deal into a friendship forged on fairways and a shared pursuit of excellence.

    Strategic Backing (2009 – 2021)
    Nike’s strategic support during Tiger’s personal and professional struggles highlighted the company’s approach to brand ambassadors. Calculated risks paid off, with Nike’s unwavering support culminating in Tiger’s triumphant return with a Masters victory.

    Triumphant Returns (2019 – 2021)
    The narrative took a triumphant turn in 2019 with The Masters Comeback. It was not just a return; it was a testament to tenacity and Nike’s unwavering belief. Tiger’s 82nd PGA Tour victory in 2021 set a new major record, underlining the enduring legacy of his association with Nike.

    Financial Triumphs (1996 – 2023)
    Financially, Wood4s’ collaboration with Nike was a win, with his most recent contract valued at $200 million over ten years, concluding in 2023. Over the years, Woods pocketed more than $660 million, making it one of the most successful athlete-brand partnerships.

    Legacy and Farewell (2024)
    In 2024, after a thrilling 27-year ride, Tiger Woods and Nike bid adieu. No bitter breakup, just a bittersweet acknowledgment of a journey that left an indelible mark on sports.
    This partnership was more than just commercial; it was a gripping narrative that altered the course of sports history. A monument to dreams, resiliency, and the magic that occurs when a great team joins with a legendary brand, this story leaves echoes of a collaboration that transcends business. It’s about triumphs, resiliency, and the enduring force of a swoosh and a Tiger.