Italy and Spain drawn together in Euro 2024 group stage

Italy and Spain drawn together in Euro 2024 group stage
England’s football manager Gareth Southgate, Serbia’s head coach Dragan Stojkovic and Denmark’s head coach Kasper Hjulmand of Group C pose next to the trophy after the final draw for the UEFA Euro 2024 European Championship football competition in Hamburg on Dec. 2, 2023. (AFP)
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Updated 02 December 2023
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Italy and Spain drawn together in Euro 2024 group stage

Italy and Spain drawn together in Euro 2024 group stage
  • Much-fancied England will meet Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia Hosts
  • Germany take on Scotland in the tournament’s opening game on June 14 in Munich

HAMBURG, Germany: Reigning champions Italy were placed in the same group as Spain in Saturday’s draw for Euro 2024, while France will come up against the Netherlands.
Much-fancied England will meet Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia, with hosts Germany taking on Scotland in the tournament’s opening game on June 14 in Munich.
Italy, who beat England on penalties at Wembley in the final of the last European Championship in 2021, and Spain will also face Croatia and Albania in Group B.
Spain, victors over Italy in the final of Euro 2012, will take on 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia in their opening match in Berlin on June 15.
The meeting of France, the 2022 World Cup runners-up, and the Netherlands will be the other heavyweight tie of the opening phase.
They were in the same section in qualifying, with France winning both encounters. The two nations are in Group D along with Austria and a play-off winner, which will be one of Poland, Wales, Finland or Estonia.
England, in contrast, will have few complaints about their opponents in Group C, although a Denmark side ranked 19th in the world were arguably the team to avoid from the second pot of seeds.
Gareth Southgate’s team, considered the favorites along with France for the tournament, will take on Serbia in their opening game in Gelsenkirchen on June 16.
Scotland, who famously lost to Brazil in the opening match of the 1998 World Cup, will again have the honor of featuring in the tournament’s curtain-raiser when they meet Germany to start in Group A.
Hungary and Switzerland complete that section, which could be one of the most evenly-matched.
Euro 2016 winners Portugal were drawn in Group F with Turkiye, the Czech Republic and a play-off winner from either Greece, Georgia, Luxembourg or Kazakhstan.
Belgium are in Group E alongside Slovakia, Romania and the winner of the other play-off path, which will be Israel, Iceland, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Ukraine.
The month-long Euro will conclude with the final in Berlin on July 14.
The top two teams in each group will qualify for the last 16, along with the four best third-placed sides.


Mbappe among stars missing from Nations League while European teams eye World Cup qualifying

Mbappe among stars missing from Nations League while European teams eye World Cup qualifying
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Mbappe among stars missing from Nations League while European teams eye World Cup qualifying

Mbappe among stars missing from Nations League while European teams eye World Cup qualifying
  • France captain Kylian Mbappe opts to stay away from Nations League
  • The Nations League will open an international door for newcomers

GENEVA: In a congested football season where elite players have aired the idea of going on strike, the Nations League returns this week looking less than a top priority.
France captain Kylian Mbappe opted to stay away, his probable deputy Antoine Griezmann retired from the national team, and Romelu Lukaku asked to work on his fitness at new club Napoli rather than join the Belgium camp.
Add a wave of injury call-offs in Germany and elsewhere — some of them serious, for Spain defender Dani Carvajal and German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen — and the Nations League will open an international door for newcomers.
Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco called up four potential debutants to experiment in games in what is the third-tier competition for European teams.
“We will not do it during the important World Cup qualification,” said Tedesco, looking ahead to that important next stage in 2025.
The 2026 World Cup in North America is, however, already now in play for teams targeting that tournament and each has two Nations League games from Thursday through Tuesday.
Results in the next week, and two more games in November, are the last chance to gain a better seeding in the Dec. 13 draw in Zurich for European qualifying groups for the World Cup.
Two teams pushing to raise their FIFA ranking and go into the draw pot of second-seeded teams are Norway and Slovenia.
Haaland vs. Sesko
Europe’s most feared striker and one of its emerging stars are due to meet again on Thursday in Oslo.
Erling Haaland and Benjamin Sesko, once club mates at Salzburg, are the main attractions when Norway hosts Slovenia in their second-tier League B group.
Haaland has 11 goals in 10 games for Manchester City this season plus a winning goal in the Nations League, sealing a 2-1 victory over Austria last month.
Sesko has six in nine games for Leipzig — including three in the Champions League — plus four in two Nations League games. The tall striker got a hat trick in a 3-0 win over Kazakhstan.
Thursday’s game will not be decisive in the group but it will decide who leads at the midway point and is set for promotion to the top tier. The return game in Ljubljana is Nov. 14.
France’s leader
The last time France played a game with neither Mbappe nor Griezmann on the field? November 2016, in a 0-0 draw with Ivory Coast in a friendly.
It will happen again Thursday when France faces Israel in Budapest. The Hungarian capital is the neutral venue chosen since Israel’s conflict with Hamas started one year ago.
Mbappe has faced a latest round of criticism at home by asking out of coach Didier Deschamp’s squad last week then starting for Real Madrid in a league game Saturday.
The search for a new captain has taken Deschamps back to Madrid, with 24-year-old midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni named Wednesday to take the armband. France also travels to face Belgium on Monday.
Standout Italy
Italy leads the top-tier group that includes France and Belgium after winning both its September games on the road.
A 3-1 win in France, despite trailing in the first minute, was perhaps the standout performance in the Nations League last month. Italy followed it with a 2-1 win over Israel in Budapest.
Coach Luciano Spalletti’s squad, refreshed with younger players after a round of 16 exit at the European Championship, now has back-to-back home games: against Belgium in Rome on Thursday and Israel in Udine on Monday.
Italy can seal a top-two finish in the group on Monday with two rounds left to play in November. That would earn a place in the Nations League quarterfinals in March.
Top-tier teams that advance to the Nations League Final Four mini-tournament in June will not start their World Cup qualifying games until September. They will need to be placed by FIFA into four-team groups.
Rookie ‘keepers
Manuel Neuer has retired from the Germany team and Marc-Andre ter Stegen is out injured beyond the March international break.
So, in come three newcomers competing to be first-choice goalkeepers for games at Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday and home to the Netherlands on Monday: Oliver Baumann of Hoffenheim, Alexander Nubel of Stuttgart and Janis Blaswich, who plays at Salzburg on loan from sister club Leipzig.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann also is without the injured trio of Bayern’s Jamal Musiala, Arsenal’s Kai Havertz and West Ham’s Niclas Fullkrug.
Games to watch
Defending champion Spain returns Saturday hosting Denmark which won its first two games under new coach Lars Knudsen without conceding a goal.
Two entertaining teams at Euro 2024, Georgia and Albania, renew rivalry on Monday. Georgia won 1-0 in Tirana last month and leads that second-tier group of four Euro 2024 teams which also includes the Czech Republic and last-place Ukraine.
Cristiano Ronaldo has graced almost every national stadium in Europe across two decades and 214 games for Portugal, though not yet Hampden Park in Glasgow. He should play there Tuesday.
It took Ronaldo until his 214th game last month to even face Scotland, and he scored a men’s record-extending 132nd goal to seal a 2-1 win in the 88th minute.
In the same group, Poland vs Croatia should see two greats face off as captains: 36-year-old Robert Lewandowski and 39-year-old Luka Modric.


Man City’s Rico Lewis eyes ‘dream’ of playing for England in an international tournament

Man City’s Rico Lewis eyes ‘dream’ of playing for England in an international tournament
Updated 09 October 2024
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Man City’s Rico Lewis eyes ‘dream’ of playing for England in an international tournament

Man City’s Rico Lewis eyes ‘dream’ of playing for England in an international tournament
  • The 19-year-old is in the Three Lions squad for the Nations League B games against Greece on Thursday and Finland on Sunday

MANCHESTER: It was 10 years ago when Rico Lewis had his first experience of a World Cup.

Aged 9, he was banking on Brazil to win the trophy on home soil so he could earn a prize in the shape of a packet of sweets.

With Neymar and Thiago Silva out injured, the Selecao could not deliver. They fell 7-1 in the semifinal against Germany, who would go on to beat Argentina and claim international football’s biggest honor for a fourth time.

England won their only World Cup in 1966, but Lewis wants to be a part of their bid to end a 60-year wait when the US, Canada and Mexico stage the tournament in two years’ time.

“Of course it’s everyone’s dream to play in an international competition with your country,” Lewis told Arab News exclusively.

“It would be amazing to play in that kind of environment and see how different it is, and also try to win something.

“Watching the World Cup, it makes you strive to do as best as you can and get picked for these squads to get to play in that.

“I think that’s what everyone wants to do, and to go and win a tournament with your national team.

“My earliest memories of a World Cup were in 2014, I remember being in a sweepstake for it.

“I had Brazil and they got beat by Germany 7-1 in the semifinals. I’d have probably won a bag of Haribo’s or something like that if they had won it.”

The 19-year-old, who made his international debut under Gareth Southgate against North Macedonia last November, added: “It was amazing to be called up for England, a unique feeling.

“It’s something you dream of and not many professional footballers get there. You’ve got to be very lucky and I was very lucky to get to that position.

“But once you are there you just enjoy it. It almost makes it easier because you can enjoy it.”

Lewis is certainly enjoying himself this season. And an ability to play confidently in a multitude of roles at such a tender age is not just down to luck.

Having established himself as a key component in Manchester City’s title-winning machine, whether at right-back or in midfield, he has been given an opportunity to transfer his talents to the international stage.

He can do so with Nations League B games against Greece on Thursday and Finland on Sunday.

England’s interim boss Lee Carsley, who replaced Southgate after the Three Lions lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain, turned to Lewis to help solve the side’s troublesome left-back position, where there has been no regular starter.

The youngster impressed in the 2-0 win over Finland last month and has settled well with a squad featuring current City team-mates Kyle Walker, John Stones, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, and an old one in Chelsea forward Cole Palmer.

“Of course I feel comfortable now,” said Lewis. “When you’ve been with people like that for so long — and this is my third year with the City first-team now — I feel a lot closer with everyone and that makes it easier to play with them and at this level.

“I just want to play football and if that means I play in a different position to get more game time then that’s fine with me.

“I like playing fullback and like playing in midfield, but I don’t really mind where I play.”

That approach has typified Lewis’ amazing rise since his City debut two years ago at the age of 17.

His first season in the first-team ranks saw him lift a historic Treble as the Etihad outfit memorably won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

That was followed by the UEFA Super Cup and then the Club World Cup, with City beating Fluminense in Saudi Arabia.

Lewis also helped City lift the English title for a fourth successive time last season and admitted: “I want as many trophies as I can get. It’s everything I’ve dreamed of. When you break it down, it’s difficult to put into words what I’ve done.

“So that’s what I don’t really do, I don’t really think about it too much. That will probably come later on in life when I look back in my career.

“Right now I just want to focus on putting out consistent performances and being the best I can be.”

He added: “Of course there’s extra pressure. Once you’ve done it, then comes the expectation to do it again.

“When you are playing in a squad like at City you can stick out like a sore thumb if you don’t perform because of how many good players there are. Yes there’s pressure, but that comes with being at a club like this,” Lewis said.

“I think I enjoy it. I think everyone enjoys a little bit of pressure, being able to prove people wrong, stuff like that, but that comes with being a footballer.”


Former US coach Gregg Berhalter hired as coach of the Chicago Fire

Former US coach Gregg Berhalter hired as coach of the Chicago Fire
Updated 09 October 2024
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Former US coach Gregg Berhalter hired as coach of the Chicago Fire

Former US coach Gregg Berhalter hired as coach of the Chicago Fire
  • Berhalter was dismissed as US coach in July, shortly after the team was eliminated in the group stage of the Copa America
  • He replaces current Fire coach Frank Klopas, who will step down after the team’s final regular-season game on Oct. 19

CHICAGO: The Chicago Fire have hired former US national team coach Gregg Berhalter to be the club’s new head coach and director of football.

Berhalter was dismissed as US coach in July, shortly after the team was eliminated in the group stage of the Copa America. It was his second stint with the national team.

He replaces current Fire coach Frank Klopas, who will step down after the team’s final regular-season game on Oct. 19 to assume a new role as the team’s vice president of football.

Berhalter becomes the 10th head coach in the Fire’s history. He will oversee Chicago’s sporting operations, including the senior team, Fire FC II, and the Chicago Fire Academy.

“Chicago is an incredible city, built on communities of hard-working and passionate people who truly love soccer. I look forward to working alongside our staff and players to transform the Fire into a world-class organization that all our fans and the city can be proud of and will support,” he said in a statement.

Berhalter, 51, was the first American to coach the national team after playing for the team at a World Cup. He was originally hired to coach the US in December 2018 after stints with Sweden’s Hammarby (2011-13) and the Columbus Crew (2013-18).

“I’m confident that under his guidance, we will build on the foundation that has been laid over the past five years and be an organization that Chicago will be proud of and reflects the values of our city. I expect that Gregg will create a competitive culture and return our club to its winning ways,” Fire owner Joe Mansueto said in a statement.

Berhalter led the US to a 44-17-13 record during his tenure, taking the team to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His contract expired following the World Cup but he was rehired in June 2023.

Earlier that year, US Soccer investigated a decades-old domestic violence allegation that was brought to the USSF’s attention by the Reyna family, upset that Berhalter limited Gio Reyna’s playing time at the World Cup. A law firm retained by the USSF said there was no legal obstacle to bringing Berhalter back.

With the Crew from 2013-18, Berhalter led the club to the playoffs in four of his five seasons, including an appearance in the 2015 MLS Cup final.

As a player, Berhalter appeared in a pair of World Cups for the US. When he made his international debut against Saudi Arabia on Oct. 15, 1994, Klopas scored on the young center back.

Berhalter, a New Jersey native who lives in the Chicago area, played professionally for 18 season with stops in Europe and a stint with the LA Galaxy.

The Fire (7-9-17) have already been eliminated from postseason play with one game remaining in the regular season. Chicago have not been to the playoffs since 2017.

It is the seventh coaching change so far this season in MLS. Austin FC’s Josh Wolff was fired on Sunday, joining Nashville’s Gary Smith (May 16), Atlanta’s Gonzalo Pineda (June 3), Dallas’ Nico Estévez (June 9), San Jose’s Luchi Gonzalez (June 24) and St. Louis’ Bradley Carnell (July 1).


Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win

Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win
Updated 09 October 2024
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Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win

Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win
  • Eight-time winners Lyon eased to a comfortable victory against debutants Galatasaray

PARIS: Chelsea began their hunt for Women’s Champions League glory with a 3-2 win over Real Madrid on Tuesday, while eight-time winners Lyon eased to a comfortable victory against debutants Galatasaray.
Sjoeke Nuesken and Guro Reiten gave Chelsea the lead before Alba Redondo pulled one back for the visitors before half-time.
Mayra Ramirez struck in the second half to restore Chelsea’s two-goal advantage. A late Linda Caicedo tap-in set up a nervy finale at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea went into the lead in the second minute when Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s cross struck the unfortunate Sheila Garcia, via the head of Nuesken, and trickled into the Madrid net.
The English champions doubled their lead shortly before the half-hour as the referee pointed to the spot after Maria Mendez caught Nuesken as the pair fought over a loose ball in the box.
Reiten slotted the spot-kick beyond the reach of Misa Rodriguez, who had correctly guessed which way to dive.
Madrid halved the deficit on 39 minutes. Fine wing play by Olga Carmona created the chance and after some pinball in the Chelsea box, Redondo showed composure to take a touch and finish from 10 yards.
Ramirez restored the hosts’ two-goal lead eight minutes into the second half with a header that looped over goalkeeper Misa.
Caicedo converted from close range in the 84th minute after Lucy Bronze had blocked a goal-bound effort on the line, however the Spaniards were unable to complete the comeback as Chelsea ground out the win.
Also in Group B, Dutch club Twente beat Celtic 2-0 in Glasgow thanks to a Kayleigh van Dooren brace either side of the interval.
Earlier, a trio of headers from Kadidiatou Diani, who scored twice, and Vanessa Gilles gave last year’s beaten finalists Lyon a 3-0 home victory over Galatasaray.
France attacker Diani opened the scoring when she stole in to nod home a Tabitha Chawinga cross with 34 minutes on the clock.
Chawinga then got her second assist of the match — and Lyon scored their second goal — right on the stroke of half-time as Gilles turned in her chipped cross from close range.
Gilles went close with another header early in the second period, but her towering effort from a corner rattled against the crossbar.
Diani did make it three in the 77th minute, her guided header crept inside the far post after Amel Majri had burst down the left flank and drilled in a cross.
“They had a lot of fight and it’s never easy to combat that, but that’s football and that’s the Champions League. We’re so happy to come away with the win,” said Lyon defender Gilles.
In the Italian capital, a 14th-minute penalty converted by new captain Manuela Giugliano was enough for Roma to upset two-time champions Wolfsburg 1-0.
The visitors struck the woodwork twice after the break but were left frustrated as Roma held on to take all three points and go second in Group A — behind Lyon on goal difference.
On Wednesday, Arsenal visit Bayern Munich and Champions League holders Barcelona start their title defense at Manchester City.


Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga

Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga
Updated 08 October 2024
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Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga

Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga
  • Three-season deal positions Riyadh Season as the official sponsor of one of the world’s strongest leagues
  • La Liga President Tebas highlights strategic importance of the Kingdom to La Liga

RIYADH: Riyadh Season is to sponsor Spain’s La Liga for the next three seasons.

Riyadh Season, which was represented by Faisal Bafarat, the CEO of the General Entertainment Authority, signed the partnership agreement with Spanish football’s La Liga President Javier Tebas.

It marks a three-season deal that positions Riyadh Season as the official sponsor of one of the world’s strongest football leagues.

Tebas highlighted the strategic importance of the Kingdom to La Liga, noting the immense passion that Saudi football fans have for the Spanish league.

He added that La Liga is committed to fostering the growth of the sports and entertainment industry in the Kingdom by supporting initiatives like Riyadh Season.

David Villa, La Liga’s ambassador, expressed confidence that the partnership with Saudi Arabia would open new avenues for collaboration.

He stressed that football in the Kingdom had experienced tremendous growth in recent years, making it an ideal partner.

The partnership, which reflects Riyadh Season’s global presence, aims to initiate promotional activities for both brands and implement joint initiatives targeting football fans and visitors to Riyadh Season.