Germany warns of Islamist threat on eve of Euro 2024 tournament

Germany warns of Islamist threat on eve of Euro 2024 tournament
Germany gets the 2024 European Championship underway against Scotland in Munich on Friday. (AP/File)
Short Url
Updated 13 June 2024
Follow

Germany warns of Islamist threat on eve of Euro 2024 tournament

Germany warns of Islamist threat on eve of Euro 2024 tournament
  • “Our focus of course is above all on the threat of Islamist terrorism, hooligans and their offenses, everyday crime, violent criminals, but this time also on cyber-attacks,” Faeser said
  • Groups such as Daesh have already called for attacks at the month-long tournament

BERLIN: Germany welcomed police officers from across Europe on Thursday to bolster its defenses against potential threats at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament, with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser promising vigilance on the eve of the opening match.
“Our focus of course is above all on the threat of Islamist terrorism, hooligans and their offenses, everyday crime, violent criminals, but this time also on cyber-attacks,” Faeser said at a ceremony for around 350 foreign police officers dispatched for the event.
Groups such as Daesh have already called for attacks at the month-long tournament, which begins with the host country’s Group A opener against Scotland on Friday.
“Our security authorities therefore have the Islamist scene firmly in their sights,” Faeser said, while adding that authorities were not currently aware of any specific plots.
Germany expects 2.7 million people to attend matches in stadiums across the country and some 12 million in its fan zones for outdoor viewing, including on a long stretch of turf laid out in front of Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate.
The fan zones were popular during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but it remains to be seen whether the public mood at this event can rise above simmering tensions at a time of conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, and as the far right sees its support surge in Europe.
“Some people are trying to bring these conflicts into our country,” the minister warned, adding that propaganda and hate speech on German streets would not be tolerated.
Some 22,000 police officers will be working each day at the tournament.
German security authorities are also working with international partners to identify potential threats and the country has ramped up its border controls.


Pakistan soccer approves steps wanted by FIFA to lift international suspension

Pakistan soccer approves steps wanted by FIFA to lift international suspension
Updated 2 min 48 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan soccer approves steps wanted by FIFA to lift international suspension

Pakistan soccer approves steps wanted by FIFA to lift international suspension
  • The PFF decided to approve those amendments
  • Pakistan remained hopeful the suspension will be lifted in time to play Syria on Mar. 25

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football Federation took a step toward returning to international soccer by unanimously approving constitutional amendments proposed by FIFA on Thursday.
FIFA hit Pakistan on Feb. 6 with a third international suspension in less than eight years after the federation rejected electoral reforms.
The PFF decided to approve those amendments by a 23-0 vote at an extraordinary congress in Lahore, where the attendees included officials from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.
“The congress members endorsed the FIFA proposed amendments in the best interest of Pakistan football, paving the way for the national team’s participation in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers following the expected lifting of FIFA’s suspension,” the PFF said in a statement.
Pakistan remained hopeful the suspension will be lifted in time to play Syria on March 25 in its first qualifier for the 2027 Asian Cup. For that to happen, the AFC told the PFF the ban must be lifted by Tuesday.


Bayern Munich reportedly withdraw contract offer to Joshua Kimmich

Bayern Munich reportedly withdraw contract offer to Joshua Kimmich
Updated 27 February 2025
Follow

Bayern Munich reportedly withdraw contract offer to Joshua Kimmich

Bayern Munich reportedly withdraw contract offer to Joshua Kimmich
  • Bayern decided at their supervisory board meeting on Monday to withdraw the offer
  • The proposed new deal reportedly included a modest pay rise

MUNICH: German media is reporting that Bayern Munich have retracted their contract extension offer to midfielder Joshua Kimmich, whose deal expires at the end of the season.
Kicker magazine on Thursday corroborated a report from the Bild tabloid saying Bayern decided at their supervisory board meeting on Monday to withdraw the offer they made to the player because of his hesitation in accepting it.
The 30-year-old Kimmich, who has played more than 400 games for Bayern since joining as a 20-year-old from Leipzig in 2015, reportedly earns around 20 million euros ($21 million) a year at the Bavarian powerhouse.
The proposed new deal reportedly included a modest pay rise.
Bayern’s board member for sports, Max Eberl, told broadcaster Sky this month that talks between the two parties were positive after the club announced new contract extension deals with Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies and Manuel Neuer.
“We’ve done our work bit by bit. We’ve had very good discussions with Joshua. We’ve clearly shown what our idea is with the extensions (that were announced),” said Eberl, who hoped that “we’ll get it over the finish line.”
Kimmich played every minute for Bayern across three competitions until he was forced off before the break against Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend with a tendon strain. He will likely miss the team’s visit to Stuttgart on Friday, but the club hopes he’ll be back for Bayer Leverkusen’s visit in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.
Kimmich is at liberty to join another club at the end of this season — as long as he does not sign a new deal at Bayern in the meantime. There has been speculation of a possible reunion with former Bayern coach Hansi Flick at Barcelona, though the financially troubled Spanish club would still need to pay his wages.


England hammer out Women’s Nations League victory over Spain in World Cup final rematch

England hammer out Women’s Nations League victory over Spain in World Cup final rematch
Updated 27 February 2025
Follow

England hammer out Women’s Nations League victory over Spain in World Cup final rematch

England hammer out Women’s Nations League victory over Spain in World Cup final rematch
  • Park netted in the 33rd minute at Wembley to ensure England saw off the side ranked second in the world
  • Spain never relented in five minutes of stoppage time, but England held firm to banish the painful memories of the World Cup misery

LONDON: Jess Park fired England to a 1-0 win against Spain on Wednesday in a Women’s Nations League clash that provided a measure of revenge for their World Cup final defeat.

Park netted in the 33rd minute at Wembley to ensure England saw off the side ranked second in the world.

It was the first time England had faced Spain since the Lionesses lost the 2023 World Cup final.

That showpiece success for Spain was eventually overshadowed by the controversy caused by the Luis Rubiales case.

Former Spanish football federation boss Rubiales was recently found guilty of sexual assault after kissing Spain star Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent during the World Cup medal ceremony.

Spain have tried to moved on from the scandal, with their Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati saying she hoped speaking out about what happened can lead to change in football and wider society.

With the focus back on the pitch, England struggled in the early stages of their latest Spain showdown.

They were fortunate not to fall behind when Lucia Garcia’s corner hit the crossbar.

Lauren James finally tested Spain keeper Cata Coll with a curling effort and then a fierce drive at the near post.

England were growing into the game and Park struck after some fine work by Alessia Russo, who carved through the Spanish defense for a shot that was blocked by Spain captain Irene Paredes.

The rebound fell for Manchester City midfielder Park, who prodded home from close range.

Spain looked to Salma Paralluelo for a near-instant reply, but the Barcelona winger’s shot was wide before England keeper Hannah Hampton denied Bonmati.

Hampton saved again to frustrate Bonmati just before half-time.

The game was briefly paused in the 52nd minute when the stadium lights went dark.

But light was restored and Paralluelo looked in prime position to equalize after she was released by Athenea del Castillo, but she was closed down at the last moment by Millie Bright.

Montse Tome’s team piled on the pressure, with Leila Ouahabi repelled by Hampton in a frantic finale.

England nearly had a late second after Coll spilled the ball from a sharp James effort before the keeper smothered it on the line.

Spain never relented in five minutes of stoppage time, but England held firm to banish the painful memories of the World Cup misery.


‘We will be back’: Guardiola vows to rebuild Man City

‘We will be back’: Guardiola vows to rebuild Man City
Updated 27 February 2025
Follow

‘We will be back’: Guardiola vows to rebuild Man City

‘We will be back’: Guardiola vows to rebuild Man City
  • Haaland’s clinical finish in the 12th minute bnesolstered City’s bid to qualify for next season’s Champions League as they moved into fourth place
  • In the longer-term, Guardiola remains convinced City can be restored to their former glory despite a team aging in some positions and lacking Premier League experience in others

LONDON: Pep Guardiola insisted Manchester City will be a Premier League force again in the future after Erling Haaland sealed a 1-0 win at Tottenham on Wednesday.

Haaland’s clinical finish in the 12th minute bolstered City’s bid to qualify for next season’s Champions League as they moved into fourth place.

Battling to finish in the top four is a significant letdown for City after they won the last four Premier League titles to make it six in seven seasons for Guardiola.

Liverpool look almost certain to take the title this season, but City — beaten 2-0 by the Reds on Sunday — have been out of the race for months after a dismal period which has left them 20 points adrift of the leaders.

With City also out of the Champions League following their playoff loss to Real Madrid, Guardiola has only the FA Cup left as a path to silverware this season.

But in the longer-term, the Spaniard remains convinced City can be restored to their former glory despite a team aging in some positions and lacking Premier League experience in others.

The good and bad sides to City’s spluttering team were on full display in north London as they started brightly but wasted a series of chances to increase their lead before clinging on under heavy pressure after the interval.

“Never will be this season the old City,” Guardiola said. “Old City were too good, but we will be back.

“The game, it was open second half because we didn’t close the first. In this stadium always they have 20 to 25 minutes and second half we suffered.

“It’s happened many times this season that we give away an unbelievable amount of goals and up front there are many games, like Champions League at Sporting we should be 1-3 or 1-4 in the first half and we lost 4-1. Many times it happens and today fortunately it finished good.”

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou claimed overeagerness hurt his injury-hit team during a one-sided first half.

Postecoglou’s men have endured a season almost as troubled as City’s, leaving them in 13th place and chasing Europa League glory to end a 17-year trophy drought.

“First half we were just a little bit too eager to get forward with the ball. I thought we were really wasteful and when you are against City, it allows them to get into a rhythm,” Postecoglou said.

“They can pick you off at different times and we just didn’t handle that part of the game well. They scored and had a couple of good chances to get further ahead.

“I certainly felt second half we dominated the game and territory. We were pretty relentless. Much better with the ball and a lot calmer but just missing a goal and ultimately fell short.

“It’s disappointing to lose again and that’s the main feeling, but it did look more like us today.”


Endrick gives Real Madrid edge on Real Sociedad in Copa del Rey semi

Endrick gives Real Madrid edge on Real Sociedad in Copa del Rey semi
Updated 27 February 2025
Follow

Endrick gives Real Madrid edge on Real Sociedad in Copa del Rey semi

Endrick gives Real Madrid edge on Real Sociedad in Copa del Rey semi
  • Endrick pounced after 19 minutes, finishing with the outside of his boot after racing on to Jude Bellingham’s diagonal ball

SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain: Endrick’s well-taken strike earned Real Madrid a 1-0 win at Real Sociedad in a tight Copa del Rey semifinal first leg clash on Wednesday.
However there was controversy when just before half-time the match was briefly paused because of chants of “Asencio die” being aimed at Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio, according to Spanish media.
A video subsequently emerged on social media of a Real Sociedad fan appearing to make monkey gestures at Vinicius Junior while the game was stopped.
Spanish and European champions Madrid took control of the tie ahead of the second leg on April 1 at their Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Endrick pounced after 19 minutes, finishing with the outside of his boot after racing on to Jude Bellingham’s diagonal ball, and it was enough to claim his side the win.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was without French superstar Kylian Mbappe after a dental problem as well as Fede Valverde and Thibaut Courtois.
The Real Madrid boss chose to rotate his side ahead of the visit to face Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday and next week’s Champions League last 16 clash against Atletico Madrid.
Despite his many changes, including starts for Arda Guler, Fran Garcia and Eduardo Camavinga, Madrid put on a solid showing at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian.
Endrick sent Los Blancos ahead when Bellingham sent the 18-year-old attacker in on goal.
After taking one touch to control, with his second Endrick stroked home stylishly at the near post.
It was his sixth goal of the campaign, four of those coming in the Copa del Rey, where Ancelotti has given him the most chance to shine.
Bellingham, who missed Madrid’s win against Girona in La Liga last weekend through suspension, looked fresh and helped his side stay largely on top.
Vinicius came close with a low shot which Alex Remiro tipped to safety.
Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made a fine double save early in the second half to keep Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo at bay.
Madrid came close to a second at the other end when Endrick crashed a shot against the bar from the edge of the box.
Remiro produced a fine save to push away Bellingham’s deflected strike and then another to thwart the same player from long range in the final stages, keeping Real Sociedad’s hopes of a second leg comeback alive.
In the other semifinal first leg on Tuesday Atletico Madrid fought back to draw 4-4 with record 31-time cup winners Barcelona.