Egypt beat Paraguay on penalties to reach semifinals of men’s soccer tournament at Olympics

MONACO: Monaco signed Ansu Fati on a season-long loan from Barcelona on Tuesday, offering the former teen prodigy another chance to resurrect his career.

Monaco said the loan deal for the 22-year-old forward includes an option to buy at the end of the season.

Fati burst onto the scene with Barcelona in 2019-20 season. At the age of 16 years and 304 days in August 2019, he became the club’s youngest scorer in the Spanish league.

Nearly four months later, at the age of 17 years and 40 days, he became the youngest goalscorer in Champions League history.

Fati would set other records — he previously held the record as Spain’s youngest ever scorer — with his reputation growing as a quick and tricky right winger with an eye for goal. He was predicted to become a world superstar in much the same way as 17-year-old Lamine Yamal is now with Barcelona and Spain.

Like Yamal, he also had great versatility, offering him the possibility to operate as a second striker or by dropping deep in the “false nine” role.

But the Guinea-Bissau born forward then experienced a series of injuries which impacted his confidence and form.

He played only a handful of games for Barcelona in the past two seasons and spent part of the 2023-24 season on loan to Premier League club Brighton, scoring four goals in 27 games.

Fati netted 29 goals in 123 games overall for Barcelona and scored twice for Spain in 10 matches. He appeared fleetingly at the 2022 World Cup and has not played for the national team since 2023.

Fati’s arrival follows the signing of former France midfielder Paul Pogba on a two-year deal and strengthens coach Adi Hütter’s attack.

Pogba and Fati should add more versatility and extra firepower to an attack containing the prolific Mika Biereth and skilful US forward Folarin Balogun.

MIAMI: Kylian Mbappe looks set to make his Club World Cup debut when his Real Madrid side face Juventus in the last 16 at the Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday, in a major boost for the 15-time European champions.

“It’s a big possibility,” Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso told a press conference on Monday when asked if the France forward, who missed all three group matches with acute gastroenteritis, would feature.

Mbappe’s return comes as Real Madrid look to build on a squad boosted by the recoveries of Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao.

“Both Dani and Eder are coming back after a long recovery. It’s an advantage for them and the whole team to feel they’re close and involved,” Alonso said.

“At this decisive stage, everyone — starters and those supporting — has an important role.”

Alonso, who took over earlier this month, said the team’s priority was forging a collective identity.

“We want a team that works as one, with the 11 players fully committed, whether we have the ball or not. Our collective strength will allow individual talents like Vinicius, Mbappe, Rodrigo, and Bellingham to shine,” he added.

Juventus coach Igor Tudor, meanwhile, acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but insisted his side had come to compete, not just to prepare for next season.

“We’ve got a top-level team. The draw wasn’t the best possible, but it must be accepted,” Tudor told a press conference.

“We have to believe, run a lot, sacrifice, make no mistakes, and also have a bit of luck. I believe, the players believe, and we’ll see what happens when the match starts.”

Tudor praised Real Madrid’s recent tactical evolution under Alonso, comparing it to Alonso’s successful work at Bayer Leverkusen.

“Their last match looked a lot like what Leverkusen were doing — similar plays, systems, and style. Xabi Alonso has quickly implemented these ideas,” he said, noting that Madrid still have “some weaknesses we can exploit.”

The winners will take on the victors of the clash between Borussia Dortmund and Monterrey, who will face off in Atlanta on Tuesday.