Euro 2024: England plays the Netherlands aiming for back-to-back European finals

Euro 2024: England plays the Netherlands aiming for back-to-back European finals
England has played a full hour more than the Netherlands in the last 10 days, after beating Slovakia in extra time and then Switzerland on penalties. The Dutch wrapped up their wins over Romania and Turkiye without needing extra time. (AFP)
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Updated 09 July 2024
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Euro 2024: England plays the Netherlands aiming for back-to-back European finals

Euro 2024: England plays the Netherlands aiming for back-to-back European finals

DORTMUND: England can reach back-to-back European Championship finals when it meets the Netherlands in Dortmund in the second semifinal. The winner plays Spain or France in Sunday’s final. Kickoff is at 9 p.m. local time (1900 GMT). Here’s what to know about the match.
Match facts
— Both teams conceded the opening goal in their quarterfinals before coming back to win, with England beating Switzerland in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw and the Netherlands winning 2-1 against Turkiye.
— After a win on penalties in his 100th game in charge of England, manager Gareth Southgate defending his often-cautious tactics as the kind of “streetwise” style successful teams use. The backlash from England fans, including some who threw plastic cups at him after a group-stage game, is “quite difficult” to deal with, he added.
— The Netherlands will be by far the highest-ranked team England has faced after group games with Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia, followed by knockout games with Slovakia and Switzerland.
— The referee for the game is Felix Zwayer, who once had ties to a match-fixing scandal in Germany. England midfielder Jude Bellingham was fined 40,000 euros ($43,400) in 2021 while playing for Borussia Dortmund for criticizing Zwayer.
Team news
— England has relied on the right-footed Kieran Trippier at left wing back, but his tendency to cut inside has meant England has made little use of the left wing all tournament. Left-footed Luke Shaw came off the bench against Switzerland for his first minutes since February after injury. Shaw says he’s fit to start against the Netherlands if Southgate picks him.
— Southgate has to choose whether to stick with Ezri Konsa in the center of defense after he replaced the then-suspended Marc Guéhi against Switzerland. Guéhi is eligible again.
— There’s scrutiny of Harry Kane’s fitness after the England captain went off with cramp in extra time against Switzerland. Ivan Toney came off the bench and scored one of England’s five successful penalties in the shootout.
— Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman could keep his lineup unchanged for the third game in a row, with Memphis Depay starting alongside Cody Gakpo and Steven Bergwijn up front.
By the numbers
— England has played a full hour more than the Netherlands in the last 10 days, after beating Slovakia in extra time and then Switzerland on penalties. The Dutch wrapped up their wins over Romania and Turkiye without needing extra time.
— The Netherlands scored the opening goal in only one of its five games so far at Euro 2024, against Romania in the last 16. England last scored the opening goal against Denmark in the group stage.
— The Netherlands hasn’t reached a European Championship final since it won the tournament in 1988 and was last a semifinalist in 2004.
— England’s first shot on target against Switzerland was Bukayo Saka’s goal to level the score in the 80th minute. One round earlier, Bellingham’s spectacular overhead kick was England’s first shot on target. That came in the fifth minute of second-half added time.
— Dutch forward Gakpo is the top-scoring player left at Euro 2024 with three goals. What was initially thought to be a fourth against Turkiye was instead ruled to be an own-goal. Kane and Bellingham are England’s top scorers with two.
What they’re saying
“I don’t really understand the criticism. What he’s done for the country, for us as players as well, he really took us to the next level ... I’ve got a lot to thank him for because he showed a lot of faith and trust in picking me when he didn’t have to.” — England defender Luke Shaw on manager Gareth Southgate.
“Hopefully it’s us that will have the ball more than England. So it’s more England that’s running. I expect a high intensity game.” — Netherlands defender Micky van de Ven.


Concentration not obsession needed in Champions League final, says Inter coach Inzaghi

Concentration not obsession needed in Champions League final, says Inter coach Inzaghi
Updated 30 May 2025
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Concentration not obsession needed in Champions League final, says Inter coach Inzaghi

Concentration not obsession needed in Champions League final, says Inter coach Inzaghi
  • “I have seen determination and not the obsession that shouldn’t be there,” Inzaghi told reporters
  • “Instead, there should be the right concentration and determination”

MUNICH: Inter Milan are determined to avenge their 2023 Champions League final loss, though manager Simone Inzaghi warned on Friday against letting determination become obsession against Paris St. Germain in this year’s final.

While Inter’s domestic campaign ended trophyless, in Europe, Inzaghi and his players are desperate to banish the ghosts of Istanbul and their defeat to Manchester City, but they will not let their resolve turn into fixation ahead of Saturday’s showdown in Munich.

“I have seen determination and not the obsession that shouldn’t be there,” Inzaghi told reporters.

“Instead, there should be the right concentration and determination, and this is what the guys have shown me in these days.

“I asked during the week for concentration and determination, but not obsession, we must be free, free of mind in preparing in the best possible way.”

Inzaghi believes his squad is experienced and successful enough to be able to put those plans in place on Saturday, and put behind them the disappointment of losing their Serie A title to Napoli.

“The psychological side is important, we worked in the best way, leaving aside the disappointment,” Inzaghi said.

“We know how certain matches are prepared, we have world champions, we have European champions.

“We have also gained experience on how to reach the Champions League final, which is a very important match, just like a World Cup final, a European Championship final.”

Inzaghi will go into the biggest game of the season with his whole squad available, confirming that defender Benjamin Pavard is fit having missed the semifinal win over Barcelona and the final four league games.

“The guys are all available and this year, out of 59 matches, in just three games we have had all 23 available,” Inzaghi said.

“It gives a coach great confidence. Having everyone available is better than anyone could ask for, because you know you can count on all the players, players that I am proud to coach.”

Inzaghi was asked what his team needs more than anything else in order to defeat Luis Enrique’s PSG, a side which has won every trophy they have competed for so far this season.

“Aggressiveness, clarity, there could be many more because to play a match like this, to win, to win such an important match, it will take everything,” Inzaghi said.

“It will take everything, along with all the details that we are trying to take care of in the best possible way, knowing that in front of us we have a great team that has deserved the final, like Inter, which has incredible strength and a great coach.”


Liverpool sign Frimpong from Leverkusen

Liverpool sign Frimpong from Leverkusen
Updated 30 May 2025
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Liverpool sign Frimpong from Leverkusen

Liverpool sign Frimpong from Leverkusen
  • Frimpong, who will officially join on June 1, signed a five-year contract

LONDON: Premier League champions Liverpool have signed defender Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen on a long-term contract, both clubs announced on Friday.

Financial details were not disclosed by either club, but British media reported that Liverpool triggered a 35 million euros ($39.73 million) release clause for the 24-year-old Dutch international, whose deal with Leverkusen was valid until 2028.


Frimpong, who will officially join on June 1, signed a five-year contract, media reports said.

The right back, who can also play as a winger, played a key role in the Leverkusen side that won the German domestic double in 2023-24, chipping in with 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions.


US-based group completes Rangers takeover

US-based group completes Rangers takeover
Updated 30 May 2025
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US-based group completes Rangers takeover

US-based group completes Rangers takeover
  • The consortium of investors, led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, purchased a majority 51 percent stake in the Glasgow team
  • Rangers said the Scottish Football Association approved the deal late on Thursday night

GLASGOW: A United States-based group completed their takeover of Scottish Premiership club Rangers on Friday and immediately pledged to make a £20 million ($26 million) investment in new signings.

The consortium of investors, led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, purchased a majority 51 percent stake in the Glasgow team.

Funding for the close-season signings will come in the form of a new share issue, subject to shareholder approval at a general meeting on June 23.

Healthcare executive Cavenagh is Rangers’ new chairman, while Paraag Marathe, who is chairman of Premier League side Leeds United and the president of 49ers Enterprises, becomes the vice-chairman.

Rangers said the Scottish Football Association approved the deal late on Thursday night after the club sought consent over dual ownership issues.

Sports investment firm 49ers Enterprises also owns a majority stake in Leeds, who won promotion from the Championship this season.

The deal will allow Rangers to step up their recruitment of a new manager.

Real Madrid’s departing assistant manager Davide Ancelotti and former Southampton boss Russell Martin are among the leading contenders for the job following the departure of interim boss Barry Ferguson.

“We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by the Rangers board, shareholders, staff, and supporters,” Cavenagh said.

“This club’s history and traditions speak for themselves, but history doesn’t win matches.

“We know that the true way to honor the club’s heritage will be to drive performance.

“Our focus is simple: elevate performance, deliver results, and bring Rangers back to where it belongs — at the top.”

Rangers finished second in the Scottish Premier League this season, trailing 17 points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic, and failed to win a trophy.

Rangers haven’t won the Scottish title since 2021, with Celtic lifting the trophy 13 times in the last 14 seasons.

Ending Celtic’s dominance will be the top priority for Rangers’ new owners.

Marathe added: “At 49ers Enterprises, we have built a track record of sporting and business success, but our driving motivation is our deep connection to the clubs and communities we serve.”


Marta returns to Brazil’s national team for friendly matches against Japan

Marta returns to Brazil’s national team for friendly matches against Japan
Updated 30 May 2025
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Marta returns to Brazil’s national team for friendly matches against Japan

Marta returns to Brazil’s national team for friendly matches against Japan
  • Better known just by her first name, Marta Vieira da Silva has scored a record 119 goals for Brazil
  • Tarciane: She’s a very important person for our group, for the other girls who are just arriving

SAO PAULO: Marta is back.

The six-time world player of the year has returned to Brazil’s national team for friendlies against Japan on Friday and Monday in Sao Paulo. While it remains to be seen whether she’ll play, her inclusion on the roster suggests she may not be ready to retire just yet.

The 39-year-old announced last year that she would step down from the national team following the Paris Olympics. The Brazilians went on to win the silver medal after a 1-0 loss in the final to the US.

She has continued to play for her club team, the Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League. Last season, Marta scored 11 goals with the Pride, who won the NWSL title. She re-signed with the team through 2026 earlier this year.

“Marta has had a great season and has been very important for her club, which is the league champion,” Brazil coach Arthur Elias told reporters when he announced the roster. “Her presence in some callups is very important for the younger players, for the renewal that is taking place in the national team.”

The matches against Japan are important for Brazil to prepare for the Copa America, which opens in July in Ecuador. Brazil are the defending champion.

“She’s a very important person for our group, for the other girls who are just arriving. I’ve already told her to retire when she’s about 45, around there. As long as she’s well, I’ll be encouraging her to continue with us,” Brazil defender Tarciane said in a press conference ahead of the matches against Japan. “And there’s no way we can be without Marta. I can’t see the national team now without Marta, because we need her, we need everything she’s experienced in women’s football, and she needs to live this moment too.”

Marta has played in 185 matches for Brazil. In her last, in the Olympic final, she was emotional as she came off the field. She insisted her tears were not because of the loss or her retirement, but because of pride for having medaled.

“I am crying out of gratitude, happiness. I am not crying because we won silver. Look at how much we had to overcome to win this silver,” she said.

Better known just by her first name, Marta Vieira da Silva has scored a record 119 goals for Brazil.

She was just 17 when she appeared at the 2003 World Cup, held in the US. She has the career record for most World Cup goals with 17, and she has 13 Olympic goals, one shy of compatriot Cristiane’s record.

Brazil is hosting the 2027 Women’s World Cup, leading to some speculation that she might try to play in the game’s biggest tournament on home soil. She has said in the past that she’s willing to help Brazil in any way possible.

“Having this opportunity to share a dressing room with Marta, not only for the national team but also for the club, is a privilege,” midfielder Angelina said after training on Wednesday. “You never imagine that you will be sharing a dressing room with your idol.”


Saudi national football team prepare for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Saudi national football team prepare for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Updated 30 May 2025
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Saudi national football team prepare for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Saudi national football team prepare for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
  • Herve Renard supervised the training, which was held at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium
  • Defender Ali Majrashi returned to full training with the squad after recovering from injury

RIYADH: The Saudi national football team trained on Thursday evening at their preparatory camp in Al-Khobar, as part of the build-up for their crucial ninth and tenth rounds of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

French coach Herve Renard supervised the training, which was held at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium, a media statement said.

The training session began with warm-up training followed by tactical exercises and a half-field game, before it concluded with stretching routines aimed at muscle recovery and injury prevention.

In a positive development, defender Ali Majrashi returned to full training with the squad after recovering from a recent injury. Muteb Al-Harbi and Mohammed Bakr continued their individual rehabilitation programs under the supervision of the medical team.

The Green Falcons will resume their preparation on Friday afternoon with a closed-door training match against the Jordanian national team, also scheduled to take place at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium.