Brazil women set up Olympic final against the US with a 4-2 win over Spain

Brazil women set up Olympic final against the US with a 4-2 win over Spain
Brazil's Lauren, left, Gabi Nunes, center, and Yaya Vitoria celebrate their team's 4-2 victory over Spain at the end of a women's semifinal football match at the 2024 Summer Olympics Tuesday at Marseille Stadium in Marseille. (AP)
Short Url
Updated 07 August 2024
Follow

Brazil women set up Olympic final against the US with a 4-2 win over Spain

Brazil women set up Olympic final against the US with a 4-2 win over Spain
  • Victory means Brazil great Marta has the chance to end her glittering international career by competing for gold after being suspended for the quarterfinals and semifinals
  • Brazil will play the four-time champion US women’s national team in Saturday’s final at Parc des Princes in Paris

MARSEILLE, France: Brazil will meet the US in the final of the Olympic women’s football tournament after beating world champions Spain 4-2 on Tuesday.

Gabi Portilho, Adriana and Kerolin struck in a thrilling semifinal at Stade de Marseille after an own-goal from Irene Paredes had put the two-time silver medalist in front.

“It’s a dream, and dreams come true,” said Kerolin, whose goal in the first of more than 15 minutes of stoppage time helped to hold off a late Spain fightback. “I’m so excited, so excited, so excited and I’m really, really, really impressed by my teammates.”

Victory means Brazil great Marta has the chance to end her glittering international career by competing for gold after being suspended for the quarterfinals and semifinals.

The 38-year-old Marta has said her sixth Olympics will be her last major tournament with the national team.

“We just knew what we came to do today, and it was a final for us today,” said Angelina, who was leading the Brazil team. “So, we were just very determined and we just came for the win.”

Angelina said the Brazil squad needed to “celebrate a little bit” but quickly focus on the final.

“It was a big win. Again, Spain is an amazing team and we knew that,” she said. “So now we need to rest and we need to study a lot, and see what we can do against the US.”

Spain won’t get the chance in Paris to further cement their place at the top of women’s soccer by adding Olympic gold to the World Cup they won last year.

But there’s plenty still to play for at the Paris Games.

“We keep fighting for something super nice and it will continue to be the Olympics until the end,” Spain forward Jennifer Hermoso said. “A bronze medal is also very difficult to get.”

Paredes’ sixth-minute own goal put Brazil in control and Portilho doubled the advantage in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time.

Adriana’s header in the 71st underlined Brazil’s dominance. But with the win seemingly assured, there was far more drama to come.

Salma Paralluelo pulled a goal back for Spain with a header in the 85th and almost immediately Alexia Putellas struck the bar with a shot from outside the area.

Kerolin made it 4-1 — shooting through Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll’s legs.

Paralluelo got her second in the 12th minute of stoppage time, but by then it was too late for Spain to mount a comeback.

Brazil will play the four-time champion US women’s national team in Saturday’s final at Parc des Princes in Paris.

Spain play Germany in Lyon for bronze.

Brazil have been twice beaten in an Olympic final by the US — at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

They secured a place in the final for the third time after making amends for a 2-0 loss to Spain in the group phase of the tournament.

That was a game that also saw Marta red-carded, and Brazil received confirmation just hours before kickoff in the semifinals that its appeal against her ban had been rejected.

In the end, Brazil didn’t need their greatest player on this occasion and took a big step toward the final early on after a calamitous mix up in Spain’s defense when Coll — under pressure from Priscila — attempted a clearance that came back off Paredes and into her own net.

Brazil dominated the chances — repeatedly getting through on goal — and made its superiority count just before halftime through Portilho, who slotted into the bottom corner from Yasmim’s cross.

Adriana made it 3-0 after seeing her initial effort hit the bar from six yards and then heading in from Portilho’s nod back across goal.

Spain, who had fought back from 2-0 down to beat Colombia in the quarterfinals, gave their fans hope through Paralluelo’s header. But when Kerolin put Brazil 4-1 ahead, a second for Paralluelo proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

“We showed the world that we have a young team and a team that has a very good tactical understanding, that competes, that will always be like this — competitive,” Brazil coach Arthur Elias said. “Brazil in women’s football is a source of great pride.”


Every game ‘pressure’ as Bangladesh face make-or-break Champions Trophy clash

Every game ‘pressure’ as Bangladesh face make-or-break Champions Trophy clash
Updated 25 sec ago
Follow

Every game ‘pressure’ as Bangladesh face make-or-break Champions Trophy clash

Every game ‘pressure’ as Bangladesh face make-or-break Champions Trophy clash
  • Bangladesh must beat New Zealand or they will be eliminated from semifinal contention
  • New Zealand, winners of 2000 Champions Trophy, opened their campaign with Pakistan win

RAWALPINDI: Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons admits every game in the Champions Trophy “is hard and full of pressure” as the Tigers face a make-or-break clash with formidable New Zealand in Rawalpindi on Monday.
After India defeated Pakistan on Sunday, Bangladesh must beat the Black Caps or they will be eliminated from semifinal contention.
New Zealand, winners of the Champions Trophy in 2000, opened their campaign with victory over hosts Pakistan while Bangladesh lost to India.
If New Zealand win on Monday they qualify for the semifinals from Group A alongside India.
“It’s the top eight in the world and you expect every game to be hard and full of pressure,” said Simmons, a former West Indian all-rounder.
“New Zealand have been playing well but tomorrow is a new day so we will try and make sure that they don’t play as well as they have been.”
Bangladesh are sweating on the fitness of 39-year-old batsman Mahmudullah who missed the India game with a calf injury.
“He (Mahmudullah) has to do a fitness test and then we’ll know after practice today whether he’s fit enough. He is important for us,” said Simmons of a player who has made 5,685 runs from 238 matches since his ODI debut in 2007.


Saudi Arabia hosts 27th GCC Golf Championship in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia hosts 27th GCC Golf Championship in Jeddah
Updated 1 min 55 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia hosts 27th GCC Golf Championship in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia hosts 27th GCC Golf Championship in Jeddah
  • Teams from Kingdom, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman competing

JEDDAH: The 27th edition of the men’s GCC Golf Championship and the 16th edition of the youth event got underway on Sunday at the Royal Greens Golf Club in Jeddah, bringing together top players from across the Gulf nations.

Teams from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman are competing in the tournament.

The event highlights the rapid growth of golf in the region and serves as a testament to the Gulf’s increasing prominence on the international golfing stage.

This year’s championship coincides with Saudi Arabia’s Foundation Day celebrations, bringing together high-level sports competition and the Kingdom’s rich history and achievements.

The tournament’s opening ceremony, which was attended by key sports officials and representatives from the Gulf’s golf federations, featured traditional performances and a grand entrance parade, with each nation displaying its flag in a show of regional unity.

Abeer Al-Johani, the director of the Saudi Golf Federation, spoke of the importance of hosting the tournament during the national celebrations.

She said: “We are not only celebrating the launch of the GCC Golf Championship, but also reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing this sport both locally and internationally.

“Through nurturing young talent, hosting major tournaments, and fostering a golf culture among future generations, this event serves as more than just a sports competition — it is a platform for strengthening brotherhood and fostering fair competition among Gulf nations.”


Nottm Forest felled by Isak as Newcastle bolster top four bid

Nottm Forest felled by Isak as Newcastle bolster top four bid
Updated 23 February 2025
Follow

Nottm Forest felled by Isak as Newcastle bolster top four bid

Nottm Forest felled by Isak as Newcastle bolster top four bid
  • Eddie Howe’s side recovered from Callum Hudson-Odoi’s early opener to run riot

NEWCASTLE: Newcastle blew Nottingham Forest away with four goals in 11 minutes as Alexander Isak’s double inspired a vital 4-3 win in the race to finish in the Premier League’s top four.
Eddie Howe’s side recovered from Callum Hudson-Odoi’s early opener to run riot with a first half goal spree at St. James’ Park on Sunday.
Lewis Miley bagged Newcastle’s equalizer, sparking an astonishing spell of dominance as Jacob Murphy put the hosts ahead.
Isak netted twice in less than two minutes to reach 50 Premier League goals and leave Forest in tatters.
The Sweden striker has 19 league goals this season, taking him level with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in second place behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in this season’s scoring chart.
Nikola Milenkovic and Ryan Yates scored for Forest in the second half, but it was too late for an incredible escape act.
After three defeats in their previous four league games, fifth-placed Newcastle are back in the hunt to qualify for next season’s Champions League via a top four finish.
The Magpies are behind fourth-placed Manchester City on goal difference, with third-placed Forest just three points above them.
“I’m trying to control my thoughts and stay positive. We won the game and that’s what we needed to do,” Howe said.
“It was a great performance in the first half, then a couple of frailties showed in terms of defending set plays.
“We can reflect on that. There are things we can do better. We pride ourselves on getting the details right.”
Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo added: “In the first half I didn’t recognize our team. In the second half we were much better.
“We made mistakes. It was two totally different halves. We started well and then they just rolled over us.”
Newcastle keeper Nick Pope made his first league start since early December in place of Martin Dubravka.
But Pope was partially at fault as Newcastle gifted Forest the lead in sloppy style after just six minutes
Jacob Murphy lost the ball in his own half as Hudson-Odoi pressured the Newcastle midfielder into conceding possession.
Hudson-Odoi wasn’t closed down quickly enough by Dan Burn and the winger unloaded a powerful low drive that caught Pope out of position as it flashed into the net.
Miley ensured Newcastle’s strong response to that early setback was rewarded in the 23rd minute.
With Forest’s usually rock-solid defense slow to react, Miley had time to control Lewis Hall’s pass inside the penalty area and drill his shot through a sea of legs past unsighted keeper Matz Sels.
Murphy made amends for his earlier mistake to put Howe’s team ahead two minutes after Miley’s equalizer.
Hall’s driving run was the catalyst as the defender took Isak’s return pass and hit a deflected cross that looped over Sels for Murphy to bundle home from virtually on the goal-line.
Newcastle were firing on all cylinders and they struck again in the 33rd minute.
Ola Aina used his arm to block Hall’s cross, conceding a penalty that Isak dispatched past Sels with an audacious lofted effort that left the keeper sprawled on his back as he tried in vain to claw it out.
Forest had no answer to Newcastle’s intensity and it was no surprise when they conceded a fourth just 60 seconds later.
Joe Willock raced unchecked through the Forest midfield and slipped his pass to Isak, whose shot from 12 yards took a deflection on its way past the wrong-footed Sels.
Newcastle eased up in the second half and Milenkovic reduced the deficit in the 63rd minute, flicking Chris Wood’s cross past Pope from close-range.
When Yates steered home in the 90th minute, a nervous hush descended on St. James’ Park, but Newcastle held on by their fingernails.


Virat Kohli hits ton in Dubai as India push Pakistan to brink of Champions Trophy exit

Virat Kohli hits ton in Dubai as India push Pakistan to brink of Champions Trophy exit
Updated 23 February 2025
Follow

Virat Kohli hits ton in Dubai as India push Pakistan to brink of Champions Trophy exit

Virat Kohli hits ton in Dubai as India push Pakistan to brink of Champions Trophy exit
  • Pakistan have lost both their matches and will need Bangladesh to beat New Zealand on Monday to have any chance of staying in the competition

DUBAI: Star batsman Virat Kohli struck an unbeaten 100 to lead India to a six-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday and push the title holders to the brink of elimination from the Champions Trophy.
Chasing 242 for victory, Kohli hit a boundary to seal the match with 45 balls to spare and register his 51st ODI ton after an innings which also saw him pass 14,000 runs in one-day international cricket.
Kohli, 36, removed his helmet and raised his bat to the Dubai International Stadium crowd after taking India closer to the semifinals with two wins in two outings in Group A.
Pakistan have lost both their matches and will need Bangladesh to beat New Zealand on Monday to have any chance of staying in contention for a last-four spot.
The top two teams from the two groups will make the semifinals.
“My job was clear — to control the middle overs, not take risks against the spinners and take on the pacers,” said Kohli.
“I was happy with the template, it’s how I play in ODIs. I have a decent understanding of my game.
“It’s about keeping the outside noise away, take care of my energy levels and thoughts. It’s easy for me to get pulled into expectations and frenzy around games like these.”
Favourites India remained clinical in their chase despite losing skipper Rohit Sharma for 20 off Shaheen Shah Afridi.
In-form Shubman Gill, who made 46 after his century in the opening win over Bangladesh, put on 69 runs with Kohli.
India superstar Kohli started cautiously but reached 14,000 ODI runs with a trademark punch through cover off Haris Rauf.
He is just the third man to break the 14,000-run barrier after India icon Sachin Tendulkar (18,426) and Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara (14,234)
Former captain Kohli raised his fifty with a boundary off Naseem Shah to loud cheers from the crowd.
His hundred came in 111 balls, a knock that rolled back the years for the veteran who has 82 centuries across all formats but whose previous ODI ton came in the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal.
Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, who made 56, put the chase back on track with a stand of 114 after Gill’s departure when leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed bowled the opener.
India bowled out Pakistan for 241 in 49.4 overs as left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 3-40.
Pakistan elected to bat first on what seemed a sluggish pitch but a slow approach from the batsman rarely threatened the Indian attack despite a 104-run partnership between Saud Shakeel (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (46).
Khushdil Shah’s late cameo of 38 added some runs to the total before the innings folded with his wicket.
The Pakistan openers began cautiously despite a wayward start by Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami who bowled five wides in an 11-ball first over.
Shami, who returned figures of 5-53 in the win over Bangladesh, seemed to struggle with his ankle in his third over and left the field, returning soon after to India’s great relief.
Babar Azam score 23 and fellow opener Imam-ul-Haq was run out on 10 before Shakeel and Rizwan got their heads down as Pakistan managed just one boundary in nearly 10 overs.
“When Saud and I were batting, we wanted to go deep. But our shot selection was bad and we lost wickets, which is why we were kept to 240,” said Rizwan.
A full house was expected at the venue but there were empty seats on view during the match.
Pakistan next face Bangladesh on Thursday in Rawalpindi while India take on New Zealand in Dubai on March 2.


India’s Virat Kohli reaches 14,000 ODI runs

India’s Virat Kohli reaches 14,000 ODI runs
Updated 23 February 2025
Follow

India’s Virat Kohli reaches 14,000 ODI runs

India’s Virat Kohli reaches 14,000 ODI runs
  • Kohli entered Champions Trophy match against Pakistan with 13,985 runs and reached the landmark with flowing punch through covers off Haris Rauf
  • The former Indian captain is behind only Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara (14,234 runs) and India’s cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar (18,426 runs)

DUBAI: India’s Virat Kohli on Sunday became only the third batsman in one-day international history to go past 14,000 runs in a key Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan.
Kohli, 36, entered the group match in Dubai with 13,985 runs in 298 ODIs and reached the landmark with a flowing punch through the covers off pace bowler Haris Rauf.
India are chasing Pakistan’s total of 241 all out.
Known as “King Kohli” for his prolific run-scoring, the former captain is behind only Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara (14,234 runs) and India’s cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar (18,426 runs).
Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma retired from T20 internationals after India’s World Cup triumph last year.
The two have been struggling to find their best form in both Test and 50-over format due to inconsistent run-scoring, with speculation growing that they may soon retire.