Category: News

by Ben Ayuko

{image Getty images}

Spain and France met in the 1st semi-final of the 2024 European championships and gave us a thrilling and very entertaining feast for our eyes.

Spain immediately staked their claim on the proceedings as they took control of the football. They were passing it around with that oh so familiar Spanish Flair that reminded everybody of their dominance in the early 2010s. An early chance squandered by midfielder, Fabián Ruiz, suggested that their quality may be too much for France to handle. And then, in the 8th minute of the 1st half, France struck.

It was as though the world needed reminding as to who Spain’s opponents were. The back-to-back World Cup finalists were not about to be outdone in such a routine manner. After receiving the ball on wide on the left-hand side, Kylian Mbappe took a touch before lifting it into the penalty area right onto the forehead of an unmarked Kolo Muani, who nodded France ahead from point blank range. This would turn out to be France’s first goal scored in open play since the tournament began. And what a time they picked to do it.

1-0 to Le Bleu giving La Roja the mountain we all thought they would have to summit to get to the final.

France enjoyed a period of some dominance right after this and had they have got a 2nd; the game might have been done. Spain themselves looked almost like they had begun accepting their fate. They were devoid of any inspiration. They, therefore, needed something special to lift their spirits. Step up 16yr old wunderkind, Lamine Yamal.

It was in the 20th minute when he took the ball in his stride on the right wing and cut inside, past Adrien Rabiot, onto his favoured left foot and curled in a gem of a shot passed French keeper, Mike Maignan. The whole Stadium erupted. The whole footballing world took a bow. What a feat for someone so young, taking the woes of a nation onto his own shoulders and flipping it on its head.

That proved to be the jolt they needed as merely 5minutes later, Spanish midfielder, Dani Olmo expertly controlled a deflected cross from inside the box and sent it right across goal, leaving both Maignan without a hope of stopping it.

This proved to be the extent of the damage as, after the break, Spain opted to limit France’s opportunities and saw out the game professionally. 2-1 it ended and no doubt France was disappointed by the end result, but it would be difficult not to say the better team won. Through to the final they go, waiting to see who would dare be their opponent.

 

by Ben Ayuko

{Image by ESPN}

The Netherlands turned around a tough test to topple Turkey after scoring 2 goals in 6min, to emerge victorious and book a spot in the Euro 2024 semi-finals against England.

England who, after a nervy end to their game against Switzerland, needed penalties to get through to the next stage.

This sets up an intriguing clash as neither team has really set the tournament alight this year. They have both been pragmatic in their approach to the game as they have always ended up doing what needed to be done to get to where they are now. What with Netherlands just about making it out of their group after finishing in 3rd place and with England being canonically labelled as “the most underwhelming team” in the tournament thus far. Both managers will definitely want to turn around the narrative and secure a spot in the final as they, surely, both believe that they could go all the way. But how would they go about it?

England, on paper, would definitely look like having the better team. Team Captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have arguably been 2 of the best players in Europe this past season, both in contention for the coveted Ballon d’Or trophy while Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have both enjoyed exceptional seasons at their club with the former in particular making a name for himself at his new club. They will definitely feel that they have the measure on Ronald Koeman’s side. However, given the fact that they have never, at any stage, really looked like winning any of their games against the “lesser” opposition, Gareth Southgate’s men will surely tread with caution as this Netherlands team will provide a much sterner test than they have come across in the tournament thus far.

In Cody Gakpo, the Netherlands have one of the players of the tournament thus far, no doubt, in part, due to the 3 goals (almost 4 last time out) he has scored which leaves him joint at the top of the top scorer standings. In fact, of the players remaining in the tournament, nobody has scored as many goals as he has. At the other end of the pitch, they have their captain and leader (and hopefully legend if all goes well) Virgil van Dijk, Gakpo’s club teammate, who is fresh off somewhat of a resurgent season at his club side and who is looking to prove all doubters wrong. Wout Weghorst, who has been every bit the definition of the term “Super-sub” could also inspire his team from off the bench if need be while Memphis Depay, the Dutch side’s leading man, will no doubt feel like he has something to prove at the top level of European football.

However it ends, it looks to be quite an intriguing clash. Both team’s footballing philosophies look primed to cancel each other out which means that it is very likely that the winner of this game will be determined purely by whoever wants it more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Ben Ayuko

{image by AP}

The All Blacks narrowly got one over the Three Lions in test match over the weekend. It was a close affair as both teams showed up fully intent on taking the game to their opponent.

New Zealand took the lead after winger, Sevu Reece, ran onto a cross kick by fly half Damien McKenzie and carried over the England try line. McKenzie’s failure to convert the try proved vital as England then took the lead after Marcus Smith converted a Maro Itoje try, bundling over the tryline with sheer force and determination. New Zealand took back the lead with a try from Number 8, Ardie Savea, making an overlapping run onto a pass from fullback, Stephen Perofeta, who did well to sidestep a challenge and create the space to run into. Right on the stroke of halftime, England converted a penalty to level the score at 10-10 going into the break.

The second half started with a bang as merely 5 or so minutes after the break England took the lead with a try from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. He soared over the tryline after England forced New Zealand to commit numbers to one side of the pitch, leaving an overlap on the other side. Quick interplay capped off with a good pass wide by Marcus Smith to the winger made it 15-10 to England, Smith failing to convert the try.

It was a much more calculated affair after that as both teams were weary of giving away any cheap concessions. Damien McKenzie made up for his first half conversion woes by converting 2 penalties to give New Zealand back the lead. It was a nervy affair, with England throwing the kitchen sink at New Zealand in a bid to try and get the final word, but to no avail.

New Zealand held on to secure a 16-15 victory after a tough test match in front of their home crowd at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand.

 

by Ben Ayuko

{image by Getty Images}

Lewis Hamilton came out on top in a very dramatic English Grand Prix at the Silverstone racetrack.

Having qualified in 2nd place behind teammate and pole-sitter, George Russell and fellow Englishman, Lando Norris, the English spectators were in for a special treat, and I’m not just talking about Hannah Wadingham’s iteration of the English National Anthem. It was the first time in history that 3 English drives had qualified in all 3 podium positions at their home race.

The race was made tricky from the onset, as the expectancy of rain showers meant that the teams had to carefully strategize how they would handle the change in track conditions. By the 16th lap (of 52), the rain had begun invading the track and the drivers had started to become weary. It, however, wasn’t strong enough rain to demand a change of tyre strategy.  A lesson that Charles Leclerc of Ferrari learnt the hard way. Still, the conditions made it so the drivers who were comfortable getting a little wet could thrive. This was exactly the case with the McLarens as both Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri began gingerly moving up the order. By the time the showers had faded away, some 10 laps later, they were comfortably at the front of the track.

This wasn’t the end of the chaos though as, again, the conditions changed for the wetter, this time prompting the drivers to change their tyres. Max Verstappen had some foresight to change up earlier, giving him a one lap advantage on the track over the other drivers. McLaren’s Piastri stayed out too long in the rain which meant he dropped from the front of the pack to 6th position while George Russell had the most ironic retirement in all of Motorsport as he had to retire the car due to “trouble with the water system“.

Round and round they went, this time with Norris in first, Hamilton in 2nd and Verstappen in 3rd. As they conditions became drier yet again, and they needed to switch back to dry tyres, Norris made a judgement call error as he opted for the wrong tyre choice. This, coupled with a poor pitstop from the McLaren engineers, meant that both Hamilton and Verstappen would hunt him down and, eventually, overtake him.

It all came down to Hamilton vs Verstappen for the victory, somewhat of a blast from the past, and despite Verstappen having superior pace in his Red Bull, it wasn’t enough to take first place from Hamilton in his Mercedes. Norris came finished the race in 3rd position, while his teammate got, Piastri, himself back up to 4th place. Carlos Sainz, the other Ferrari driver, took the fastest lap award on the final lap, finishing in 5th.

Definitely one of the more thrilling races of the 2024 season.

by Ben Ayuko

{image by Getty Images}

Argentina faced a stern test when they came up against a determined Ecuador side. Argentina, fresh off attaining the Holy Grail of international, if not World, football, were looking to maintain their course and progress into the final stages of yet another major tournament. Ecuador, however, fresh off of topping their group with maximum points were not going to just lie down for Messi and co. to do as they please.

It was a first half effort from Manchester United Centre back, Lautaro Martinez, that gave Argentina the lead deep into the first half as Ecuador had trouble dealing with a corner kick, allowing Martinez to sneak in at the back post for a relatively easy tap in. Heading into the halftime break with the lead, the ball was firmly in Argentina’s court.

Ecuador came out flying in the second half and really took the game to Argentina. Their efforts granted them a chance to equalize from the penalty spot, in the 61st minute, after Rodrigo de Paul was judged to have handled the ball in the penalty box. Up stepped captain Enner Valencia and though he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, his effort could only bounce back off the post.

They kept pushing and pushing and only in the 1st minute of injury time (90+1) did their efforts bear any fruit, substitute Kevin Rodriguez rising highest to nod goalwards after a cross came in from the right-hand side. Onto penalties then, where the most unexpected thing happened.

Captain Lionel Messi stepped up to take the first penalty. Leading his country by example. Obviously, a formality for one of football’s most prolific goal scorers. It was a shock then to see him attempt a “Panenka” penalty- where you chip the ball down the middle in mockery of your opponent. What was even more shocking than seeing him attempt such an audacious move in such a tense situation, was seeing his effort casually rebound off the cross bar and bounce straight back into his arms. Immediately one of the highlights of the game. Lucky for him, goalkeeper Emi Martinez was in one of his moods again, saving 2 Ecuadorian penalties before dancing in front of the crowd. With all other penalties converted it left veteran Nicolás Otamendi with the task of sealing the victory, which he did.

Argentina won the shootout, and the game by extension, booking their place in the Copa América semi-finals.

by Ben Ayuko

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{image by Getty Images}

 

The Footballing World is about to be treated to some of the best clashes we have seen in recent years. The best of the best in the world are about to collide and when the dust settles, there will be those who progress and those who are sent home.

In the European Championships, we have 2 heavy clashes with Spain taking on Germany while Portugal meets France. There are going to be many intriguing on-field battles, for instance Jamal Musiala vs Dani Carvajal, Nico Williams vs Joshua Kimmich, Cristiano Ronaldo vs Kylian Mbappe, Joao Palhinha vs N’golo Kante. And of course, the winners of either tie are going to end up facing each other in the semi-final. So, in actuality, out of these 4 mammoth teams, only one is going to make it out unscathed.

On the other side of the draw, lackluster England come up against an inspired Switzerland side. The likes of Declan Rice in midfield will have to be on the top of their game in midfield to keep in form Swiss captain, Granit Xhaka quiet on the day. Netherlands, who had the worst run in the group stage out of the 8 teams, will probably feel like they got the “best” draw coming up against Turkey. Although, with captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu back from suspension and young talent Arda Güler in hot form, Virgil van Dijk and co. will have to be at the top of their game to put them to bed. They will, no doubt, be relying on Cody Gakpo to keep his goal scoring form and stay in the hunt for the top scorer award.

Elsewhere, the Copa America is also keen to serve up some key clashes in the quarter finals, with Argentina taking on a rampant Ecuador, Colombia taking on Panama, Venezuela taking on Canada and perhaps most notably Brazil taking on Uruguay. Seeing stars like Vinicius Junior, Lucas Paqueta, Federico Valverde, Darwin Núñez, Alexis MacAllister, Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez, Alphonso Davies, Lionel Messi, etc. all come up against each is a very delectable prospect.

Also worth noting that this may be the last time we see Ronaldo and Messi play on the same weekend.

What a weekend it’s going to be.

by Ben Ayuko

{image by Getty Images}

Turkey just about managed to get over line and send Austria home while booking themselves a place in the Euro 2024 quarter finals.

Maybe feeling like they had to make up for their captain, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, missing the game through suspension, Turkey came out of the blocks with intent. An early corner, as in barely a minute into the game early, couldn’t be dealt with properly by the Austrian defense leaving a gap open for Merih Demiral to take full advantage and give Turkey the lead inside a minute. The rest of the half was predominantly spent in the Turkey half of the pitch as Austria tried to penetrate their well organised defense.

In the 2nd half, Austria stepped up their efforts as they were able to transition a lot more smoothly on the pitch and knock the ball about for fun. They were playing a very entertaining brand of football with quick, sharp moves and effortless passes aided by their high press to win the ball back quickly and efficiently. It was therefore a bit of a shock when, in the 59min, Merih Demiral rose highest in the Austria penalty box to meet Arda Güler cross and, again, score for Turkey and extend their lead even further. The Austria faithful looked stunned as, truthfully, at the time it was Austria who looked more likely to put the ball in the back of the net. Turkey’s celebrations began early but they didn’t last for long as through a corner of their own, Austria managed to pull one back through Michael Gregoritsch who found himself unmarked at the far post after a flick on from Stefan Posch.

Austria kept huffing and puffing throughout the remainder of the half and with some better finish from the likes of captain, Marko Arnautovic, they could’ve actually drawn level. But they never gave up. Right up until the last kick of the game when Christoph Baumgartner found himself free in the box and nodded a header toward goal only for goalkeeper, Mert Günok, to pull off what is probably the save of the tournament so far to secure the win for Turkey.

2-1 it ended, setting up a quarter final meeting with the Netherlands.

by Ben Ayuko

{image by Getty Images}

Romania (no. 47 in the FIFA world team rankings), who qualified in 1st place in the group stage, would’ve thought that they were guaranteed smooth sailing in the round of 16. Netherlands (no. 7 in the FIFA world rankings), on the other hand, who qualified in 3rd place, would’ve anticipated having one of the tougher draws in this stage. So their relative emotions were definitely filled with confusion and bemusement as hey drew each other. And Netherlands were not going to look this gift horse anywhere, let alone on the mouth.

At the start, the game was more of a tentative affair as both teams took the time to feel each other out and get a gauge on what to expect from each other. It wasn’t until the 20th minute when Cody Gakpo, who had been relatively quiet in the game until then, took everybody by surprise after receiving the ball on the left wing. He cut inside passed the defender and rifled a low hard shot to the goalkeeper’s near post. This proved to be the shot in the arm that the Netherlands team needed as they immediately responded by stepping up a gear and firmly taking control of the game. It was as if Gakpo had given them the confidence to actually show their quality on the pitch. Other players in the team who went on to have a good game include Tijjani Reijnders and Xavi Simmons. Denzel Dumfries was also a constant threat down the right wing.

In the 2nd half, Romania seemed to realize what was happening and opted to hit Netherlands on the counter. A tactic that almost came through in the end if not for some dogged defensive intervention from the Netherlands’ defensive line. Halftime substitute Donyell Manel added some speed and trickery to the Netherlands front line and it was he who, in the 83rd minute, secured Netherlands’ progression into the quarterfinals with a relatively easy tap in from point blank range after some fine work from Cody Gakpo down the wing, that is, beating 2 defenders and the goalkeeper to put it on a plate for Malen.

It was now a formality until the final whistle, but not before Donyell Malen scored another in his own right with the last kick of the game. Picking up the ball in his own half, he carried it down the pitch in a sort of one-man counter attack after captain Virgil van Dijk had the cleared the ball from a Romanian corner kick. He dribbled past the last defender and the wrong footed the goalkeeper with an expert finish.

3-0 the game ended with the Netherlands headed into the quarter finals in rejuvenated fashion as Romania bowed out unceremoniously.

Oh, and Gakpo deservedly won the Man of the Match Award for his contributions.

by Ben Ayuko

{image by AFP}

France and Belgium duked it out for a spot in the Euro 2024 quarter finals.

Or at least, that’s what it was supposed to be. Truly it was a long-drawn-out affair in which neither team really possessed the quality to finish the job on the day. Chance after chance, they missed and missed. Of a total of 24 shots between the 2 sides (more from the French), only 4 were on target. And they were relatively routine saves.

In the 2nd half, France really upped the pressure. Suffocating Belgium in their own box looking for a way in. Chance after chance fell for French forward Marcus Thuram, but he couldn’t compose himself enough to take any of them. This led to French manager Didier Deschamps, making a change, bringing in the prospect Kolo Muani. 

He, combining with French talisman Kylian Mbappe, did their best to stabilize the Belgian defense, but couldn’t get any change. On the other end of the pitch, Belgian Centre forward, Romelu Lukaku, struggled to influence the game, in part because of the new formation Belgium adopted for this game, pushing Belgian talisman, Kevin de Bruyne deeper into midfield and further from the attacking line. They only linked up once, after a formation change pushed de Bruyne higher up the pitch. Lukaku held off the defender with his noteable strength and teed up de Bruyne from the edge of the box. His shot drew a decent save from the keeper.

Just as it started to seem like the game was destined for extra time, and possibly penalties, the deadlock was broken. After receiving a pass from the returning N’golo Kante, substitute Kolo Muani spun around inside the box onto his right foot, looking to send a pass across goal, presumably looking for Mbappe. However, the pass deflected violently off of Belgian Centre back, Jan Vertonghen, and bounced over the helpless Belgian Goalkeeper, Koen Casteels, who had dived for the ball’s initial trajectory in anticipation.

Belgian left winger Jérémy Doku had a good game up against French right back Jules Koundé. Their battle was the best part of the game as they constantly sized each other up and tested each other’s limits. With France having won the game, Koundé was the one chosen for the Man of the Match award.

1-0, the game ended, with France securing their spot in the quarterfinals, and with Belgium sent packing with a feeling that they may have had more to offer.