Latest news with #Argentinian-born
The Star
30-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Cklamovski should explain his ‘internal struggles' statement, says Joehari
PETALING JAYA: National coach Peter Cklamovski has some explaining to do. Cklamovski not only made headlines after guiding Harimau Malaya to an emphatic 4-0 win over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers on June 10, but for also making a statement on internal struggles plaguing the national team. And the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Joehari Ayub now wants him to clear the air. What should have been a triumphant night quickly turned into a flashpoint when the Australian tactician used his post-match press conference to hint at behind-the-scenes issues. 'There are some things internal, maybe a bit of betrayal, some politics, some obstacles we are confronting on a daily basis,' said Cklamovski. 'If we didn't beat Vietnam, it could have turned ugly. They would've come after us, after TMJ (Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim), after me. Suddenly, I'd be the bad coach. The players would've been targeted too, all over a result.' When asked to comment, Joehari held firm, urging the coach to provide further clarification. 'You'll have to ask Peter himself,' said Joehari. 'From FAM's side, we're doing everything we can to support Harimau Malaya. 'That much I'm certain of. What he said could be speculative. He should be the one to explain.' The post-match controversy didn't stop there. Questions have also emerged over the eligibility of several mixed heritage players recently called up to the national team, namely Argentinian-born centreback Facundo Garces, Spanish-born defender Jon Irazabal, Argentinian-born winger Imanol Machuca, Brazilian-born playmaker Jose Figueiredo, and Argentinian-born striker Rodrigo Holgado. Online chatter cast doubts on their Malaysian lineage but Joehari quickly shut down the speculation. 'Every one of these players were thoroughly vetted by FIFA. That's not a body you can take lightly,' he said. 'If we were wrong, it would be a serious offence. But they were cleared by the world body and that was enough for FAM.' Despite the off-field noise, Malaysia's strong showing against Vietnam has put them in a solid position heading into the final phase of qualifiers. Still, all eyes will be on Cklamovski, not just for results, but for how he handles the alleged internal storm.
New York Post
24-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Who is Queen Máxima of Netherlands, who wowed in lime-green welcoming Trump, world leaders to NATO summit
She stole the limelight. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands turned heads in a striking lime-green jumpsuit as she and hubby King Willem-Alexander gave President Trump and fellow world leaders a royal welcome at the NATO summit. The Dutch royal couple beamed as they greeted world leaders from 32 countries – including Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer – at The Hague's World Forum, marking the first time the Netherlands has played host to a NATO summit. Advertisement On Tuesday, the fashion-forward Argentinian-born Queen, 54, upstaged some of the world's most powerful figures, dazzling in the show-stopping, draped ensemble during the summit's family photo. 3 Group photo of NATO leaders with the King and Queen of the Netherlands at a summit. POOL/AFP via Getty Images The mother of three, celebrated for her vibrant fashion sense, is a former New York City investment banker who was once dubbed Europe's 'most interesting' royal. Advertisement Máxima met her future husband, then-Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, at a party in Spain in 1999 while working as an economist at Deutsche Bank in the Big Apple — and the two quickly fell in love. But their courtship hit a rough patch when Dutch media revealed that Máxima's father had served as a minister for Argentina's brutal military junta government during the country's infamous Dirty War. 3 President Trump greeted by the Dutch Royal Family. AP Former Queen Beatrix, who had faced controversy over marrying a former member of the Hitler Youth, gave her eldest son's marriage her blessing, praising Máxima as an 'intelligent, modern woman.' Advertisement The King, 58, ascended to the throne in 2013, a year after the couple wed, with his Dutch Queen quickly gaining popularity for her charisma, smart wit, and strong work ethic. 3 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shaking hands with Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. AP Widely regarded as a fashion icon, Maxima is equally known for her substance, never shying away from tough political issues like immigration, and earning praise an early advocated for LGBTQ+ rights. Advertisement The royal pair are regarded for their casual approach to monarch life, opting out of coronation ceremony and choosing to send their three daughters — Princess Catharina-Amalia, 21, Princess Alexia, 19, and Princess Ariane, 18 — to public school, rather than an elite private institution. Catharina-Amalia, who is known as Princess of Orange, is heir to the Dutch throne.
The Star
04-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Big lift for our boys
New reinforcements: (from left) Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Imanol Machuca posing for a picture during a training session. — FAM PETALING JAYA: Just two day after a sobering 0-3 defeat to Cape Verde, the national football team have injected a fresh wave of optimism with the inclusion of four new faces ahead of their crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam on June 10 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Following the arrival of 25-year-old Argentinian-born centreback Facundo Garces on Tuesday, Harimau Malaya have officially welcomed four more mixed-heritage players – dubbed 'Malaysians Abroad' – into the fold. They are winger Imanol Machuca, centreback Jon Irazabal, and forwards Rodrigo Holgado and Joao Figueiredo. While details of their Malaysian lineage have not been publicly disclosed, reports from South America suggest that Machuca, Garces and Holgado trace their roots to Malaysian grandparents. Argentinian-born Machuca, 25, currently on loan at Argentine club Velez Sarsfield from Brazil's Fortaleza, is a dynamic flanker known for his quick feet and vision. Standing at 1.70m, he's effective on either wing and poses a creative threat in the final third. 'Since arriving at the national training camp, Malaysia have given me the best,' said Machuca. 'I can feel it's something truly special to represent Harimau Malaya. It's an honour, and I will give it my all.' Equally enthusiastic is Argentinian-born Holgado, 29, who plies his trade as a striker for Colombian side America de Cali. The clinical frontman has already bagged seven goals and two assists in 15 league outings this season. 'Since arriving here, I've fallen in love with the atmosphere and the country,' said Holgado. 'Now I'm beginning to understand what it means to play for Malaysia – and I'm ready to give everything.' Figueiredo, a 29-year-old Brazilian-born forward who last featured for Turkish Super Lig club Istanbul Basaksehir, brings a wealth of experience. He netted 12 goals in 48 appearances across competitions and is capable of operating across the entire frontline. 'Personally, this season means a lot to me,' said Figueiredo. 'And now, to represent Malaysia and share this dream – to go further on the Asian and world stage – is truly an honour. I can't wait to feel the support and love from the fans.' Defensive solidity has also been boosted by the addition of Spanish-born Jon Irazabal. The 28-year-old centreback recently helped Azerbaijan's Sabah FK clinch the national cup title. 'I chose Malaysia because I believe this is where my national responsibility truly lies,' said Irazabal. 'I've already started to feel how unique and meaningful it is to play for Malaysia.' These reinforcements are seen as vital by head coach Peter Cklamovski, who is reshaping the national team's identity with a blend of domestic stalwarts and foreign-born talents eligible through heritage. Beyond the new additions, Cklamovski has already utilised the services of Dutch-born midfielder Hector Hevel and Spanish-born wingback Gabriel Palmero – part of the expanding pool of Malaysians abroad. As anticipation builds for the Vietnam clash, the inclusion of these five foreign-born players – all tested professionals in competitive leagues – has not only added depth but ignited hope that Harimau Malaya can bounce back strongly and stake their claim for a spot in the Asian Cup.
Irish Times
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Leinster may be semi-final specialists, but getting any further is often a coin toss
Is there a sudden outbreak of Leinster 'big-game fatigue' out there? Let's pause for a moment and put this weekend's Champions Cup semi-finals into context. It actually is an achievement to be one of the last quartet in any competition. Leinster and Toulouse are specialists at reaching this stage in the Champions Cup. Everyone else should be so lucky. To start with the bleedin' obvious, only four teams out of the 24 which started out this season have managed the feat. As the URC, Top 14 and Premiership pauses, the other 20 would happily swap places with those hogging the stage this weekend. Of course, reaching a final belongs to an even more exclusive club. Take Leinster. In the 30 years of what is now the Champions Cup, their encounter with Northampton on Saturday will be their 16th semi-final. If you stop and think about it, that truly is exceptional. Unsurprisingly, the only club to have reached more semi-finals are Toulouse. Against Bordeaux Bègles on Sunday, they will be playing their 17th semi-final. By contrast, Northampton are playing in their fifth and Bordeaux Bègles just their second. READ MORE What might be a little more surprising is that even for the two highest achievers in the history of the tournament, there are no guarantees for Leinster and Toulouse when it comes to this stage of the tournament. Of Leinster's 15 semi-finals to date, they have won eight and lost seven. For their part, Toulouse have also endured their fair share of disappointment at this stage, winning eight and losing eight of their previous 16. So, if there is a small element of big-game fatigue among Leinster fans, perhaps understandably, like all of us they have short memories. Admittedly it's 30 years ago since Leinster reached their first semi-final way back in the inaugural European Cup in 1995-96 when they, as well as Munster and Ulster, were among a dozen teams drawn from France, Wales, Italy and Romania. Furthermore, all Leinster had to do was beat Milan away and Pontypridd at home to reach the last four. Almost despite themselves. Niall Woods was a member of the Leinster squad that reached the province's first European Cup semi-final 30 years ago. Photograph: Andrew Paton/Inpho Niall Woods was Leinster's left winger in the province's competition debut in Milan on November 1st, 1995, when the attendance was recorded as 1,200. 'The game kicked off at 2.30 on a Wednesday afternoon, and it was a mudbath. Diego Dominguez was playing,' recalls Woods of the normally prolific Argentinian-born Italian outhalf. 'He actually kicked two out of eight. It was filthy, as in the fighting, the gouging, the works. Obviously, I didn't see any of that, nor was I anywhere near it.' [ Rugby analysis: Leinster attack looking more and more comfortable in chaos Opens in new window ] [ Matt Williams: Leinster can get past Northampton if they have planned for a new and improved opponent Opens in new window ] Despite Dominguez losing his radar, Leinster were losing the game late on. 'I got the ball on the 10-yard line, at outhalf from a ruck in the middle of the field. I stepped a fella and was just gone. These were the days when if you broke the first line, then you just had to round the fullback and we won by three points,' says Woods of Leinster's 24-21 victory. I remember getting a cheque, I think for £175 to play because you were technically allowed to be paid at that stage — Niall Woods 'The reason I remember is that 'Munch' (aka Shane Byrne) was asked in an interview for the best try he ever saw and he said that one. I read it and laughed and said 'fair play Munch'. We were in [Blackrock] school together, so maybe that's why.' Five weeks later, on a Wednesday night under lights, in what was also the first season of professionalism, Leinster beat Pontypridd 23-22 in Lansdowne Road to top their 'group' and earn a home semi-final. 'I remember getting a cheque, I think for £175 to play because you were technically allowed to be paid at that stage,' says Woods. Leinster's Victor Costello breaks through the Cardiff defence during the European Cup semi-final on December 30, 1995. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho Leinster's first of 16 semi-finals was against Cardiff in Lansdowne Road on December 30th, 1995. 'Conor [O'Shea] was with London Irish and Conor came home on standby in case I failed the fitness test. I failed the fitness test, I'd say at 11 o'clock. It was a horrendous day, blowing a gale and freezing, so I was quite happy. It wasn't a day for me,' recalls Woods with a self-mocking chuckle. The attendance was 7,350. 'Which was big in those days,' he stresses. 'You'd get 2-4,000 max in those days in Donnybrook. It was decent, put it that way, although we played Australia in 1992 and there was probably 20,000 people there; they had won the World Cup in 1991 and they were fully loaded.' A European Cup semi-final was unchartered and underappreciated territory. He added: 'It was totally unknown. It was something a bit different, playing someone from a different country in a game that meant something as opposed to a friendly. We played against New South Wales that season and I think we played eight games. Up to that point we played four games a year. 'Cardiff were the most stacked team of the Welsh at that stage. They were the equivalent of Leinster now. As a spectacle, the game wasn't great. The wind was horrific. Mary Robinson was President and they didn't bring her out on to the pitch because it was so windy.' Leinster were beaten 23-14 and nobody was really complaining. Leinster fans cheer on their team during the 2005-06 Heineken Cup campaign. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho 'I don't remember being overly bothered that we lost. We did all right because we got to the semis, even if we only won two matches to get there. It was enjoyable and it was a bit different.' Toulouse beat Cardiff at Cardiff Arms Park in the final a week later, with 21,800 in attendance, to give the European Cup lift-off. Whether it was over-confidence or not I don't know — Niall Woods It was seven years later when Leinster reached the semi-finals, meeting Perpignan at Lansdowne Road in April 2003. As evidenced by the 37,800 attendance, expectations were altogether higher. Woods had retired in 2001 after a playing career with Trinity, Blackrock, Leinster, Ireland, London Irish and Harlequins. He then worked for the English Players' Union before coming home in January 2003 to set up the Irish Rugby Players' Union (IRUPA). But in Leinster's biggest game of the 2002-03 season, their season ended with an anticlimactic 21-14 defeat. 'They didn't perform on the day at all,' says Woods. 'Whether it was over-confidence or not I don't know. They never got going. It was hugely disappointing.' The pivotal matches in Leinster's history were the Heineken Cup semi-finals against Munster in 2006 at Lansdowne Road and 2009 in Croke Park. Technically, the first was a 'home' semi-final, though it was awash in red and felt like an away match. The second was an 'away' tie that was more akin to a neutral-venue fixture given the even split between blue and red in a record-setting attendance of 82,208. 'In 2006, 'Rog' dummies and scores under the sticks and in '09 Drico intercepts Rog's pass to score. They were the two defining moments,' says Woods with reference to Ronan O'Gara and Brian O'Driscoll. Ronan O'Gara scores a try for Munster in their Heineken Cup semi-final victory against Leinster in 2006. Photograph: Inpho/Getty Images 'The difference in colour was stark. In '06 it was so red, when the Leinster supporters weren't as strong as they are now, whereas in '09 it was even.' Leinster had reached a point of no return. The 25-6 win led to a breakthrough triumph three weeks later against Leicester in Murrayfield. 'It had started with the quarter-final in 'Quins, the bloodgate game and that [6-5] win gave them belief. Even the final in Edinburgh was a poor enough game against Leicester, but it would always be scrappy against them. But they managed to do it. 'In the semi, Leinster were notably better on the day. The [2009] Grand Slam probably helped. There was better quality throughout the Leinster team than there had been three years earlier, especially with Isa [Nacewa] and Rocky [Elsom] there.' Leinster have reached another 10 semi-finals since that day, winning seven of them, and the key has been earning home semi-finals through their performances in the pool stages. Leinster have won all six ensuing semi-finals at home, whereas they have won only one of four away from home. Leinster lost away to Toulouse as reigning champions in the 2010 semi-finals, when Johnny Sexton was injured, but have beaten Toulouse in four of the subsequent six semi-finals at home. There was defeat to Toulon in 2015 at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, when Jimmy Gopperth's drop-goal attempt to win the game was narrowly wide before Leinster were beaten in extra-time. They lost a last-four tie against Clermont in Lyon in 2017 and lost behind closed doors in La Rochelle four years ago. Viewed in that context, Leinster's 19-15 win over a brilliant Clermont side [Julien Bonnaire, Morgan Parra, Wesley Fofana, Aurélien Rougerie and co] in Bordeaux in 2012 has arguably been their finest semi-final victory of all so far. Cian Healy scores a try in Leinster's famous Heineken Cup semi-final win against Clermot in Bordeaux in 2012. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho 'That was the inside pass to Rob Kearney and Cian Healy's finish,' says Woods – who stepped down as the IRUPA CEO in January 2011 to set up what is now the Navy Blue sports agency – of the famous Joe Schmidt strike play. There was also the end-game stand on their own line, Gordon D'Arcy's tackle on Fofana to dislodge the ball before he grounded it and Seán O'Brien hanging on for dear life in the jackal to earn the final turnover penalty. 'I'd say that was their best ever semi-final win, considering who it was against and it was away from home,' says Woods, and to put that victory in context it was only the second semi-final win in France by an Irish or UK side – Munster having achieved the first in 2000 against Toulouse, also in Bordeaux. Reaching semi-finals should never be taken for granted, albeit as Woods says: 'Leinster do have the majority of the Irish team and their budget is massive, above the French clubs as well as the English clubs now. But if Leinster are in any way off, the Saints have enough firepower to do damage.' Indeed, as history shows us, nor do semi-finals, even at home, come with any guarantees. 'Go back to '03, against Perpignan. They should have beaten Perpignan. They should never have lost that.' Leinster's semi-final record: Played 15, Won 8, Lost 7 1995-96: Leinster 14 Cardiff 23 (Lansdowne Road) 2002-03: Leinster 14 Perpignan 21 (Lansdowne Road) 2005-06: Leinster 6 Munster 30 (Lansdowne Road) 2008-09: Munster 6 Leinster 25 (Croke Park) 2009-10: Toulouse 26 Leinster 16 (Le Stadium, Toulouse) 2010-11: Leinster 32 Toulouse 23 (Aviva Stadium) 2011-12: Clermont 15 Leinster 19 (Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux) 2014-15: Toulon 25 Leinster 20 aet (Stade Velodrome, Marseille) 2016-17: Clermont 27 Leinster 22 (Matmut de Gerland, Lyon) 2017-18: Leinster 38 Scarlets 16 (Aviva Stadium) 2018-19: Leinster 30 Toulouse 12 (Aviva Stadium) 2020-21: La Rochelle 32 Leinster 23 (Stade Deflandre, La Rochelle) 2021-22: Leinster 40 Toulouse 17 (Aviva Stadium) 2022-23: Leinster 41 Toulouse 22 (Aviva Stadium) 2023-24: Leinster 20 Northampton 17 (Croke Park)
Euronews
30-04-2025
- Euronews
Sistine Chapel closes for conclave: What to know about visiting Rome following Pope Francis' death
ADVERTISEMENT Tourists who have booked to visit Rome in the coming weeks will experience the city during a rare historical moment. Following the death of Pope Francis on 21 April, a series of religious rituals and procedures are being enacted that might impact travel plans. The Argentinian-born pontiff died of a stroke, which triggered a coma and 'irreversible' heart failure, the Vatican announced. The Sistine Chapel is now closed to the public while it is used for voting on the new pope - a process that will see the famous room closed for well over a week. Crowds and queues around the Vatican are expected to be particularly heavy, especially given the celebrations for the Catholic Church's 2025 Jubilee Year are already drawing an increased number of visitors. Here's what to know about expected travel disruptions in Rome, or, if you're planning a trip to witness some of the religious traditions, where you can participate in them. When will the Sistine Chapel be closed? Travellers to Rome in the next few weeks have been warned to expect closures, visitor restrictions and crowds at some of the city's main attractions. Rome's key tourist sites within the Vatican - the heart of the Catholic Church - are now absorbed by mourning and reelection procedures. Around 15-20 days after the pontiff's death, the conclave will begin, a storied process to determine the next pope. This strictly confidential gathering sees Roman Catholic cardinals locked inside the Sistine Chapel until a decision is made. As such, the room adorned by Michelangelo's frescoed tour de force has now closed and will remain so for the entire duration of the process. It will likely open again a couple of days after the conclave ends, as it has done after the death of previous Popes. The conclave is expected to start between 5 and 10 May. As it can go on for days, it is possible the Sistine Chapel will not reopen before mid-May. Visitors admire the Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican Museums on the occasion of the museum's reopening, in Rome, May 3, 2021. Alessandra Tarantino/Copyright 2021 The AP. All rights reserved Those visitors who managed to enter on Sunday considered themselves fortunate. 'I think we felt very lucky to be able to be the last group of visitors to come in today," said Sumon Khan, a tourist from the United States. 'You know, our trip would not have been complete without seeing this beautiful place.' ADVERTISEMENT The chapel is accessed through the Vatican Museums. These will remain open to visitors with all other parts accessible, including the Raphael Rooms, according to tour operator Through Eternity Tours. Tours of the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis and the Vatican Gardens are suspended for security reasons, however, as the cardinals are bused back and forth from the chapel to their accommodation through the grounds. The Vatican Museums states that all tickets, including for the Sistine Chapel, are non-refundable and dates, times or names cannot be modified. If you have purchased tickets through a third-party operator, you should check their website or contact them about refunds or date changes. ADVERTISEMENT Long queues and dress codes for St Peter's Basilica Around 250,000 people queued up at St Peter's Basilica to see Pope Francis' body lying in state. Some visitors who were already in the city say they extended or changed travel plans in order to say their goodbyes to the pontiff. The pontiff has now been buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, but those wanting to visit the church should still expect long wait times and heightened security. The dress code for visiting the sacred site is being strictly enforced. This includes having shoulders and knees covered and avoiding wearing short skirts, shorts, flip-flops and sleeveless tops. ADVERTISEMENT Tourists should also expect crowds at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a majestic UNESCO-designated sanctuary containing a piece of the Holy Crib and a venerated icon of the Virgin Mary as the protector of the Roman people. Tens of thousands of visitors in Rome for Pope's funeral and conclave While it may be disappointing to forgo seeing the Sistine Chapel or St Peter's Basilica, a visit in this period can also be a once-in-a-lifetime experience (the Italian expression for 'once in a blue moon' is 'every time a pope dies'). Visitors from around the world have descended on Rome for a chance to witness the funeral and the reelection announcement. "Historically, during the passing of a pope - as we experienced firsthand in April 2005 during the death of Pope John Paul II - travellers witnessed a profound moment of history," James Ridgway, CEO of Christian travel specialist ETS, told Travel Weekly. ADVERTISEMENT "While some sites around St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican City experienced closures or restricted access, many travellers were able to participate in public gatherings, memorials and prayer services, creating a deeply meaningful experience." Related Florence, Rome, Venice: Italian cities are cracking down on overtourism in 2025 This ancient amphitheatre near Rome doesn't know if it's a football pitch or a tourist attraction If you are planning a short-notice trip to participate in some of the events, you should expect higher flight prices. 'We'll definitely see an increase in flight prices to Rome and to Italy over the next few weeks, as the faithful flock to pay their respects and potentially to see the announcement of the new Pope,' Angus Kidman, travel expert at Finder, told Australian site Hotel prices in Rome are also likely to rise as demand increases, says Tim Hentschel, the co-founder and CEO of travel company HotelPlanner, while some shops and restaurants may be closed as a sign of respect. ADVERTISEMENT Where to witness the announcement of the new pope When the conclave begins, St. Peter's Square will remain open, but it will be packed with visitors and media. The outcome of voting rounds is indicated via smoke released from the chapel chimney - black for inconclusive, white for the successful election of a new pope. According to the National Catholic Reporter, you can see the smoke from the chapel twice daily - around noon after the first two ballots and again at 7 pm after the last round of voting. White smoke might appear earlier, at around 10.30 am or 5.30 pm. ADVERTISEMENT
