Latest news with #ChrisRicco
Forbes
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Path Opens Up For Norway To Progress At UEFA Women's Euro
THUN, SWITZERLAND - JULY 09: The players of Norway pose for a photo prior to the Norway Training ... More Session And Press Conference ahead of the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Group A match between Norway and Iceland at Arena Thun on July 09, 2025 in Thun, Switzerland. (Photo by Chris Ricco - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) Former European champions Norway go into tonight's final group game against Iceland at the UEFA Women's Euro with the pressure off as they eye a path into the knockout stages. With two wins from their opening two matches, the Norwegians are guaranteed to win Group A ahead of Switzerland, Finland and the already-eliminated Iceland. Knowing they will play their quarter-final next Wednesday in Geneva, they are likely to avoid world champions Spain, who will win Group B barring an unlikely defeat to Italy tomorrow. This means Norway will take on either Italy or Portugal for a place in tbe last four. Should they reach the semi-finals, it will be the Scandianavians best performance at a major tournament in twelve years, since they reached the final of the UEFA Women's Euro in 2013. Then, Ada Hegerberg was 18 years of age, the young star of the team. Today the first-ever woman to win the Ballon D'Or turns 30, having never fulfilled her potential at a major international tournament. Eliminated in the group stage of the two subsequent editions of the UEFA Women's Euro in 2017 and 2022, Hegeberg was part of the team that suffered a humiliating 8-0 trouncing by England three years ago. Norway also suffered defeat in the first knockout rounds of the 2015 and 2023 FIFA Women's World Cups. KALMAR, SWEDEN - JULY 22: Ada Hegerberg (#21) of Norway celebrates after she scores her team's 3rd ... More goal during the UEFA Women's Euro 2013 quarter final match between Norway and Spain at Kalmar Arena on July 22, 2013 in Kalmar, Sweden. (Photo by) Indeed, the all-time record goalscorer in the UEFA Women's Champions League, had failed to find the net for her country at a major tournament since 2015. That was until Hegerberg bravely headed Norway level during their opening game against hosts Switzerland. It was her 50th goal for the national team. More importantly, Hegerberg's goal turned her country's fortunes around as they almost immediately took the lead after an indifferent first half performance in Basel. They followed up that victory with another 2-1 win over Finland to secure their quarter-final place with a game to spare. Norway's forward #14 Ada Hegerberg (Top) score a goal during the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 Group A ... More football match between Switzerland and Norway at the St Jakob-Park Stadium in Basel on July 2, 2025. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP) (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images) Norway's form, however, has been far from impressive in what has been a kind group stage for them. Hegerberg missed a penalty in the win over Switzerland and the team have scrapped through both games thanks to the goals and assists of FC Barcelona's Caroline Graham Hansen which have elicited two own goals. With nothing at stake during their final group match against Iceland tonight, head coach Gemma Grainger has hinted she may rotate the team tonight to save the legs of some of her leading players. That may include Hegerberg, who could be rested on her birthday. The Manchester United trio of Lisa Naalsund, Celin Bizet and Elisabeth Terland could all potentially come in, as well as young SK Brann starlet Signe Gaupset. Terland in particular can count herself unfortunate not to have played more than 15 minutes after a season in which she scored ten times for Manchester United and provided five assists. Ahead of the game, Grainger said yesterday 'we have a really strong squad. The first day we met, we talked about the importance of every player in the team. We have, a highly-competitive group. We'll take a look at what we think is best for the team tomorrow. We won't make any indication of what that will be just at the moment but, of course, it's about what is best for the next game. We plan to utilise all of the squad. Whether that will be tomorrow, you'll have to wait and see.' Before the tournament, Hegergerg said that a place in the quarter-finals would be her ideal birthday present. Between 2017 and 2022, Hegerberg withdrew herself from selection for the national team citing a lack of commitment from the Norwegian federation in the women's team, a situation which she said left her 'broken mentally.' Now as the new captain of the national side, succeeding Maren Mjelde, she understands how important it is to make every member of tbe squad feel valued. 'I think it's important in a group to create as much trust as possible between the players, between the staff, in order to have a healthy environment where people feel they can be themselves, 100%.' 'I mean, sports are a tough thing, you demand a lot from yourself, you demand a lot from the environment, and there's going to tough situations. The more trust you have among your team-mates, among your staff, from your coach, the easier it is to stand tall in the tough moments as well. To feel like you're a collective, to fell that you're a team.' 'That's something that I bear in mind all the time when I'm in this group, is that everyone is feeling that they're seen. I think to be able to be seen, is something incredible. That every individual knows they're role, knows how they can contribute." 'We talk a lot about the eleven playing and maybe those who come in and out but you have a group of 23 players who all play their role in something that's going to be, hopefully, a long tournament and you're going to count on everyone. So having trust, having a safe ground where people feel they can contribute is something essential to me.'
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Temba Bavuma's team has shown at Lord's the Proteas are still a force, says Hashim Amla
Former Proteas star Hashim Amla. Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix Image: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix Hashim Amla hopes South Africa's appearance at the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 can reinvigorate a love of red-ball cricket in his homeland. The Proteas have an opportunity to become Test world champions on Friday with Temba Bavuma's team needing two wickets before starting their fourth innings run chase. Australia are currently 144/8 with an overall lead of 218 runs heading into Day 3 of this pulsating Test. Amla was a key cog in a vintage Proteas generation, starring as part of the class of 2012 who sealed their status as the best Test team in the world at Lord's in a match which saw the batter etch his name on to the honours board for a second time. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The current crop are looking to follow in those footsteps and Amla stressed the significance of seeing South Africa on this stage when it comes to reminding the world of the talent which exists in the country. 'South Africa have been a powerhouse in cricket for many years in all formats – not long ago we reached the final in the T20 (World Cup),' he said. 'We have had a rich heritage ever since we came back into international cricket. It is extremely important that South Africa are seen and can perform to a standard to be included among the top Test nations. 'We have the SA20 League, which has created a huge surge of interest among youngsters. The crowds have been packed, and to have a Test team doing well will hopefully create a resurgence of the love of Test cricket again. 'It is difficult because youngsters grow up, see sixes and fours and get attracted to the glitz and glamour of T20 cricket. But Test cricket offers other great virtues of discipline, patience, real deep values that it is very healthy to have and aspire to. 'Getting to the final of this competition makes us very proud and very happy. It shows South Africa are still a force in Test cricket and the world cricketing family.' - Legends of 🇦🇺 and 🇿🇦 - ICC Hall of Fame inductees ✨ Hashim Amla and Matthew Hayden bring out the mace at Lord's.#WTC25 #WTCFinal #AUSvSA — Cricketangon (@cricketangon) June 11, 2025 Amla boasted an excellent record against Australia over his career, scoring five centuries against them – including a best of 196 in a 309-run win at the WACA in 2012. He played 21 times apiece against Australia, India and England and hopes this generation of Proteas stars receive similar opportunities to test their mettle against the same opposition. 'Not long ago, we played Australia every two years, either home or away, that goes for England and India too," he said. 'We had fixtures which were always of high quality and that in itself helped the players develop their game. 'If you are playing against high quality opposition, you will naturally raise your game and you judge yourself against the best, so you are always improving.' One Proteas star who has kicked on in recent years is captain Temba Bavuma, a regular source of runs on their route to the final. Independent Media's Zaahier Adams will be at Lord's for the World Test Championship bringing you all the news, videos and podcasts. Picture: Independent Media Image: Independent Media
IOL News
05-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Five key players who could rescue Cape Town City's Premiership status
Cape Town City and Stellenbosch FC The stakes in the derby between Cape Town City and Stellenbosch never have been higher than it will be on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Once riding high in the Premiership, Cape Town City now find themselves navigating unfamiliar waters. The rhythm that led them to an impressive fifth-place finish in the 2023/24 season has faltered, replaced by uncertainty and a battle for survival. Now, in a make-or-break scenario, they must overcome two determined NFD Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) sides—Casric Stars and Orbit College—to secure their place in the Betway Premiership. This is uncharted territory for the Citizens, a club that has consistently finished within the top eight since the 2014/15 season, when they ended the campaign in 10th place. One of their finest moments came in the 2021/22 season, when they proudly claimed second place behind Mamelodi Sundowns. However, their fortunes have since taken a troubling turn. A run of poor results, compounded by a series of coaching changes—including the exits of Eric Tinkler and Muhsin Ertugral—has left the team in a vulnerable position. With their top-flight status hanging by a thread, a decisive performance in the upcoming playoffs is essential. Here, Obakeng Meletse looks at five key players who could prove crucial in Cape Town City's fight for survival. Darren Keet Darren Keet of Bidvest Wits collects the high ball during the 2016 MTN 8 semi-final second leg football match between Cape Town City FC and Bidvest Wits at Cape Town Stadium. Photo: Chris Ricco Darren Keet of Bidvest Wits collects the high ball during the 2016 MTN 8 semi-final second leg football match between Cape Town City FC and Bidvest Wits at Cape Town Stadium. Photo: Chris Ricco Image: Chris Ricco The 35-year-old is experienced both locally and internationally, and with his side now facing a situation this current crop of players hasn't truly encountered before, his leadership in marshalling the defense and guiding the team to make as few mistakes as possible will be crucial in overcoming the challenge posed by both Motsepe Foundation Championship sides. The Citizens conceded 31 goals this past season, and many of their difficulties stemmed from an inability to keep clean sheets. The experienced campaigner will need to ensure that, in the upcoming matches, the team concedes as few goals as possible — a factor that could ultimately make the difference. Thulani Serero Former Bafana Bafana and Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Thulani Serero has returned to the Mother City after a decade playing abroad. Image: Cape Town City Formerly with Ajax Cape Town before moving to the parent club Ajax Amsterdam, the now 35-year-old is a seasoned campaigner who is well-traveled and well-poised to handle the pressure that comes with being in a do-or-die situation. Serero has yet to make the kind of impact he would have hoped for since returning to South African football, but the upcoming play-offs present a perfect opportunity for him to remind everyone why he is regarded as one of the finest midfielders this country has ever produced. Jaedin Rhodes Vuyo Letlapa of Sekhukhune United is challenged by Jaedin Rhodes of Cape Town City during their Betway Premiership enncounter at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backjpagepix The talented 22-year-old midfielder played a key role in helping the Cape Town side find much-needed momentum in the closing stages of the season. His creativity could be exactly what the club needs to overcome the unfamiliar hurdle they currently face. Darwin Gonzalez Darwin Gonzalez Cape Town City striker Darwin Gonzalez will pose a danger against Richards Bay. Photo: PHANDO JIKELO Independent Media Image: PHANDO JIKELO Independent Media González was one of the standout performers this season, with his eye for goal proving pivotal despite the team struggling for consistent results throughout the campaign. With four goals scored this season, including two strikes against Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, González could hold the key to unlocking another season for his side in the top flight. Haashim Domingo Haashim Domingo Cape Town City's Haashim Domingo battles away against Stellenbosch FC in the local derby at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix
