Latest news with #JoaoCancelo
Straits Times
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Established order prevails at Club World Cup as minnows make little impact
MIAMI - The occasional threat of an upset result at the Club World Cup handed hope to the minnows of the world game but in the end the established order prevailed at the conclusion of the first round of the tournament in the U.S. All but three of the teams through to the knockout stages are from Europe and South America with the field for the last-16 settled after the last group-stage matches on Thursday. Among the last to qualify was Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, but the Riyadh-based side is littered with players expensively purchased from European clubs like the Portugal internationals Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo, former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly and ex-Brazil international Malcom. Also through are Monterrey from Mexico and Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi is the kingpin in a side filled with former Barcelona stalwarts. But for the rest, it was a disappointing return from clubs from other continents. Al-Hilal held Real Madrid to a draw in their opening game and won a decisive clash with Pachuca of Mexico on Thursday to advance, but it was one of only two matches won by Asian clubs in the first round out of a total of 12 played. Africa had similarly disappointing statistics. Its four representatives went home with a combined total of two wins in 12 outings. 'It is a big step up for the players,' said Miguel Cardoso of South Africa champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who collected four points but still finished third in Group F. 'The level of competition is just that little bit higher than what the players are used to,' the coach added. EXPERIENCES 'These experiences will stay with us hopefully for the coming games we play,' said Seattle Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer as his side make a quick return to Major League Soccer action at Austin on Saturday after playing Atletico Madrid, Botafogo and European champions Paris St Germain. 'There were a lot of similarities in the style and approach to the game between us and the powerful clubs we played against. But you have to factor in that their players are playing at a much higher level.' Egypt's Al Ahly and Tunisia's Esperance also brought plenty of fans and helped create atmosphere in the large stadiums but went home without achieving their ambition of progressing to the last-16. 'The moment that you drop a little bit your level against this quality of opponents, you pay a price,' added Jose Riveiro, coach of Cairo giants Al Ahly who had a rollicking 4-4 draw with Porto in their last group game. But he said competing at the Club World Cup was a special experience. 'The players have the opportunity to showcase their talent and a fantastic platform to do it. 'It's a special occasion for sure something that, well, you don't always have the opportunity to be involved in,' Riveiro said. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Reuters
a day ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Established order prevails at Club World Cup as minnows make little impact
MIAMI, June 27 (Reuters) - The occasional threat of an upset result at the Club World Cup handed hope to the minnows of the world game but in the end the established order prevailed at the conclusion of the first round of the tournament in the U.S. All but three of the teams through to the knockout stages are from Europe and South America with the field for the last-16 settled after the last group-stage matches on Thursday. Among the last to qualify was Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, but the Riyadh-based side is littered with players expensively purchased from European clubs like the Portugal internationals Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo, former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly and ex-Brazil international Malcom. Also through are Monterrey from Mexico and Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi is the kingpin in a side filled with former Barcelona stalwarts. But for the rest, it was a disappointing return from clubs from other continents. Al-Hilal held Real Madrid to a draw in their opening game and won a decisive clash with Pachuca of Mexico on Thursday to advance, but it was one of only two matches won by Asian clubs in the first round out of a total of 12 played. Africa had similarly disappointing statistics. Its four representatives went home with a combined total of two wins in 12 outings. 'It is a big step up for the players,' said Miguel Cardoso of South Africa champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who collected four points but still finished third in Group F. 'The level of competition is just that little bit higher than what the players are used to,' the coach added. 'These experiences will stay with us hopefully for the coming games we play,' said Seattle Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer as his side make a quick return to Major League Soccer action at Austin on Saturday after playing Atletico Madrid, Botafogo and European champions Paris St Germain. 'There were a lot of similarities in the style and approach to the game between us and the powerful clubs we played against. But you have to factor in that their players are playing at a much higher level.' Egypt's Al Ahly and Tunisia's Esperance also brought plenty of fans and helped create atmosphere in the large stadiums but went home without achieving their ambition of progressing to the last-16. 'The moment that you drop a little bit your level against this quality of opponents, you pay a price,' added Jose Riveiro, coach of Cairo giants Al Ahly who had a rollicking 4-4 draw with Porto in their last group game. But he said competing at the Club World Cup was a special experience. 'The players have the opportunity to showcase their talent and a fantastic platform to do it. 'It's a special occasion for sure something that, well, you don't always have the opportunity to be involved in,' Riveiro said.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barcelona exploring option to resign former defensive star
According to a recent report from Fichajes, Barcelona have set their sights on bringing Joao Cancelo back to the club as their next major signing. According to the outlet, the 31-year-old full-back has quickly become a top target for new coach Hansi Flick, who wants to strengthen the team's defence and provide more stability on the wings. Advertisement After a season in which Barça struggled with fatigue and injuries in wide areas, Flick believes Cancelo is the perfect player to give his system the balance it needs. Cancelo knows Flick's style Cancelo already spent time at Barça on loan and left a great impression both on the pitch and in the dressing room. His ability to play in multiple positions, helping in both attack and defense, makes him an ideal fit for Flick's flexible style. The German coach knows Cancelo well and appreciates his experience at top clubs like Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Joao Cancelo is back on Barcelona's radar. (Photo by) Advertisement On top of that, Cancelo recently admitted his love for Barcelona, which could make negotiations with his current club, Al-Hilal, smoother. Negotiations begin The aforementioned outlet mentions that talks between the clubs have already started, even though there is no official offer on the table yet. Barcelona are looking at the possibility of making a bid close to €15 million, depending on the funds available after finalising other deals, especially the expected signing of Nico Williams. The club's transfer activity will also depend on planned player sales to balance the books and stay within financial rules. Advertisement With Joan Garcia and Roony Bardghji already signed, and Nico Williams close to being announced, Barcelona are beginning to form a stronger, refreshed squad. The plan is simple but ambitious: build a competitive team ready to hit the ground running from the first day of pre-season under Flick.
Leaders
5 days ago
- Sport
- Leaders
Al-Hilal Battle Salzburg to Goalless Draw in Club World Cup
Saudi giants Al-Hilal kept their hopes of advancing alive with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against RB Salzburg of Austria in the Club World Cup at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., on Monday. The result leaves the Saudi side third in Group H with two points, following a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid. Salzburg and Real Madrid top Group H with four points each after Los Blancos defeated Mexico's Pachuca 3-1. The Blue Waves must now beat the Mexican side in their final group game on Friday in Miami to advance further. A win, plus a victory by Real Madrid or Salzburg in their match, would send Al-Hilal to the knockout stage. Meanwhile, a draw between Madrid and Salzburg would still allow Al-Hilal to qualify, provided they win by at least two goals. Early Chances Spark Tension Al-Hilal began the match brightly, with Joao Cancelo firing a shot just wide in the third minute. Shortly after Cancelo's attempt, Salem Al-Dawsari tested Salzburg goalkeeper Christian Tzavischitzky. Moroccan shot-stopper Yassine Bono quickly reacted to tip a powerful effort from Karim Onisiwo over the bar. Marcos Leonardo came close to scoring for Al-Hilal in the 22nd minute, but Danish defender Jacob Rasmussen heroically blocked his effort. The second half began with Al-Hilal facing a scare when Salzburg substitute John Mellberg forced a brilliant save from Bounou. Immediately after the save, Kalidou Koulibaly quickly cleared Dorgeles Nene's rebound off the line in the 48th minute. Late Opportunities Fall Short Al-Hilal responded with long-range attempts from Ruben Neves and Cancelo, but the alert Salzburg keeper denied both shots. In the 57th minute, Malcolm missed a golden opportunity after exchanging quick passes with Al-Dawsari when a defender deflected his shot for a corner. Late in the game, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic attempted a powerful strike from distance, but Tzavischitzky collected it cleanly. In the dying moments, substitute Yorbe Vertessen nearly stole the win for Salzburg with a curling shot that grazed the post. With strong fan support, Al-Hilal head into their final group match knowing only victory will keep their tournament dreams alive. Short link : Post Views: 4
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Al Hilal held to goalless draw by Salzburg in Club World Cup group clash
Saudi Gazette report WASHINGTON — Al Hilal kept their Round of 16 hopes alive in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Austrian champions Salzburg on Sunday at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The result leaves the Saudi side third in Group H with two points, following an opening 1-1 draw against Real Madrid. Salzburg and Real Madrid top the group with four points each after Los Blancos defeated Mexico's Pachuca 3-1. Al Hilal must now beat Pachuca in their final group game on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. A win, coupled with a victory for either Real Madrid or Salzburg in their meeting, would send Al Hilal through to the knockout stage. A draw between Madrid and Salzburg would still allow Hilal to qualify—provided they win by at least a two-goal margin. Newly appointed head coach Simone Inzaghi described the clash against Salzburg as 'decisive,' but admitted after the game that his team lacked the edge needed to claim all three points. The Austrian side saw their four-match winning streak come to an end but remained unbeaten in the group. Al Hilal started brightly, with Joao Cancelo firing just wide in the third minute and Salem Al Dawsari testing Salzburg goalkeeper Christian Tzavischitzky moments later. Moroccan shot-stopper Yassine Bounou was called into action at the other end, tipping a powerful effort from Karim Onisiwo over the bar. Marcos Leonardo came closest to opening the scoring for Al Hilal in the 22nd minute, but his effort was blocked heroically by Danish defender Jacob Rasmussen. The second half saw a major scare for Al Hilal as Salzburg substitute John Mellberg forced a brilliant save from Bounou before Dorgeles Nene's rebound was cleared off the line by Kalidou Koulibaly in the 48th minute. Al Hilal responded with long-range attempts from Ruben Neves and Cancelo, both denied by the alert Salzburg keeper. Malcolm missed a golden opportunity in the 57th minute after a slick exchange with Al Dawsari, but his shot deflected off a defender for a corner. Sergej Milinković-Savić tried his luck with a late strike from distance, only for Tzavischitzky to collect cleanly, while substitute Yorbe Vertessen nearly stole the win for Salzburg with a curling shot that grazed the post. With fan support strong in the stands, Al Hilal head into their final group match knowing only victory will keep their tournament dreams alive.
