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Straits Times
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
From Lionel Messi to Auckland City, magic shining through Club World Cup issues
Fans cheer Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid as he is substituted during the Club World Cup match against Salzburg. EPA ATLANTA – The Club World Cup's various problems have been well documented, from empty seats to storm delays, extreme heat to complaints about Fifa's expanded competition being a cash grab at the expense of the players' long-term health. However, with the right ingredients slow-cooking in the United States summer sun, there has also been plenty to enjoy about the tournament so far. Several stars are getting their encore moments, including Inter Miami's cast of ageing former Barcelona greats, led by Lionel Messi. Now 38, Messi helped the Major League Soccer side make the last 16 against the odds. His mere presence still provokes intense reactions, including from a young boy in an Argentina shirt at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in tears before the new NBA-style walk-outs. He delivered, too, scoring a superb free kick to earn Miami a shock victory over Porto. 'I'm a Messi fan, he's still one of the best players in the world – that Porto game we weren't supposed to win,' said Yemi Obono, a 34-year-old tech product manager who lives in Atlanta. He and many others will get another chance to see the forward when Miami face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Georgia in the last 16 on June 29. '(Watching Messi) was like a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me... I hope I can go on Sunday and see him again,' added Obono. Messi's reunion with his former club PSG is one of many narratives to catch the eye. With clubs taking the competition seriously, not least because of the total of US$1 billion in prize money on offer, these matches feel 'canon', unlike pre-season friendly tours. 'I'm pretty sure for the South American teams, for the Brazilian teams, for Argentinian teams, this competition is maybe the maximum,' said Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who hailed the passion of the South American fans in particular. 'People are surprised (when) European teams lose. Welcome to the real world my friends.' The group stage has offered some of the tension the revamped Uefa Champions League first round lacked. The Club World Cup has also offered a first look at Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid project, and new signings like Los Blancos duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, Chelsea's Liam Delap and several City arrivals. On the other hand, the tournament has been an opportunity to celebrate teams who rarely get to enjoy the global spotlight. While some mocked New Zealand amateurs Auckland City after their opening 10-0 defeat by Bayern Munich, it highlighted how impressive their 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors was in their final game. 'We're representing 99 per cent of club teams in world football who are amateurs... we all have day jobs,' said vice-captain Adam Mitchell. Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds' fans went toe-to-toe with their River Plate counterparts in creating a superb atmosphere, which is no mean feat. Although River and Argentine rivals Boca were eliminated, their passionate supporters helped bring the tournament to life. Even if stadiums are not full, the fans who are there are bringing the noise – and the average attendance is higher than for La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1 last season. Brazilian clubs have flexed their muscles, with all four reaching the last 16, surprising those who thought the gap to Europe's elite was too great. The Club World Cup is a tournament in its infancy, with room to improve, but is already showing it has more heart than some expected. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Training after Juve-Manchester City
After the match against Manchester City, Juventus has their sights already set on the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup. Real Madrid await in Miami on July 1 (15:00 LT, 21:00 CEST). The day after the match against the Citizens, the group split in two, as is customary after matches. A rest for those who were most used in the Orlando match, with work on ball possession and practice matches for the rest of the group. Advertisement Tomorrow, Saturday June 28, the team will have a day off to recharge their batteries and then dive headfirst into preparing for the match against Real.
USA Today
3 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Sixers star Joel Embiid out and about, attends Real Madrid match
Philadelphia 76er's Joel Embiid and Philadelphia Union's Kai Wagner at the Club World Cup match at The Linc last night via Kai's Instagram story #DOOP Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is an avid soccer fan and has made it clear his favorite team is Real Madrid. So when the international powerhouse made a visit to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Embiid had to make sure he was there to see them. As the big fella continues to recover from April surgery on that bothersome left knee--which the Sixers expect him to be ready for training camp--Embiid was spotted at The Linc with Philadelphia Union soccer star Kai Wagner. The Union's leader posted a picture on his Instagram story with Embiid while they took in the 3-0 win for Real Madrid. It's good to see Embiid out and about. While some Sixers fans will want to see him in the gym, that will come in due time, but it's just good to see him in good spirits doing something he likes to do as a hobby and that's root for his favorite soccer team. It's important to do stuff outside of work for mental health aspects.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Liverpool chief breaks silence on Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid and reveals his disappointment behind the decision
Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has revealed what he really thought about Trent Alexander-Arnold 's controversial decision to join Real Madrid. The defender caused uproar among the Reds fan base when he revealed he would be leaving the club for Spain, with it initially looking like he would be departing for free after a 20-year stay at his boyhood club. However, Arne Slot 's side did secure a £10million fee from Madrid for Alexander-Arnold to join them early and therefore play in the Club World Cup. Nevertheless, many Liverpool fans were left incensed by Alexander-Arnold's move, as they believe it was done in bad faith and did not leave the club with sufficient funds to replace him. And now, Werner has conceded that he and other club chiefs shared the disappointment of many fans. The 75-year-old businessman diplomatically thanked Alexander-Arnold for his contributions, but could not completely hide his emotions. 'We do respect the fact that Trent has moved on,' Werner told Liverpool Echo. 'I told someone recently this story about seeing Trent on the last weekend of the season, with Billy [Hogan, chief executive] and I just wanted him to know from me personally we are and were as a club thankful for all his contributions. 'He showed me a picture when he was seven years old, when he was a young kid at the academy, and I have a lot of fondness for all that he has done and so it is time for him to move and time for us to replace him. 'We do wish him well and I understand the emotions of supporters who were disappointed and we were disappointed too but it is overshadowed by my wonderful memories of him.' Werner went on to share a standout memory of Alexander-Arnold in red, and reminisced over his assist to Divock Origi in the 2019 Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. Alexander-Arnold quickly took a corner to catch Barca's defence napping, which was tapped in by Origi. The goal sealed a historic 4-0 win at Anfield and overturned a three-goal deficit from the first leg. 'I'll never forget that pass he made, the corner he took, for the fourth goal against Barcelona. 'That was just a work of genius and as a football fan, watching some of his assists, the way he would pass the ball 30-plus yards to a specific point and create a goal was wonder Real Madrid are delighted.'
Reuters
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Juventus defender Savona out of Club World Cup with ankle injury
June 27 (Reuters) - Juventus defender Nicolo Savona will play no further part in the Club World Cup after he suffered an ankle injury during his side's 5-2 loss to Manchester City, the Italian club said on Friday, with the player set for over a month on the sidelines. The 22-year-old Italian had started all three group games for Juventus, but left the pitch on the hour mark after going over on his ankle in Thursday's heavy defeat and he was replaced by Federico Gatti. Juventus reported that Savona underwent diagnostic tests on his left ankle, which showed a high-grade capsular ligament injury. The player has begun his rehabilitation process and will be re-evaluated in a month's time. The loss to City meant Juventus finished second in Group G and will face Real Madrid in the last 16 on Tuesday in Miami. Gatti, who also replaced Savona in Juve's opening win over Al Ain, is most likely to slot into Igor Tudor's back three.
