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TimesLIVE
16 hours ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
England goal star Kelly grateful for Euro semi heroics after rocky club season
After Chloe Kelly smashed in her own rebound that lifted England into the Euro 2025 final, she struck a casual pose at the corner flag, one hand on the flag, another on her hip, and smiled up at the England fans. Kelly's 119th-minute winner was the punctuation mark on a nervy come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Italy that sends the reigning champions into their third consecutive final of a major tournament. They will play either world champions Spain or Germany on Sunday. Asked where she gets her confidence, Kelly said: 'Myself.' 'The moments when in January I felt like giving up football makes you so grateful for these moments here today, and this makes you enjoy every minute of that,' said Kelly, who did her trademark prancing penalty run-up. Chloe Kelly doesn't miss 😤🏴 England confirm their place in the #WomensEuros2025 ⚽ #SSFootball | #HereForHer — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 22, 2025 'I think confidence comes from within, but from around you as well. The players that we stand side by side with on the pitch, give confidence in each other.' Back in January, there were doubts the 27-year-old would be in the Euros squad because she was barely playing for Manchester City. She made a public plea to leave City to secure more playing time and improve her odds. Kelly's plea worked as she spent the rest of the season on a successful loan spell with Arsenal, and then signed a permanent deal with the London club. Sunday's final will be the fifth in a major tournament for coach Sarina Wiegman, who said the night felt like a 'movie' with 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang striking the equaliser in the 96th minute to send the game into extra time. 'It was a little bit dramatic. At the 88th minute, I thought 'We have to score now or we have a problem,'' Wiegman said, laughing. Wiegman heaped praise on Agyemang, who almost scored again with an effort deep into the second half of extra time, but clanged her shot off the crossbar. Michelle Agyemang forces England and Italy into extra time 🤯🏴🇮🇹 📺 Stream #WomensEuros2024 on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 22, 2025 'She's only 19 years old and she's very mature, she knows exactly what she needs to do,' Wiegman said. 'When you came into our team late, right before the Euro but she's really mature already and brings something different, and that's what she showed today. 'That ball she hit against the crossbar — it was spectacular.' The one negative on the night was Lauren James limping off with an ankle injury to end the first half. Wiegman said James, who sat on the bench with a bag of ice on the ankle, will be reassessed on Wednesday. Kelly fired home the rebound from her own penalty to net the winner as England pulled off a stunning comeback to reach the final. England, who fell behind in the first half but hit back to level in second-half stoppage time, had the better of the chances in extra time, and when Emma Severini pulled down Beth Mead in the box, Kelly grabbed the chance to decide the game. Her first effort was saved but she fired home the rebound. The Italians had defended brilliantly and attacked incisively on the break, and their persistence paid off in the 33rd minute of a gritty semifinal when a ball from the right found its way to Barbara Bonansea, who took a touch before lashing it into the roof of the net. England then dominated possession and created a slew of chances as the Italians rode their luck, but too often the English attackers unleashed shots from distance that were either easily dealt with or flew harmlessly over the bar. With their hopes of defending their title slowly slipping away, Agyemang snapped up a loose ball in the box and fired home in the sixth minute of stoppage time to send the game to extra time.
TimesLIVE
24-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Riveiro's Ahly and Porto in thriller but exit CWC, Messi to meet PSG in last 16
Al Ahly and FC Porto shared a 4-4 thriller in their final game at the Club World Cup on Monday but both will head home after Inter Miami and Palmeiras drew to progress to the round of 16 from Group A. Palestine striker Wessam Abou Ali scored a hat-trick and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane also found the net for the Egyptian champions but Porto pegged them back every time they went ahead. Teenagers Rodrigo Mora and William Gomes, substitute Samu Aghehowa and Pepe all scored for the Portuguese club as both teams all but abandoned defending in search of goals that might keep them alive in the tournament. In the end, though, a draw was not enough for either side and the 2-2 stalemate between Inter and Palmeiras in Miami was enough to render all of the many other permutations null and void. Pepe completes an eight-goal thriller! 🔥 #FIFACWC #CWC2025 #SSFootball — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 24, 2025 'I think the game in the second half was not a normal football game any more,' said Al Ahly coach Jose Riveiro, the former Orlando Pirates boss. 'A good show for the fans, I guess, a lot of goals. Not the result, obviously, that we were looking for, because we wanted to go through.' Al Ahly took the early initiative and got their reward when Abou Ali gave them the lead in the 15th minute with a cool finish into the far corner of the net. Lively 18-year-old Mora equalised eight minutes later after skipping through the Al Ahly defence and past goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy before clipping the ball into the net. Egypt midfielder Zizo was brought down in the box by Fabio Vieira running onto an Abou Ali cutback in stoppage time at the end of the first, and the Palestinian sent Claudio Ramos the wrong way from the spot to put Al Ahly 2-1 up at the break. Al Ahly had not scored a single goal in the #FIFACWC until Wessam Abou Ali bagged a hattrick 🤩 #CWC2025 #SSFootball — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 24, 2025 Three goals in three minutes soon after the break had the scores back level at 3-3 in the 53rd minute, Gomes starting it all off by curling a beautiful shot into the top right-hand corner of the net. Abou Ali then completed his hat-trick with a powerful header from a corner but Aghehowa responded in kind almost immediately down the other end. Ben Romdhane put Al Ahly back in front with a lovely strike from the edge of the box in the 64th and the Egyptian side poured forward looking to boost their goal difference in case the result in Miami went their way. Ahly missed a host of gilt-edged chances, however, and Pepe ensured the honours would be shared when he drilled a shot from the edge of the box past Al Ahly captain El-Shenawy a minute from time. Palmeiras rallied from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw against Miami and qualify top of Group A in a result that sent both teams through to last 16. Simply sensational by Suarez 😮💨🤌 #FIFACWC #CWC2025 #SSFootball — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 24, 2025 Goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez gave Miami a two-goal lead before Paulinho and Mauricio scored in the last 10 minutes to get Palmeiras back on level terms. Both teams finished on five points with Inter second on goal difference. Lionel Messi's Miami will take on Paris St Germain, where the Argentinian spent two seasons from 2021-23, while Palmeiras face fierce Brazilian rivals Botafogo. 'It was a great game from us, it's difficult to play against one of the best teams in South America,' said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, who described it as a 'historic night' for Major League Soccer. European champions PSG moved into the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over hosts Seattle Sounders. The Ligue 1 winners, who suffered a shock defeat by Botafogo on Friday and were guaranteed a spot in the last 16 with a win over Seattle, scored in each half through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi. With the result, PSG finished with six points from three games in the group stage. Seattle, who needed to beat PSG by a margin of three goals or more to stand a chance of progressing, exit the CWC winless after three games played in their home stadium, Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. It took nearly the entire second half, but relentless attacks on goal paid off for Antoine Griezmann in the 87th minute as the France international striker earned Atletico Madrid to a 1-0 victory over Botafogo in Group B. After teammate Angel Correa's shot was blocked by a defender, Griezmann sent a left-footed shot into the net. That was not enough to send the Spaniards into the last 16 as Atletico needed a victory of at least three goals to advance.
TimesLIVE
09-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Emotional Ronaldo rejoices in Portugal winning Nations League
Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo shed tears of joy as they won their second Nations League title on Sunday, insisting that winning trophies with his country beats all club honours. Ronaldo's 138th international goal in the second half took the final to penalties after a 2-2 draw with Spain, with the substituted 40-year-old forward looking on from the sidelines as Portugal netted all five spot kicks to claim the title. The triumph, which left the five-time Champions League winner in tears, was Ronaldo's third on the international stage, accompanying his 2016 European Championship and 2019 Nations League winners' medals. 'What a joy,' Ronaldo told Sport TV. 'First of all for this generation, which deserved a title of this magnitude, for our families. My children came here, my wife, my brother, my friends. 'Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It's tears. It's duty done and a lot of joy. 'When you talk about Portugal it is always a special feeling. Being captain of this generation is a source of pride. Winning a title is always the pinnacle in a national team.' Ronaldo's future playing club football in Saudi Arabia remains uncertain. He said last week he did not plan to play at the Club World Cup in the US, which starts later this month, despite being courted by clubs taking part in the 32-team tournament. The Al-Nassr forward said he had several offers from other teams to play in the US, while his side's sporting director, Fernando Hierro said last month they were negotiating with Ronaldo over a contract extension but faced competition from clubs eager to sign the five-times Ballon d'Or winner. For now, however, he is only focused on celebrating his latest triumph, having played in the final with an injury. Portugal are the first team to win the #NationsLeague twice 🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo has the pleasure of lifting the trophy once again 🏆 — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 8, 2025 'It's beautiful,' he added. 'It's for our nation. We are a small people, but with a very big ambition. 'The future is short term. Now is the time to rest well. I had the injury and that was the maximum, the maximum. I pushed, because for the national team you have to push.' Portugal picked up their second Nations League title with the 5-3 on penalties victory. Alvaro Morata's miss proved costly for Spain as Ruben Neves struck the winning spot-kick to spark wild scenes of celebration. Spain's exhilarating 5-4 victory over France in Thursday's semifinal ensured Luis de la Fuente's side had continued an unbeaten run that stretched back to March 2023 coming into Sunday's showpiece final in Munich. They appeared on course for yet another trophy, on the back last year's European Championship triumph, as Martin Zubimendi tapped home his second international goal in the 21st minute. Cristiano Ronaldo scores and the stadium erupts 🔊 For the second time in the game, Portugal draw level. Nuno Mendes at the heart of the attack again 🇵🇹 📺 Stream #NationsLeague on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 8, 2025 The holders' lead did not last long, however, as flying Portugal full-back Nuno Mendes slotted home the equaliser after good work from Ronaldo in the build up. A sublime pass from midfielder Pedri helped Mikel Oyarzabal, who netted the winner against England in last year's European Championship final, restore Spain's lead before the break. The tussle between the Iberian neighbours was billed as a clash between old and new — 40-year-old and five-times Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo and Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. While Yamal, among the favourites to take home one of the most prestigious individual awards this year, struggled to make inroads, Ronaldo pounced on his chance, firing Portugal level from close range just past the hour mark. Ronaldo went off injured late on and neither side could find a winner in extra time, with the game going to a shoot-out and Portugal netting all five of their penalties to claim the trophy.
TimesLIVE
01-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
No Mbappé, no problem as Enrique completes PSG transformation with a bang
When Luis Enrique claimed in early 2024 that Paris St Germain would be better without Kylian Mbappé, many dismissed it as arrogance or deflection. Fifteen months later, after PSG's first Champions League triumph — a jaw-dropping 5-0 steamrollering of Inter Milan in Saturday's final in Munich — the Spanish coach's bold prediction looks less like provocation and more like prophecy. The victory marked the culmination of a profound transformation, from a club defined by star power to one shaped by structure, tactical clarity and collective belief. Luis Enrique's second season at the helm has delivered what eluded his predecessors — not just a European title, but a new identity for PSG with the youngest squad in the last 16 of the competition, featuring French teenager Desire Doue, who made a decisive impact in Saturday's final. Kings of Europe 👑 Luis Enrique goes where no other PSG manager could 👏👏 #SSUCL #UCLfinal — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 31, 2025 Mbappé's departure to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 was expected to leave a void as the striker had been the club's leading scorer for six consecutive seasons and a global face of their ambition. Without him, pundits questioned whether PSG could remain relevant at the highest level of European competition. They eventually became the second French club to win the European Cup after Olympique de Marseille in 1993. Early results this season seemed to confirm those doubts. The team managed only one win in their first five Champions League group-stage matches, falling to 26th place out of 36 in the league-phase standings. A 1-0 loss at Bayern Munich in November left the team on the brink of early elimination and Luis Enrique facing intense criticism for his tactical decisions and squad selections. PSG finally have their hands on the #UCL trophy 🥹🏆 #UCLFinal | #SSUCL — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 31, 2025 'You cannot understand,' he then quipped at a reporter questioning his tactics and method. Behind the scenes, Luis Enrique stayed resolute. He said he had gathered the players and staff for a key internal meeting. 'We are one of the best teams in Europe,' he insisted, explaining the problem was not talent, but execution. The coach demanded an immediate improvement in their intensity, even threatening to resign if the standard in training didn't improve. In January, PSG hosted Manchester City in a must-win clash and found themselves 2-0 down. What followed was a stunning 4-2 comeback in 30 minutes that transformed the club's season and became a symbolic turning point. There's no feeling in football like winning the Champions League 🥹🏆 #UCLFinal | #SSUCL — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 31, 2025 From that point on, PSG were nearly flawless. A 4-1 win in Stuttgart secured progression, followed by knockout victories over Brest, Liverpool (on penalties at Anfield), Aston Villa, and Arsenal. Unlike in recent years, the team did not buckle under pressure, holding firm in hostile environments and playing with an authority and self-belief that had long evaded the club in Europe. Ousmane Dembele had his best season, scoring 32 goals in all competitions while Doue became a new star for the club, setting up one and scoring two in a stunningly one-sided final. Gianluigi Donnarumma, once a point of weakness, produced decisive saves throughout the campaign and January signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia added versatility and energy to a system that rewarded effort over ego. Discipline, long elusive at PSG, has become a hallmark. When Dembele was late to training ahead of a Champions League match at Arsenal, Luis Enrique left him out of the squad. PSG lost 2-0, but the coach's authority was affirmed. 'That was my best decision of the season,' he later said. And Dembele returned transformed into a formidable forward after years spent being a poster boy for unfulfilled potential. Saturday's final showcased everything Luis Enrique had instilled. PSG showed control, confidence and their high pressing proved too much to handle for Inter. The title ends a 14-year wait for Qatar Sports Investments, who bought the club in 2011 with the stated aim of dominating Europe. That dream is now reality — not with a galaxy of stars, but with a system built to last. Luis Enrique did not just win the Champions League. He reshaped Paris St Germain into something new and as he once claimed, something better.
TimesLIVE
31-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Doue dazzles as PSG humble Inter 5-0 to win Champions League final
Desire Doue scored twice to inspire Paris St Germain to their first European Cup triumph with an emphatic 5-0 win over Inter Milan in a totally one-sided Champions League final on Saturday. After losing the final to Bayern Munich in 2020, Luis Enrique's PSG side, who teetered on the brink of elimination in the league phase this season, finally claimed the trophy their big-spending Qatari owners have craved. PSG put on a masterclass which the more experienced Inter side had no answer to, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes through former Inter defender Achraf Hakimi and Doue. The 19-year-old Doue was on target again in the 63rd minute, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored 10 minutes later and substitute Senny Mayulu netted three minutes from time to seal the biggest winning margin in a Champions League final. Before kickoff the Italian fans sang "There's Only Inter", the club's anthem, but on the pitch their side went missing and PSG ran riot to secure a richly deserved win. There's no feeling in football like winning the Champions League 🥹🏆 #UCLFinal | #SSUCL — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 31, 2025 PSG bossed the game from the start, maintaining possession with their slick passing, every player constantly searching for an opening, which they found in the 12th minute when Vitinha played a pass into Doue in the box. Inter defenders appealed for offside but Federico Dimarco played the PSG man onside and the youngster kept his cool to roll the ball across goal and hand Hakimi the simplest of tap-ins. The second came eight minutes later from a quick PSG counter which found Ousmane Dembele on the left wing. Dembele drove forward before floating the ball to the far side and Doue had time to control the ball on his chest and his shot took a deflection off Dimarco to beat the wrong-footed Yann Sommer. Is there a hotter prospect in Europe right now than Désiré Doué? 👀🔥 📺 Stream #UCLFinal on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 31, 2025 PSG killed off the game with a third goal when Vitinha slid the ball through to Doue in the area and the 19-year-old coolly slipped the ball past Sommer. Inter were shell-shocked but things only got worse. Dembele's defence-splitting pass from his own half sent Kvaratskhelia haring away before beating Sommer at his near post, a goal which brought the PSG bench, including Luis Enrqiue, onto the pitch as they knew this game was all over.
