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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Reece James thought marathon match would never finish after two-hour delay
Chelsea eventually booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup after finding a route past Portuguese giants Benfica following a huge delay in the USA Reece James admitted he feared Chelsea 's marathon Club World Cup tie would never finish. Chelsea's last 16 clash with Benfica turned into a complete farce when it was delayed for nearly TWO HOURS because of lightning storms and a severe weather warning and eventually took four hours and 38 minutes to complete after kick-off. James said: 'It was in the back of my mind that there was a chance that the game was not going to get completed. It was quite disruptive. We're happy, you know, we are into the next round and the game is completed. 'We got to 85 minutes and then had to sit on wait for, I don't know, a period. It was difficult, the climate was very hot and humid.' It is the sixth game in the Club World Cup which has been delayed by the weather and the third time a game has been delayed by over an hour. Strict US rules mean if there is lightning within a five mile radius then the game is delayed by 30 minutes for safety reasons - and the time delay is then reset every time a bolt is spotted. It is highly likely FIFA will review those protocols before the international World Cup next summer as the climate in the United States has been challenging. Chelsea actually produced their best performance of the tournament against Benfica and James opened the scoring with a 64th minute free kick and they were heading for victory. Incredibly, Chelsea were just six minutes from victory when their players were ordered off the pitch as they had to take cover in the dressing room while the fans were also evacuated from the stands for one hour and 53 minutes until the game restarted. But then when the match eventually restarted, Benfica snatched a dramatic 95th minute equaliser when Angel Di Maria scored from the spot after a highly controversial penalty was given against Malo Gusto. Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni was sent off for a second yellow card in extra time and then Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored in extra time to finally settle a madcap, unforgettable game. Now Chelsea must play Palmeiras in the quarter finals on Friday and Philadelphia and if Manchester City win their game with Al-Hilal in Orlando on Monday then they are on course for a semi final showdown in New York if they both progress. The chance of an all English showdown 3,500 miles from home in New York would be an American dream and a red hot ticket for FIFA. But FIFA must overcome big problems in the Club World Cup to make this tournament a big success and also next year's international World Cup - starting with the weather. They cannot change nature but they can think about where games are played and if you can reduce the safety protocols to stop such big delays. Chelsea now face Palmeiras in the next round and the celebrations at the end against Benfica showed how much this meant. James added: 'We're in a stage of a tournament where you win, you carry on, you lose, you go home. It's knockout football. We got so close in 90 minutes and we felt short. And yeah, we managed to do it in extra time. 'You don't make up the favourites, we're the players. You know, we try and start well against whoever we're playing. It's going to be another tough game. Palmeiras has got amazing players and they're a good side. We're going to set out to win.'
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
SPMEPCI scheme to attract foreign players to invest, bring EV portfolio to India: Mercedes-Benz India CEO
Mumbai: The Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI) will attract newer foreign players to invest and bring their EV portfolio to the country, Mercedes-Benz India CEO and Managing Director Santosh Iyer said on Friday. Speaking to PTI after unveiling two new sportscar models -- the all AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ and GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ Coupe -- Iyer also said while demand momentum continues, 2025 is likely to be a year with marginal growth. The two car models are priced at Rs 3 crore and 3.65 crore (both ex-showroom All India), respectively, the company said. "I think it's a great scheme and a great initiative by the Ministry for Heavy Industries (MHI) to really come up with such a forward-looking scheme. But this scheme is primarily for new entrants who have not come into India," Iyer said. Under the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI), automakers will be permitted to import up to 8,000 EVs at a reduced duty rate of 15 per cent compared to the current 70-100 per cent, provided they commit to investing Rs 4,150 crore in local EV manufacturing . Live Events "We have been in India for the last 30 years. We have already invested Rs 3,000 crore in the (Chakan near Pune) plant. And today, we are already producing two car models locally at this plant (much before the announcement of the scheme). So, I think, for us, it's business as usual. "But I think this scheme will surely attract newer players, who are not yet in India, to invest and come with their electric cars," Iyer said. On issues concerning rare earth magnets, he said in today's time, disruptions happen due to geopolitical issues or supply chain issues, but the company's colleagues involved in the backend are able to manage it quite well. "As of now, we have no disruption in India because of any of these issues," Iyer asserted. He said that the launch of AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ and the track-oriented GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ represents Mercedes-Benz's strong commitment to India's growing community of performance motoring enthusiasts . These vehicles embody the pure essence of AMG with uncompromising performance, precision engineering, and an emotional connect that only a hand-built AMG engine can deliver, he said. "Indian customers have shown tremendous appreciation for Mercedes-AMG's high-performance vehicles, and the AMG GT range caters to this passion with technology and uncompromising performance, representing the pinnacle of automotive engineering," Iyer stated. PTI
The Irish Sun
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Siya Kolisi blasts backlash over Jaden Hendrikse as ‘banter' after Munster URC drama during shootout
SOUTH AFRICA skipper Siya Kolisi has leapt to the defence of Sharks scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse. It comes in the wake of the controversial Advertisement 2 Siya Kolise rubbished claims that his teammate was faking cramp to delay Jack Crowley's attempt in the URC semi-final 2 Munster players were left devastated aftrer the controversial shootout defeat The two-time World Cup winning captain rubbished online speculation that his teammate was faking cramp to delay Kolisi said: 'We stand with Jaden. He is competitive. There has been banter everywhere in the game — we've seen it from players from all over the world. 'There is always a big thing about it, but it's normal. These things happen and people can say what they like. It's banter between two players, and that's all it is — and that's what Jaden is. 'From our side, he knows we're backing him all the way. He cramped - you can see he was definitely cramping.' Advertisement READ MORE ON RUGBY Kolisi also hinted at double standards, appearing to reference Johnny Sexton's World Cup altercation with He also alluded to similar antics from some Munster players in the past. The flanker went on to further support his teammate. He added: 'I get people saying stuff to me in the game, I don't moan about it. Advertisement Most read in Rugby Union "We just carry on, or you react however you want to react. It is what it is. We are supporting him, we stand with Jaden. 'You've seen the ones that happened during the World Cup, and some guys who were on the field there have also done it to other people. 'Jack Crowley he's coming for you' jokes Peter O'Mahony's wife Jess as son practices his rugby skills 'Let's get over it — it's rugby, it's entertainment. That's what people want.' The URC semi-finals now see Leinster host reigning champions Glasgow and the Bulls vs Sharks in an all South African clash. Advertisement
NDTV
09-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"Nation Above All": Shubman Gill, KL Rahul Lead Tributes To Indian Armed Forces Amid Tension With Pakistan
Former and current Indian cricketer showered their love and gratitude on the Indian armed forces as India-Pakistan border tensions reach new heights after the Indian forces successfully repulsed attempted missile strikes and drone attacks from across the border. India vice-captain Shubman Gill was among the cricketers who applauded the armed forces for their bravery. "Nation is above all in such times. Our soldiers, whose valiant efforts ensure our safety, and their families, who make such sacrifices for the nation, we pray for you and all. Jai Hind," posted Gill in a message on X. Nation is above all in such times. Our soldiers whose valiant efforts ensure safety to us, and their families who make such sacrifices for the nation, we pray for you and for all. Jai Hind. — Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) May 9, 2025 "To every member of our esteemed Armed Forces and to the families who stand behind them - we salute your bravery, sacrifice and strength. As a nation, we stand firmly behind you and thank you for protecting us. Jai Hind," wrote KL Rahul in his social media post. To every member of our esteemed Armed Forces and to the families who stand behind them - we salute your bravery, sacrifice and strength. As a nation, we stand firmly behind you and thank you for protecting us. Jai Hind. #OperationSindoor #IndiaFightsPropaganda — K L Rahul (@klrahul) May 9, 2025 On Thursday, Pakistan launched aerial attacks on Jammu as well as several military stations and Jaisalmer near the western border in Rajasthan, but India's air defence systems successfully foiled their attempts. Pakistan attempted strikes, involving drones and missiles, triggered blackouts and sirens across several areas in Jammu and Kashmir. "Immense gratitude to our armed forces for their unwavering bravery and courage to protect this great nation! Praying for the health and safety of our real heroes and their families in these tough times. Jai Hind," read the post by batter Cheteshwar Pujara on X. The 1983 World Cup-winner and former India head coach Ravi Shastri called PM Narendra Modi the 'G.O.A.T' (Greatest of all Time) while praising the armed forces. "I have seen many United outfits in my sporting life, but this is the first time I am seeing a 1.5 billion-strong India United take the field, led by our magnificent Armed Forces and captained by the G.O.A.T., Narendra Modi Ji and his government. Take a bow. Jai Hind @narendramodi. @adgpi, @PMOIndia," posted Shastri. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Friday, suspended the IPL 2025 with immediate effect, albeit for one week, due to the India-Pakistan border tensions. The decision was taken by the BCCI on Friday after cross-border tensions intensified on Thursday night, leading to blackouts in Jammu, Udhampur and Pathankot, as air strikes and drones from Pakistan took over the skies. India's spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, who share the field for the Delhi Capitals, also expressed their support for the soldiers. "India is a peace-loving nation. I stand firmly with our nation, with our armed forces. A big salute to the Indian armed forces for carrying out a splendid attack on Pakistani terrorist bases. "In times of challenge, the strength of a nation lies in its unity. The Indian Army shows us every day what it means to protect, serve, and stand strong. Let's stand together, support our forces, and ensure peace for all. Jai Hind," posted Kuldeep. The attacks seem to be in retaliation for Operation Sindoor by Indian armed forces on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, from where the attack on tourists in Pahalgam was planned. Terrorists killed 26 tourists -- 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen -- near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. "We stand with every soldier on the frontlines, and every family waiting for them back home. In times like these, words will never be enough, but our gratitude is endless. For your courage, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to protect this nation, we are forever indebted. You defend not just our borders, but our dreams. We pray for peace, we honour your service, and we will never forget what you gave for this country. Jai Hind," posted former India wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik.
Glasgow Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Tottenham book Europa League final against Man Utd after victory at Bodo/Glimt
Spurs held a two-goal lead after last week's first leg in north London, but had been warned to expect a stern examination on Bodo's notoriously difficult artificial surface in the Arctic Circle. A firework display welcomed both teams onto the Aspmyra Stadion pitch, but Postecoglou watched his team produce a masterful defensive display in the first half before they struck twice in the second period. Dominic Solanke made the breakthrough after 63 minutes with his 15th goal of the season before a cross-cum-shot from Pedro Porro six minutes later all but assured Tottenham of a place in the final in Bilbao. It will be only the second European final Spurs have contested in the last 40 years and despite a woeful Premier League campaign with the club down in 16th position, Postecoglou can still stay true to his vow of always winning a trophy in his second season. Bodo boasted a formidable home record on a notoriously quick artificial surface, which was saturated by several sprinklers before kick-off in addition to light drizzle. An ear-piercing firework show welcomed the players onto the pitch, but Richarlison almost silenced a partisan home crowd only for his effort shot to be blocked. Olde Didrik Blomberg sent a half-volley into the side netting soon after from a tight angle and yet Spurs impressively navigated the opening exchanges. Good work by Solanke won Tottenham a free-kick in a dangerous position midway through the first half, but Porro's curled effort was tipped over by Nikita Haikin. Trailing two goals from the first leg, Bodo upped their tempo and Guglielmo Vicario was forced to push over a Patrick Berg free-kick before Kasper Hogh sent a header harmlessly off target. A misplaced pass by Yves Bissouma provided Berg with an opening but his long-range shot was held by Vicario as it stayed goalless at half-time. Play resumed with Spurs' away contingent of 404 fans singing about Bilbao although the visitors were twice indebted to Destiny Udogie for crucial clearances to deny Kasper Hogh at the back post. Postecoglou turned to his bench after with Mathys Tel brought on for Richarlison and the first telling contribution of the Bayern Munich loanee led to a goal. Tottenham's Dominic Solanke celebrates (Stian Lysberg Solum/ NTB/AP) Tel took over corner duties from Porro and picked out stand-in captain Romero, who picked out Solanke to stab home from close range after 63 minutes. Six minutes later and it was 2-0 when Dejan Kulusevski played out to Porro, who lobbed Haikin with what appeared a cross. Bodo did win a stoppage-time penalty after Porro was adjudged to have caught Isak Dybvik Maatta, but it was ruled out after a VAR check and ensured Tottenham marched on to an all English final in Bilbao with Manchester United.
