Category: Sports

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Spurs captain Son says Postecoglou a club ”legend”

Tottenham captain Son Heung-min says sacked manager Ange Postecoglou is a “legend” who has “changed the trajectory of this club”.

Postecoglou, 59, was sacked on Friday just over two weeks after ending the club’s 17-year wait for silverware with victory in the Europa League final.

Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League after losing 22 out of 38 matches.

“Gaffer. You’ve changed the trajectory of this club,” Son posted on Instagram, external.

“You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did.

“You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it’s had in decades. We will have those memories for life.

“You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. It’s been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close. I am a better player and a better person because of you.

“Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate.”

England playmaker James Maddison, who joined Spurs from Leicester City in the same summer that Postecoglou arrived, paid his own tribute.

“Your instant belief in me to not only sign me but make me the club’s vice-captain and part of the leadership group from the get-go is something I’ll always be thankful for,” said Maddison.

“You led us to victory and we’re European champions, and in this club’s history books, because of you and your winning mentality.

“Lastly and most importantly, is how you are as a man and a person. Your unwavering self-belief and strong mindset is infectious and a massive reason in why you were the man to end this club’s 17-year drought for a trophy.

“A family man with great morals and I have honestly learnt so much from you. More than you will probably ever know.”

Goalkeeper Vicario said, external: “Boss, I just want to say a massive thank you for everything you have done for me and for all of us.

“From that very first call, right from the beginning, you always showed so much belief in me.

“Giving me the opportunity to be part of the leadership group… those moments, and many others, will stay with me forever.

“You are not only a top manager, you are an incredible person to work for, a real leader, a mentor, and someone I’ll always look up to.

“What we achieved TOGETHER will stay in the history books.

“Wishing you nothing but success as I know you will go on to achieve more and more.

“Thank you, Boss. Forever grateful, Vic.” (BBC)

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Sinner beats Djokovic to set up Alcaraz final

Top seed Jannik Sinner teed up the French Open final against Carlos Alcaraz that many expected after edging past Novak Djokovic in a tense last-four contest.

Italy’s Sinner won 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) to end Djokovic’s hopes of winning a standalone record 25th Grand Slam title.

Djokovic, 38, looked emotional as he put his racquet bags down on Court Philippe Chatrier and waved farewell to an adoring crowd.

Defending champion Alcaraz moved into his second successive Roland Garros final after eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti retired injured in the fourth set of their semi-final earlier on Friday.

Sinner, playing only his second tournament back after a three-month ban for failing two doping tests, meets the Spanish second seed on Sunday.

The pair were the clear favourites before the clay-court Grand Slam tournament and will now write another chapter in their developing rivalry.

Alcaraz led 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-0 2-0 when Italy’s Musetti, aiming to reach his first major final, was forced to end the match early.

“It’s never fair. I want to win but not like this,” said Alcaraz.

Age is clearly catching up with Djokovic – but the nature of this defeat showed just how much he still offers at the top of the game.

The Serb was aiming to become the oldest Grand Slam men’s singles champion by lifting the trophy on Sunday for a fourth time.

Djokovic’s quality and fight enabled him to stay within touching distance of the 23-year-old Sinner, who has taken the reins as the world number one.

Yet it still never truly felt like he would be able to snap his three-match losing streak against the nerveless Italian.

Djokovic tried a variety of tactics – baseline duels, drop-shots, serve and volley – but Sinner was virtually impossible to break down.

The constant pressure forced Djokovic into loose groundstrokes and badly-executed drop-shots in an opening set which swung Sinner’s way when he broke serve in the fifth game.

Djokovic’s level improved in the early part of the second set, with two holds to love followed by scrutiny on Sinner’s serve, but he could not find a way through.

An animated Djokovic roared at the crowd after saving a break point in the fifth game and looked up to the heavens in frustration when another poor return handed over the break in his next service game.

You can never completely count Djokovic out, though. He managed to break back for 5-5 before losing serve again as Sinner sealed a two-set lead at the second opportunity.

Djokovic needed treatment for an issue with his upper left leg before the third set, but Sinner is rarely fazed by any disruptions and soaked up most of what Djokovic threw at him.

That included saving three set points in a tense game at 5-4, where further drama was added by a disbelieving Djokovic arguing over a line call going against him at deuce.

Sinner quickly took control of the tie-break, helped by Djokovic smashing into the net for 3-0, to set up the tantalising meeting with Alcaraz – their first contest in a Grand Slam final. (BBC)

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Beckham set to be awarded knighthood

David Beckham is set to be awarded a knighthood in King Charles’ Birthday Honours.

The former England football captain, 50, was appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003.

But BBC Sport has been told he is now in line to receive further recognition for both his football career, and his contributions to British society, with the list of recipients to be published next week.

Beckham played 115 times for his country as well as for Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, Paris St-Germain and AC Milan, retiring in 2013.

Beckham was reportedly first nominated for a knighthood in 2011.

In 2017 several British newspapers printed details of leaked emails in which Beckham allegedly criticised the honours system and the honours committee.

A spokesperson for Beckham said at the time that the emails were “hacked”, “doctored” and “private”.

The former footballer married singer and fashion designer Victoria Beckham in 1999.

The couple share four children – Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper Seven.

Beckham played a key role in securing the London 2012 Olympics, and has been an ambassador for Unicef since 2005.

Unicef – which supports vulnerable children around the world – launched ‘The David Beckham Unicef Fund’ in 2015 to mark a decade’s partnership between the two.

Beckham became an ambassador for The King’s Foundation in 2024, supporting King Charles’ education programme and efforts to ensure young people have a greater understanding of nature.

He is also part-owner of League Two side Salford City, as well as president and co-owner of Major League Soccer team Inter Miami in the United States.

He helped set-up the Inter Miami CF Foundation – a community driven not-for-profit enterprise that looks to empower underserved communities, using football as a catalyst.

“He is a great ambassador for football and the country,” Beckham’s former England team-mate Wayne Rooney told BBC Sport.

“We all see the charity work that he has done for many years and I am sure he will continue to do that.

“Globally he is a massive icon for any charity to work alongside and he makes everyone proud by raising a lot of money over the years.

“You don’t get to his level worldwide if you don’t work hard. He was persistent and kept going to get the reward he deserved.”

A government spokesperson said: “We do not comment on speculation on honours.”

Beckham’s representatives declined to comment. (BBC)

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Postecoglou sacked by Spurs after Europa League win

Ange Postecoglou has been sacked as Tottenham manager 16 days after leading them to victory in the Europa League final.

A 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao brought Spurs a first major trophy for 17 years.

However, it came towards the end of their worst Premier League season, with the London club finishing 17th after losing 22 of their 38 matches.

The Australian told fans “season three is better than season two” as they gathered at a victory parade to mark European success in his second campaign.

But the 59-year-old’s time in north London has ended two years to the day after Spurs announced he would join them from Celtic on a four-year contract.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank is among the leading candidates to replace Postecoglou. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino – now managing the United States – are among the other candidates to have been considered.

Spurs said in a statement Postecoglou would be remembered for delivering “one of the club’s greatest moments” in becoming only the third manager to win them a European trophy.

But they added they could not base their decision on “emotions aligned to this triumph” and felt a change was necessary after a “review of performances”.

Tottenham finished fifth in Postecoglou’s first season in charge before he kept his promise to provide silverware in his second year.

“The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime,” he said in a statement.

“That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.”

Of managers with 100 or more games in charge of the club, Postecoglou ranks seventh with a 46.5% win percentage from 101 matches in all competitions (47 wins, 15 draws and 39 losses).

Tottenham’s decision to sack the man who guided them to a first trophy since 2008 will divide opinion across their fanbase.

He becomes the fourth Spurs manager – after Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte – to lose his job since Pochettino was sacked in November 2019, less than four months after taking them to the Champions League final.

Postecoglou’s reign began in spectacular fashion, despite the exit of the club’s all-time leading scorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.

Spurs set the pace in the early stages of the 2023-24 Premier League season by taking 26 points from their first 10 games, with former Australia boss Postecoglou winning three consecutive manager of the month awards. (BBC)

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Nations League: Yamal shines as Spain edge France in nine-goal thriller

Spain booked their place in the UEFA Nations League final with a dramatic 5-4 victory over France on Thursday in Stuttgart, setting up a clash with Portugal, who defeated Germany 2-1 a day earlier.

The Spaniards raced into an early lead with goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Merino in the 22nd and 25th minutes respectively, both assisted by Mikel Oyarzabal.

The momentum remained with Spain as 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal converted from the penalty spot in the 54th minute to make it 3-0.

Just a minute later, Pedri added a fourth goal after another fine move involving Williams, putting Spain in complete control of the semi-final.

Although Kylian Mbappé reduced the deficit with a penalty in the 59th minute, Yamal responded almost immediately with his second of the night in the 67th minute to restore Spain’s four-goal advantage at 5-1.

France, however, mounted a fierce late comeback. Rayan Cherki struck in the 79th minute, followed by an own goal from Dani Vivian in the 84th.

Substitute Randal Kolo Muani added a fourth in stoppage time, assisted by Cherki, but it proved too little too late for Didier Deschamps’ side.

Meanwhile, in Munich on Wednesday, Portugal came from behind to defeat Germany 2-1. Florian Wirtz opened the scoring for the hosts in the 48th minute, but Francisco Conceicao levelled for Portugal in the 63rd before Cristiano Ronaldo secured the win five minutes later with a decisive goal in the 68th.

Following their respective victories, Portugal and Spain will meet in the final on Sunday at the Allianz Arena in Munich by 1900 GMT, while Germany will face France in the third-place play-off at the MHPArena in Stuttgart by 1300 GMT. (Punch)

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Uzbekistan, Jordan qualify for first-ever World Cup

Uzbekistan and Jordan made history on Thursday by qualifying for their first World Cup, while the pair will be joined in next year’s tournament by perennial participants South Korea.

Uzbekistan, one of the fastest-rising national teams in Asia, drew 0-0 with the UAE in Abu Dhabi to take the second automatic spot in Group A, although top place is still in play after already qualified Iran lost 1-0 to Qatar in Doha.

Heading into the third round’s final set of fixtures on Tuesday, Iran sit at the summit, two points ahead of Uzbekistan.

The top two teams in each of the three Asian groups go straight to the World Cup, while those finishing third and fourth –- the UAE and Qatar hold those slots in Group A –- enter a fourth round of qualifiers.

In Group B, South Korea confirmed their place in an 11th straight World Cup by defeating Iraq 2-0 in Basra.

The victory, sealed by second-half goals from Kim Jin-gyu and Oh Hyeon-gyu, means South Korea reclaim top spot from Jordan, whose 3-0 victory against Oman earlier on Thursday ultimately proved enough to secure their participation at the expanded 48-team showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II congratulated the team on social media.

“This historic qualification is well-deserved by our team, which includes stars and cadres of whom we are proud,” he wrote on X.

“Special thanks go to our loyal fans who have been our support and encouragement.”

Ali Olwin netted a hat-trick as the 2023 Asian Cup runners-up etched their name in the record books.

Iraq were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half when Ali Al Hamadi’s foul on Cho Yu-min was upgraded to a red card following a VAR review.

Iraq sit third in Group B, with Oman and Palestine still able to progress to the fourth round of qualifying. Palestine, who defeated Kuwait 2-0 in Ardhiya, host Oman on Tuesday, while Iraq face Jordan in Amman.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Australia will go head-to-head on Tuesday for the second automatic spot in Group C.

Australia remain in pole position following their last-gasp win against group leaders Japan in Perth.

Defender Aziz Behich was the home hero in front of more than 57,000 fans, rifling into the corner in the 90th minute to give Tony Popovic’s side a crucial 1-0 victory.

“We know there’s room to grow and room to improve, but we’ve done something special tonight,” said Popovic, who saw his team outplayed for long periods by an experimental Japan side.

Saudi Arabia ensured the race for second place will go down to the wire courtesy of a 2-0 win against Bahrain in Riffa. Goals in either half from Musab Al Juwayr and Abdulrahman Al Obud saw Herve Renard’s men stay three points behind second-placed Australia.

However, the Saudis will have to win in Jeddah by five goals to leapfrog the Socceroos.

Popovic, who replaced Graham Arnold in the dugout in September, added: “We’ve all played a part in getting us to this point. We want to go to Saudi Arabia and really finish the job off.”

Also in Group C, Patrick Kluivert’s Indonesia kept alive their hopes of reaching a first World Cup since the country’s independence in 1945 with a 1-0 win over China.

That leaves Indonesia fourth in the group, one point behind Saudi. Ole Romeny scored the only goal, his controversial penalty just before half time following a VAR check leaving China rooted to the bottom of the group and thus ending their hopes of making a second World Cup. (Punch)

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Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title to end Harry Kane’s trophy wait

Harry Kane ended his long wait for the first team trophy of his career as Bayern Munich clinched the Bundesliga title – without playing – on Sunday.

Bayern’s celebrations were dramatically put on hold a day earlier when Yussef Poulsen scored a stoppage-time goal to earn RB Leipzig a 3-3 draw and make the leaders wait.

But Leverkusen, who had to win at Freiburg on Sunday to mathematically stay in the hunt, were held to a 2-2 draw that crowned the Bavarians this weekend after all.

Kane was forced to watch on against RB Leipzig after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season, moving to the touchline in expectation before Poulsen spoiled the party in the 94th minute.

But the 31-year-old England captain will be back for Saturday’s home game against Monchengladbach as Bayern can look forward to celebrating with their fans at the Allianz.

Kane has played a huge role in securing Bayern’s 34th league crown, topping the Bundesliga scoring charts with 24 goals, but in his 15th season as a pro – and two years after leaving boyhood club Tottenham – he has finally got his hands on silverware.

After 11 straight Bundesliga titles, Bayern fell short last season in Kane’s first year with the club, when invincible Bayer Leverkusen finished top. But Bayern have regained the championship this time with two rounds remaining.

Kane, who has lost Champions League and Carabao Cup finals at club level and twice lost European finals with England, has broken goal-scoring records in Germany but now has the team title he has craved.

Bayern boss Vincent Kompany, who won the Championship with Burnley in 2022/23, has claimed his first major honour as a manager, while Kane’s former England and Tottenham team-mate Eric Dier is also celebrating the first team trophy of his career. (SkySports)

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‘Greatest-ever’ Vardy to leave Leicester at end of season

Leicester captain Jamie Vardy will leave the former Premier League champions at the end of the season, the relegated club announced on Thursday.

The talismanic forward, a key member of the side that lifted the English league title against the odds in 2016, was described by the club as “our greatest-ever player”.

The former England international, 38, joined the Foxes in 2012 from non-league side Fleetwood Town for £1 million ($1.3 million) and has scored 198 goals in nearly 500 appearances.

He is the club’s record Premier League goalscorer with 143 goals.

Vardy scored 24 times in the 2015/16 Premier League campaign, helping the Foxes to their first top-flight title in one of the greatest shocks in football history.

The pacy forward was also part of Leicester’s 2021 FA Cup-winning side, who beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley.

“We can confirm legendary striker Jamie Vardy will leave Leicester City this summer after 13 seasons that have seen him become our greatest-ever player,” the club said in a statement.

“Jamie is unique,” said chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha.

“He is a special player and an even more special person.

“He holds a place in the hearts of everyone connected to Leicester City, and he certainly has my deepest respect and affection. I am endlessly grateful for everything he has given to this football club.” (RFI)

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Andrea Christensen injury: Barcelona star suffers another setback

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has revealed defender Andreas Christensen has picked up another injury just three days after being cleared to return to action against Real Sociedad this weekend.

Christensen, 28, came off the bench against Valencia in Barça’s first game of the season in August but was then sidelined until January with Achilles problem.

Upon his return to training at the start of the year, the Denmark international injured his calf, ruling him out until the end of February.

Earlier this week, Barça confirmed Christensen had been given the green light to play competitively again, but he received another calf setback on Saturday that will rule him out for four weeks.

“What I can say now is that Andreas got injured in this morning’s training session,” Flick told a news conference.

“He was an option for Real Sociedad on Sunday, but again he is injured. We are looking now how heavy is the injury. Hopefully it’s not so much.”

Christensen joined Barça on a free transfer from Chelsea in 2022 and made 32 appearances to help the club win LaLiga in his first season.

He followed his debut campaign up with another 42 appearances last term, being used as a defensive midfielder at times by previous coach Xavi Hernández, but he has been limited to just one outing this season.

In his absence, Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez have emerged as Barça’s first choice centre-back pairing, with Ronald Araújo and Eric García providing backup.

“We want at least four players for this position,” Flick added. “Normally we have five really good centre-backs, but without Andreas, it’s four.

“Ronald also had a huge injury but he’s doing really good now. He’s a leader. He has everything to reach a very high level. I am really happy with all of them.”

Squad depth may be needed in the coming weeks as the games come thick and fast for the LaLiga leaders.

After Tuesday’s 4-4 draw against Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, Barça welcome Real Sociedad in LaLiga this weekend before travelling to Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Flick aid the fact his side are still in the running to win all three competitions, after already winning the Spanish Supercopa in January, is proof they are exceeding expectations this season.

“We have to accept [the busy schedule] and manage it with the players, maybe by using some fresh legs,” he said.

“It’s good to have [the games]. We have three competitions and can fight for three titles. When we start this season, at this time now, March 1, no one expected that. The team is going great.” (ESPN)

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Billing saves Napoli in draw with Serie A title rivals Inter

Philip Billing kept Napoli right on Inter Milan’s tail at the top of Serie A after scoring a late equaliser in Saturday’s exciting 1-1 draw in Naples.

Denmark midfielder Billing tapped home his first Napoli goal three minutes from the end at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to keep second-placed Napoli one point behind Inter.

The 32-year-old, on loan from Bournemouth, scored after a driving run from Stanislav Lobotka, pouncing on the rebound when his first effort was saved by Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez.

Up to that point, it had looked like Federico Dimarco’s stunning free-kick in the 22nd minute would be enough for Inter to strike a huge blow in their bid to retain the Scudetto.

Simone Inzaghi’s Inter were on the back foot for much of the match and needed some desperate defending as they tried to escape Naples with all three points.

But Inzaghi will again be frustrated by his team failing to win a big match, something that his players have struggled to do this season after dominating the division from start to finish last term.

They could not have met Napoli at a better time, as Antonio Conte’s team had conceded the initiative with three points from their four matches in February after previously looking like storming to a second title in three seasons.

Inter’s dogged rearguard action, which had featured a series of last-ditch lunging tackles and hefty clearances, was finally broken by Billing, who saved his new team in his second appearance since signing in January.

Billing’s late leveller also gave a reprieve to Atalanta who failed to win at home for the fifth straight time in Italy’s top flight and stay third, three points behind Inter.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are still in the fight but have not won in front of their own fans in domestic competition since the turn of the year. Atalanta’s form on home turf is threatening their unprecedented Scudetto bid.

“When we play at home against these kinds of teams when always have to deal with packed defences,” said Gasperini.

“We were hoping to be first and the boys gave everything but this is a difficult period for everyone, you can see that with how the other teams (at the top) are doing.”

Davide Zappacosta went closest to breaking the deadlock five minutes before half-time when he clipped the outside of the post after great work from Ademola Lookman.

Lookman had wasted a great chance one-on-one with Venezia goalkeeper Ionut Radu moments before. The Nigeria forward also smashed over from inches out in the 82nd minute.

Mateo Retegui was also guilty of missing presentable opportunities as Atalanta’s usually flamboyant attack struggled to break down stubborn Venezia.

The surprise point gave Venezia a small boost in their bid to stay up, but Eusebio Di Francesco’s team are five points from Parma, who sit just outside the relegation zone and are at Udinese in Saturday’s late fixture. (Punch)