Football

Five years after the thrilling 2019 Wimbledon final and the heartbreaking ODI World Cup loss for New Zealand, July 14, 2024, promises another unforgettable day for sports enthusiasts worldwide.Copa America 2024 Final: Argentina vs. ColombiaAt 5:30 AM IST, the Copa America 2024 final will kick off in Miami, featuring Argentina and Colombia. Led by the legendary Lionel Messi, Argentina aims to secure their 16th Copa America title and surpass Uruguay as the most successful team in the competition's history. Colombia, last crowned champions in 2001, will pose a formidable challenge.Zimbabwe vs. India, 5th T20IAt 4:30 PM IST, Harare will host the fifth and final T20I match between Zimbabwe and India. The series marks a new era for India without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have retired from the format. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, India has taken a 2-1 lead in the series and aims to seal the victory in the final match.Wimbledon 2024 Men's Singles Final: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak DjokovicAt 6:30 PM IST, the iconic Centre Court at the All England Club will witness a highly anticipated rematch between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. In 2023, Alcaraz denied Djokovic a record-breaking Wimbledon title in a thrilling five-set match. Djokovic avenged the loss twice last year, but the Wimbledon final provides the perfect stage for a grand rematch. Alcaraz seeks his fourth major title, while Djokovic aims for an eighth Wimbledon crown and a record-equaling 25th Grand Slam.Euro 2024 Final: Spain vs. EnglandAt 12:30 AM IST on Monday, the Euro 2024 final will take place in Berlin, pitting Spain against England. Spain, led by rising star Lamine Yamal, has dominated the tournament, winning all six matches. England, playing in their second consecutive final, hopes to end their major title drought since the 1966 World Cup.

Uruguay's Copa America campaign ended in controversy and violence as players clashed with fans following a 1-0 semifinal loss to Colombia. The incident occurred after a physical and emotional match that saw seven yellow cards and one red card.As players exchanged words and shoves at midfield, Uruguay's Darwin Núñez noticed an altercation behind the team's bench. About a dozen players climbed into the stands as the melee continued. Some players were seen throwing punches before Charlotte Mecklenburg Police officers and stadium security restored order after about 10 minutes.Uruguay striker Luis Suárez defended his teammates' actions, saying they were necessary to protect their families and supporters. "Obviously when one has your woman, your little child, your father, elderly people you want to go and see if they're OK," Suárez said. "Here these things, it's an image that no one wants to have created but obviously if someone is attacking your family you want to go and defend them."However, Suárez acknowledged that the incident was unacceptable. "But that doesn't justify the image that it created. We had to protect our families that were there."CONMEBOL, South American soccer's governing body, opened an investigation into the incident. "It is unacceptable that an incident like this turns passion into violence," the statement said.Suárez said he saw family members and children in the crowd and worried about their safety. More than 70,000 fans attended the game, and at least 90% cheered for Colombia and wore their bright yellow colors."They were trapped and things were falling on them and you felt helpless," Suárez said.Uruguay's José María Giménez called the situation a "disaster." "Our family is in danger," Giménez told Fox. "We had to get on top of the stands ASAP to rescue our loved ones with babies. ... It's a disaster because all of the matches are the same. Our families are in danger because of some who drink one or two shots of alcohol that don't know to drink and behave like children."Stadium seating choices for families and friends of players were arranged by Uruguayan soccer's governing body. More protected luxury suites were an option. The Uruguayan soccer association has not made a public statement on the fight.CONMEBOL has not said if any Uruguay players face suspension for entering the stands or throwing punches at Colombia fans. The governing body released a statement after the game saying it condemns any act of violence and that "we invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all of their passion into cheering on their national teams and having an unforgettable party."The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department has not said whether arrests were made, and stadium officials have not commented publicly.

Colombia's resilience and determination were on full display as they overcame a red card and a hostile crowd to secure a 1-0 victory over Uruguay in the Copa America semi-finals. The triumph sends Colombia to the championship match against Lionel Messi's Argentina, extending their unbeaten streak to a record 28 games.The match was a physical battle from the outset, with both teams trading fouls and yellow cards. In the 39th minute, Colombia's Jefferson Lerma broke the deadlock with a header from James Rodríguez's corner kick. The goal was Lerma's third international strike and his second of the tournament.However, Colombia's joy was short-lived as Daniel Muñoz was sent off in first-half stoppage time for a second yellow card. The dismissal forced Colombia to play the entire second half with 10 men.Despite the numerical disadvantage, Colombia defended valiantly, with goalkeeper David Ospina making several crucial saves. Uruguay pressed forward in search of an equalizer, but they were unable to find a way past the resolute Colombian defense.The match was marred by several incidents of crowd trouble, with players from both teams being pushed and shoved after the final whistle. Some players even entered the stands to confront fans.Colombia's victory is a testament to their mental fortitude and their ability to overcome adversity. They will now face Argentina in the final, where they will aim to win their first Copa America title since 2001.

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, has declared that he is savoring his "last battles" with the national team after scoring in a 2-0 victory over Canada in the Copa America semifinals. The win secured Argentina's place in the final, where they will face either Uruguay or Colombia.Messi, now 37 years old, has been a pivotal figure in Argentina's recent success, leading them to the 2022 World Cup triumph and the 2021 Copa America title. He has yet to indicate whether he will continue playing for Argentina beyond the 2026 World Cup, which will feature a final at the New Jersey venue.After a lackluster performance against Ecuador in the quarter-finals, Messi showcased his brilliance against Canada, connecting seamlessly with Angel Di Maria and strike partner Julian Alvarez, who also scored."I'm living it like I lived it in the last Copa America, in the last World Cup....these are the last battles and I'm enjoying them to the maximum," Messi said after the win.Messi's comments have sparked speculation about his future with Argentina, but coach Lionel Scaloni has urged for calm. "We have to leave him alone, he knows that we will not be the ones to close the door on him. He can stay with us as long as he wants, even when he retires...Let him decide what he wants," Scaloni said.Messi has the opportunity to win a third consecutive major title with Argentina, following their World Cup and Copa America triumphs. He acknowledged the significance of the team's success, particularly for veteran players like Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi."The truth is that it's crazy what this group has done, what the Argentina national team has been doing, because after all this it gives value to all (the tournaments) I and the old generation have played in," Messi said.Despite Argentina's comfortable victory over Canada, Messi emphasized the challenges they have faced in the tournament. "It's a difficult Copa, evenly matched, with very bad pitches, with high temperatures, very tough teams, and for us to be in a final again is something to enjoy," he said.Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez echoed Messi's sentiments, expressing the immense pride and joy of reaching another final. "It's a source of pride as an Argentine, as a representative of this national team, to be able to play in another final. It feels as if it was the first time," Martinez said.

Uruguay's Copa America hopes have been dealt a blow with the news that central defender Ronald Araujo will miss Wednesday's semi-final against Colombia due to a thigh injury. Araujo was forced off in the first half of Uruguay's victory over Brazil on Saturday, and tests have revealed a "muscular injury" to his right thigh.Atletico Madrid's Jose Maria Gimenez is expected to replace Araujo in the starting lineup, while Guillermo Varela or Agustin Canobbio are the likely candidates to fill in for suspended right-back Nahitan Nandez.Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa expressed his disappointment at Araujo's absence but praised the progress of Colombia, who are now unbeaten in 27 matches. "They are a big rival, on a positive run of results," Bielsa said. "Brazil were a very demanding opponent and Colombia has to be viewed the same way."Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo downplayed the significance of Uruguay's injury concerns. "I don't consider it a decisive advantage," Lorenzo said. "I think they have great players to play in the same positions."Lorenzo also confirmed that midfielder Jefferson Lerma is available after serving a one-match suspension. Colombia beat Panama 5-0 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals and equal the country's unbeaten run record set between 1992 and 1994.Argentina and Canada will face each other in the other semi-final on Tuesday in New Jersey. The Copa America final will be held in Miami on Sunday.

Defending champions Argentina have secured their place in the Copa America final after a convincing 2-0 victory over Canada in the semi-final on July 9th. The match, held in New Jersey, saw Argentina dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.In the opening minutes, Canada put up a spirited fight, with Jacob Shaffelburg twice coming close to scoring. However, Argentina gradually took control of the game and broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Rodrigo De Paul played a through ball to Julian Alvarez, who ghosted between two defenders and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.Argentina continued to press forward, and Lionel Messi had a chance to double their lead in the 44th minute. The Argentine maestro created space in the box with his trademark footwork but fired his shot wide.Canada nearly equalized against the run of play in first-half stoppage time. Jonathan David snuck in ahead of his marker to get on the end of a long throw, but his close-range shot was saved by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.Messi sealed Argentina's victory in the 51st minute. Enzo Fernandez's shot from the edge of the area was deflected by a Canadian defender, and Messi was on hand to poke the ball past Crepeau. The goal moved Messi to joint fifth in the all-time Copa America scoring charts, level with Peru's Paolo Guerrero and Chile's Eduardo Vargas on 14.Despite their two-goal cushion, Argentina had a nervy finish to the match. Canada substitute Tani Oluwaseyi tested Martinez with a crisp shot in the 89th minute before directing a glancing header wide a minute later.Argentina will now face either Uruguay or Colombia, who meet on July 10, in the final in Florida on July 14.

Argentina's hopes of retaining the Copa America title received a significant boost as head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that talisman Lionel Messi is fit to play in the semi-final clash against Canada.Messi, who missed Argentina's final group stage match due to a thigh issue, returned to action in the quarter-final victory over Ecuador, playing the full 90 minutes. Despite missing a penalty in the shootout, Messi's presence on the field was a major factor in Argentina's triumph.Scaloni expressed confidence in Messi's fitness, stating, "99 per cent of the time, [Messi] is fit to play. It's never happened to me that he's not fit to play. Every time he's come out on the pitch, he's fit to play. For [Canada], he's fit to play, without a doubt."The coach acknowledged Messi's ability to make a difference even when not fully fit. "When he's fit, he always plays. There are no doubts. Who would have any doubts? I'm the coach, so I have no doubts. I'm the one who decides, and when I see that he's fit to play, even if he's not 100 per cent fit, he's going to play. I take responsibility for that, but I have no doubts," Scaloni said.Argentina, who are unbeaten in the tournament, are just two games away from defending their crown. They will face Canada on Tuesday at MetLife Stadium. A victory over Canada would mark Argentina's fourth final appearance in five tournaments.

The Copa America semi-finals are set to ignite with Argentina, the reigning champions, facing off against Canada, the tournament's surprise package. Uruguay, who stunned Brazil in a penalty shootout, will battle Colombia, an unbeaten force in 27 games.Argentina, led by the enigmatic Lionel Messi, will be the heavy favorites against Canada. However, the North Americans have impressed under coach Jesse Marsch, implementing a high-energy, pressing style that has propelled them to the last four.Canada's confidence is soaring after their penalty shootout victory over Venezuela. However, they acknowledge the daunting task ahead against Argentina, who defeated them 2-0 in the group stage."It's going to take everything," said Alphonso Davies, Canada's Bayern Munich wing-back. "We're going to try to play the way we want to play and see if we can keep it up."Argentina's lineup remains largely unchanged from their World Cup triumph in 2022. Messi, despite a hamstring strain, has yet to reach his peak form, but the team boasts a wealth of quality in midfield and a solid defense.Colombia, under Nestor Lorenzo, have found a new lease of life. Playmaker James Rodriguez has rediscovered his spark, providing creativity and scoring a penalty in their 5-0 thrashing of Panama.Uruguay, buoyed by their victory over Brazil, will be without the suspended Nahitan Nandez and injured Ronaldo Araujo and Matias Vina. However, coach Marcelo Bielsa's direct, hard-running style promises a high-tempo encounter against Colombia, who possess the pace of winger Luis Diaz."The match against Colombia will be just as demanding," said Bielsa. "We are confident we can play on an equal footing with any opponent."The Copa America final will be held in Miami on July 14, with the winner etching their name in the tournament's history.

Uruguay and Colombia emerged victorious in their respective Copa America quarterfinal matches, setting up a thrilling semifinal clash.Uruguay's 4-2 penalty shootout triumph over Brazil was a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite going down to 10 men in the second half, Uruguay held their ground and forced the match into a shootout. Sergio Rochet's heroics in goal, saving Brazil's first penalty, proved crucial.Brazil, without the suspended Vinicius Jr., struggled to create clear-cut chances. Uruguay's high-pressing tactics and physicality made it difficult for the Selecao to find their rhythm. The match was marred by a series of bruising challenges, with 17-year-old Brazilian forward Endrick being a particular target.Colombia, meanwhile, cruised to a 5-0 victory over Panama, extending their unbeaten run to 27 matches. James Rodriguez was the star of the show, scoring one goal and setting up two more. Colombia's dominance was evident from the outset, with Jhon Cordoba heading home the opener in the eighth minute.Panama had a brief spell of possession but failed to capitalize on their chances. Colombia punished their opponents with further goals from Rodriguez, Luis Diaz, Richard Rios, and Miguel Borja.