Football

AC Milan's resilience was tested to the limit as they overcame a numerical disadvantage to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Udinese at the San Siro. The win propelled Milan to within two points of Serie A leaders Napoli, while Udinese remained in third place with 14 points.Milan's triumph was marred by the early dismissal of Tijjani Reijnders in the 29th minute for a reckless foul on Sandi Lovric. Despite the setback, Samuel Chukwueze's 13th-minute strike proved to be the decisive moment.Milan's task became even more daunting as Tammy Abraham missed a golden opportunity to extend their lead with 15 minutes remaining. However, the hosts' resolve was unwavering, and they held on for a crucial victory.Udinese thought they had snatched a late equalizer in stoppage time through Christian Kabasele, but VAR intervened to rule out the goal for offside. The decision sparked jubilation among the Milan faithful, who had endured a tense and emotional match.The victory was overshadowed by the absence of Milan's "ultras" supporters, who staged a silent protest against perceived persecution by law enforcement and the Italian media. The ultras' banners and flags were replaced by a message of support for their arrested allies.Meanwhile, Juventus have the opportunity to join Napoli at the summit of Serie A with a win over Lazio later on Saturday. However, Thiago Motta's side has been hampered by a string of injuries.

England's resilience and clinical finishing have propelled them to the Euro 2024 final, despite not being the most aesthetically pleasing team. In the knockout stages, they have consistently found ways to win, even when trailing.Against the Netherlands in the semi-final, England faced an early setback with Xavi Simons' stunning goal. However, they remained composed and equalized through a controversial penalty converted by Harry Kane. The game remained tense until substitute Ollie Watkins' last-minute strike sealed the victory.England's success is not based on overwhelming opponents but on their ability to defend resolutely and capitalize on their chances. Despite averaging only 9.1 shots per game in the past two Euro tournaments, they have proven that clinical finishing is crucial in knockout scenarios.Watkins' late winner against the Netherlands was the latest winning goal in a European Championship or World Cup semi-final (excluding extra time). It also highlighted England's ability to create space and take advantage of opportunities.Phil Foden's improved performance in the semi-final was also a key factor. His movement and creativity created chances for his teammates.However, the final against Spain will present a different challenge. Spain is a mobile and persistent team that will test England's defense. England may need to adjust their tactics and rely on counterattacks to exploit Spain's attacking tendencies.Regardless of their approach, England has earned the right to dream of their second major tournament victory. Their resilience, clinical finishing, and unwavering determination have carried them to the brink of glory.

Erling Haaland, the Norwegian goal-scoring machine, continues to defy expectations and silence critics with his remarkable resilience and unwavering determination. Despite facing a challenging season marred by injuries and personal setbacks, Haaland has proven his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to Manchester City's success.After missing 10 games due to a foot injury, Haaland made his triumphant return to action against Burnley late last month. While he faced some initial struggles to regain his peak form, he quickly bounced back with a series of impressive performances, showcasing his resilience and unwavering focus.In the recent Premier League match against Brentford, Haaland delivered a crucial 71st-minute goal, securing a vital victory for Manchester City. This goal brought the team within one point of league leaders Liverpool, highlighting Haaland's significance in City's title aspirations.Haaland's resilience extends beyond his physical recovery from injury. Amidst personal grief following the passing of his grandmother, he displayed remarkable mental fortitude and continued to perform at the highest level. His ability to compartmentalize his emotions and maintain his focus on the pitch is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft.Manager Pep Guardiola has been vocal in his support of Haaland, acknowledging the challenges he has faced and praising his resilience. Guardiola emphasized that Haaland's recent struggles were due to a combination of factors, including his injury, lack of match fitness, and the emotional toll of his grandmother's passing.Despite missing five Premier League games, Haaland remains the league's top scorer with an impressive tally of 17 goals. His ability to find the back of the net consistently, even after a lengthy absence, is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.Haaland's impact on Manchester City has been transformative. Since joining the club in 2022, he has scored a remarkable 53 goals in just 55 Premier League appearances, maintaining an incredible goal-per-game ratio. His prolificacy in front of goal has been instrumental in City's success, helping them secure back-to-back Premier League titles.Haaland's combination of physical prowess, technical ability, and unwavering determination makes him one of the most formidable strikers in the world. His ability to create scoring opportunities out of seemingly nothing and his insatiable desire to contribute to the team's success set him apart from his peers.As Manchester City continues their quest for a fourth consecutive Premier League title and their first successful defense of the Champions League, Haaland remains their talisman and biggest hope. His resilience, determination, and unwavering focus will be crucial in helping the team achieve their ambitious goals.