Football

Real Madrid has secured the services of midfield maestro Luka Modric for another three seasons, extending his contract until June 2025. The Croatian international, who joined the Spanish giants in 2012, has become an integral part of the club's success over the past decade.Modric, now 37, has played a pivotal role in Madrid's dominance in both domestic and European competitions. He has won an astonishing 26 titles with the club, including six Champions League trophies and four La Liga titles. His individual accolades include the Ballon d'Or, FIFA Player of the Year Award, and UEFA Player of the Year Award, all of which he received in 2018.Despite his advancing age, Modric remains a vital cog in Carlo Ancelotti's midfield. While he may not start as regularly as he once did, his experience and leadership qualities are invaluable to the team. With the retirement of Toni Kroos looming, Modric is expected to play a more prominent role in the coming seasons.Modric's exceptional vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game make him a formidable opponent. He is also renowned for his work ethic and determination, which have earned him the respect of both teammates and opponents alike.Off the field, Modric is a respected figure in the football world. He is the all-time record-holder for international caps with Croatia, having made 178 appearances for his country. He led Croatia to a runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup, where he was named the Golden Ball winner as the tournament's outstanding player.Real Madrid's decision to extend Modric's contract is a testament to his enduring quality and the club's belief in his ability to continue contributing at the highest level. As he enters the twilight of his career, Modric will undoubtedly remain a key figure for both club and country.

Hard Rock Stadium has defended its security measures following the chaotic scenes that marred the Copa America final between Colombia and Argentina. CONMEBOL, the governing body for football in South America, accused the venue of ignoring advice that could have prevented the incidents that delayed the game by 82 minutes.CONMEBOL claimed that local organizers failed to follow suggested procedures, such as setting up an outer perimeter to screen ticketless fans. However, stadium officials stated that security measures were jointly decided by the venue, CONMEBOL, and local law enforcement.Hard Rock Stadium has a proven track record of hosting major events, including Super Bowls, international soccer matches, and Formula 1 races. The venue emphasized that security is always a collaborative effort involving the organizer, law enforcement, and the venue.According to the stadium, it implemented and exceeded CONMEBOL's security recommendations throughout the tournament and the final. Despite the presence of 800 officers, local police were overwhelmed by the situation and detained 27 people while ejecting 55 others.The security concerns raised by the Copa America final have raised questions about the United States' ability to co-host the 2026 World Cup. The incident also follows a brawl between Uruguay players and Colombian fans after their semi-final defeat in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, is expected to miss at least the next two matches for his Major League Soccer team, Inter Miami, due to an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final.According to Inter Miami coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino, Messi suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle during Argentina's 1-0 victory over Colombia on Sunday. The team's medical staff has assessed the injury and determined that Messi's availability will be evaluated on a regular basis as he undergoes rehabilitation.Messi's absence is a significant blow to Inter Miami, who are currently second in the Eastern Conference standings. The team is scheduled to host Toronto FC on Wednesday night and Chicago on Saturday night.The 37-year-old Messi was forced to leave the Copa America final in tears after going down in the 64th minute. He immediately signaled to the Argentina bench and remained on the ground for several minutes before removing his right boot and slowly walking off the field. Cameras later captured him on the bench with a visibly swollen right ankle.In an Instagram post on Monday, Messi expressed optimism about his recovery and stated his hope to return to action soon. However, the severity of his ankle injury remains unclear, and it is possible that he could miss additional matches beyond the next two.Messi's injury is a reminder of the physical toll that international football can take on players, especially those who are approaching the end of their careers. The Argentine maestro has played over 1,000 professional matches for club and country, and his body is showing signs of wear and tear.Despite his injury, Messi remains one of the most influential players in the world. His presence on the field inspires his teammates and captivates fans. Inter Miami will hope that Messi can recover quickly and return to action as soon as possible to help the team achieve its goals in the MLS.

Kylian Mbappé, the French football superstar, has officially joined Real Madrid, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The 25-year-old striker signed a five-year contract with the Spanish giants on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, after completing his medical earlier in the day.Mbappé was unveiled to a roaring crowd of 80,000 fans at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where he was presented with the No. 9 shirt by club president Florentino Perez. "My dream has come true," Mbappé exclaimed in Spanish, his voice filled with emotion. "For years, I've dreamed of playing for Real Madrid, and today it's a reality."Mbappé expressed his gratitude and determination, saying, "I'm a happy boy. I'm going to give my life for this club." The crowd erupted in chants of his name, and Mbappé couldn't resist kissing the jersey of the reigning Spanish and European champions.Perez hailed Mbappé as "an exceptional player who comes to help us continue winning, a player who today fulfills the dream of his life." He welcomed Mbappé to his "new home," adding, "Bienvenido a tu nueva casa, @KMbappe!"Mbappé's arrival at Real Madrid has sparked immense excitement among fans, who celebrated his unveiling alongside Spain's recent Euro 2024 triumph. The crowd was expected to surpass the attendance at Cristiano Ronaldo's unveiling 15 years ago.Mbappé will join an offensive trio alongside Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti. The prospect of this attacking force has thrilled Real Madrid fans, who are eager to see their team defend their La Liga crown and pursue another Champions League title.Mbappé's transfer to Real Madrid comes after a disappointing Euros campaign with France, where he was overshadowed by Spain's Lamine Yamal. However, he is determined to make a fresh start in Madrid and achieve his lifelong goals of winning the Champions League and the Ballon d'Or.

Colombian Football Federation President Arrested in Miami After Copa America Final ChaosColombian Football Federation president Ramon Jesurun was arrested in Miami during the chaotic Copa America final on Sunday night, according to a police report. Jesurun was charged with "assault on officer/employee" after a confrontation with security guards at Hard Rock Stadium.The incident occurred after Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 in extra time. Jesurun and his family were denied access to the field for the awards ceremony, leading to a confrontation with a security guard. Jesurun's son reportedly confronted the guard, and Jesurun himself became involved in the dispute.Police officers intervened and arrested Jesurun. He was later released on bond.The arrest was part of a larger incident that saw 27 arrests and 55 ejections from the stadium. Spectators stormed the gates, pushing people to the ground and trying to sneak into the stadium through air conditioning ducts. The start of the match was delayed by 80 minutes due to the chaos.Miami-Dade police director Stephanie Daniels praised her officers' response to the situation. "I'm very proud of our officers' response to a volatile situation and for their hard work in keeping our community safe," she said.South American football governing body CONMEBOL said in a statement that it had suggested procedures to security organizers that were not used. CONMEBOL expressed regret that the violence had tarnished the final.Jesurun is a vice president of CONMEBOL and has been president of the Colombian Football Federation since 2015. He is a controversial figure in Colombian football, having been accused of corruption and mismanagement.

Cristian Arango Suspended for Violating MLS Anti-Harassment PolicyMajor League Soccer (MLS) has suspended Real Salt Lake's leading goalscorer, Cristian Arango, for four games for violating the league's Anti-Harassment Policy. The 29-year-old Colombian forward will miss crucial matches against Los Angeles FC, Colorado, and Atlas in the Leagues Cup.Arango, who has been a prolific scorer for Real Salt Lake this season with 17 goals and 11 assists in 23 matches, will also miss the MLS All-Star Game on July 24. The suspension is a significant blow to Real Salt Lake, who are currently tied with LAFC and the Galaxy atop the Western Conference with 43 points.The MLS Anti-Harassment Policy prohibits any form of harassment, including verbal, physical, or sexual misconduct. The league has not disclosed the specific nature of Arango's violation, but it is clear that the incident was serious enough to warrant a four-game suspension.Arango's suspension comes at a crucial time for Real Salt Lake, who are in the midst of a tight race for the Western Conference title. The team will have to find a way to replace Arango's production in his absence, which could prove to be a difficult task.The suspension also raises questions about Arango's future with Real Salt Lake. The Colombian forward has been a key player for the team since joining in 2021, but his off-field conduct could now put his place in the squad in jeopardy.Real Salt Lake has not yet commented on Arango's suspension, but the team is expected to release a statement in the coming days. The suspension is a reminder that even the most talented players are not immune to the consequences of their actions.

Olivier Giroud, France's all-time leading goalscorer, has bid farewell to international football after a remarkable career spanning 13 years. The 37-year-old striker announced his retirement on Monday, leaving behind a legacy of 57 goals in 137 appearances for Les Bleus.Giroud's journey with the French national team began in 2011, and he quickly established himself as a reliable goalscorer. He netted his first international goal in a friendly against Germany and went on to become the team's all-time top scorer, surpassing Thierry Henry's record of 51 goals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Over the course of his international career, Giroud played a pivotal role in France's success. He was part of the squad that won the World Cup in 2018 and was also a runner-up in the 2016 European Championship and the 2022 World Cup.Giroud's international retirement marks the end of an era for French football. He was a beloved figure among fans and teammates alike, known for his unwavering determination and ability to score crucial goals. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of French footballers.

Lionel Messi's Copa America triumph was bittersweet as he was forced to exit the final early due to an ankle injury. The 37-year-old superstar, who had been hoping to play in his sixth World Cup in 2026, was visibly distraught as he left the pitch in the 64th minute.Despite the pain, Messi's tears revealed a deeper anguish. He had won the Copa, but his dream of playing in another World Cup was slipping away. The injury, which he sustained in the second group match against Chile, had hampered him throughout the tournament.Messi's absence was felt in the final, as Argentina struggled to break down a resilient Colombia side. However, the team showed its resilience and determination, eventually winning 1-0 in extra time.The victory marked Argentina's second consecutive Copa America title, but it was a bittersweet moment for Messi. He celebrated his triumph with a limp, and the injury still lingered on Monday.Messi's future with the national team is now uncertain. He has not ruled out playing in the 2026 World Cup, but his age and fitness will be major factors in his decision.If Messi does retire from international football, he will leave behind a legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. He has won countless trophies with Argentina and Barcelona, and he has inspired a generation of young players.However, Argentina has a bright future, even without Messi. The team has a number of talented young players, such as Alejandro Garnacho, Valentín Carboni, and Thiago Almada, who can help the team remain competitive in the years to come.

Europe has crowned a new champion. As the sun rose over the German grounds that witnessed the month-long conquest for European supremacy, the air still reverberated with the vamos and viva chants. The dramatic German summer fairytale came to its worthy nail-biting end with the winds of change, the winds of a Spanish second coming.Football could not make it home neither could any dark horse reign as the Spanish Armada bore the winds of chings behind its sails to recapture part of its empire that it ruled over till a decade ago. And it made sure no question arose over its authority. Spain, under Luis de la Fuente, dominated the tournament in every sense of the word. From finishing first in the group of death — which had holder Italy and World Cup semifinalists Croatia — with all wins and no goals conceded, through the difficult path to the final facing world-class opponents in host Germany and former world champion France to the final against the talent-filled golden generation of England, Spain left no stones unturned.W. W. W. W. W. W. W.#EURO2024While disappointments for Spain in the last decade was a lesson on how tactics become outdated, Spanish success in Germany is a lesson on how to take what is outdated and transform it to the requirements of time. It did the same to set off the first era of Spanish dominance which began with a Euro Cup victory in 2008.Reeling from failures at big stages, then-Spanish coach Luis Aragones realised that his players were not physical enough for the style of play most teams adopted then and decided to bring in short passes to the game, something a certain Pep Guardiola was trying out with Barcelona club then.The first era of Spanish supremacy could also be called the era of Tiki Taka as its midfield bamboozled opposition players with quick short passes, controlling possession, and moving the ball around with ease. The short passes brought Spain its second national title and first since the 1964 Euro Cup in the form of the 2008 Euro championship. The team followed it up with the World Cup two years later and went on to successfully defend its continental title two years later.Reality strikesBut then came the new reality. Being at the receiving end of Tiki Taka for six years gave other teams enough time to decipher it and work out counter-measures. Spain did not see the need to keep updating its gameplay and crashed out of the 2014 World Cup in the group stages, spelling out the beginning of the end.But Spain’s obsession with passes and possession grew with the years, but that obsession, like all obsessions, only led to more tragedy. Spain also failed at transition of generation as it struggled to find replacements for its champion players and found it difficult to strike the chemistry between those it managed to find. And its exit from 2022 World Cup, bowing out to Morocco in penalty shoot-out, after not managing to score seemed like the end of the once-feared La Roja.The World Cup defeat paved the way out for manager Luis Enrique, who failed to replicate his success with Barcelona with the national team, and the lesser known de la Fuente took over.Familiar figureThough de la Fuente was new to the global limelight, he was well known to the Spanish players, many of whom played under him at junior levels. de la Fuente started his shifts with Spain national teams in 2013 when he became the manager of the under-19 outfit. And while their seniors went farther off their game, de la Fuente led the youngsters to glory in the European championships in 2015. He became the manager of the under-21 side in 2018 and brought home the European title for the category a year later.When de la Fuente took over the senior side, he knew what he had to do. And one year later, Spain seniors got its first silverware in 11 years in the form of UEFA Nations League and is now the champion of Europe.New identityde la Fuente spread out the game from midfield to the flanks, and with the arrival of young guns Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams to set the wings on fire, Spanish football is getting a new identity.Runner-up England — which had a bumpy ride to the final circumventing the odds, depending on individual brilliance and last-minute stroke of luck — gave the champion an unexpected fight in the final. Though arguably better teams than England stumbled on the way, the fact that England came close to a football homecoming for back-to-back tournaments could give its coach Gareth Southgate some legitimacy.First actAs the tournament became the first act for a handful of new stars with the likes of Lamine Yamal, the young player of the tournament, Nico Williams and Arda Guler, some goodbyes were inevitabe. With players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Luka Modric at their sunsets and Toni Kroos calling it a day, the winds of change are whistling through the whole of Europe.