Football

Switzerland's Yann Sommer Retires from International Football After Illustrious CareerSwitzerland's veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer has bid farewell to international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 12-year career with the national team. The 35-year-old shot-stopper, who currently plies his trade for Inter Milan, made 94 appearances for his country, leaving an indelible mark on Swiss football history.Sommer's international debut came in 2012, and he quickly established himself as the undisputed number one goalkeeper, taking over the mantle from Diego Benaglio. His exceptional performances between the posts played a pivotal role in Switzerland's success on the international stage.The highlight of Sommer's career came at Euro 2020, where he made a heroic penalty save against France's Kylian Mbappé in the last 16. This crucial stop propelled Switzerland into their first major quarter-final since 1954. Sommer's heroics continued throughout the tournament, as he helped his team reach the last eight.Sommer's consistency and reliability were instrumental in Switzerland's impressive run at the last six major tournaments, where they consistently reached the knockout stages. His leadership and experience were invaluable to the team, and he was widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.In a statement released by the Swiss Football Association, Sommer expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country: "My time with the national team has meant a lot to me. I look back with pride on the many unforgettable moments, the exciting matches, the victories celebrated together, and the challenges we have overcome together."Sommer's retirement marks the end of an era for Swiss football. His exceptional talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting legacy on the national team. He will be remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Swiss history, and his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of players.

Chinese Football Official Sentenced to 11 Years for BriberyIn a significant development in China's ongoing crackdown on corruption in sports, a former top official of the Chinese Football Association (CFA) has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. Li Yuyi, who served as vice president of the CFA from 2015 to 2019, was found guilty of taking bribes worth over $1.7 million between 2004 and 2021.Li's conviction is the latest in a series of high-profile cases targeting corruption in Chinese football. In March, former CFA head Chen Xuyuan was sentenced to life in prison for accepting bribes exceeding $11 million. Former national team coach Li Tie also pleaded guilty to accepting bribes and match-fixing.The crackdown on corruption in Chinese sports is part of President Xi Jinping's broader anti-graft campaign. Xi, a self-proclaimed football enthusiast, has expressed his ambition for China to host and win the World Cup. However, repeated corruption scandals and disappointing results on the pitch have hindered these aspirations.Li's sentencing sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated in Chinese sports. The investigation into Gou Zhongwen, former director of the General Administration of Sport of China, further demonstrates the government's determination to root out corruption at all levels.The crackdown has also led to the investigation of around 10 high-level CFA officials in recent months. These actions aim to restore integrity to Chinese football and create a level playing field for all participants.

Cristiano Ronaldo's frustration boiled over after Al-Nassr's 4-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup final. Despite scoring the opening goal, Ronaldo's team collapsed in the second half, conceding four goals in quick succession.Aleksandar Mitrovic led the comeback for Al-Hilal, scoring twice in six minutes, while Malcom added a fourth to seal the victory. Al-Hilal fans taunted Ronaldo with chants of "Messi," further fueling the rivalry between the two football legends.Ronaldo's anger was evident throughout the match, with cameras capturing him gesturing towards his teammates. After the final whistle, he refused to collect his runner-up medal, heading straight to the locker room.This incident has sparked discussions about Ronaldo's temperament and the pressure he faces in his second season with Al-Nassr. Former teammates Rio Ferdinand and Louis Saha believe Ronaldo has the potential to become a successful manager, citing his energy, passion, and experience.Ronaldo's frustration may stem from his desire to continue playing at a high level. Ferdinand believes he will play for at least three more years, while Saha suggests he could transition into a managerial role.Despite his disappointment, Ronaldo remains a respected figure in the football world. His work ethic and determination have inspired many, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is secure.

The Durand Cup, India's oldest football tournament, has reached its quarterfinal stage, with defending champions Mohun Bagan FC set to face Punjab FC in a highly anticipated clash. The draw for the quarterfinals was held virtually, with representatives of the eight qualified teams present.After the conclusion of the FC Goa versus Shillong Lajong FC Group F game, a video call was arranged where representatives of all qualified teams came on board. A live draw of lots was then conducted in front of them, and two teams to play in each venue were finalized.A decision was made to shift the second quarterfinal from Kolkata to Shillong due to playing conditions. The Durand Cup kicked off on July 27, with the final slated for August 31 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. A total of 24 teams took part in this year's edition, including one foreign team from Nepal and all 12 teams of India's top football division, the Indian Super League (ISL).From Group A, arch-rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal qualified for the quarterfinals with two wins, one draw, and seven points. Bengaluru FC qualified from Group B with three wins in three games and nine points. Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC made it to the final eight from Group C with two wins, a draw, and seven points. Indian Army FT progressed further from Group D by winning all three games. Northeast United and Shillong Lajong made it to the quarterfinals from Group E and F with nine and seven points, respectively.The quarterfinal fixtures are as follows:* Quarter-Final 1 (August 21, SAI Stadium, Kokrajhar): Northeast United FC vs Indian Army FT, 4:00 PM* Quarter-Final 2 (August 21, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong): Shillong Lajong FC vs East Bengal FC, 7:00 PM* Quarter-Final 3 (August 23, 2024, JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur): Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Punjab FC, 4:00 PM* Quarter-Final 4 (August 23, Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata): Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters FC, 7:00 PM

The Premier League 2024/25 season kicked off with a bang as the league's heavyweights flexed their muscles in the opening week. Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United all secured convincing wins, while Aston Villa, Brighton, and Newcastle United also impressed.Manchester City's Erling Haaland made an immediate impact, scoring the opening goal against Chelsea and silencing Spanish defender Marc Cucurella, who had previously mocked the Norwegian striker. City's 2-0 victory extended their winning streak in the Premier League to four titles.Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town, with Mohamed Salah continuing his tradition of scoring on Matchday 1. Manchester United also earned a 1-0 victory over Fulham, with Joshua Zirkee scoring on his debut.Arsenal, who narrowly missed out on the title last season, started strongly with a 2-0 win over Wolves. Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka opened their accounts for the season, setting the tone for a potential title challenge.Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, continued their progress with a 2-1 win over West Ham. Brighton, under Fabian Hürzeler, also impressed with a 3-0 victory over Everton. Newcastle United, despite a red card to Fabian Schar, secured a 1-0 win over Southampton.Other notable results included Nottingham Forest's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth and Brentford's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. The Premier League title race is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with several teams vying for the coveted trophy.

Kylian Mbappe's highly anticipated Real Madrid debut ended in frustration as the Spanish giants were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Real Mallorca in their La Liga title defense opener.Mbappe, the French superstar, was unable to find the back of the net despite several chances, as Mallorca goalkeeper Dominik Greif stood tall between the posts. Rodrygo Goes had given Madrid an early lead, but Vedat Muriqi's towering header in the second half leveled the score.Madrid's star-studded lineup struggled to break down Mallorca's resolute defense, which came close to snatching a late winner. Los Blancos defender Ferland Mendy was sent off in stoppage time for a reckless challenge on Muriqi."We went ahead, we had chances to score the second, and then in the second half we lacked balance," admitted Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. "We conceded counter-attacks, it was not a good game, it was quite a clear game to see that we need to defend better and have better balance on the pitch."Ancelotti fielded the same starting lineup that defeated Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, with Jude Bellingham in midfield behind the attacking trio of Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo. However, the team's performance left the Italian coach unimpressed."We have to do better, with more attitude," Ancelotti emphasized. "This game can serve us to learn a lot from, it's a game where it was quite clear where we had a problem. Mallorca had a very good game in a defensive sense, better than us."Mallorca coach Jagoba Arrasate was delighted with his team's performance against the reigning champions. "I'm so tired but it was worth it, it was so important to get a point against a team like Madrid, maybe the best in the world," said Muriqi. "I have to be honest, scoring against Madrid is so beautiful."Madrid's frustration was evident in Mendy's red card, which left them with 10 men in the dying minutes. The draw serves as a wake-up call for Ancelotti's team, who will need to improve their defensive solidity and attacking efficiency if they want to retain their La Liga crown.

Erling Haaland's 91st goal for Manchester City marked his 100th appearance for the club, propelling the defending champions to a 2-0 victory over Chelsea in their Premier League opener. The Norwegian striker's clinical finish in the 18th minute gave City the early advantage, while Mateo Kovacic's strike in the 84th sealed the win.Chelsea, under new manager Enzo Maresca, showed promise early on but struggled to find the back of the net. Nicolas Jackson's goal was ruled out for offside, and he later missed a close-range volley. Despite heavy summer spending, Chelsea's lack of a clinical center-forward was evident.However, there were positive signs for Maresca. Romeo Lavia impressed in midfield alongside Moises Caicedo, while Pedro Neto made a lively debut off the bench. Neto nearly scored with his first touch, but it was Kovacic who doubled City's lead with a well-taken shot.In the early game, Brentford secured a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace. The Bees took the lead through Yoane Wissa in the 18th minute, but Palace equalized through Eberechi Eze in the 64th. Bryan Mbeumo's goal in the 84th minute proved to be the winner for Brentford.

Brentford kicked off their Premier League campaign with a resounding 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, despite the absence of star striker Ivan Toney. The Bees' triumph was orchestrated by goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, while Crystal Palace's lone goal came from an own goal by Ethan Pinnock.Brentford manager Thomas Frank had opted to leave out Toney amid speculation linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia. However, the Bees proved they could cope without their talisman, as they showcased the depth and resilience that characterized their impressive 2021/22 season.The match began with a moment of controversy as Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi was caught out of position, allowing Mbeumo to race onto Wissa's pass and fire home the opening goal. Palace responded with a flurry of attacks, but their efforts were thwarted by a combination of Brentford's resolute defense and some questionable refereeing decisions.Eberechi Eze had a brilliantly executed free-kick ruled out for a foul, while Odsonne Edouard's goal was chalked off for offside. Brentford, however, remained unfazed and doubled their lead when Wissa bundled home a rebound after Dean Henderson parried Nathan Collins' shot.Palace continued to press for an equalizer, but Brentford's defense held firm, with goalkeeper Mark Flekken making several crucial saves to deny Eze. The Bees' victory was a testament to their collective spirit and tactical discipline, as they showed they can compete with the Premier League's top teams even without their star striker.

India's T20I Captain Suryakumar Yadav Condemns Kolkata Rape-Murder CaseAs the nation reels from the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has joined the chorus of voices condemning the heinous crime.Yadav took to Instagram to share a powerful message, urging society to educate men about respecting women. "Educate your son and your brothers and your father and your husband and your friends," read the template post he shared.Yadav's stance echoes the sentiments expressed by other prominent cricketers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Jemimah Rodrigues. Bumrah re-shared a post by Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, highlighting the ongoing threat to women's safety and the lack of progress since the Nirbhaya tragedy.Siraj, on the other hand, shared a collage of news headlines on rape cases, questioning society's excuses and blaming men for their actions.The tragedy has also sparked protests in Kolkata, with supporters of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, two of the city's biggest football clubs, holding a joint demonstration outside the Salt Lake Stadium. They were joined by fans of Mohammedan Sporting Club, who will participate in the Indian Super League this season.The prime suspect in the case is Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police who had access to all departments at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The victim's family alleges that multiple individuals may be involved.The incident has reignited the debate on women's safety in India, highlighting the urgent need for societal change and accountability. Yadav's message and the reactions from other cricketers serve as a reminder that men must take responsibility for their actions and work towards creating a safer environment for women.