Football

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his disappointment over the controversial penalty decision that went against his team in their Euro 2024 semi-final loss to England. The Dutch side fell to a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat after Ollie Watkins scored a late winner, but the match was marred by a contentious penalty call that leveled the game for England.In the 14th minute, Harry Kane and Denzel Dumfries collided inside the Netherlands box. Referee Felix Zwayer initially awarded a goal kick but reversed his decision to a penalty after a VAR review. Van Dijk was adamant that the call was incorrect, stating that "certain moments were obvious that they should have gone our way, but they didn't."The penalty decision sparked outrage among fans and former players, with Gary Neville calling it "a disgraceful decision" and Jamie Carragher stating that it was "never a penalty." Van Dijk echoed these sentiments, expressing his frustration that the referee did not come forward to explain his decision."They keep changing certain things, small changes that could have a big impact," Van Dijk said. "Maybe it's a good thing that they could be held accountable as well. They didn't come here and speak to you and explain themselves like we have to when we do something wrong."Despite the controversial penalty, England ultimately emerged victorious and will now face Spain in the Euro 2024 final. The Netherlands, meanwhile, will be left to rue what could have been, with Van Dijk lamenting the missed opportunities that cost his team a place in the final.

England's dramatic victory over the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final was a testament to the team's resilience and the emergence of young stars. Ollie Watkins' last-minute goal sent the Dutch packing and kept England's dream of winning the tournament alive.However, amidst the celebrations, it was the performance of 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo that stole the headlines. The Manchester United midfielder has been a revelation at the base of England's midfield, continuing his impressive form from the club season.Mainoo's impact on the team cannot be overstated. He has completed over 95% of his passes with an astonishing dribble percentage of 98%. His composure on the ball, ability to play line-breaking passes, and dribble out of trouble have added a new dimension to England's midfield.In the semi-final, Mainoo played a more reserved role, winning 100% of his duels and tackles. This allowed Declan Rice to be more expansive with his game, bombing forward at every opportunity.England will face Spain in the final on Sunday. Both teams boast a wealth of experience and quality, but the biggest talking points have been their teenage superstars.Spain's Lamine Yamal, who will turn 17 during the tournament, has been a revelation. The Barcelona winger has scored four goals and provided two assists, making a strong case for being named Player of the Tournament if Spain wins.The battle between Mainoo and Yamal in the final will be one to watch. Both players have shown exceptional talent and maturity beyond their years. They will be vying to win their respective nations the big prize and cement their status as the next generation of footballing stars.

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.

Ollie Watkins, a self-proclaimed realist, never envisioned himself playing in a major tournament for England. His journey from a loan spell at sixth-tier Weston-super-Mare in 2015 to scoring the winning goal in the Euro 2020 semifinals is a testament to his hard work and determination.Watkins' stoppage-time strike against the Netherlands sent England to the final, leaving him overwhelmed with emotion. "I don't think I've hit a ball that sweet before," he said.As an understudy to England's all-time leading scorer Harry Kane, Watkins has had limited opportunities. However, he has made the most of his chances, showcasing his ability to dart behind defenses and finish with precision.His goal against the Dutch was a perfect example of his style of play. He controlled a pass with his back to goal, then swiveled and fired a low shot through the legs of a defender and past the goalkeeper.Watkins' work ethic and selflessness have made him a valuable asset to England. He is a hard-working, selfless team player who has put in countless hours to reach this point."I've done a lot of hard work to get to this point," said Watkins, who was tied as the fourth top scorer in the Premier League this season with 19 goals. "It's not just this season, it's cumulative."Watkins' goal was a moment of redemption for England, who had needed extra time to overcome Slovakia and Switzerland in the knockout stage. Manager Gareth Southgate praised Watkins for "saving us another half hour" of extra time."Very, very special for him," Southgate said.Watkins' journey to the top is an inspiration to all aspiring footballers. It shows that with hard work, dedication, and a never-say-die attitude, anything is possible.

Kylian Mbappé, the French football sensation, has followed in the footsteps of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo by donning the iconic No. 9 jersey at Real Madrid. The announcement was made on Wednesday, confirming Mbappé's highly anticipated move to the Spanish giants after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expired.Mbappé's arrival at Real Madrid marks a new chapter in his illustrious career. The 25-year-old forward has been a prolific goalscorer for PSG, amassing 256 goals and 108 assists in 308 appearances. His exceptional performances have earned him numerous accolades, including the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award three times.At Real Madrid, Mbappé will inherit a jersey that has been worn by some of the club's greatest legends, including Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Alfredo Di Stefano. The No. 9 jersey holds a special significance at the Santiago Bernabeu, symbolizing the club's attacking prowess.Mbappé's decision to take up the No. 9 jersey is a testament to his ambition and confidence. He has expressed his admiration for Ronaldo, who wore the same number during his time at Real Madrid. By choosing the No. 9, Mbappé is setting himself a high standard and aiming to emulate the success of his idol.Despite his impressive club record, Mbappé had a disappointing UEFA Euro 2024 campaign with France. He scored only once in the tournament, as France was eliminated in the semi-finals by Spain. However, Mbappé remains a key player for his national team, having scored 48 goals in 84 appearances.Real Madrid will officially present Mbappé as their new No. 9 at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium next Tuesday. The club is expected to hold a grand ceremony to welcome their new star signing. Mbappé is likely to make his debut for Real Madrid in their pre-season tour of the United States, where they will face AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea.The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for Mbappé and Real Madrid. The club will be aiming to defend their La Liga title and challenge for the UEFA Champions League trophy. With Mbappé leading the attack, Real Madrid will be one of the favorites to lift both trophies.

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the prestigious Durand Cup, President's Cup, and Shimla Trophy at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The 133rd edition of the Durand Cup football tournament, the season opener of Indian Football, will kick off on July 27 with the final scheduled for August 31.The President emphasized the popularity of football worldwide and urged football enthusiasts to work towards elevating the sport's standards in India. The tournament will feature 24 teams, including representatives from the Indian Super League, I-League, invitational teams, and Armed Forces teams. International teams are also expected to participate.The tournament will be played in a round-robin league-cum-knockout format, with 43 matches scheduled. The 24 teams will be divided into six groups, with the group toppers and two best second-placed sides qualifying for the knockout stage.Kolkata will host three groups, while Kokrajhar, Shillong, and Jamshedpur will each host one group. The three coveted Durand Trophies will embark on a nationwide tour from New Delhi on July 10 before arriving in Kolkata ahead of the opening game on July 27.Mohun Bagan Super Giant are the defending champions, having won the tournament a record 17th time last year. The tournament is expected to attract a large number of football fans and provide a platform for young players to showcase their skills.

Cristiano Ronaldo's international future remains uncertain following Portugal's disappointing exit from the EURO Cup 2024. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has yet to make a decision on whether he will continue playing for his country after their quarterfinal loss to France.Ronaldo, 39, has been a mainstay in the Portuguese national team for over two decades, making his debut in 2003. He has captained the team since 2008 and has led them to victory in the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.However, Ronaldo's recent performances for Portugal have been underwhelming. He failed to score a single goal in the EURO 2024 tournament, despite playing all five matches. His only contribution was an assist in the group stage.After the loss to France, Ronaldo was visibly disappointed and hinted that he might consider retiring from international football. "I'm not sure what the future holds," he said. "I need to take some time to think about it."Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez said that no decision has been made yet regarding Ronaldo's future with the team. "Everything is too raw right now," Martinez said. "We're still hurting from the defeat. There's no individual decision at this point."Despite Ronaldo's struggles in recent months, he remains a revered figure in Portuguese football. He is the country's all-time leading scorer with 118 goals in 196 appearances.If Ronaldo does decide to retire from international football, it will mark the end of an era for Portugal. He has been the face of the team for so long and has played a pivotal role in their success.However, the team has a number of talented young players who are ready to step up and take on the mantle. Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva, and Diogo Jota are all capable of leading Portugal to future glory.

In the aftermath of Spain's thrilling European Championship semi-final victory over France, midfielder Rodri emerged as a pivotal figure, embodying the team's collective spirit and tactical acumen.As the match unfolded, Rodri's influence extended beyond his impressive passing statistics. He provided a calming presence amidst the chaos, orchestrating Spain's play with precision and composure. His early booking, taken to prevent Kylian Mbappe from breaking clear, demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice for the team.Rodri's leadership extended to acknowledging the contributions of his teammates. He praised Lamine Yamal not only for his stunning goal but also for his defensive commitment, highlighting the importance of collective effort.Rodri's ability to control the tempo of the game was crucial against France's counter-attacking threat. He dropped into deep defense to neutralize Germany's man-marking tactics and provided a safety net for Spain's makeshift backline.Throughout the match, Rodri's positioning and anticipation allowed him to intercept passes and disrupt France's attacking flow. He effectively neutralized Aurelien Tchouameni and Randal Kolo Muani, providing security for his teammates.Rodri's performance epitomized the evolution of Spain's midfield, following in the footsteps of Sergio Busquets and Thiago Alcantara. His ability to control the game and provide a platform for his teammates has made him indispensable to Luis de la Fuente's side.As Spain prepares for the final, Rodri's leadership and tactical intelligence will be crucial in guiding the team to victory. His ability to remain calm under pressure and orchestrate the team's play will be key to overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.

Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek's tumultuous four-year spell at Manchester United has come to an end, as confirmed by the player himself on July 10. Van de Beek's time at Old Trafford was marked by disappointment and frustration, with the 27-year-old failing to live up to the promise he showed at Ajax.After joining United from the Dutch giants in 2020 for a fee of £34 million ($43 million), Van de Beek struggled to make an impact under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and later Ralf Rangnick. He made just 62 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, scoring only twice.In an attempt to revive his career, Van de Beek was sent on loan to Everton during the 2021-22 campaign. However, his spell at Goodison Park was equally unsuccessful, with the midfielder making just seven Premier League appearances.Last season, Van de Beek was loaned out to German club Eintracht Frankfurt, where he enjoyed a more productive spell. He made 28 appearances for the Bundesliga side, scoring five goals and providing two assists.Despite his improved form in Germany, Van de Beek's future at United remained uncertain. The arrival of Erik ten Hag as manager raised hopes that the Dutchman could be given a fresh start, but it became clear that he was not part of the new boss's plans.Van de Beek's departure from United marks the end of a disappointing chapter in his career. Once considered one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe, he has failed to fulfill his potential at Old Trafford.According to reports, Spanish side Girona are set to sign Van de Beek for a fee of around £4 million. The Catalan club, who will play in next season's Champions League, are believed to be keen on adding the Dutchman to their squad.Van de Beek's move to Girona could provide him with the opportunity to rebuild his career. The Spanish club play an attacking style of football that could suit his strengths, and he will be hoping to rediscover the form that made him a star at Ajax.