Football

Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez emerged as the hero in a thrilling Copa America semifinal clash against Ecuador, saving two penalties and denying Lionel Messi's blushes as the defending champions secured a 4-2 shootout victory.The match had been a tense affair, with Argentina taking the lead through Lisandro Martinez's header in the first half. However, Ecuador fought back and equalized in stoppage time through Kevin Rodriguez's header.In the penalty shootout, Messi surprisingly missed the opening spot-kick, chipping the ball against the bar. But Martinez stepped up to save two penalties from Angel Mena and Alan Minda, giving Argentina the advantage. Nicolas Otamendi then slotted home the decisive fourth kick to send Argentina into the final.Martinez's heroics were reminiscent of his performance in the 2021 Copa America semifinal against Colombia, where he saved three penalties. He also played a crucial role in Argentina's World Cup triumph in Qatar, saving two penalties in the final against France.Ecuador were left heartbroken after a match in which they had created enough chances to win. Felix Sanchez's team started brightly and dominated possession, but they were unable to find a way past Martinez.Argentina will now face the winner of Friday's match between Venezuela and Canada in the Copa America final. They will be looking to defend their title and claim their 16th Copa America crown.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has received an overwhelming response to its search for a new head coach for the national men's football team, with 291 applications from across the globe. The window for applications closed on Wednesday, and the AIFF is now reviewing the candidates before presenting a shortlist to the Executive Committee.The applications include 100 candidates with UEFA Pro License diplomas, 20 with AFC Pro License diplomas, and three with CONMEBOL licenses. AIFF chief Kalyan Chaubey expressed his excitement about the interest shown by some of the world's top coaches."We have received an overwhelming response with some of the marquee names having expressed their interest in India," Chaubey said. "We are hoping to onboard the candidate by end July, to ensure India utilise the September FIFA window participation."The position became vacant after the AIFF sacked Igor Stimac last month following India's disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Stimac, who was appointed in 2019, had been given an extension until 2026 last October.The AIFF's Technical Committee, headed by Vice President NA Haris, will now review the applications and select a shortlist for the Executive Committee. The new coach is expected to be appointed by the end of July to prepare the team for the September FIFA window.The AIFF is keen to appoint a coach who can help India qualify for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team has been struggling in recent years, and the AIFF believes that a new coach can bring fresh ideas and help the team reach its potential.

Erik ten Hag's tenure at Manchester United has been extended until 2026, as the Premier League club announced on Thursday. The Dutchman has been given another chance to restore the record 20-time champions to their former glories.Ten Hag's appointment in 2022 came after a disappointing eighth-place finish for United in the previous season. Despite speculation of his dismissal, a shock FA Cup final victory over Manchester City earned him a lifeline.In his first season, Ten Hag instilled a sense of togetherness that had been missing since Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. United enjoyed a nine-match winning run in all competitions, lifting the League Cup and finishing third in the Premier League.However, the second season proved more challenging. Despite winning two trophies, results and performances fell away dramatically. Ten Hag's side struggled early on, but he maintained the support of the fan base.Ten Hag's contract extension is a testament to his ability to turn around the fortunes of a struggling team. He has brought a sense of stability and unity to United, and his commitment to developing young players has been praised."Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined," Ten Hag said in a statement. "We must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles."United's Sporting Director, Dan Ashworth, praised Ten Hag's record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in European football. He emphasized the club's belief in Ten Hag's ability to drive up standards and outcomes.Despite the extension, Ten Hag faces a significant challenge in the upcoming season. United have spent over 400 million pounds on new players since his arrival, but results have not always met expectations.Ten Hag will need to find a way to balance the demands of competing in multiple competitions while also developing a consistent and winning style of play. If he can do that, United could be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé, two of the most iconic footballers of their generation, are set to clash in a heavyweight quarterfinal match at Euro 2024. The match between Portugal and France promises to be a spectacle, with both players carrying the hopes of their nations on their shoulders.Ronaldo, now 39, has confirmed that this will be his last European Championship. The Portuguese legend has had a remarkable career, winning numerous trophies and individual accolades. However, he has been struggling for form in recent months, failing to score in his last eight matches at major tournaments.Mbappé, on the other hand, is the rising star of world football. The 25-year-old has already won the World Cup with France and is considered one of the best players in the world. He has a prolific scoring record, having netted 48 goals for France and 48 goals in the Champions League.The two players have a long history together. Mbappé grew up idolizing Ronaldo and even met him as a child at Real Madrid's training ground. In 2020, Mbappé tweeted that Ronaldo was his "idol."The quarterfinal match between Portugal and France is likely to be a close and intense affair. Both teams have talented players and are capable of winning the tournament. However, the clash between Ronaldo and Mbappé will be the main attraction.Ronaldo will be looking to end his European Championship career on a high, while Mbappé will be aiming to prove that he is the heir apparent to the throne of world football. The match promises to be a memorable one, with both players determined to leave their mark on the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, has been a pivotal figure for his nation for nearly two decades. However, as he approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, the 39-year-old is facing the reality of his declining physical abilities.Ronaldo's presence in Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr has highlighted his diminished form. In Portugal's Euro 2024 campaign, he has failed to find the back of the net and has struggled to make a significant impact on the team's attacking play.Despite starting all four of Portugal's matches, Ronaldo's contributions have been limited. He assisted Bruno Fernandes in one goal but has otherwise been a peripheral figure. His missed penalty against Slovenia nearly cost Portugal a place in the quarter-finals.Coach Roberto Martinez has defended Ronaldo, stating that he "paved the way" for Portugal's eventual victory in the penalty shootout. However, it is evident that Ronaldo is no longer the formidable force he once was.Ronaldo's emotional outburst after failing to score in extra time against Slovenia and his apology to fans after netting in the shootout underscore his frustration and the realization that his time as a top-level performer is drawing to a close.Portugal faces a daunting task in the quarter-finals against France, whose defense has been impenetrable in the tournament. Ronaldo's record-breaking achievements in the European Championship, including being the all-time leading scorer and appearance maker, may not be enough to overcome the French defense.Unless Ronaldo can rediscover his scoring touch and forge a better connection with his teammates, Friday's match could mark a sad farewell to the Euros for the Portuguese icon.

Germany, the host nation of Euro 2024, is riding a wave of confidence as they prepare to face Spain in the quarter-finals on Friday. After a string of disappointing performances at major tournaments, the Germans are once again optimistic about their chances of success.Toni Kroos, a veteran of the 2014 World Cup-winning team, declared that "the goal is to win the tournament." He added, "We want to go a lot further and in the dressing room we are very convinced we will achieve that."This newfound confidence is a stark contrast to the atmosphere nine months ago, when Hansi Flick became the first coach in German history to be sacked after a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Japan. His replacement, Julian Nagelsmann, initially struggled, winning only one of his first four games in charge.However, Nagelsmann has since turned things around, making 11 changes to the squad and bringing in players from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and surprise runners-up Stuttgart. His most crucial move was recalling Kroos, who had retired from international football in 2021.Kroos has been instrumental in Germany's resurgence, excelling in what will be his final tournament before retiring from football altogether. He believes that the team's winning mentality comes from experience."You can have a winning mentality or belief, you can live it, but it's hard to convey it in conversations," Kroos said. "You have to go through experiences and that's how your belief grows more and more."Germany has faced challenges along the way, but they have shown resilience in overcoming them. Kroos pointed to the "difficult situations" against Hungary, Switzerland, and Denmark as examples of how the team has developed a stronger mentality."We now have a different belief. We are now winning games or at least not losing games that we were clearly losing in the past," Kroos said.Germany will face their toughest test yet against Spain, the only other team to have won three Euros titles. However, with the confidence they have gained under Nagelsmann, the Germans will be confident of emerging victorious and continuing their journey towards the final in Berlin.

Germany's hopes of triumphing at Euro 2024 on home soil hinge on overcoming Spain's midfield maestro, Rodri, in Friday's highly anticipated quarter-final clash. Since Spain's last competitive defeat to Scotland in March 2023, Rodri has played 77 matches for club and country, suffering only one loss when Manchester United defeated his Manchester City side in the FA Cup final in May.During this remarkable run, the 28-year-old has amassed an impressive collection of silverware, including two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup. He has also guided Spain to Nations League glory."In his position, he is the best - he can do everything. The quality, he reads the game, his mentality, he is always ready," said Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who has witnessed some of the greatest midfielders in the history of the sport. "He is so good at many things...The presence, the physicality, he is complete."Spain have been in scintillating form at Euro 2024, becoming the only team to win all four of their matches en route to the quarter-finals. Wonderkid wingers Yamine Lamal and Nico Williams have injected a direct threat into Luis de la Fuente's side, something even the legendary Spain team that won three consecutive major tournaments between 2008 and 2012 lacked.Fabian Ruiz, Pedri, and Dani Olmo provide additional guile from midfield, while the often-criticized Alvaro Morata has moved into a share of third place for the most goals in European Championship history.However, Rodri's all-round importance as the anchor of this Spanish side was evident in the last 16 against Georgia. Trailing to Robin Le Normand's own goal despite not facing a shot on target, Spain were beginning to show signs of frustration.Just after the half-hour mark, Rodri took possession, paused, and issued a calming instruction to his teammates. Moments later, he arrowed a low shot into the far corner for the equalizer, which served as the catalyst for a 4-1 victory."Sometimes 20 or 30 seconds of saying to people 'calm down' is more productive than going on the attack," Rodri said of his message of reassurance to the team.Despite being one of the world's leading lights in his position for several seasons, this is Rodri's first major tournament as Spain's starting six. At the 2022 World Cup, he was deployed as a center-back by Luis Enrique to accommodate an aging Sergio Busquets.The Barcelona legend's international retirement has severed the final link to Spain's last major tournament win in 2012. Now, Rodri's generation is eager to forge their own path and become national heroes."Germany will be strong at home, but they will be worried about us too," said the former Atletico Madrid man of the clash in Stuttgart. "We came to win and we are not afraid. Our mentality is to go on Friday with everything we have against Germany."Should Spain prevail, another midfield great will play his final match. Toni Kroos will retire after the tournament, and the man who spent the last decade of his club career in Spain with Real Madrid showed his respect for his opposite number in the quarter-finals."I think he is someone who exudes enthusiasm, who is not prone to making mistakes, even under pressure, which always gives a lot to the team," said Kroos. "On top of that, in the last one or two years, he has also scored goals, important goals."Rodri's strike won City their first-ever Champions League in the 2023 final. Now, he aims to make his major tournament breakthrough and break German hearts along the way.

Kylian Mbappe, the talismanic forward for France, has yet to reach his peak performance at Euro 2024 despite leading his team into the quarter-finals against Portugal on Friday. The tournament has been overshadowed by speculation about his club future and a broken nose sustained in the opening match.Mbappe, 25, will once again don a protective face mask in Hamburg, a necessity after the injury he suffered against Austria. Despite his discomfort with the mask, he remains the focal point of a French team that has reached the quarter-finals with just three goals in four matches.France's Expected Goals (XG) metric, which measures the quality of chances created, stands at nearly seven, surpassed only by Spain, Portugal, and Germany. Mbappe's own XG is 2.54, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Kai Havertz.Mbappe's frustration stems from his inability to replicate his success at the World Cups at the Euros. He was instrumental in France's triumphs in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, scoring a hat-trick in the latter's final defeat to Argentina. However, his only goal in seven Euros appearances is a penalty against Poland."My Euros didn't start like I wanted, but I am here to help the team and I really want to have success with this team," Mbappe said before the victory against Belgium. "The Euros is the only thing I have not won with the national team, so I really want to win it."France assistant coach Guy Stephan acknowledged that Mbappe was "traumatized" by the collision that resulted in his broken nose. Additionally, his difficult final season at Paris Saint-Germain may have contributed to his subdued form.Mbappe's impending clash with Portugal holds added significance as he faces his boyhood hero, Cristiano Ronaldo. The completion of his move to Real Madrid has fulfilled a long-held dream, and his admiration for Ronaldo played a role in his decision.Now, Mbappe has the opportunity to become the star in Madrid, where Ronaldo reigned supreme for nearly a decade. However, he knows that to keep his dream of winning the European Championship alive, he must first overcome Portugal and potentially end Ronaldo's illustrious international career.

Lionel Messi's participation in Argentina's Copa America quarter-final clash against Ecuador remains uncertain due to a hamstring issue. Coach Lionel Scaloni will make a decision on Messi's availability after Wednesday's training session.Messi missed Argentina's final group stage match against Peru due to a sore right hamstring. Scaloni stated that he will consult with the 37-year-old forward to assess his readiness for the game."We'll wait a couple of hours and make the decision. It is always better to have one more day," Scaloni said. "Yesterday we had good feelings and we'll take this day to define the team based on the response we get today."If Messi is unable to start, Scaloni could opt for a twin-striker attack featuring Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. Martinez is the tournament's leading scorer with four goals, while Alvarez netted in the opening game against Canada."They have already played together against this rival. We will make the decision after today's training session. We are not ruling anything out because they have worked well and it is an option, it could be," Scaloni said.Ecuador coach Felix Sanchez does not anticipate a significant change in Argentina's approach, regardless of Messi's presence."We know we are playing a high level team, Lionel Messi is the player that makes the difference and we have played against them with him and without him on the field," Sanchez said. "Their gameplan doesn't change much - they are a group who have been with their head coach for a long time, they know their gameplan and we have had to be ready either way."Argentina will hold a training session later on Wednesday, and Scaloni will make a final decision on his team after evaluating Messi's condition and the team's overall performance.