Football

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, will not be participating in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. The decision was announced by coach Javier Mascherano, who included four World Cup winners in the squad, including striker Julián Álvarez and defender Nicolás Otamendi.Messi, 37, has been struggling with injuries this year and is currently competing in the Copa America, where Argentina is aiming to defend its continental title. The Copa America victory in 2021 served as a catalyst for Argentina's triumph at the 2022 World Cup.Messi won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, his only Olympic appearance. The Olympic men's soccer tournament is reserved for under-23 teams, but three older players are permitted on each squad.Mascherano, who won Olympic gold as a player in 2004 and 2008, will add goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, Otamendi, and Álvarez to his squad after the Copa America concludes. Midfielder Claudio Echeverri, a recent signing for Manchester City from River Plate, will also join the team.Argentina will play two friendlies in France before its Olympic soccer tournament opener against Morocco on July 24. Argentina and Morocco are in Group B along with Iraq and Ukraine.

Toni Kroos, the decorated German midfielder, expressed optimism ahead of Friday's Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Spain, asserting that it may not be his final career appearance. Despite announcing his retirement after the Euros, Kroos remains determined to extend his international journey.Kroos's Real Madrid teammate, Joselu, had expressed a desire to "send Kroos into retirement," but the 34-year-old remains focused on reaching the July 14 Euros final in Berlin. "We will still be in the tournament for a while," Kroos stated. "I don't think tomorrow will be my last game. I think we'll see each other again -- and I look forward to it."Kroos, a key member of Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph, initially retired from international football in 2021 but returned in March. "The idea of returning was tied to the goal of winning the Euros," he explained. "If I didn't see the chance of achieving it with the team, I wouldn't have done it."Despite his impending retirement, Kroos expressed no trepidation about life after football. "This day will come for every player," he said. "Thank god I could make the decision myself, rather than anyone pushing me or making me feel that it might be better to do it earlier."Kroos acknowledged that his footballing abilities are unmatched by any other pursuit. "I am aware that whatever comes along, or what hobbies I might try and take up, there will never be anything I am as good at as playing football."The six-time Champions League winner made his debut for Bayern Munich in 2007, the same year that Spain's Lamine Yamal was born. "That doesn't make me feel much younger," Kroos joked, describing Yamal as "the best or at least the most dangerous player" for Barcelona this season.

The UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals are set to deliver a thrilling spectacle, with some of the tournament's biggest names vying for glory. The draw has produced a tantalizing mix of heavyweights and underdogs, promising an unforgettable knockout stage.The first quarter-final, on July 5, pits tournament favorites Germany against Spain, two teams that have showcased exceptional form and attacking prowess. This clash of titans is likely to be a tactical battleground, with both sides boasting world-class players.The second quarter-final, on July 6, features a mouthwatering encounter between Portugal and France. These two nations played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in Euro 2020, and the rematch promises to be equally captivating. Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe, two of the game's biggest stars, will be eager to make their mark on the tournament.Switzerland, the surprise package of Euro 2024, faces England in the third quarter-final. The Swiss have proven their mettle by dispatching defending champions Italy, while England has relied heavily on the brilliance of Jude Bellingham. This match-up is likely to be a close and competitive affair.The final quarter-final, on July 7, sees the Netherlands take on Turkey. The Dutch have impressed with their attacking flair, while Turkey has shown resilience and determination. This clash could produce an upset, as Turkey aims to continue their giant-killing run.The winners of the quarter-finals will advance to the semi-finals, where they will face off for a place in the final. The tournament is poised to deliver an unforgettable knockout stage, with some of the world's best teams battling for European supremacy.

Costa Rica's Copa America campaign ended in disappointment as they failed to advance to the quarter-finals despite a 2-1 victory over Paraguay in their final Group D match.The Ticos entered the match needing a win and a favorable result in the other group game between Brazil and Colombia. However, Brazil's 1-1 draw with Colombia meant that Costa Rica finished third in the group with four points.Costa Rica made a bright start and took the lead within three minutes when Francisco Calvo headed home from close range. Josimar Alcocer doubled their advantage just four minutes later with a stunning strike from outside the box.Paraguay came out fighting in the second half and pulled a goal back through Ramon Sosa in the 55th minute. The Ticos held on for the win but it was not enough to secure a place in the knockout stages.Costa Rica coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his team's performance but admitted that they were unlucky not to qualify."We had our strengths, our achievements, and our mistakes, but we grew and we're analyzing the performance rather than the results," Alfaro said. "The important thing is that we learn and that this was a very short tournament that we had to seize to the fullest."Paraguay, meanwhile, finished the tournament with three losses in three matches. Coach Daniel Garnero was disappointed with his team's performance and said that he would discuss his future with the association."It was a bad tournament, a bad performance," Garnero said. "I am here because the association requested my services and if they don't want me to continue, that is their decision. I'll have to discuss that with them."

Colombia's resilient performance against Brazil on Tuesday secured their qualification to the Copa America quarter-finals as group winners. Despite conceding an early goal to Raphinha's stunning free-kick, Colombia fought back to earn a 1-1 draw, courtesy of Daniel Munoz's equalizer in first-half stoppage time.The result means Colombia advance to the knockout rounds as winners of Group D, where they will face Group C runners-up Panama in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday. Brazil, on the other hand, will face a formidable challenge in Las Vegas on Saturday against arch-rivals Uruguay, winners of Group D with a perfect record.Brazil's goalscorer Raphinha expressed confidence in his team's ability to overcome any opponent, including Uruguay. "Our team is evolving with each game, with each training session, and we think we're on the right track," Raphinha said. "We have to be prepared for anyone if we want to win this competition."However, Brazil will be without Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr in the quarter-finals after he picked up his second yellow card of the tournament for a reckless foul on James Rodriguez. Colombia's playmaker Rodriguez had Brazil fans on edge with his ensuing free-kick, which clipped the top of the bar.Despite Brazil's early lead, Colombia remained a threat throughout the first half. Rodriguez volleyed over the bar on the turn, and he thought he had set up Colombia's equalizer with a pinpoint cross for Davinson Sanchez, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.Tempers flared midway through the first half, with three yellow cards issued in quick succession. However, Colombia's slick play in stoppage time paid off when Munoz blasted home after being released by a superb pass from Jhon Cordoba.Colombia looked comfortable through the second half and should have wrapped up victory in the final minutes, but substitute Rafael Borre shot over from eight yards with the goal gaping. In Tuesday's other Group D game, Costa Rica defeated Paraguay 2-1 in Austin to finish in third place.

Turkey and the Netherlands have secured their places in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after thrilling victories in the round of 16.Turkey, who last reached the last eight of a European Championship in 2008, stunned Austria 2-1 in a pulsating encounter in Leipzig. Merih Demiral emerged as the unlikely hero for Turkey, scoring a stunning header just before the hour mark to seal the victory. The Al-Ahli defender had earlier given his team a dream start by bundling the ball home in the opening minute.Austria, who were also making their first appearance in the knockout stages of a major tournament since 2008, fought valiantly but were unable to find an equalizer despite dominating possession for much of the second half. Michael Gregoritsch halved the deficit shortly after Demiral's second goal, but Christoph Baumgartner's late effort was denied by an incredible save from Mert Gunok.In the other quarter-final, the Netherlands eased past Romania 3-0 in Munich. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring for the Dutch in the 20th minute, before Donyell Malen added a brace in the second half. The victory was a welcome boost for Ronald Koeman's side, who had come under fire after their disappointing performance in the group stage.Turkey will now face the Netherlands in Berlin on Saturday, while the winner of that match will play either England or Switzerland in the semi-finals.

Germany's hopes of Euro 2024 glory have received a significant boost with the return of midfield maestro Toni Kroos. The 2014 World Cup winner has been instrumental in stabilizing the German team, providing control and composure in the center of the pitch.Ahead of their quarterfinal clash against Spain, Germany winger Leroy Sane expressed confidence in his team's ability to "hurt" the Spaniards. Sane, who started from the bench in the group stage but returned to the starting lineup against Denmark, believes that Kroos's presence has given Germany a much-needed stability."Before we weren't always stable enough, that was a big weakness of ours," Sane said. "He took away that weakness with the calmness he brings with him. Now things are going well and we're happy he's come back and made us stronger."Spain, the only team to win all four of their group games, is considered one of the favorites for the tournament. However, Germany has also impressed, playing "the best football" of the tournament according to Sane."We need to keep control of our game, then we can hurt the Spaniards," Sane added.The Germany-Spain quarterfinal promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the most successful teams in European football history. Both teams have won three Euros titles, more than any other nation.Germany will be looking to avenge their humiliating 6-0 defeat to Spain in the Nations League in 2020. However, Sane believes that the past is behind them."The heavy defeat hurt a lot, but that's in the past," Sane said.With Kroos back in the fold and a team full of confidence, Germany will be hoping to make a statement against Spain and continue their quest for a fourth European Championship title.

The Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, will return for its 133rd edition from July 27 to August 31, 2023. The tournament will feature 43 matches played in a round-robin league-cum-knockout format across four venues: Kolkata, Kokrajhar, Shillong, and Jamshedpur.The 24 participating teams will be divided into six groups, with the group toppers and two best second-placed sides advancing to the knockout stage. The opening match and the final will be held at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata.Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will be looking to retain their title, having won the tournament a record 17 times. Other Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League teams will also be competing, along with invitational teams.The Durand Cup has a rich history, dating back to 1888. It is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in India and has been won by some of the country's top clubs, including East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Bengaluru FC.In recent years, the tournament has been expanded to include international teams. Last year, Bangladesh's Bashundhara Kings participated, and this year, more international teams are expected to join the fray.The addition of Jamshedpur and Shillong as host venues is a significant step in the tournament's growth. It will help spread the tournament's reach to new regions and attract a wider audience.The Durand Cup is not just a football tournament; it is a celebration of Indian football. It brings together teams from all over the country and provides a platform for young players to showcase their talent. The tournament is also a major boost for the local economy, generating revenue for hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

The United States' Copa America campaign came to an abrupt end on July 1st, as they suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Uruguay in their final Group C match. The loss marked the end of a tournament that had been filled with both promise and frustration for the American side.Team USA entered the Copa America with high hopes, having won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2021. However, their campaign got off to a rocky start with a shock 2-1 defeat to Panama last Thursday. That result left the Americans needing to match or better Panama's result against Bolivia in their final group game to advance to the knockout stages.But US coach Gregg Berhalter's side never looked like doing enough to seriously threaten a well-drilled Uruguay outfit who advanced to the last eight as group winners. "It's difficult to say right now, obviously the emotions are running high," said a disappointed US captain Christian Pulisic. "We had a good start and brought a lot of energy, but just didn't have enough quality. We just couldn't find a solution."Hopes of a great escape for the tournament hosts faded inside the first 30 minutes, as news filtered through that Panama had taken a 1-0 lead against Bolivia in Orlando. Those hopes were revived early in the second half after Bolivia equalised to make it 1-1, leaving the US on course for qualification provided they continued to hold Uruguay.Yet the US optimism was punctured just moments later when Uruguay took the lead in controversial circumstances through Mathias Olivera on 66 minutes. Ronald Araujo's powerful header from Nicolas de la Cruz's free-kick was parried away by US goalkeeper Matt Turner, but only into the path of Olivera, who tucked away the rebound. Replays appeared to show that Olivera was offside when Araujo first made contact with the ball, but despite a lengthy VAR review, Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega ruled that the goal should stand.The mathematics of qualification looked even more bleak for the US after news that Panama had scored again through Eduardo Guerrero to regain the lead at 2-1, and the final nail in the coffin came when Cesar Yanis added a third for Panama in stoppage time.The USA's first-round exit raises fresh questions about the future of US coach Berhalter, who remains deeply unpopular amongst swathes of American fans. Berhalter was only reappointed to the US job in June last year following a hiatus after leading the team to the 2022 World Cup. Yet the nature of Monday's early exit is certain to reignite debate about whether he is the best man to lead the United States into the 2026 World Cup on home soil.Failure to defeat Uruguay, 14th in the latest FIFA rankings, extends Berhalter's poor record against top 20 teams. Berhalter has just five wins in 20 matches against top-20 teams during his reign, and four of those victories came against regional rivals Mexico — who were also been eliminated from the Copa in the first round.That dismal sequence continued after a toothless attacking performance from Berhalter's side against Uruguay, where they registered only three shots on goal in a misfiring offensive display. US defender Antonee Robinson described the officiating as "amateur hour" but stressed responsibility for the defeat lay with the American players. "Just not enough quality in the final third," Robinson said. "At the end of the day we weren't good enough to get the result today. This is on us."