Football

Portugal's emphatic 3-0 victory over Turkey in the UEFA Euro 2024 group stage was marred by a series of pitch invasions that turned from heartwarming to concerning.The first incident saw a young boy invade the pitch and approach Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo, known for his generosity, embraced the boy and took a selfie with him. However, subsequent pitch invasions took a more aggressive turn.Ronaldo refused to take a selfie with a second invader, who was promptly removed by stadium officials. As the game progressed, two more pitch invasions occurred during injury time, raising questions about the security measures in place.After the final whistle, two additional pitch invasions took place. One incident involved a security official colliding with Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos while attempting to apprehend an invader. Ramos was seen limping after the incident, highlighting the potential safety risks posed by such reckless behavior.The pitch invasions overshadowed Portugal's dominant performance on the field. Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and an own goal from Turkey secured the victory for the Portuguese. Portugal is now poised to top Group F and advance to the knockout stages.The incidents have sparked concerns about the security arrangements at Euro 2024, which is being hosted in Germany. The safety of players and the integrity of the competition are paramount, and authorities must take immediate steps to prevent further pitch invasions.

Roberto De Zerbi, the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager, has reached an agreement in principle to become the new head coach of Olympique de Marseille, the French club announced on Monday. The 45-year-old Italian will replace Jean-Louis Gasset, who departed at the end of the season after guiding Marseille to an eighth-place finish in Ligue 1.De Zerbi's appointment is seen as a significant coup for Marseille, who missed out on European football next season. The former AC Milan and Napoli midfielder had been linked with the Chelsea job before Enzo Maresca was appointed as their new boss.During his two seasons at Brighton, De Zerbi led the Seagulls to an FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United and to Europa League qualification for the first time in the club's history. He left the English outfit at the end of the season after guiding them to 11th place in the Premier League.De Zerbi is known for his attacking style of play and his ability to develop young players. He is expected to bring a fresh and exciting approach to Marseille, who have struggled for consistency in recent seasons.The Italian coach is expected to arrive in Marseille in the coming days to finalize his contract and meet with the players. He will be tasked with rebuilding the team and guiding them back into European competition.

Copa America 2023: Argentina Aims for Continental Glory Amidst Messi's Uncertain FutureThe 108-year-old Copa America kicks off on Thursday in the United States, with world champions Argentina seeking their second continental title in what could be Lionel Messi's final appearance in the tournament.Argentina, 15-time Copa America winners, will be led by Messi, who is looking to add to his 2021 triumph. Coach Lionel Scaloni has largely retained his World Cup-winning squad, with veterans Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi likely making their final major tournament appearances.Messi's future in international football remains uncertain. The 36-year-old has yet to decide whether he will participate in a record sixth World Cup in 2026. "I won't take part in a World Cup just to say I've done six," Messi said recently.Argentina faces a tough group stage, with matches against Canada, Chile, and Peru. However, the real challenges await in the knockout rounds, where rivals Brazil and Uruguay are expected to be the main contenders.Brazil, despite struggling in World Cup qualifiers, boasts a talented squad led by Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. Uruguay, under coach Marcelo Bielsa, has impressed with recent wins over Argentina and Brazil.Other teams to watch include Colombia, unbeaten in over two years, and the United States, hoping to generate excitement after a disappointing World Cup performance.The Copa America is not only a trial event for the 2026 World Cup but also a prestigious tournament in its own right. The presence of significant immigrant communities from all competing nations is expected to ensure large crowds at the NFL stadiums hosting the matches.

James Rodriguez, the Colombian maestro, orchestrated a vintage performance to guide his team to a 2-1 victory over Paraguay in their Copa America opener. The 32-year-old midfielder, who has faced challenges in his club career since his stellar 2014 World Cup display, showcased his enduring brilliance in Houston.Rodriguez's influence was evident from the outset, as he created both goals for Colombia. In the 32nd minute, he delivered a pinpoint cross from the left flank to Daniel Munoz, who headed home to give Colombia the lead. Ten minutes later, Rodriguez's wicked free-kick from the opposite flank found Jefferson Lerma, who glanced it in to double the advantage.Colombia maintained their dominance in the second half, but Paraguay's Julio Enciso reduced the deficit in the 69th minute. However, Colombia remained composed and controlled the tempo, threatening Paraguay's defense with their incisive attacks.In the 84th minute, Colombia believed they had earned a penalty when Yerry Mina was seemingly fouled in the box. However, after a VAR review, the referee overturned the decision.Colombia will face Costa Rica in their second group game on Friday before concluding their first-round campaign against tournament favorites Brazil on July 2.

Spain's second-string side secured a perfect record in the Euro 2024 group stage with a 1-0 victory over Albania on Monday. Ferran Torres' early strike proved decisive as the three-time champions eliminated their opponents.Despite making 10 changes to the team that defeated Italy, Spain dominated the opening exchanges. Torres capitalized on a fine move in the 13th minute, finishing off a pass from Dani Olmo with precision.Albania, needing a win to advance, pushed forward in the second half but failed to find an equalizer. Armando Broja came close with a lob attempt, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya made a crucial save.Spain's victory marks the first time since 2008 that they have won all three group games at a major tournament. Coach Luis de la Fuente will now focus on their last-16 tie against an unknown third-place finisher.Albania's elimination is a setback after their debut European Championship appearance in 2016. Despite a spirited performance, they were unable to overcome a formidable Spain side.

Italy secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Croatia in a thrilling Group B clash at Euro 2024, sending them into the knockout stages. Mattia Zaccagni's stunning last-gasp strike in the 98th minute proved to be the decisive moment, breaking Croatian hearts and sending Italy through as runners-up behind Spain.Croatia, led by the legendary Luka Modric, had taken the lead in the 55th minute through Modric's penalty, making him the oldest goalscorer in the competition's history. However, Italy refused to give up and fought back valiantly.The match was a tense affair from the outset, with both teams knowing that a draw would be enough for Croatia to advance. Italy, on the other hand, needed a win to secure their place in the last 16.Croatia dominated the early exchanges, but Italy gradually grew into the game and created several chances. However, it was Croatia who broke the deadlock when Andrej Kramaric's effort was handled by Davide Frattesi in the penalty area. Modric stepped up and converted the spot-kick, giving Croatia the lead.Italy responded well to the setback and continued to press for an equalizer. They were rewarded for their persistence when Zaccagni unleashed a brilliant strike into the top corner in the dying moments of the game.The goal sent Italy into raptures and left Croatia devastated. It was a cruel blow for the Croatians, who had played well throughout the match and deserved more from the game.Italy will now face Switzerland in the last 16, while Croatia's fate hangs in the balance. They are unlikely to qualify as one of the four best third-place teams, but they could still progress if other results go their way.

Indian football has faced significant upheaval recently, with the retirement of star striker Sunil Chhetri and the controversial dismissal of national team coach Igor Stimac. Chhetri's departure has raised concerns about finding a suitable replacement, while Stimac's allegations against the All India Football Federation (AIFF) have sparked further controversy.Former Indian team captain Subrata Paul believes that the key to finding Chhetri's successor lies in giving young talents ample opportunities. He emphasizes that Chhetri's success was not achieved overnight and that it will take time and patience to develop the next top striker."Sunil Chhetri has set a good example, but nothing is permanent," Paul said. "We need to work on the future generation of strikers and put our trust in them."Paul acknowledges that Chhetri's legacy will be difficult to match, but he believes that someone will eventually step up to fill his shoes. "We will not be having this conversation five years later because someone will step up to take Chhetri's position in the national side," he added.Meanwhile, Stimac has criticized the AIFF and its president, Kalyan Chaubey, following his dismissal. Paul declined to comment on Stimac's allegations, stating that he prefers to focus on his own contributions to Indian football."Everybody is entitled to their opinions," Paul said. "However, what we can control is what can we do for Indian football."Despite the challenges facing Indian football, Paul remains optimistic about the future. He believes that by investing in young talent and fostering a positive environment, the sport can continue to thrive in India.

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, celebrated his 37th birthday on Monday. Widely regarded as the "greatest footballer of all time," Messi has achieved remarkable milestones throughout his illustrious career.Born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1987, Messi's exceptional talent was evident from a young age. At 13, he moved to Barcelona with his family, where the club provided him with treatment for his growth hormone deficiency. Messi quickly rose through the ranks of FC Barcelona's youth academy, showcasing his extraordinary skills and determination.At the age of 17, Messi made his senior debut for Barcelona against Espanyol. He quickly became a key player for the Blaugranas, becoming the team's youngest star to appear in the competition at the time. Over the next 17 years, Messi played a pivotal role in Barcelona's success, winning 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League crowns, and 7 Copa del Rey medals. He also became the league's all-time top scorer with an astounding 474 goals.Messi's brilliance extended beyond club football. In 2007, he emulated Diego Maradona's iconic "goal of the century" against Getafe. He dribbled past six defenders to score a stunning goal that left the football world in awe. In 2009, Messi won his first UEFA Champions League title, scoring a header in the final against Manchester United.In 2020, Messi broke the record for most goals scored for a single club, surpassing Pele's previous mark of 643 goals for Santos FC. He joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and played for the French club for two seasons, scoring 22 goals in 58 games. In 2023, he moved to Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham, where he has scored 13 goals in 18 matches.Messi's international career has also been marked by success. He made his debut for Argentina in 2005 and has since played a key role in the team's achievements. In 2008, he helped Argentina win the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. In 2021, he finally won his first major international trophy, leading Argentina to victory in the Copa America.The pinnacle of Messi's career came in 2022 when he captained Argentina to victory in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He scored twice in the final against France, helping his team win the trophy after a 36-year drought.Lionel Messi's legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time is secure. His exceptional skills, unwavering determination, and remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport.

The Netherlands and Austria face off in a crucial Group D clash at Euro 2024, with both teams vying for top spot. The Dutch, who have finished first in their groups at the past two major tournaments, are looking to secure a place in the knockout phase with a victory. However, Austria, who impressed in their 3-1 win over Poland, could also qualify for the last 16 with a positive result.Dutch coach Ronald Koeman has admitted that his side was "not up to scratch" in their goalless draw with France, but a win against Austria would wrap up top spot in the group, provided France do not win by a bigger margin in their simultaneous final game against Poland.Despite a promising start to the campaign, there has been debate back home about the make-up of the Dutch team. Memphis Depay, who struggled up front against France, has faced criticism, while there have been calls for Wout Weghorst to be given a start after he came off the bench to score the winner in the Netherlands' opening game against Poland.Austria, meanwhile, will likely go through with a point as one of the best third-placed teams but could also still finish first with a win, if France fail to beat Poland. Touted as one of the dark horses for the tournament, Ralf Rangnick's men impressed in their victory over Poland and will be looking to guarantee a top-two finish with a positive result against the Netherlands.Austria made the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time since 1954 three years ago, when they gave eventual Euros winners Italy a fright in the last 16 before losing in extra time. They have never reached the quarter-finals at a European Championship."Somehow it is nice to be called that (dark horses)," said Christoph Baumgartner, who scored the crucial goal which put Austria 2-1 ahead against Poland. "We won against Germany in the build-up, we had a really good period in the last few weeks and months, and then people start to think big quite quickly.""But we as a team always knew how to assess the situation. We knew against France we weren't at our maximum. We know if we reach our best level we can beat a lot of nations."