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Inter Milan’s Arturo Vidal in hospital after positive Covid test Santiago (AFP) – Inter Milan’s Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal is receiving hospital treatment after testing positive for coronavirus, his national team said Monday. The diagnosis means the 34-year-old will miss Thursday’s World Cup qualifier between Chile and Argentina. “The medical team of the Chilean national team emphasizes that at the request of the player Arturo Vidal, it is announced that he has been diagnosed positive for Covid,” the national team said on its official website. It said no other players in the squad had tested positive for the virus. Vidal was initially hospitalized with severe tonsilitis, but tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, the team statement said. The former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus star, who was vaccinated against the virus on Friday, will now miss the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier with Argentina and another qualifier against Bolivia next week in Santiago. Covid-19 infections in Chile remain above 6,000 daily cases and the health system is overwhelmed. The virus has killed more than 29,000 people out of a total 1.3 million cases in the country.

Santiago (AFP) – Inter Milan’s Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal is receiving hospital treatment after testing positive for coronavirus, his national team said Monday. The diagnosis means the 34-year-old will miss Thursday’s World Cup qualifier between Chile and Argentina. “The medical team of the Chilean national team emphasizes that at the request of the player Arturo Vidal, it is announced that he has been diagnosed positive for Covid,” the national team said on its official website. It said no other players in the squad had tested positive for the virus. Vidal was initially hospitalized with severe tonsilitis, but tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, the team statement said. The former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus star, who was vaccinated against the virus on Friday, will now miss the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier with Argentina and another qualifier against Bolivia next week in Santiago. Covid-19 infections in Chile remain above 6,000 daily cases and the healt

Criticism, jokes as Copa America moved to Brazil over Covid Brasília (AFP) – When Covid-19 overwhelmed Argentina too badly to host the South American football championships, officials decided to move the tournament to pandemic-battered Brazil of all places, drawing criticism from epidemiologists and a flurry of jokes. Already forced to delay the Copa America by a year, organizers are struggling to pull off the world’s oldest running international football competition in a region still reeling from Covid-19 and — in the case of original co-hosts Colombia — violent unrest. With its huge economy and wealth of stadiums from the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, Brazil looked in some ways like a good last-minute fix after officials pulled the plug Sunday on would-be hosts Argentina two weeks from kickoff on June 13. But there is one glaring problem with Monday’s announcement that Brazil would step in: Covid-19 is devastating the country, where the death toll stands at more than 460,000, second only to the United States. And experts warn a third wave is coming. “An event of that size moves countless people, even if the matches are held in empty stadiums. And moving people increases the spread of the virus. It’s going to contribute to a new flare-up,” said infectious disease specialist Jose David Urbaez, of Brasilia’s pandemic response committee. “The tournament should have been canceled, full stop,” he told AFP. – ‘Championship of death’ – The news quickly turned political in a Brazil deeply divided over far-right President Jair Bolsonaro’s unorthodox pandemic response. Bolsonaro has fought lockdowns, snubbed face masks and refused offers of vaccines, instead touting ineffective medications such as chloroquine against Covid-19. When the South American Football Confederation, Conmebol, thanked him for “opening his country’s doors” to the tournament, critics pounced. It will be the “championship of death,” said Senator Renan Calheiros, rapporteur of a Senate commission investigating accusations of criminal negligence in the government’s pandemic management. “Offers of vaccines sat gathering mold in officials’ drawers, but the tournament got a speedy OK. Ridiculous,” he wrote on Twitter. The deputy chair of the investigative commission, opposition Senator Randolfe Rodrigues, said the head of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Rogerio Caboclo, should be called to testify on “what safety measures have been planned to guarantee Brazilians’ safety” during the tournament. Another opposition lawmaker, Congressman Julio Delgado, vowed to go to the Supreme Court to block the tournament. At least three governors in states tipped as likely hosts of matches have already said they would refuse because of the health situation. But Vice President Hamilton Mourao argued there would be less risk holding the tournament in Brazil than Argentina. – Mascot: ‘Little Covid’ – Football-mad Brazil has mostly been holding matches without fans, though several hundred were allowed in for the Copa Libertadores final in Rio de Janeiro in January. The Copa America was due to be held in empty stadiums if Argentina and Colombia had hosted. But speculation swirled that Conmebol would try to hold at least the final with fans present in Brazil. The Covid-19 curve in Brazil has declined recently, from a weekly average of more than 3,000 deaths a day in April to about 1,800 last week. But the country remains one of those hit hardest. Experts say state and local officials lifted restrictions too soon, with just 11 percent of Brazil’s 212 million people fully vaccinated. They warn rising infections and hospital occupancy rates indicate a new surge is coming. Hosting the Copa America now is “reckless,” said epidemiologist Pedro Hallal of the Federal University of Pelotas. “Many other countries… have the pandemic much more under control. It’s hard to understand where this decision came from,” he said. Social media wits were quick to upload a flood of jokes. “Suggestions for the Copa America mascot? How about ‘Little Covid’?” quipped sports commentator Alexandre Lozetti on Twitter. “Little Chloroquine” was also popular, as well as a proposal to rename the tournament the “Cepa America” — the “America variant.” “I don’t think we should be holding such a big sporting event here now. It’s very risky,” said businessman Guilherme Beserra da Silva in Sao Paulo. “It’s good for the economy, but Covid cases are going to increase for sure. I love football, but I’m against this.”

Brasília (AFP) – When Covid-19 overwhelmed Argentina too badly to host the South American football championships, officials decided to move the tournament to pandemic-battered Brazil of all places, drawing criticism from epidemiologists and a flurry of jokes. Already forced to delay the Copa America by a year, organizers are struggling to pull off the world’s oldest running international football competition in a region still reeling from Covid-19 and — in the case of original co-hosts Colombia — violent unrest. With its huge economy and wealth of stadiums from the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, Brazil looked in some ways like a good last-minute fix after officials pulled the plug Sunday on would-be hosts Argentina two weeks from kickoff on June 13. But there is one glaring problem with Monday’s announcement that Brazil would step in: Covid-19 is devastating the country, where the death toll stands at more than 460,000, second only to the United States. And experts warn a third

Giggs’ absence puts pressure on Bale to deliver for Wales at Euro 2020 London (AFP) – Wales will go into Euro 2020 without their beleaguered boss Ryan Giggs, putting the spotlight on Gareth Bale’s bid to silence critics who say he has lost his appetite for success. Giggs’ absence following his arrest on charges of assaulting two women last year will cast a shadow over Wales during the Euro. The former Manchester United star faces a trial in 2022 after being accused of butting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville and controlling her throughout their relationship. Giggs is also charged with the common assault of Greville’s sister Emma in the same incident. The 47-year-old had taken charge of Wales in 2018 and made a positive impression as he led them to the European Championship, just their second major tournament appearance since the 1958 World Cup. But Giggs, who denies the charges, has been on leave since November last year, with caretaker boss Robert Page stepping into the breach. Page has won four of his six games since replacing Giggs, with Wales’ only loss in that time coming against the world’s top-ranked side, Belgium. If Wales are to thrive in Giggs’ absence, the onus is on Bale to prove his erratic loan spell with Tottenham Hotspur this season was not further evidence that his love for the game is dwindling. Although he scored 16 goals, Bale was unable to make a consistent impact on his return to Tottenham despite the hope that escaping his miserable time at Real Madrid would reinvigorate the Wales captain. Hampered by fitness issues and a frosty relationship with Jose Mourinho before his sacking, Bale hardly disproved the theory he no longer has the drive required to dominate at the highest level. Having celebrated Wales’ Euro qualification by waving a flag that read ‘Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order’, Bale has an opportunity to show that swipe at Real was more than hollow patriotism. – Bale burden – Despite the exit of his Real nemesis, coach Zinedine Zidane, Bale is reportedly considering negotiating a pay-off to avoid returning to Madrid. It was also suggested the four-time Champions League winner could quit football altogether and try his hand at professional golf, a claim rejected by his agent, Jonathan Barnett. Bale fuelled speculation over a potential bombshell announcement when he was asked about his future following his brace in Tottenham’s final Premier League game of the season at Leicester City. “I know what I’m doing, but it’ll just cause chaos if I say anything. It will have to happen after the Euro,” Bale said. “I’m not thinking about anything else other than Wales.” After their fairytale run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, Wales will need Bale at his best to get anywhere near repeating that success. “We’d love to replicate what we did at Euro 2016 but we are realistic. It’s a different team, a different tournament,” Bale said. Page’s side kick off against Switzerland in Baku on June 12, with games against Turkey and Italy rounding off their group schedule. The bulk of Page’s squad ply their trade in England’s second tier, with 19-year-old midfielder Rubin Colwill a surprise inclusion after only making his Cardiff City debut in February. “He blew us all away with how he was and how he conducted himself. He’s a top professional already,” Page said of Colwill. Wales won just four of their eight qualifying fixtures, with two of those victories coming against Azerbaijan, as they finished second in qualifying Group E behind Croatia. They scored only 10 goals in eight qualifying games, putting pressure on Bale to shine. Finding a way for Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey to overcome his fitness issues will also be crucial. “Ryan’s key principles when he first took over are no different and whether he is here or not, the lads know exactly how we expect them to play,” Page said.

London (AFP) – Wales will go into Euro 2020 without their beleaguered boss Ryan Giggs, putting the spotlight on Gareth Bale’s bid to silence critics who say he has lost his appetite for success. Giggs’ absence following his arrest on charges of assaulting two women last year will cast a shadow over Wales during the Euro. The former Manchester United star faces a trial in 2022 after being accused of butting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville and controlling her throughout their relationship. Giggs is also charged with the common assault of Greville’s sister Emma in the same incident. The 47-year-old had taken charge of Wales in 2018 and made a positive impression as he led them to the European Championship, just their second major tournament appearance since the 1958 World Cup. But Giggs, who denies the charges, has been on leave since November last year, with caretaker boss Robert Page stepping into the breach. Page has won four of his six games since replacing Giggs, with Wales’ o

Euro 2020 Group A: Resurgent Italy’s to lose? Paris (AFP) – Group A kicks off Euro 2020 on June 11 with one its host nations, Italy, beginning their bid to return to international football’s top table with a new generation of promising young talent. Here AFP Sport casts its eye over the four teams trying to reach the knockout stage. Italy A team reborn since Roberto Mancini took over in May 2018, Italy are one of the dark horses for the Euro after a stunning turnaround under the former Manchester City and Inter Milan boss. Unbeaten in 26 matches in a run stretching back to late 2018, Italy have shaken off the humiliation of missing out on the last World Cup by bringing in young talent like midfielder Nicolo Barella and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Mancini has got his team playing an expansive passing game that goes against Italy’s traditionally conservative style and will be aiming for a deep run in the tournament to restore some pride to a wounded football giant. As a host nation they will also benefit from playing all three group games in front of home fans at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. Player to watch: Nicolo Barella With Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti likely to be out for at least the group stage with a knee injury, Barella will be charged with leading Italy’s midfield with the same dynamism with which he helped propel Inter Milan to the Serie A title. Switzerland The Swiss have been high up the FIFA world rankings in recent years but haven’t won a knockout match at a major tournament since before the Second World War. Capable of causing the big guns difficulty — such as in recent draws with Spain and Germany — Vladmir Petkovic’s team blow too hot and cold for a confident prediction of how they might fare. However they have some intriguing players who, if they click, could cause a shock, such as captain Granit Xhaka, Liverpool’s Xherdan Shaqiri, Atalanta’s Remo Freuler and striker Haris Seferovic. Player to watch: Haris Seferovic The 29-year-old is a frustratingly inconsistent presence in the Switzerland front line, but he scored 22 times in 31 league appearances for Benfica this past season, and if the ‘Nati’ are to improve on their last-16 showing from Euro 2016 they will need him to provide a consistent goal threat. Turkey Turkey showed they were an outfit to be taken seriously when they took four points from world champions France in qualifying. Led by forward Burak Yilmaz, who recently completed a magnificent French title-winning season with Lille, Senol Guenes’ team could upset Europe’s more illustrious names. Turkey also pose a threat through Yilmaz’s Lille teammate Yusuf Yazici and AC Milan’s attacking midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, as their recent 4-2 World Cup qualifying win over the Netherlands showed. Player to watch: Burak Yilmaz ‘King Burak’ comes into the Euro fresh from leading Lille to their fourth league title in an amazing first season in France, top-scoring for his new club with 16 goals and providing a wealth of attacking experience to a young team. He is as reliable a captain as it’s possible to be and Turkey’s main goal threat. Wales Behind-the-scenes turbulence will accompany Wales to the Euro as they aim to repeat the memorable run to the semi-finals of five years ago. With head coach Ryan Giggs absent due to a trial for alleged violence against two women, caretaker Rob Page will take charge of a young team that will be the group’s underdogs. However, Wales possess attacking punch with Gareth Bale and Manchester United forward Daniel James providing the sort of pace and dynamism that can trouble most defences. Player to watch: Gareth Bale Wales’ star player has had a so-so season despite a loan to Tottenham Hotspur which promised an end to his Real Madrid torment. However the 31-year-old is a different player for his country and despite rumours in Spain that he is planning to retire and focus on playing golf, expect Bale to be at full throttle at the Euro. Fixtures (times GMT) June 11 Rome Turkey v Italy (1900) June 12 Baku Wales v Switzerland (1300) June 16 Baku Turkey v Wales (1600) Rome Italy v Switzerland (1900) June 20 Baku Switzerland v Turkey (1600) Rome Italy v Wales (1600)

Paris (AFP) – Group A kicks off Euro 2020 on June 11 with one its host nations, Italy, beginning their bid to return to international football’s top table with a new generation of promising young talent. Here AFP Sport casts its eye over the four teams trying to reach the knockout stage. Italy A team reborn since Roberto Mancini took over in May 2018, Italy are one of the dark horses for the Euro after a stunning turnaround under the former Manchester City and Inter Milan boss. Unbeaten in 26 matches in a run stretching back to late 2018, Italy have shaken off the humiliation of missing out on the last World Cup by bringing in young talent like midfielder Nicolo Barella and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Mancini has got his team playing an expansive passing game that goes against Italy’s traditionally conservative style and will be aiming for a deep run in the tournament to restore some pride to a wounded football giant. As a host nation they will also benefit from playing a

Roberto Mancini, the artisan of Italy’s renaissance Milan (AFP) – From the dark days of Italy’s 2018 World Cup qualifying fiasco to the eve of the European championships, Roberto Mancini has transformed the fortunes of fallen footballing giants Italy. A flawless Euro 2020 qualifying campaign has positioned the four-time World Cup winners as among the favourites in a tournament which they kick off at home on June 11 against Turkey in Rome. Former Inter Milan and Manchester City boss Mancini was appointed in May 2018 after an ageing and lacklustre Italy missed out a World Cup finals for the first time since 1958, failing to score in a play-off against Sweden. Since then Italy have lost just twice under Mancini, reaching the final phase of the Nations League and winning all three of their 2022 World Cup qualifying games. “I feel very proud, because it was not a good situation when I arrived,” said Mancini, with Italy now sitting seventh in the FIFA rankings after having previously slipped to an all-time low of 21st. “I tried to make the players believe in themselves, when everyone else said Italy didn’t have good quality players.” Decline had followed Italy’s 2006 World Cup victory, with group stage exits at the 2010 and 2014 editions. They fared better at the European Championship, a tournament they have won just once in 1968, reaching the final in 2012 and the quarter-finals in 2016. Mancini’s side are on a run of 26 unbeaten matches since September 2018. An all-time record 11 consecutive victories was ended with a draw against Bosnia last September. “My idea was originally to target success in the 2022 World Cup, but now we can challenge for Euro 2020,” declared Mancini, who in May extended his contract until 2026. “We want to continue a work that has borne fruit.” Mancini brought in a new crop of promising players while keeping faith with some of the old stalwarts such as Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Jorginho and Marco Verratti. Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo was called up in September 2018, before he had even made his Serie A debut, with Moise Kean, Federico Chiesa, and Inter Milan midfield pair Nicolo Barella and Stefano Sensi also joining the national setup. Although missing a star forward of the calibre of Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane, Antoine Griezmann or Kylian Mbappe, Italy’s strike options include young Juve pair Chiesa and Federico Bernardeschi, Lazio’s Ciro Immobile and Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne. – ‘Young, modern game’ – For ‘Azzurri’ legend Luigi Riva, a member of Italy’s only European championship winning team 53 years ago, Mancini remains the star of the current national team. “I am convinced that the real secret of this team is Roberto,” Italy’s all-time leading goalscorer with 35 goals in 42 appearances told Gazzetta Dello Sport. “Mancini has given the team a young, modern game, stamped his mark. “It is his national team.” Riva, 76, added: “(Mancini) has based his management primarily on familiarity. “He is a coach who follows the players, supports them, stimulates them by talking to them. “And then he has experience, he has so many things to say, the players feel it.” In Mancini, Italy have a coach with a solid track record as a title-winner with 13 trophies in club football, both as a player and as a manager. He led Manchester City to their first English league title in 44 years in 2012, and won three Serie A titles with Inter Milan. He also won Italian Cups with Inter, Fiorentina and Lazio. Since leaving England in 2013, Mancini managed Galatasaray, who he lead to a Turkish Cup, and Inter before joining Zenit Saint Petersburg in June 2017, leaving the Russian club the following year to pursue his “dream job” of coaching Italy. A former Bologna, Lazio and Sampdoria forward, Mancini never became a regular with Italy over a 10-year international career, during which he won 36 caps and scored four goals. The love-hate relationship ended following a dispute with coach Arrigo Sacchi in the run-up to the 1994 World Cup, which brought the curtain down on Mancini’s national career.

Milan (AFP) – From the dark days of Italy’s 2018 World Cup qualifying fiasco to the eve of the European championships, Roberto Mancini has transformed the fortunes of fallen footballing giants Italy. A flawless Euro 2020 qualifying campaign has positioned the four-time World Cup winners as among the favourites in a tournament which they kick off at home on June 11 against Turkey in Rome. Former Inter Milan and Manchester City boss Mancini was appointed in May 2018 after an ageing and lacklustre Italy missed out a World Cup finals for the first time since 1958, failing to score in a play-off against Sweden. Since then Italy have lost just twice under Mancini, reaching the final phase of the Nations League and winning all three of their 2022 World Cup qualifying games. “I feel very proud, because it was not a good situation when I arrived,” said Mancini, with Italy now sitting seventh in the FIFA rankings after having previously slipped to an all-time low of 21st. “I tried to make

Aguero hoping for Messi partnership after signing for Barca Barcelona (AFP) – Sergio Aguero said Monday that he was hoping to have the “pleasure” of playing alongside Lionel Messi after signing a two-year deal with Barcelona. Aguero will become a Barca player once his contract with Manchester City expires at the end of June, bringing an end to a decade at the Premier League champions, and his new team have slapped a 100-million-euro ($122 million) buy-out clause on the 32-year-old. However he is still not sure that Messi will be his teammate next season as the club captain is yet to sign an extension to his current contract which expires next month. “Let’s hope we play together … what happens with Leo is down to decisions that he will make with the club,” Aguero told reporters at the Camp Nou after he was unveiled on the famous pitch. “Obviously it will be a pleasure if we play together. If he continues here, which I think he will, we will try to do our best for the club as he always has done.” Barca will hope Aguero’s arrival in Catalonia helps to convince his friend and fellow Argentine Messi to stay, as the club faces up to declining performances on the pitch and a worrying financial situation. Ronald Koeman’s side finished third in La Liga this past season and have debts of 1.2 billion euros ($1.46 billion). They were knocked out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage by Paris Saint-Germain, and could yet face sanctions from UEFA for refusing to back out of the short-lived European Super League project. Last week club president Joan Laporta said that talks for Messi’s new contract were “going well”, and on Monday insisted that Aguero’s signing was part of a broader Barca rebuild. “The signing of Aguero is for Aguero. We want to build a competitive team and obviously we also want Leo to stay, we have already told him this,” Laporta said. Aguero’s signing for Barca comes two days after he missed out on winning the Champions League with City, Pep Guardiola’s side losing this season’s final to Chelsea at the end of a season disrupted by injury. His final appearance for City was as a substitute for Raheem Sterling late in the final in Porto as the newly-crowned Premier League champions tried in vain to win Europe’s top prize for the first time. He leaves City as their all-time record goalscorer with 260 goals, and with the most goals scored for a single club in Premier League history — 184 goals in 275 appearances. “Leaving aside last season, I had nine very good years at City,” said Aguero. “A knee issue kept me out for a few months, I recovered, I got Covid … but in the last four months I’ve felt very good physically.” His move to Barcelona had been long in the offing, with Guardiola saying a week ago that he was close to a deal with the Catalan giants. He will participate in this year’s Copa America, which on Monday was moved from Colombia and his home country Argentina to Brazil. “If they have made that decision it is because things are not going well in Argentina, there have been a lot of infections over the last few days and many deaths. I think it was a good decision,” said Aguero.

Barcelona (AFP) – Sergio Aguero said Monday that he was hoping to have the “pleasure” of playing alongside Lionel Messi after signing a two-year deal with Barcelona. Aguero will become a Barca player once his contract with Manchester City expires at the end of June, bringing an end to a decade at the Premier League champions, and his new team have slapped a 100-million-euro ($122 million) buy-out clause on the 32-year-old. However he is still not sure that Messi will be his teammate next season as the club captain is yet to sign an extension to his current contract which expires next month. “Let’s hope we play together … what happens with Leo is down to decisions that he will make with the club,” Aguero told reporters at the Camp Nou after he was unveiled on the famous pitch. “Obviously it will be a pleasure if we play together. If he continues here, which I think he will, we will try to do our best for the club as he always has done.” Barca will hope Aguero’s arrival in Cataloni

Holders Spain into Under-21 Euro semis as Dutch stun France Budapest (AFP) – Holders Spain secured a place in the semi-finals of the Under-21 European Championship with an extra time winner against Croatia on Monday, as a strong France side went out to an injury-time goal against the Netherlands. Javier Puado of Espanyol came off the bench and looked to have won it for Spain when he scored midway through the second half in Maribor, Slovenia, but a last-gasp penalty by Dinamo Zagreb’s Luka Ivanusec forced extra time. Puado got the winner in the 110th minute when he rounded the goalkeeper and fired into the roof of the net after a long ball forward by Marc Cucurella. Spain won the last Under-21 Euro in Italy in 2019, defeating Germany 2-1 in the final with goals from Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, both of whom are in Luis Enrique’s senior squad for the upcoming European Championship. Meanwhile, Myron Boadu’s goal three minutes into added time in Budapest left France stunned and took the Netherlands through to the last four with a 2-1 quarter-final win in Budapest. Dayot Upamecano, the Bayern Munich-bound centre-back who has already been capped at senior international level, headed France into a 23rd-minute lead from Moussa Diaby’s corner. However, AZ Alkmaar striker Boadu levelled early in the second half and Jonathan Ikone hit the post for France. Extra time was looming before Justin Kluivert squared for Boadu to win it right at the end. The remaining quarter-finals will be played later with Portugal facing Italy in Ljubljana and Denmark taking on Germany. The semi-finals will be played on Thursday with the final in Ljubljana on Sunday. The group phase was completed in March.

Budapest (AFP) – Holders Spain secured a place in the semi-finals of the Under-21 European Championship with an extra time winner against Croatia on Monday, as a strong France side went out to an injury-time goal against the Netherlands. Javier Puado of Espanyol came off the bench and looked to have won it for Spain when he scored midway through the second half in Maribor, Slovenia, but a last-gasp penalty by Dinamo Zagreb’s Luka Ivanusec forced extra time. Puado got the winner in the 110th minute when he rounded the goalkeeper and fired into the roof of the net after a long ball forward by Marc Cucurella. Spain won the last Under-21 Euro in Italy in 2019, defeating Germany 2-1 in the final with goals from Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, both of whom are in Luis Enrique’s senior squad for the upcoming European Championship. Meanwhile, Myron Boadu’s goal three minutes into added time in Budapest left France stunned and took the Netherlands through to the last four with a 2-1 quarter-fin

Copa America taken from Argentina due to Covid, moved to Brazil Asuncion (AFP) – South America’s largest football tournament, the Copa America, was moved Monday to Brazil, bracing for a third coronavirus wave, after Argentina was stripped of hosting duties due to its own pandemic surge. Argentina was to have co-hosted the June 13-July 10 football spectacle with Colombia, which was itself disqualified by football federation CONMEBOL over violent social unrest. With two weeks to kick-off, the federation tweeted Monday that “The CONMEBOL Copa America 2021 will be played in Brazil!” a day after it cancelled Argentina’s hosting of the event “in view of the current circumstances”. Originally scheduled for last year, the Argentina-Colombia Copa, to be played without fans, was postponed by 12 months due to the coronavirus epidemic. It would have been the first time in its history that the tournament was co-hosted by two countries. New host Brazil is one of the countries in the world worst affected by the coronavirus outbreak, with the second-highest death toll of over 460,000 so far and more than 16.5 million cases. The Fiocruz research institute has warned of a new surge in the pandemic in the country already hard hit by a more infectious new strain, and where many people have died due to a shortage of hospital beds and oxygen. – Record surge – Ten days ago, the tournament lost a co-host in Colombia, which had its games stripped by CONMEBOL amid social unrest that has now entered its fifth week and claimed dozens of lives. This left Argentina as the sole host, but on Sunday, CONMEBOL also disqualified it amid a record surge that has seen a daily death toll of about 500 on average, and between 21,000 and 40,000 new cases per day. The country has had more than 77,000 deaths in the pandemic to date and nearly 3.8 million infections. On May 22, Argentina entered a nine-day lockdown in the hopes of flattening the infection curve ahead of the sports event. The country had presented a “strict protocol” to CONMEBOL for hosting the tournament, which involved preparing additional stadiums and reducing the size of each team’s delegation. But a poll last week found that 70 percent of Argentinians believed the country should withdraw, and CONMEBOL agreed. “CONMEBOL informs that in view of the current circumstances it has decided to suspend the organization of the Copa America in Argentina,” the governing body tweeted. – ‘Epidemiological alert – Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez said he had asked CONMEBOL for “time” until Monday to analyze the health situation, but that the country was “on epidemiological alert”. His chief of staff, Santiago Cafiero, added that “with so many cases we could not carry out an organization of these characteristics. Argentina had a commitment that we tried at all times to meet, but the epidemiological reality prevented it”. In Brazil, opposition congressman Marcelo Freixo was among the first to denounce the latest move. “Argentina refused the Copa America because of the worsening pandemic. There, the average of deaths in the last seven days was 470 people… Here, it’s 1,844. FOUR TIMES MORE. This is a picture of a murderous government.” Added sports commentator Alexandre Lozetti, of TV Globo on the same platform: “Suggestions for a mascot for the Copa America in Brazil? How about Covidinho (Little Covid)?” Brazil hosted the last Copa America, in 2019, and won it. It has the best infrastructure in the region for hosting the Copa, with several modern stadiums left over from the Brazil 2014 World Cup. CONMEBOL is expected to announce venues and dates for the matches in the coming hours.

Asuncion (AFP) – South America’s largest football tournament, the Copa America, was moved Monday to Brazil, bracing for a third coronavirus wave, after Argentina was stripped of hosting duties due to its own pandemic surge. Argentina was to have co-hosted the June 13-July 10 football spectacle with Colombia, which was itself disqualified by football federation CONMEBOL over violent social unrest. With two weeks to kick-off, the federation tweeted Monday that “The CONMEBOL Copa America 2021 will be played in Brazil!” a day after it cancelled Argentina’s hosting of the event “in view of the current circumstances”. Originally scheduled for last year, the Argentina-Colombia Copa, to be played without fans, was postponed by 12 months due to the coronavirus epidemic. It would have been the first time in its history that the tournament was co-hosted by two countries. New host Brazil is one of the countries in the world worst affected by the coronavirus outbreak, with the second-highest

Everton hit back over James fitness row London (AFP) – Everton insist Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez could have played at the Copa America after he was left out due to concerns over his fitness. Colombia manager Reinaldo Rueda axed James for the forthcoming tournament after the Everton star’s apparent slow recovery from a calf injury. At a press conference in Colombia, Rueda said the decision had been taken after assessing his medical report which included information provided by Everton. But Everton’s medical director Danny Donachie said the 29-year-old left Merseyside last weekend with the recommendation he sat out World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Argentina in order to be fit for the Copa America. “It was a very small injury at the end of the season and we had no issues at all with James joining up with Colombia,” Donachie told Everton’s website. “He was hoping to play in the two qualifiers and the only discussion we had with the Colombian FA was whether that was a good idea, or whether it would be more prudent to prepare him for the tournament. “We agreed he would be fully fit, without any questions, for the start of the Copa America. “We spoke about his rehab and they agreed to continue the process but there was never a doubt in our mind he would be in top condition in time for the tournament. “I have seen the tests carried out by Colombia and there is nothing in them to say he is not going to be fit for that competition. “We track every player individually and have information on every element of their physical condition and performance. “And, in terms of this particular injury, there would have been no long-term risk in him playing the Copa America.”

London (AFP) – Everton insist Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez could have played at the Copa America after he was left out due to concerns over his fitness. Colombia manager Reinaldo Rueda axed James for the forthcoming tournament after the Everton star’s apparent slow recovery from a calf injury. At a press conference in Colombia, Rueda said the decision had been taken after assessing his medical report which included information provided by Everton. But Everton’s medical director Danny Donachie said the 29-year-old left Merseyside last weekend with the recommendation he sat out World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Argentina in order to be fit for the Copa America. “It was a very small injury at the end of the season and we had no issues at all with James joining up with Colombia,” Donachie told Everton’s website. “He was hoping to play in the two qualifiers and the only discussion we had with the Colombian FA was whether that was a good idea, or whether it would be more pru

Dortmund sign Swiss goalkeeper Kobel from Stuttgart Berlin (AFP) – Borussia Dortmund on Monday strengthened their squad for next season by signing goalkeeper Gregor Kobel from Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart. Dortmund, who finished third in the 2021/22 Bundesliga campaign, have signed Kobel until 2026 having reportedly paid Stuttgart a transfer fee of around 15 million euros ($18 million). Despite being included in the provisional group, the 23-year-old has not been included in the final 26-man Switzerland squad for the forthcoming Euro 2020 finals from June 11-July 11. The 1.95m-tall shot stopper will rival Swiss compatriots Marwin Hitz and Roman Buerki for the goalkeeper shirt at Dortmund, where he is looking forward to playing Champions League football next season. “Borussia Dortmund is one of the biggest and best known football clubs in the world, which has the ambition to fight for the Bundesliga and German Cup titles each year, as well as play in the Champions League,” said Kobel. “It will make me proud to run out for Borussia Dortmund and I want to be a part of their future success.” Stuttgart sports director Sven Mislintat revealed that the sale of Kobel will help boost the club’s finances as their revenue has been badly hit by a lack of home crowds during the Covid-19 pandemic. “His move is a classic win-win situation, because Gregor can take the next step at a Champions League club and we can take the next step by generating important income during these tense times,” said Mislintat.

Berlin (AFP) – Borussia Dortmund on Monday strengthened their squad for next season by signing goalkeeper Gregor Kobel from Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart. Dortmund, who finished third in the 2021/22 Bundesliga campaign, have signed Kobel until 2026 having reportedly paid Stuttgart a transfer fee of around 15 million euros ($18 million). Despite being included in the provisional group, the 23-year-old has not been included in the final 26-man Switzerland squad for the forthcoming Euro 2020 finals from June 11-July 11. The 1.95m-tall shot stopper will rival Swiss compatriots Marwin Hitz and Roman Buerki for the goalkeeper shirt at Dortmund, where he is looking forward to playing Champions League football next season. “Borussia Dortmund is one of the biggest and best known football clubs in the world, which has the ambition to fight for the Bundesliga and German Cup titles each year, as well as play in the Champions League,” said Kobel. “It will make me proud to run out for Borussia D

Troubled Barca secure City legend Aguero Barcelona (AFP) – Barcelona announced on Monday that they had agreed to sign Sergio Aguero on a deal until 2023, after the Argentina forward quit Manchester City following a decade at the Premier League club. In a statement, Barca said that Aguero will become their player once his contract with Manchester City expires at the end of next month, adding that there is a buy-out clause “set at 100 million euros ($122 million)”. Aguero will be unveiled as a Barca player later on Monday, signing the contract before being presented on the Camp Nou pitch. The 32-year-old’s signing for Barca comes two days after he missed out on winning the Champions League with City, Pep Guardiola’s side losing this season’s final to Chelsea. His final appearance for City was as a substitute for Raheem Sterling late in the final in Porto as the newly-crowned Premier League champions tried in vain to win Europe’s top prize for the first time. He leaves City as their all-time record goalscorer with 260 goals, and with the most goals scored for a single club in Premier League history — 184 goals in 275 appearances. His move to Barcelona had been long in the offing, with Guardiola saying a week ago that he was close to a deal with the Catalan giants. Aguero returns to Spain after spending five years with Atletico Madrid between 2006 and 2011, during which time he won the 2010 Europa League. Barca will hope his arrival in Catalonia helps to convince his friend and fellow Argentine Lionel Messi to stay, as the club faces up to declining performances on the pitch and a worrying financial situation. Ronald Koeman’s side finished third in La Liga this past season and have debts of 1.2 billion euros ($1.46 billion). They were knocked out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage by Paris Saint-Germain, and could yet face sanctions from UEFA for refusing to back out of the short-lived European Super League project. Barca captain Messi, whose contract expires at the end of June, is yet to sign a new deal, although on Friday club president Joan Laporta said that talks for Messi’s new contract were “going well”. “It is not done yet and we have to continue so that it gets done,” said Laporta, who added Messi staying at Barca was “not about money”. “It’s about building a team with the possibility of winning everything. He wants Barca to think big,” he said. Aguero will participate in this year’s Copa America, which on Monday was moved from Colombia and his home country Argentina to Brazil.

Barcelona (AFP) – Barcelona announced on Monday that they had agreed to sign Sergio Aguero on a deal until 2023, after the Argentina forward quit Manchester City following a decade at the Premier League club. In a statement, Barca said that Aguero will become their player once his contract with Manchester City expires at the end of next month, adding that there is a buy-out clause “set at 100 million euros ($122 million)”. Aguero will be unveiled as a Barca player later on Monday, signing the contract before being presented on the Camp Nou pitch. The 32-year-old’s signing for Barca comes two days after he missed out on winning the Champions League with City, Pep Guardiola’s side losing this season’s final to Chelsea. His final appearance for City was as a substitute for Raheem Sterling late in the final in Porto as the newly-crowned Premier League champions tried in vain to win Europe’s top prize for the first time. He leaves City as their all-time record goalscorer with 260 goal

Hazard says he is not 100% but will be ready for Euros Tubize (Belgium) (AFP) – Eden Hazard is still having “some thigh problems” after missing much of Real Madrid’s season but “will be there when the Euros start”, he told a video press conference on Monday. The midfielder said he was “not yet at 100 percent” but added that “physically I still have to prepare myself and I obviously hope to be ready for the first game on 12 June.” Belgium, one of the favourites for the title, start Euro 2020 on June 12 against Russia in a group that also includes Denmark and Finland. Hazard arrived at the national training centre at Tubize on Monday, at the same time as most of his team-mates and, as captain, was the first to speak at the press conference. “I missed the last game with Real because of a little discomfort in my thigh. Since then I have been able to rest for a week and mentally I am fine,” he said. “I’m going to be good again when I get my confidence back, and when my thigh and ankle don’t hurt,” he said. “I’ve had an unlucky season.” “I’ve always been a player who liked to play one match after another and that hasn’t been the case. I still have many good years ahead of me.” Injuries have kept him ot of recent Belgian squads. “I missed it,” he said. “I am happy when I am on the pitch.” Hazard has struggled to contribute since joining Real for a reported 100 million euros ($122 million) from Chelsea in 2019. Since the end of a season in which Real finished second in La Liga and fell against Hazard’s former club Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, coach Zinedine Zidane has quit. Hazard said he was “very disappointed that Zidane is leaving.” “I spent two great seasons with him. I’m frustrated that I couldn’t give him more,” he said. Hazard said he as not going to leaving Real. “I can’t see myself anywhere else but Real Madrid,” he said “I have three years left on my contract at Real, we know that the first two years were complicated, but I want to continue to give the best of myself at Madrid.” Hazard was criticised by Spanish media for laughing and joking with former Chelsea team-mates Kurt Zouma and Edouard Mendy after the full-time whistle at Stamford Bridge where Madrid had just been eliminated from the Champions League. “I didn’t celebrate Chelsea’s Champions League title against Manchester City on Saturday,” he said. “I am a Real Madrid player.”

Tubize (Belgium) (AFP) – Eden Hazard is still having “some thigh problems” after missing much of Real Madrid’s season but “will be there when the Euros start”, he told a video press conference on Monday. The midfielder said he was “not yet at 100 percent” but added that “physically I still have to prepare myself and I obviously hope to be ready for the first game on 12 June.” Belgium, one of the favourites for the title, start Euro 2020 on June 12 against Russia in a group that also includes Denmark and Finland. Hazard arrived at the national training centre at Tubize on Monday, at the same time as most of his team-mates and, as captain, was the first to speak at the press conference. “I missed the last game with Real because of a little discomfort in my thigh. Since then I have been able to rest for a week and mentally I am fine,” he said. “I’m going to be good again when I get my confidence back, and when my thigh and ankle don’t hurt,” he said. “I’ve had an unlucky season.”

Copa America 2021 moved to Brazil: CONMEBOL Asuncion (AFP) – South America’s largest football tournament, the Copa America, was moved Monday to Brazil after a Covid-19 surge in Argentina and social unrest in Colombia saw the co-hosts stripped of the right to host the event. With two weeks to kickoff, South America’s CONMEBOL football federation tweeted that “The CONMEBOL Copa America 2021 will be played in Brazil!” and the June 13-July 10 dates were maintained. CONMEBOL is expected to announce the venues and dates of matches in the coming hours. Brazil hosted the last Copa America, in 2019. Originally scheduled for last year, the Copa was postponed by 12 months due to the coronavirus epidemic. New host Brazil is one of the countries in the world worst affected by the outbreak, with the second-highest death toll of over 460,000 so far and more than 16.5 million cases. It was to have been the first time in its history that the tournament would be co-hosted by two countries, Argentina and Colombia. But ten days ago, CONMEBOL stripped Colombia of its duties amid street protests that were met with a heavy-handed police response that drew international condemnation. More than a month into the unrest, dozens of people have died. On Sunday, CONMEBOL also stripped Argentina of hosting rights in the context of a record coronavirus surge, with more than 77,000 deaths in the pandemic to date and nearly 3.8 million infections.

Asuncion (AFP) – South America’s largest football tournament, the Copa America, was moved Monday to Brazil after a Covid-19 surge in Argentina and social unrest in Colombia saw the co-hosts stripped of the right to host the event. With two weeks to kickoff, South America’s CONMEBOL football federation tweeted that “The CONMEBOL Copa America 2021 will be played in Brazil!” and the June 13-July 10 dates were maintained. CONMEBOL is expected to announce the venues and dates of matches in the coming hours. Brazil hosted the last Copa America, in 2019. Originally scheduled for last year, the Copa was postponed by 12 months due to the coronavirus epidemic. New host Brazil is one of the countries in the world worst affected by the outbreak, with the second-highest death toll of over 460,000 so far and more than 16.5 million cases. It was to have been the first time in its history that the tournament would be co-hosted by two countries, Argentina and Colombia. But ten days ago, CONMEBO

Embattled Germany aim to make Euro 2020 statement in Denmark friendly Berlin (AFP) – Mats Hummels says that Germany are eager to throw down a marker ahead of the looming Euro 2020 finals when they face Denmark in a warm-up friendly. The Germans open their European Championship campaign against world champions France in Munich on June 15, then face holders Portugal four days later in Group F. However, Germany had their confidence knocked by a humbling 2-1 defeat to minnows North Macedonia in March following a 6-0 thrashing away to Spain last November and both defeats drew fierce criticism. After nearly three years out of the squad, Hummels, 32, admitted he had been “nervous” with excitement before joining Germany’s training camp in Austria and says the Germans are eager to impress against the Danes on Wednesday. “It is very important that we approach these games the way we want to play at the European Championships,” Hummels said, with Germany also playing a friendly against Latvia next Monday. The Dortmund centre-back was in the German national side which crashed at the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia after finishing last in their group. Three years on, the Germans want impressive wins over the Danes and Latvians to take into the Euro 2020 finals from June 11-July 11. “Before the 2018 World Cup, our performances in the friendly games weren’t that convincing. We know that,” Hummels admitted. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will captain Germany on Wednesday against the Danes, whose coach Kasper Hjulmand says the Germans have the “potential” to be crowned European champions for the fourth time. “They have brought some of the experienced players to this tournament,” Hjulmand told reporters, referring to Hummels and Thomas Mueller, who Loew has recalled despite axing the pair from his plans in 2019. “On top of that, some of the young players like (Leroy) Sane or (Serge) Gnabry have been around for a long time,” added Hjulmand, who talked up the Germans’ “fantastic quality”. Denmark face Finland, Belgium and Russia in Euro 2020 Group B. Following their World Cup debacle three years ago, Germany has much to prove at the Euro 2020 finals, postponed from last year, after which Loew will step down after 15 years in charge. Hummels says the Germans must start well against France and Portugal before hosting Hungary in their final group match. “It’s about not giving in difficult moments, taking command and countering,” said Hummels, who made the last of his 70 appearances for Germany in November 2018.

Berlin (AFP) – Mats Hummels says that Germany are eager to throw down a marker ahead of the looming Euro 2020 finals when they face Denmark in a warm-up friendly. The Germans open their European Championship campaign against world champions France in Munich on June 15, then face holders Portugal four days later in Group F. However, Germany had their confidence knocked by a humbling 2-1 defeat to minnows North Macedonia in March following a 6-0 thrashing away to Spain last November and both defeats drew fierce criticism. After nearly three years out of the squad, Hummels, 32, admitted he had been “nervous” with excitement before joining Germany’s training camp in Austria and says the Germans are eager to impress against the Danes on Wednesday. “It is very important that we approach these games the way we want to play at the European Championships,” Hummels said, with Germany also playing a friendly against Latvia next Monday. The Dortmund centre-back was in the German national sid

Barcelona sign Sergio Aguero until 2023: club Barcelona (AFP) – Barcelona have signed Sergio Aguero on a deal until 2023, the Catalan giants announced on Monday. In a statement, Barca said that Aguero, who arrives after a decade at Manchester City, has a buy-out clause “set at 100 million euros ($122 million).” Aguero’s signing for Barca comes two days after he missed out on the Champions League with City after losing this season’s final to Chelsea. The 32-year-old leaves City as their all-time record goalscorer with 260 goals, and with the most goals scored for a single club in Premier League history — 184 goals in 275 appearances. His departure for Barcelona had been long in the offing, with City coach Pep Guardiola saying a week ago that he was close to a deal. Aguero returns to Spain after spending five years with Atletico Madrid between 2006 and 2011, and the club will hope his arrival in Catalonia helps to convince his compatriot Lionel Messi to stay. Barca captain Messi, whose contract expires at the end of June, is yet to sign a new deal with Barcelona. Aguero will participate in this year’s Copa America, which on Monday was moved from Colombia and his home country Argentina to Brazil.

Barcelona (AFP) – Barcelona have signed Sergio Aguero on a deal until 2023, the Catalan giants announced on Monday. In a statement, Barca said that Aguero, who arrives after a decade at Manchester City, has a buy-out clause “set at 100 million euros ($122 million).” Aguero’s signing for Barca comes two days after he missed out on the Champions League with City after losing this season’s final to Chelsea. The 32-year-old leaves City as their all-time record goalscorer with 260 goals, and with the most goals scored for a single club in Premier League history — 184 goals in 275 appearances. His departure for Barcelona had been long in the offing, with City coach Pep Guardiola saying a week ago that he was close to a deal. Aguero returns to Spain after spending five years with Atletico Madrid between 2006 and 2011, and the club will hope his arrival in Catalonia helps to convince his compatriot Lionel Messi to stay. Barca captain Messi, whose contract expires at the end of June, is

Wales lose Lawrence for Euros, Lockyer called up London (AFP) – Wales defender James Lawrence has pulled out of his country’s Euro 2020 squad due to injury, with Luton’s Tom Lockyer called up to replace the St Pauli centre-back. Lawrence was included in Wales’ 26-man European Championship squad on Sunday. However, scans on the unspecified injury showed Lawrence would not be ready for the tournament, which starts on June 11. “James Lawrence has had to withdraw from the Euro 2020 squad due to injury,” the Football Association of Wales said on Monday. “Following a scan yesterday it’s been revealed that he will unfortunately miss out on the final tournament with an injury that will rule him out from playing for a few weeks. “We wish James Lawrence all the best with his recovery. Lawrence’s withdrawal gives way to Tom Lockyer who narrowly missed out on selection in the 26 named squad yesterday.” Lawrence, who nine international caps, was a potential starter in Wales’ opening Euro 2020 game against Switzerland in Baku on June 12. The 28-year-old started both of Wales’ 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Belgium and the Czech Republic in March. Lockyer has won 13 caps and missed out on selection for the initial squad after injury ruled him out of the final three months of Luton’s season. Meanwhile, Wales captain Gareth Bale admits it will be hard for his team to replicate their Euro 2016 success. Bale and company made it to the semi-finals in their first appearance at a major tournament for 58 years. But Real Madrid forward Bale, who spent this season on loan at Tottenham, believes a repeat of that run won’t be easy to achieve. Wales line up in Group A alongside Italy, Switzerland and Turkey. “We’d love to replicate it but we’re realistic,” Bale said. “We know it’s a different tournament playing different teams and we also have a very different team to what we did have. “It’s going to be difficult going in against all these top nations. “But we’re confident in our own ability what we can do on the pitch, and we’ll be doing everything to make it as much of a success as we can.”

London (AFP) – Wales defender James Lawrence has pulled out of his country’s Euro 2020 squad due to injury, with Luton’s Tom Lockyer called up to replace the St Pauli centre-back. Lawrence was included in Wales’ 26-man European Championship squad on Sunday. However, scans on the unspecified injury showed Lawrence would not be ready for the tournament, which starts on June 11. “James Lawrence has had to withdraw from the Euro 2020 squad due to injury,” the Football Association of Wales said on Monday. “Following a scan yesterday it’s been revealed that he will unfortunately miss out on the final tournament with an injury that will rule him out from playing for a few weeks. “We wish James Lawrence all the best with his recovery. Lawrence’s withdrawal gives way to Tom Lockyer who narrowly missed out on selection in the 26 named squad yesterday.” Lawrence, who nine international caps, was a potential starter in Wales’ opening Euro 2020 game against Switzerland in Baku on June 12. T

Zidane says he quit Real Madrid because of club’s lack of ‘faith’ Madrid (AFP) – Zinedine Zidane resigned as Real Madrid manager because he felt the Spanish club no longer had any confidence in him, he wrote in an open letter on Monday. “I’m leaving because I feel the club no longer has the faith in me I need, and doesn’t offer me the support to build something in the medium or long term,” the Frenchman wrote in the letter published in the sports daily AS. “I am a born winner and I was here to win trophies, but beyond this there are human beings, emotions, life and I have the feeling that these things have not been valued, that it has not been understood that this is also how the dynamic of a great club is maintained,” he said. “But everything I built on a daily basis, what I brought to the relationship with the players… has been forgotten.” “I’m leaving, but I’m not jumping ship and I’m not tired of coaching,” he said. Real had a disappointing season, finishing second in La Liga behind neigbours Atletico Madrid and losing to eventual winners Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals. It is the second time that Zidane has resigned as Real Madrid manager. The 1998 World Cup winner first took the helm in January 2016 and guided Real to the 2017 La Liga title and an unprecedented hat-trick of Champions League titles before abruptly quitting on May 31, 2018. Less than a year later he returned after Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari were sacked as managers in quick succession. In his letter Zidane said he left the club in 2018 because it needed “a different voice to keep itself at the highest” but this time “things are different”. “I want what we have achieved together to be respected. I would have liked in recent months my relationship with the club and with the president (Florentino Perez) to have been a little different from that of other coaches,” Zidane said. “I wasn’t asking for privileges, of course not, but a little more memory,” added Zidane. – ‘Always grateful’ – Zidane’s contract with Real was set to expire in 2022 but he had repeatedly refused to confirm he would still be at the club next season. He has a history of making surprise announcements: as a player, he initially announced his retirement from international football in 2004 before coming back for the 2006 World Cup, after which he retired for good following his red card for butting on Italy’s Marco Materazzi as France lost the final. “Spending 20 years in Madrid has been the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me in life and I know that I owe it exclusively to Florentino Perez who bet on me in 2001,” Zidane said in the letter. “I say it from the heart, I will always be grateful to the ‘presi’ for it. Always,” he added. Zidane now take another break from football although there has been talk of him either taking charge of the French national team or Juventus, where he spent five years as a player. Juventus are suffering financially as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and might not be in a position to entice him. Didier Deschamps, who led France to victory in the last World Cup, is likely to remain national coach until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, barring a disastrous performance at the European Championship that kicks off next month.

Madrid (AFP) – Zinedine Zidane resigned as Real Madrid manager because he felt the Spanish club no longer had any confidence in him, he wrote in an open letter on Monday. “I’m leaving because I feel the club no longer has the faith in me I need, and doesn’t offer me the support to build something in the medium or long term,” the Frenchman wrote in the letter published in the sports daily AS. “I am a born winner and I was here to win trophies, but beyond this there are human beings, emotions, life and I have the feeling that these things have not been valued, that it has not been understood that this is also how the dynamic of a great club is maintained,” he said. “But everything I built on a daily basis, what I brought to the relationship with the players… has been forgotten.” “I’m leaving, but I’m not jumping ship and I’m not tired of coaching,” he said. Real had a disappointing season, finishing second in La Liga behind neigbours Atletico Madrid and losing to eventual winners

World Cup qualifiers moved from China to Dubai over virus cases Shanghai (AFP) – Several World Cup football qualifiers scheduled to be played in China were moved to Dubai on Monday over coronavirus infections in the Syria and Maldives teams, the Chinese Football Association said. Seven Group A fixtures involving China, Syria, Maldives, the Philippines and Guam are affected, playing further havoc with the already heavily disrupted Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers. “In view of the recent epidemic infections in the Maldives and Syrian national football teams… they must be strictly quarantined upon entry and cannot participate in the games as scheduled,” a CFA statement said. “According to recommendations from the AFC (Asian Football Confederation), the Chinese FA agreed that the remaining qualifying matches… will not be held in Suzhou and will be transferred to Dubai and held there,” it added. The games were supposed to take place over the next fortnight in a secure “bubble” in the Chinese city of Suzhou. According to China’s Titan Sports, the Maldives and Syria are already in Dubai and were denied permission to depart for China. Maldives striker Ali Ashfaq tweeted that he had tested positive and won’t be playing in the qualifiers. China, who smashed Guam 7-0 on Sunday, were scheduled to face the Maldives on Thursday, while Syria and the Maldives were set to play on June 7. China are second in the group behind Syria, and are fighting to keep their World Cup hopes alive. The games double as qualifiers for the 2023 Asian Cup in China. “The Chinese Football Association will make every effort to prepare for the matches,” the CFA said.

Shanghai (AFP) – Several World Cup football qualifiers scheduled to be played in China were moved to Dubai on Monday over coronavirus infections in the Syria and Maldives teams, the Chinese Football Association said. Seven Group A fixtures involving China, Syria, Maldives, the Philippines and Guam are affected, playing further havoc with the already heavily disrupted Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers. “In view of the recent epidemic infections in the Maldives and Syrian national football teams… they must be strictly quarantined upon entry and cannot participate in the games as scheduled,” a CFA statement said. “According to recommendations from the AFC (Asian Football Confederation), the Chinese FA agreed that the remaining qualifying matches… will not be held in Suzhou and will be transferred to Dubai and held there,” it added. The games were supposed to take place over the next fortnight in a secure “bubble” in the Chinese city of Suzhou. According to China’s Titan Sports, the Ma

Copa America in Argentina suspended over coronavirus surge Asuncion (AFP) – Argentina’s hosting of the Copa America football tournament has been suspended “in view of the current circumstances,” CONMEBOL said on Sunday, as the country endures a record coronavirus surge. The South American football body, which last week stripped Colombia of co-hosting duties over deadly unrest, said it was considering other offers to hold the tournament. “CONMEBOL informs that in view of the current circumstances it has decided to suspend the organization of the Copa America in Argentina,” the governing body tweeted. “CONMEBOL is evaluating the offer of other countries that showed interest in hosting the continental tournament.” An Argentine poll published on Friday found that most respondents were against holding the tournament as the country experiences its worst phase of the pandemic so far. Less than two weeks before the Copa America’s scheduled start, Argentina is under a nine-day lockdown and experiencing record daily infections. Argentina had presented its “strict protocol” to CONMEBOL to host the tournament in its entirety, which involved preparing additional stadiums. The Copa America was originally due to take place last year, but was postponed for 12 months because of the coronavirus pandemic. On May 20 CONMEBOL rejected a plea by Colombia to further delay the June 13-July 10 tournament following a wave of protests and social unrest, coupled with an upsurge in Covid-19 cases. It left Argentina as the sole host, but a survey conducted by pollsters Poliarquia among a representative sample of 1,274 city-dwelling adults, found that 70 percent believe the country should withdraw. Only 20 percent believed the championship should continue on Argentine soil, and 10 percent were undecided.

Asuncion (AFP) – Argentina’s hosting of the Copa America football tournament has been suspended “in view of the current circumstances,” CONMEBOL said on Sunday, as the country endures a record coronavirus surge. The South American football body, which last week stripped Colombia of co-hosting duties over deadly unrest, said it was considering other offers to hold the tournament. “CONMEBOL informs that in view of the current circumstances it has decided to suspend the organization of the Copa America in Argentina,” the governing body tweeted. “CONMEBOL is evaluating the offer of other countries that showed interest in hosting the continental tournament.” An Argentine poll published on Friday found that most respondents were against holding the tournament as the country experiences its worst phase of the pandemic so far. Less than two weeks before the Copa America’s scheduled start, Argentina is under a nine-day lockdown and experiencing record daily infections. Argentina had pres

Aussie Dougall’s brace sends Blackpool back to Championship London (AFP) – Kenny Dougall became the first Australian to score in a club game at Wembley as his double in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Lincoln in the League One play-off final sent Blackpool back to the Championship for the first time since 2015. The 28-year-old defensive midfielder’s goals either side of half-time completed a remarkable year for him as he had been without a club after being released by Barnsley last summer. He proved an inspired signing by coach Neil Critchley, who is in his first senior managerial post after seven years as Liverpool Under-18 and Under-23 coach. “You don’t get to play at Wembley often, so to score two goals is fantastic,” Dougall told Sky Sports. Blackpool’s return to the second-tier Championship comes after several traumatic years since spending one season in the Premier League a decade ago. The upturn in their fortunes has come since Hong Kong-based businessman Simon Sadler acquired the historic club for £10 million (11.6 million euros) from receivers in June 2019. Sadler was at Wembley to see Dougall fire them back into the Championship after they came back from conceding the earliest ever goal in the third-tier play-off final, Ollie Turton putting the ball his own net after just 48 seconds. Critchley’s job looked to be at risk when Blackpool lost six of their first nine league games this term. “After the start we had, to finish here in this manner has been incredible and I’ve got nothing but praise for everyone who’s supported me this season,” 42-year-old Critchley told Sky Sports. “They (Liverpool coaches and former captain Steven Gerrard) all keep in touch. “Liverpool is a special football club and if ever I need advice there is no better people than them.”

London (AFP) – Kenny Dougall became the first Australian to score in a club game at Wembley as his double in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Lincoln in the League One play-off final sent Blackpool back to the Championship for the first time since 2015. The 28-year-old defensive midfielder’s goals either side of half-time completed a remarkable year for him as he had been without a club after being released by Barnsley last summer. He proved an inspired signing by coach Neil Critchley, who is in his first senior managerial post after seven years as Liverpool Under-18 and Under-23 coach. “You don’t get to play at Wembley often, so to score two goals is fantastic,” Dougall told Sky Sports. Blackpool’s return to the second-tier Championship comes after several traumatic years since spending one season in the Premier League a decade ago. The upturn in their fortunes has come since Hong Kong-based businessman Simon Sadler acquired the historic club for £10 million (11.6 million euros) from recei

Blow to Orlando Pirates’ hopes of CAF Champions League place Johannesburg (AFP) – Orlando Pirates’ hopes of playing in the CAF Champions League next season suffered a severe setback on Sunday when they lost 1-0 away to TS Galaxy in the South African Premiership. The only goal came inside three minutes in northeastern city Mbombela when a looping header from Masilake Phohlongo beat goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane. It was the third league goal for the midfielder this season, and one of the other two also came against Pirates in a draw in Soweto last January. A bad-tempered first half ended with both teams reduced to 10 men as Abel Mabaso of Pirates and Galaxy captain Given Msimango were sent off after being yellow-carded twice. Losing to mid-table Galaxy left Pirates four points adrift of second-place AmaZulu with only two rounds remaining in the richest African league with a 15 million rand ($1.1 mn/895,000 euro) first prize. Champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who sealed a fourth straight title last Wednesday, and the runners-up qualify for the Champions League, and the side finishing third goes into the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup. Pirates lie fourth, beneath Golden Arrows on goal difference, and the two clubs are set to fight for the Confederation Cup spot as one victory will ensure AmaZulu go into the marquee African club competition. – Brilliant free-kick – The Buccaneers had beaten AmaZulu three days ago thanks to a brilliantly converted free-kick from Malawian Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango with 14 minutes left in Soweto. “We have to win our remaining two matches to have a realistic chance of a top-three finish and qualification for Africa,” said Pirates’ German coach Josef Zinnbauer after the defeat by Galaxy. “Another very difficult away match awaits us on Wednesday against Baroka and we finish our campaign at home to TTM, who could be fighting to preserve their Premiership status.” Many Pirates supporters took to social media this week calling for Zinnbauer to be sacked after a 5-1 aggregate loss to Raja Casablanca of Morocco in a Confederation Cup quarter-final last weekend. On Saturday, 2016 African champions Sundowns drew 0-0 away to fifth-place Swallows in Soweto to move 11 points clear of AmaZulu. It was a predictable outcome as promoted Swallows have drawn a record 19 matches this term — an unwanted Premiership landmark previously held by Free State Stars, Santos and SuperSport United with 17 each. Drawing kept the 14-match unbeaten home record of Swallows and the 14-match unbeaten away record of Sundowns intact.

Johannesburg (AFP) – Orlando Pirates’ hopes of playing in the CAF Champions League next season suffered a severe setback on Sunday when they lost 1-0 away to TS Galaxy in the South African Premiership. The only goal came inside three minutes in northeastern city Mbombela when a looping header from Masilake Phohlongo beat goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane. It was the third league goal for the midfielder this season, and one of the other two also came against Pirates in a draw in Soweto last January. A bad-tempered first half ended with both teams reduced to 10 men as Abel Mabaso of Pirates and Galaxy captain Given Msimango were sent off after being yellow-carded twice. Losing to mid-table Galaxy left Pirates four points adrift of second-place AmaZulu with only two rounds remaining in the richest African league with a 15 million rand ($1.1 mn/895,000 euro) first prize. Champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who sealed a fourth straight title last Wednesday, and the runners-up qualify for the C

Trippier sees common thread in Simeone and Southgate style London (AFP) – Kieran Trippier approaches the European championships in a far better frame of mind having won La Liga with Atletico Madrid than earlier in the season as he served a 10-week ban for betting breaches. The 30-year-old right-back says his renaissance is down to his club manager Diego Simeone who he believes bears similarities to England handler Gareth Southgate. Trippier faces tough competition for right-back duties with Manchester City’s title winner Kyle Walker, Chelsea’s Champions League winning youngster Reece James and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in the mix. Trippier and Walker, 31, are two of only three players in their thirties named by Southgate in the provisional 33-man squad, which will be cut to 26 players for the Euros on Tuesday. Both were stalwarts of the surprise run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals where Trippier acquired the monniker ‘the Bury Beckham’. Unlike the Tottenham Hotspur team-mates he left behind when he moved to Spain in 2019 he joins up with the England squad with a winners medal to his credit. “With Gareth and Simeone, the players that don’t play he’s always out with them the next day or he’s always trying to keeping a smile on their face so they’re always feeling part of the group,” he told the Press Association news agency. “Gareth’s brilliant at that. “When I was in the World Cup, some players didn’t really get any minutes and they’re still training hard, they still run around happy and that comes from the managers and their staff.” – ‘He’s crazy with me’ – Trippier says it is not just motivating the players that the two managers share similarities although former Argentinian midfielder Simeone is a bit more expressive than Southgate. “The style of play, tactically Gareth’s brilliant so is Simeone,” said Trippier. “They’ve got similarities, the way they set the teams up and the way they are as characters. “A little bit different character-wise because Simeone is just absolutely crazy, as you can see on the touchline, sprinting down the tunnel when we won the other day, but both fantastic managers.” Trippier may be targeted by Premier League clubs in the close season but he says his move to Spain has paid off in terms of developing as a player. “I thought it was a great opportunity for me to experience something different and to win a LaLiga in the first two years is just an incredible feeling,” said Trippier. “I think it’s benefited me in my playing career. I feel like I’ve become a better player, a stronger player, attacking and defensively.” Trippier says his improvement is down to Simeone and his coaching style and the loyalty the coach showed after he had served his ban. He missed 10 games between December and March due to the English Football Association ban for breaking betting rules. However, Simeone showed his faith by putting Trippier straight back in the Atletico team for a crunch game against Real Madrid. “I feel a lot more experienced, especially playing for Simeone because he’s crazy with me,” he said. “One-to-ones in training and stuff. “He’s just drilled so much information into me in the two years that I’ve been there and I feel like I’ve taken it on board and especially this season I feel I’ve had a really good season personally.”

London (AFP) – Kieran Trippier approaches the European championships in a far better frame of mind having won La Liga with Atletico Madrid than earlier in the season as he served a 10-week ban for betting breaches. The 30-year-old right-back says his renaissance is down to his club manager Diego Simeone who he believes bears similarities to England handler Gareth Southgate. Trippier faces tough competition for right-back duties with Manchester City’s title winner Kyle Walker, Chelsea’s Champions League winning youngster Reece James and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in the mix. Trippier and Walker, 31, are two of only three players in their thirties named by Southgate in the provisional 33-man squad, which will be cut to 26 players for the Euros on Tuesday. Both were stalwarts of the surprise run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals where Trippier acquired the monniker ‘the Bury Beckham’. Unlike the Tottenham Hotspur team-mates he left behind when he moved to Spain in 2019 he jo

A funny thing happened on the way to the stadium — Chelsea fan London (AFP) – Chelsea fan Jack Ambler will recall the Champions League win over Manchester City in more ways than one as his £450 ($638) ticket went to waste and he watched it with a Portuguese couple. The 27-year-old travelled to Porto for the final with three friends. However, while they made it to the stadium and witnessed Kai Havertz’s first-half goal secure the 1-0 win over City he did not. “Well, I had a ticket, £450, and I didn’t make it into the stadium,” he told BBC Sport. Instead he somehow found himself watching the final — which only 6000 Chelsea fans were able to attend due to coronavirus restrictions — with a local couple. “So I watched it round some Portuguese people’s house, they were very nice,” he said. “I can remember being with Paulo and Nadina, they let me into their flat, and yeah I watched the game on their tablet.” One of his friends said they had no idea what happened to their errant companion. “We had four tickets,” he said. “Us three made it and we just don’t know what happened to him.” Ambler admitted he was non-plussed as to how the events had unfolded. “It hasn’t had a chance to sink in yet, but I’m happy nevertheless,” he said.

London (AFP) – Chelsea fan Jack Ambler will recall the Champions League win over Manchester City in more ways than one as his £450 ($638) ticket went to waste and he watched it with a Portuguese couple. The 27-year-old travelled to Porto for the final with three friends. However, while they made it to the stadium and witnessed Kai Havertz’s first-half goal secure the 1-0 win over City he did not. “Well, I had a ticket, £450, and I didn’t make it into the stadium,” he told BBC Sport. Instead he somehow found himself watching the final — which only 6000 Chelsea fans were able to attend due to coronavirus restrictions — with a local couple. “So I watched it round some Portuguese people’s house, they were very nice,” he said. “I can remember being with Paulo and Nadina, they let me into their flat, and yeah I watched the game on their tablet.” One of his friends said they had no idea what happened to their errant companion. “We had four tickets,” he said. “Us three made it and we

What makes soccer trading cards valuable, and why and how to get them graded In our series of articles about collectibles, writer Christopher Mosinksi focuses on what makes soccer trading cards valuable, and how important getting your rare cards graded is. Whether you are purchasing soccer cards for your personal collection (PC) or trying to invest, the question of value is important. How do you know which cards have value? What makes a cards value go up or down? Which cards will hold the most long-term value? The collectibles market is much like the art market. It can be confusing on the surface, but when you start to look at it, you quickly see that it can be simple if you know what you are looking for. Let’s find out what makes soccer trading cards valuable. To start, it is important to understand who or what gives a card value. The answer to that is relatively simple – it’s you! This is true now more than ever. In years past, there were price guides that would help collectors identify and determine card value. Companies such as Beckett still exist today, but their monthly valuations are only a small sliver in the card value discussion compared to what they once were. Historically, if you went to your local card shop (LCS) or a card show, the vendor would consult a Beckett guide to determine a reasonable sales price. Today, it is a quick search on the latest eBay completed auctions (Consumer Alert – Don’t fall for the vendor trying to show you eBay asking prices. These aren’t an accurate valuation of the card. Rather, be sure to view completed transactions) that will begin the negotiations. This is real-life valuations being determined in real time by you and the millions of collectors. While one half of a value equation is demand, the other half is supply. This is true in any market and is visible in collectibles. When it comes to soccer collectibles, there are many different types of cards and stickers that are available with different amounts of supply. The best place to begin looking is where most collectors begin, with a pack of cards or stickers. Inside each pack will be two types of cards: base cards and insert cards. Base cards are the standard card that makes up the majority of the pack and set. These are the most produced cards in the set but they can still hold value. Most important of the base cards is the rookie. In terms of a player’s card to collect, one of the most sought-after cards is in fact their rookie card (RC). Beyond the rookie, many sets contain variations of the base card that add scarcity and thus value. Card producers will add color to borders or make the product holographic to differentiate from the base card. These parallels or refractors add scarcity to the card by limiting the print run. In addition, it makes for a fun card to chase especially if the variation matches the team colors. Panini Prizm is their flagship brand and provides a good example of the different colors and scarcity (see below, including how many limited edition numbered cards are produced [#] out of the total print run): • Black Prizms: 1/1 • Gold Prizms: #/10 • Orange Prizms: #/25 • Green Ice Prizms: #/49 • Blue Ice Prizms: #/75 • Purple Prizms: #/99 • Red Prizms: #/149 • Blue Prizms: #/199 There can be many more variations depending if you purchase a “hobby” box from your local sports card store, or a retail box from a store such as Walmart or Target (hobby boxes are more expensive and sought-after than retail boxes). Some collectors will even try to “complete the rainbow” and collect all the different color variations with a specific player. Besides the base cards in a set, there are also several different inserts. These are cards that can have a different design than the base cards and can also include autographs or swatches of player shirts. Of these, the autograph cards have the highest value. There are also some inserts that have the requisite scarcity and have also caught the attention of collectors to drive value. What makes soccer trading cards valuable The last part of the value discussion pertains to the quality of the card. Over the life-cycle of a card; from manufacture to arriving in your hands, a number of things can happen that can decrease the card’s worth. When cards are cut by the producer, it can lead to an off-center image. During transportation or handling, cards can be scratched on the surface or damaged on the edges. A higher quality card is more desirable and thus the value is more. Learn how to best store your cards to keep them protected. To verify the quality of the card, there are a number of different third-party companies that will rate the appearance. This holds significant value to many collectors as it leaves little doubt to the appearance. During all of the hype of the past year, an influx of cards to companies such as PSA and Beckett Grading Services (BGS) has changed some of the dynamics but, in general, having a card with a high grade will only increase its worth (see the process of submitting a card to BGS for grading). To get a good understanding of all this, we can look at a few different sets that included Christian Pulisic: • 2016 Topps Bundesliga Sticker • 2016 Panini Donruss • 2019 Panini Prizm In the world of soccer collectibles, it is very common the first card will come in the form of a sticker. What is a fun hobby (especially during tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup) can also provide some serious value. It also provides an opportunity to see the impact grading a card has on the value. Pulisic debuted to the collecting world in the 2016 Topps Bundesliga Sticker set (there was also a UEFA Champions League sticker set, but we’ll stick with the domestic league for now). Recent sales of the Pulisic sticker went for $30. When PSA grades cards, they will grade them with 10 out of 10 being the highest possible score. A Pulisic sticker graded as a PSA 6 will also sell for around $30. However, the same sticker with a 9 grade recently sold for $230. Highly graded stickers are also very difficult to come by so they can have some really good multipliers in terms of value. If we switch over to cards and look at the 2016 Donruss and 2019 Prizm sets, we can see how rookie year, autograph, grading, and inserts hold different value. One of Pulisic’s rookie cards came in the 2016 Donruss set. Recent sales of the raw (ungraded) card were around $150. With a PSA 10 grade, that same card can be worth around $800. To give an indication on how different grading companies hold different value, we can compare the PSA 10 with a SGC 10. SGC Grading is another reputable company but does not hold the same value as PSA (it’s also worth noting the cost to grade will also be cheaper). The SGC 10 version of the Pulisic had recent sales around $650. To see the value of the parallels, the 2016 Donruss Pulisic can also be found in a “Press Proof Die-Cut” that is numbered to only 149 available worldwide. Because this card is much scarcer, it holds more value. Recent sales for this parallel version were $700 before grading. Finally, if we transition over to the 2019-20 Prizm Premier league set, we can see how later cards decrease in value but inserts can boost that back up. In that 2019-20 Prizm set, you will find Pulisic’s first year with Chelsea card. This raw card had recent sales around $35 and graded PSA 10 went for $190. However, this set also included some inserts with even greater value. Kaboom is one of the inserts that are harder to come by and hold value in the collecting world. Recent sales of Pulisic’s Kaboom card were around $400 raw. In the 2020-21 Prizm set, Pulisic had a card in the famous Color Blast Insert which is even more valuable. This ungraded card had recent sales of $1,600. Hot Card How many players can lay claim to single-season goalscoring records in the Premier League, LaLiga, and Serie A? That number is now one after Cristiano Ronaldo finished the 2020-21 campaign with 29 goals for Juventus. There may be some arguments to whom has the most goals scored for country and club all-time. However, there really is no debating Ronaldo’s place in history, even while he is still playing. In what is a unique situation, you can actually chase Ronaldo autographs in all three leagues of 2020-21 cards. With Panini’s launch of Mosaic for both Serie A and La Liga, he is featured with autograph cards in both sets (though you will only find his base card in the Serie A set). In Panini’s Prizm Premier League set, he is also featured in the Flashback Autographs checklist in his Manchester United gear. Recent sales for both the Mosaic (Real Madrid) and Prizm (Manchester United) cards were north of $1,500. Have any questions about what makes soccer trading cards valuable? Let us know in the comments section below.

In our series of articles about collectibles , writer Christopher Mosinksi focuses on what makes soccer trading cards valuable, and how important getting your rare cards graded is. Whether you are purchasing soccer cards for your personal collection (PC) or trying to invest, the question of value is important. How do you know which cards have value? What makes a cards value go up or down? Which cards will hold the most long-term value? The collectibles market is much like the art market. It can be confusing on the surface, but when you start to look at it, you quickly see that it can be simple if you know what you are looking for. Let’s find out what makes soccer trading cards valuable. To start, it is important to understand who or what gives a card value. The answer to that is relatively simple – it’s you! This is true now more than ever. In years past, there were price guides that would help collectors identify and determine card value. Companies such as Beckett still exist tod

Where to find Switzerland vs. USA on TV and streaming plus preview of friendly The European soccer season has wound down to a close, and that means it’s now time for a summer full of international soccer. The European Championships are due to take place next month after being pushed back from last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The same is true for soccer at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. It will also be a full summer for the USMNT with Concacaf Nations League, World Cup qualifying, Gold Cup, and a few friendlies sprinkled in. The ball gets rolling with a friendly as the US takes on Switzerland today. Perhaps most surprising about the roster released by Gregg Berhalter for the US games in June (this friendly as well as two Nations League games) is that the bulk of the players called up are based in Europe, though it should be noted that some roster changes are expected between now and then with players such as Christian Pulisic and Zack Steffen join the camp following the Champions League Final on Saturday. But for the game against Switzerland, the roster is still impressive. The back line consists of stalwarts including DeAndre Yedlin, John Brooks, and Matt Miazga in addition to relative newcomers Mark McKenzie and Sergino Dest. In the midfield, the story is a little different: Julian Green makes his return to the MNT but also present are Kellyn Acosta, Weston McKennie, and Sebastian Lletget as well as recent US commits Jackson Yueill and Yunus Musah. Up front is an impressive array of young talent: Josh Sargent coming off a season with Werder Bremen where he was joint top scorer, Gio Reyna of Borussia Dortmund, Daryl Dike coming off a fantastic club season with Barnsley, and Tim Weah making his US return for the first time in what feels like forever. With such a busy summer ahead, there are numerous opportunities for the USMNT to regain the faith of the fans that has been gone for so long. Results in games that matter are of the utmost importance. Yes the US is currently on a nine match unbeaten streak that extends back to November 2019 but the bulk of those games have been friendlies against CONCACAF opponents. Berhalter’s first shot at winning a trophy ended with a loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup Final in 2019. Winning either the Nations League or the Gold Cup is vital. Otherwise it will feel as if all of the promise, potential and talk of the last few months will have all been for naught. Switzerland also has a busy and important summer ahead. First, they are in Group A at the European Championships with Turkey, Italy, and Wales. Following that, they resume World Cup qualifying. They currently sit second in Group C behind Italy but ahead of Northern Ireland, Bulgaria, and Lithuania. 2020 was mostly dreadful for the Swiss with their first three games of the year cancelled because of the pandemic. Things didn’t get any better when play resumed as they went winless in seven straight games. But things began to turn around when they awarded a 3-0 over Ukraine in November due to the Ukrainians being placed in quarantine. So far in 2021 it’s been three games and three wins: a 3-1 win in Bulgaria, a 1-0 home win over Lithuania, and a 1-0 home win over Finland. Their roster features plenty of experienced players: eight of their players have 40 ore mor caps. The players that the US will need to keep an eye on are the midfield duo of Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri. Notes: 1. The 1-0 win by the US in their last game over Northern Ireland was the first time the US had won a true road game since October 2016 against Cuba and the first time the US had beaten a European opponent on home soil since June 2015 against Germany. When and where to watch the game on US TV and streaming Sunday, May 30, 2021 Kybunpark St. Gallen, Switzerland 2:15pm ET kickoff Live on ESPN, UniMas, TUDN, fuboTV, Sling Orange, Hulu + Live TV and Vidgo All-Time Series USA trails 1-3-4 Last Meeting March 31, 2015 Stadion Letzigrund Zurich, Switzerland USA 1-1 Switzerland Next Game Thursday, June 6, 2021 Nations League Empower Field at Mile High Denver, Colorado 7:30pm ET kickoff Live on Paramount+, UniMas and fuboTV

The European soccer season has wound down to a close, and that means it’s now time for a summer full of international soccer. The European Championships are due to take place next month after being pushed back from last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The same is true for soccer at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. It will also be a full summer for the USMNT with Concacaf Nations League, World Cup qualifying, Gold Cup, and a few friendlies sprinkled in. The ball gets rolling with a friendly as the US takes on Switzerland today. Perhaps most surprising about the roster released by Gregg Berhalter for the US games in June (this friendly as well as two Nations League games) is that the bulk of the players called up are based in Europe, though it should be noted that some roster changes are expected between now and then with players such as Christian Pulisic and Zack Steffen join the camp following the Champions League Final on Saturday. But for the game against Switzerland, the roster i

De Bruyne faces race to make Euro after facial fractures Porto (Portugal) (AFP) – Kevin De Bruyne is a major doubt for Belgium’s Euro 2020 campaign after suffering two facial fractures in Manchester City’s Champions League final defeat to Chelsea on Saturday. De Bruyne was helped off the field in tears after colliding with Antonio Rudiger on the hour mark in Porto. The midfielder’s left eye immediately appeared swollen. Without his creativity, Chelsea comfortably held out for a 1-0 win to keep City waiting for Champions League glory. “Just got back from the hospital,” De Bruyne posted on his Twitter account on Sunday. “My diagnosis is acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture. I feel okay now. Still disappointed about yesterday obviously but we will be back.” Belgium’s first match of the Euro is in 11 days’ time against Russia in Saint Petersburg. Roberto Martinez’s team then face Denmark and Finland in what should be a comfortable group for the number one ranked side in the world.

Porto (Portugal) (AFP) – Kevin De Bruyne is a major doubt for Belgium’s Euro 2020 campaign after suffering two facial fractures in Manchester City’s Champions League final defeat to Chelsea on Saturday. De Bruyne was helped off the field in tears after colliding with Antonio Rudiger on the hour mark in Porto. The midfielder’s left eye immediately appeared swollen. Without his creativity, Chelsea comfortably held out for a 1-0 win to keep City waiting for Champions League glory. “Just got back from the hospital,” De Bruyne posted on his Twitter account on Sunday. “My diagnosis is acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture. I feel okay now. Still disappointed about yesterday obviously but we will be back.” Belgium’s first match of the Euro is in 11 days’ time against Russia in Saint Petersburg. Roberto Martinez’s team then face Denmark and Finland in what should be a comfortable group for the number one ranked side in the world. from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/3c

Tuchel set for new deal and hungry for more after Chelsea Champions League triumph Porto (Portugal) (AFP) – While Manchester City had been building towards what they thought was their moment in the Champions League for five years under Pep Guardiola, Chelsea showed with their victory in Saturday’s final in Porto what can be achieved in just four months. That is how long has elapsed since Thomas Tuchel became coach, replacing Frank Lampard with Chelsea ninth in the Premier League. The German oversaw an immediate transformation in their fortunes, dragging them into the top four, taking them to the FA Cup final which they lost to Leicester City, and now winning the Champions League. They have beaten Guardiola’s City for the third time in six weeks thanks to Kai Havertz’s goal, and they are champions of Europe for the second time. Tuchel is set to reap the rewards with a handsome new contract, although whether he will be allowed to put down roots in west London remains to be seen given how managerial cycles tend to go at Stamford Bridge. Once again a mid-season managerial sacking has worked out perfectly for Chelsea, whose 2012 Champions League triumph came following the decision to sack Andre Villas-Boas and appoint Roberto Di Matteo. This time Chelsea have struck gold with Tuchel, but the 47-year-old would not have been able to deliver such success without the huge investment in players that came before his arrival, as well as some of the outstanding young talents who were already thriving under Lampard. – Room for improvement – Five of Chelsea’s line-up at the Estadio do Dragao were signed at the start of the season, including match-winner Havertz, the 71 million-pound ($100m) recruit from Bayer Leverkusen. There was also Reece James and Mason Mount, youth academy graduates who are in England’s squad for Euro 2020. This is a team that has already conquered Europe but that appears to be just at the start of its adventure together. “We have a strong bond, a strong group who can really defend and play and have answers on all questions in the game,” Tuchel said on Saturday. “Once the celebrations are over and once we digest this experience, it is the moment to grow, to evolve, to learn from it and become better.” There is huge room for improvement in the Premier League after Chelsea finished 19 points behind champions City, and a proper domestic title challenge will be expected now. “When you play for a club like Chelsea you are always thinking in the future,” said veteran skipper Cesar Azpilicueta. Tuchel knows full well that past success counts for little — Di Matteo was gone within six months of that 2012 victory and Tuchel himself was sacked by Paris Saint-Germain last December despite leading them to their first ever final last season. – ‘I want the next one’ – “When we won the Cup in Dortmund I did not arrive at the next training with less hunger, less desire or ambition,” he said. “Of course now is the time to celebrate for some days, to enjoy and let it sink in, for one or two weeks, to talk about it and reflect on it, but then it does surprisingly not a lot to you. “I think it’s good because nobody wants to rest. I want the next one, the next title. I want to be a part of it and I demand to be a part of it and this is what comes next.” He was initially handed just an 18-month contract but has earned an extended deal after what he has achieved in such a short time. “I am not even 100 percent sure, but maybe I already have a new contract now with that win. My manager said something about that but I didn’t know so let’s check this first,” he told reporters with a smile. “My desire is to go for more victories, to grow as a coach and to push the group on the first day of next season to the limit.” The next Premier League campaign starts on August 14, but Chelsea will play three days before that against Villarreal with an opportunity for another trophy in the UEFA Super Cup.

Porto (Portugal) (AFP) – While Manchester City had been building towards what they thought was their moment in the Champions League for five years under Pep Guardiola, Chelsea showed with their victory in Saturday’s final in Porto what can be achieved in just four months. That is how long has elapsed since Thomas Tuchel became coach, replacing Frank Lampard with Chelsea ninth in the Premier League. The German oversaw an immediate transformation in their fortunes, dragging them into the top four, taking them to the FA Cup final which they lost to Leicester City, and now winning the Champions League. They have beaten Guardiola’s City for the third time in six weeks thanks to Kai Havertz’s goal, and they are champions of Europe for the second time. Tuchel is set to reap the rewards with a handsome new contract, although whether he will be allowed to put down roots in west London remains to be seen given how managerial cycles tend to go at Stamford Bridge. Once again a mid-season ma