Inter mock Barcelona with Real Madrid phrase following Champions League victory
Inter, understandably, were very much enjoying their celebrations after they came back to beat Barcelona in extra time of the Champions League semi-finals at the Giuseppe Meazza. The Nerazzurri also referenced a phrase that will have pleased Real Madrid fans, and rubbed salt into Barcelona's wounds.
'90 minuti en el Bernabeu son molto longo' – 90 minutes at the Bernabeu is a very long time is the pig-Italian phrase popularised by Juanito. It was in reference to the ability of Real Madrid to come back, particularly in European football, and mentioned in 1986 after Los Blancos had been beaten by Inter 2-0 in Italy. Real Madrid would go on to win the return leg 3-0 at the Bernabeu.
Inter find their own version
As highlighted by Football Italia, Inter posted on Twitter/X after the match, and in Spanish notably, '120 minutes at San Siro seem very long'. A phrase that will have been received with chagrin in Catalonia, and delight in the Spanish capital.
Signs at Valdebebas following Inter's win over Barcelona
Real Madrid fans were probably the happiest on the night after Inter fans, and that much was shown at Real Madrid's Valdebebas training ground on Wednesday. A banner was placed near the entrance saying 'Thank you Inter' in Italian, as well as a scarf that said 'Forza Inter'.
Marcus Thuram takes shot at Lamine Yamal
Image via SportBible
In general, Inter were highly complementary of Barcelona, with Simone Inzaghi praising both the Blaugrana, and in particular one of their stars. However French forward Marcus Thuram could not resist having a shot at Lamine Yamal after the match on his social media, albeit it was deleted shortly after. Both sides put on a brilliant spectacle, in what is already being called one of, if not the best Champions League semi-finals in the history of the competition.
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Boston Globe
an hour ago
- Boston Globe
Filipino Americans celebrate culture and community at Iskwelahang Pilipino graduation
Advertisement Camille Halloran, 9, from Boston, performed a traditional Filipino dance during a graduation ceremony and cultural dance showcase for Iskwelehang Pilipino. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Founded in 1976, Iskwelahang Pilipino claims the title of the oldest continually operating cultural school for Filipino Americans in the country. During the school year, students from toddlers to teens gather for classes in Filipino music, dance, language, history and identity. The annual graduation doubles as a cultural showcase, with performances by Iskwelahang Pilipino's rondalla string ensemble, regional folk dances and original student projects. This year's celebration, the 49th anniversary of the school's founding, carried extra weight, as it was the first graduation since Iskwelahang Pilipino relocated from Bedford, its longtime home, to a new space in Watertown. After a year of moving between temporary locations and uncertainty about the school's future. It also came at a time when both Advertisement Iskwelahang Pilipino's executive director, Myra Liwanag, has been part of the school since 1986, was a member of the first graduating class and now leads the organization her niece is graduating from. Watching this year's seniors perform, she said, was both joyful and bittersweet. Graduating seniors Brandon Lindsey, and Victoria Liwanag performed the traditional Filipino dance called, 'Manton' during the graduation ceremony. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff 'We want them to grow and be successful, but we don't want to lose them,' said Liwanag. 'Some of them are going far away, but we've been fortunate that a lot of those who stay get back involved.' Several alumni did just that, returning to take part in this year's performances — some stepping in just days before the show to join the rondalla ensemble or reprise dances they had learned years earlier. 'Rondalla — which is 'circle in the round' — is about developing a community. That's why people never graduate from it, because you don't graduate from a community,' said Elsa Janairo, who now directs the string ensemble she first joined as a child, also in 1986 . 'So moments like these are milestones, but they're not endings, and it's wonderful when we have the opportunity to bring back alumni and have them support the younger students and just keep the cycle going.' The graduation's dance segment featured pieces from the Maria Clara Suite, a repertoire of dances introduced during Spain's 333-year colonization of the Philippines. Drawing from Spanish styles like flamencoand jota, the performances reflected how Filipinos adapted colonial influences into uniquely local forms. Advertisement 'It's part of our ingenuity,' said Patricia Yusah, who has taught Filipino dance at Iskwelahang Pilipino for more than four decades. 'We took what was brought to us and Filipinized it.' Yusah said the program rotates regional styles each year to reflect the cultural range of the archipelago — from indigenous mountain dances to dances from the lowland regions of Luzon and the Visayas shaped by Spanish and Catholic traditions, to Muslim traditions from Mindanao. 'There's always something new to show,' she said. Just as its dances reflect the country's diversity, Iskwelahang Pilipino's lessons dig into the history behind them. The curriculum includes history units on colonialism, Filipino resistance and lesser-known Filipino American figures. Lilly Bolandrina, a 2020 graduate who now volunteers with the school's communications team, said the experience shaped her political worldview. Vela Harmon-Li wore a malong (a traditional Filipino-Bangsamoro rectangular or tube-like wrap.) Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff 'Growing up, we mostly learned history from one perspective,' said Bolandrina — a perspective that neglected the Philippines, also a US colony for almost 50 years, as well as Filipinos and Filipino Americans' contributions to U.S. and world history. 'But at IP, we saw the fuller picture. It gave me pride, and it gave me tools to stand up for myself.' As one of the few students of color in her elementary school, Bolandrina remembers being singled out and made to feel like she didn't belong. 'Being in a place that celebrates your differences, and treats you as important and valuable and special and interesting because of those differences, was just so empowering,' she said. Iskwelahang Pilipino also helped her understand that being Filipino American doesn't mean existing halfway between two cultures — it means belonging fully to both. Advertisement 'No matter who you are, no matter how much Filipino you think you are — when you're here with us, we see you as a full Filipino, and we see you as one of us,' she said. That sense of empowerment has taken on new necessity in recent years, amid rising anti-Asian discrimination and political threats to immigrant communities. Bolandrina said the school has grown more protective of its members by limiting public promotion of its location and choosing not to ask about immigration status. 'We want to stay open and celebratory,' she said. 'But we also want to stay safe.' Children dance a traditional Filipino dance during the graduation ceremony. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff In spite of those challenges, Iskwelahang Pilipino's leadership remains resolute in preserving the school for the next generation of Filipino Americans. As the organization approaches its 50th year, Myra Liwanag said her focus is on building a foundation that can sustain Iskwelahang Pilipino for another 50. 'Everything costs more. Families are stretched thinner,' she said. 'But this kind of cultural education is so important, especially for kids who are only a generation or two removed from immigration. We want them to know that who they are is enough.' Nathan Metcalf can be reached at
an hour ago
The Club World Cup has faced pushback in Europe but FIFA is banking on its big bet
The Club World Cup. A bold new era for the world's most popular sport — or a major inconvenience, shoe-horned into a soccer calendar that is already at saturation point? FIFA's newly expanded tournament kicks off June 14 in Miami against the backdrop of legal challenges in Europe, strike threats and repeated concerns over players' mental and physical welfare due to the increased number of games. There has been no shortage of pushback from Europe since the bumper new addition to soccer's landscape was announced in December 2023. Voices of dissent from the continent that will be sending the most teams to the tournament have continued virtually right up to its big launch. 'We want to protect football,' David Terrier, president of players' union FIFPRO Europe, said. 'It's a big problem and it's not just about the workload. The question is about the governance because the calendar is a consequence of the governance of football.' That sentiment is not shared universally. In many other parts of the world, there is a buzz of anticipation among fans about the opportunity of going up against the giants like Real Madrid in the biggest ever global tournament for clubs. The biggest sales of tickets outside of the United States have come from Brazil, Argentina, Mexico. The brainchild of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, soccer's world governing body is banking on its tournament rivaling the Champions League and Premier League in terms of status, wealth and popularity — describing it as its 'prime club competition.' Featuring 32 teams — expanded from seven — and staged in the U.S. through June and July, it will be played on a four-yearly basis. It means many top players face the prospect of offseason tournaments in three out of every four years going forward, with the Club World Cup sandwiched between the men's World Cup for national teams, the European Championship and Copa America. The lack of enthusiasm in Europe was striking when the new format was announced. 'I am not against new competitions, I am against the lack of time to recover year by year,' Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said. Jürgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager and now head of global soccer for Red Bull, called it "useless" as recently as January. 'It means you have no summer break,' he said. "Who wins the tournament, wow, is the poorest winner ever because you have to play through the whole summer.' A legal complaint by FIFPRO Europe and the association of European Leagues fed into a general sense of negativity from the continent. Javier Tebas, president of the Spanish league, called for the Club World Cup to be withdrawn. Last year there were doubts whether Real Madrid — the most famous franchise in soccer — would even accept its invitation to play after then-coach Carlo Ancelotti reportedly suggested the record 15-time European champion would boycott over appearance money. Madrid soon confirmed it would be involved after all. Despite the criticism, the tournament is backed by the European Club Association, which represents the majority of its top teams. And those participating are not taking it lightly. Europe will be represented by some of the biggest clubs like Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain. Superstars including Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Erling Haaland are expected to play. Madrid has signed Trent Alexander-Arnold early to ensure he is available. Also, midfielder Jude Bellingham will reportedly delay a shoulder operation in order to play. While City forward Phil Foden said he and his teammates were 'mentally drained' after a troubled season when the once-dominant Premier League club ended up trophyless, he did not doubt its determination to win the Club World Cup. 'Some clubs will take it more seriously than others, but I know City and the club we are. We'll definitely take it seriously,' he said. PSG coach Luis Enrique was also enthusiastic. 'I think it is an incredible competition. Maybe not now in its first edition, but it will become an incredibly important competition to win,' he said. The potential for the winner to take home $125 million from a total prize pot of $1 billion has also likely helped fuel interest from clubs participating. Europe's leagues and players' union say it was a lack of talks that put them on a collision course with FIFA over the tournament. Both of those bodies want to be consulted about new competitions being added to the calendar and that was the basis of their case with the European Commission, said Mathieu Moreuil, vice president of European Leagues. 'I mean we sent in letters, we tried to engage, there was no real consultations through any kind of committees or anything,' he said. Moreuil spoke at a briefing held in Munich ahead of the Champions League final last month, which The Associated Press attended. It was evidence of the intention to continue to apply pressure to FIFA even in the final weeks before the Club World Cup kicks off. 'FIFA is the one dealing with world football and is the governing body and they should take care of the game,' Moreuil said. FIFA didn't reply to requests for comment. Coaches and players in Latin America have not complained about having to play more matches. In Argentina there is huge expectation. According to FIFA, Boca Juniors was the first team to sell out tickets for its three group stage matches, likely helped by two games in Miami, where there is a large Argentine community. 'I'm going to the Club World Cup with the highest expectations," said new Boca head coach Miguel Ángel Russo. "I dream big.' Latin American teams have also been active in the transfer market, making marquee signings in preparation. Former Madrid captain Sergio Ramos joined Mexican team Monterrey. In Argentina, River Plate signed seven new players and Brazilian club Palmeiras paid 18 million euros ($20 million) for striker Paulinho. In the host nation, there were joyous scenes when LAFC secured the last place in the tournament after a playoff victory against Club America of Mexico last month. It will join Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders representing the U.S. In Japan thousands of fans unfurled a huge flag saying 'Grab the World Cup' ahead of Urawa Reds' last domestic game before heading to the U.S. For South Korea, represented by Ulsan HD, it is a case of national pride to take part. 'This is not just the journey of one club, but a message that the entire K-League sends to the world,' said local news outlet Asia Today. For Saudi Arabia, the Club World Cup is the chance to show the rapid growth of its Pro League following the oil-rich kingdom's drive to become a major player in soccer, which has included luring Cristiano Ronaldo and winning the right to host the 2034 World Cup. It will be represented by its most successful team, Al-Hilal, which failed in an attempt to sign Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes in the weeks leading up to the tournament. ___
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
How Pacers coach Rick Carlisle helped Thunder GM Sam Presti break into NBA C-suite
How Pacers coach Rick Carlisle helped Thunder GM Sam Presti break into NBA C-suite A general manager's job is to win now and plan for the future. It's not easy. Since taking the Thunder job in 2007, Sam Presti has turned the franchise into one of the NBA's best. Show Caption Hide Caption Pacers and Thunder NBA Finals is better than it's 'small-market' billing USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt breaks down the star-studded NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. Sports Pulse OKLAHOMA CITY — Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti is a student of the game. Not just of the people who played in the NBA, but the people behind the scenes, the GMs and front-office executives who helped define the position and made it what it is today – an indispensable role necessary to competing for championships. When Presti was named NBA Executive of the Year last month, he released a statement and within, mentioned several former executives: Wayne Embry, Kevin O'Connor, Jack McCloskey, Rod Thorn, Sam Schuler, Mark Warkentien, John Gabriel, Bob Whitsitt, Carroll Dawson, Scott Layden and Geoff Petrie among others. Some of those names are familiar. Some are forgotten. But not to Presti, who made sure the trailblazers are appreciated. ANALYSIS: A tale of two point guards: Thunder have MVP, Pacers have Mr. Clutch OPINION: Thunder filled with regret after fumbling NBA Finals Game 1 Presti, 47, started in this business when he was 22 – a video intern for the San Antonio Spurs in 2000. Quickly, Presti, who graduated from and played basketball at Emerson College in Boston, moved into the scouting and player personnel department. He began traveling and got to know those executives he named. Sitting with them at airports. Visiting European cities with them in search of a hidden gem. They might arrive at a gym in Ljubljana only to find out the player they wanted to scout was no good. Maybe they traded NBA apparel for a VCR cassette recording of a potential prospect. Or maybe Presti saw something in a young Tony Parker and encouraged the Spurs to draft him. Spending time with Embry, O'Connor, McCloskey, Gabriel, Dawson and others, Presti learned about team building. McCloskey's work with the Detroit Pistons' Bad Boys in the 1980s left an impression. McCloskey shipped fan favorite Adrian Dantley to the Dallas Mavericks for Mark Aguirre. The smaller trades were important, too, and acquiring Rick Mahorn helped shape Detroit's 1989 championship. Consider a couple of Presti's moves: Trading Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and trading Josh Giddey to Chicago for Alex Caruso. Embry drafted Brad Daugherty, Ron Harper and acquired Mark Price in a draft-day trade, turning the Cleveland Cavaliers into one of the top teams in the East. Think about some other moves Presti has made: drafted Aaron Wiggins No. 55 in 2021; drafted Chet Holmgren No. 2 overall, Jalen Williams No. 12 and Jaylin Williams No. 34 in 2022; selected Cason Wallace No. 10 in 2023; drafted Ajay Mitchell No. 38 in 2024; signed Isaiah Joe and Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency. Presti has found value through the three-pronged approach to team-building: trades, draft picks and free-agent signings. How Sam Presti built the Thunder for long-term success A GM's job is to win now and plan for the future. It's not easy. Since taking the Thunder job in 2007, Presti has turned the franchise into one of the best in the NBA. From 2009-10 through 2019-20, the Thunder made the playoffs 10 times in 11 seasons, reaching the NBA Finals in 2012 with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden and the Western Conference finals in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2016. They averaged 51 wins in that span. After 2019-20, Presti promoted Mark Daigneault from assistant to head coach and embarked on a rebuild that has led to this Finals appearance. Presti wants another decade of 50-win seasons and championship-caliber teams. The Thunder won 57 games last season, 68 this season and are set up contractually to keep Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren and Jalen Williams. MORE: How Shaq 'flipped the script,' expanding fortune after retirement ANALYSIS: Unsung heroes? Underrated players who could make a difference in NBA Finals 'I didn't know much about professional basketball before I came here, and so my entire philosophy in professional basketball was underneath the umbrella of the Thunder organization,' said Daigneault, who was an assistant for Billy Donovan at Florida before joining the franchise in 2014. 'Our philosophical alignment is so tight because of that, because this is the only place I've ever worked and this is the only way I've ever done it, and a lot of it is stuff I've learned from Sam and learned from being in this organization in terms of understanding that these organizations are robust. 'It's not just you coaching your team. You're part of a large ecosystem of developing players and developing a team, and you're executing a large strategy for an organization. Those are things that have to exist in order to be a sustainably successful team in the NBA.' Pacers coach Rick Carlisle first met Presti 25 years ago, and Carlisle told reporters that after the Pacers fired him in 2000, he spent time around the Spurs. 'He is from the Boston area. So, he had grown up a Celtics fan,' Carlisle said. 'He actually remembered when I played, which was miraculous to me. Seemed like he was probably way too young for that. We had a couple of dinners together. He asked me, 'What can I do? I got to somehow get a job out of this.' 'I said, 'Just become a guy they can't live without.' ' Presti has done that – first with the Spurs and now during nearly two decades with the Thunder. He has an expert eye for talent, a special knack for roster construction and a clear understanding of the collective bargaining agreement/salary cap machinations. He has the vision to see where the league is headed. 'Sam is a great demonstration of resourcefulness and wherewithal and stuff like that,' Carlisle said. 'He's forged himself a great career. He and (Indiana's) Kevin Pritchard are two of the best franchise builders around.' Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Sam Presti: 'Seemed like a guy I can trust' Presti also has built relationships with players. It's not a one-way transaction. When the Thunder traded for George, Presti ‒ who has forged relationships with city leaders through philanthropy and commitment to Oklahoma City ‒ kept an open dialogue and when the time came, found a deal that worked for both sides. And he may have found an even better one for the Thunder and Gilgeous-Alexander, this season's NBA MVP. 'He's honest and upfront with me from day one,' Gilgeous-Alexander said. 'That helped our relationship right away. You don't get that very often, especially that early. Seemed like a guy I can trust. He's been that. I just try to be the same back to him. Nothing more than just two guys with good character trusting each other and have one common goal in mind.' You won't hear much from Presti during the Finals. TV cameras may catch him watching a home game from a tunnel near the Thunder's bench. He does two interviews a year, at the start of the season and after it's over, preferring the focus go to players and coaches. And other GMs who came before him and did the job with fewer resources financially, technologically and personnel-wise. Presti has learned from the past while creating his vision for what a team that wants to capitalize on its NBA Finals window should look like today - and in the future. Follow NBA columnist Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt
