Latest news with #JuliánÁlvarez
Arab Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait faces a tough test against Bahrain at the West Asia Volleyball Championship
MANAMA, July 22: The Kuwait national volleyball team is set for a tough showdown against host and title favorite Bahrain at 7:00 pm tonight in the quarterfinals of the inaugural West Asia Volleyball Championship, currently taking place at Isa bin Rashid Hall in Bahrain and running through July 27. The quarterfinal action also features Saudi Arabia vs. Jordan at 1:00 pm, the UAE vs. Oman at 3:00 pm, and Qatar vs. Lebanon at 5:00 pm. Kuwait heads into the knockout stage after suffering its second tournament loss—a close 3-2 defeat to Qatar in the final match of Group B. That round also saw Saudi Arabia secure a 3-0 victory over Oman. Qatar topped the group with 8 points, followed by Saudi Arabia with 4 points. Oman took third with 3 points, edging out Kuwait—who also had 3 points—based on set difference. Despite the loss, Kuwait, under Argentine coach Julián Álvarez, showed flashes of brilliance against a strong Qatari side. After a slow start and a heavy 25-12 loss in the first set, Kuwait bounced back to take the second 25-23. Qatar regained control in the third set, winning 25-17, but Kuwait refused to back down and leveled the match with a 25-22 fourth set win. In the decisive fifth set, Qatar prevailed 15-11. While Kuwait faces an uphill battle against a confident Bahraini team playing on home soil and in front of its fans, the Blue team has proven it can rise to the occasion. A strong performance from Kuwait's key players could very well lead to a surprise result in tonight's highly anticipated clash.
Arab Times
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait faces a crucial test against Saudi Arabia at the West Asia Volleyball Championship
MANAMA, July 19: Kuwait's national volleyball team will take on Saudi Arabia today in its second match of the inaugural West Asia Men's Volleyball Championship, being held at Isa bin Rashid Hall in Bahrain. The Group A clash is scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm. as part of the tournament's second round of fixtures. Also in Group A, Qatar will take on Oman, while Group B features two matchups: the UAE vs. Jordan and Bahrain vs. Lebanon. The tournament officially began late last night, with Kuwait facing Oman in its opening fixture. In preparation for the championship, the Kuwaiti squad held an overseas training camp in Tunisia, where it played four friendlies—winning two and losing two. Under the leadership of Argentine head coach Julián Álvarez and assistant coach Zaid Al-Kazemi, the team aims to deliver strong performances and secure a spot in the semifinals. This first-ever edition of the West Asia Championship carries significant weight, as it is held under the umbrella of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), and its outcomes will influence international rankings. Being the inaugural tournament, every participating nation is highly motivated to make history by becoming the first champion of the event. In other news, continental referee Hussein Al-Tamimi has arrived in Bahrain to participate in officiating matches throughout the tournament.
Arab Times
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait begins West Asia Volleyball Championship title quest against Oman
MANAMA, July 17: Kuwait's national volleyball team will begin its campaign in the inaugural West Asia Championship on Saturday, with a Group B match against Oman at 3:00 pm. The tournament is being held at Isa bin Rashid Hall in the Bahraini capital, Manama. Also in Group B, Saudi Arabia will face Qatar at 5:00 pm. The championship opens earlier at 1:00 pm with a Group A clash between the UAE and Jordan, followed by hosts Bahrain taking on Lebanon at 7:00 pm. Kuwait recently concluded its overseas training camp in Tunisia, where it played four friendly matches — twice against Libya, once against Tunisia's youth team, and once against Algeria — winning two and losing two. Led by Argentine head coach Julián Álvarez and assistant coach Zaid Al-Kazemi, the Kuwaiti team is aiming to deliver strong performances throughout the tournament. However, their opener against Oman will be a tough test, as the Omani side is currently in a rebuilding phase, blending youthful talent with seasoned veterans. Kuwait's 14-man roster includes: Abdulaziz Najm, Yousef Mandeel, Fahad Saad, Abdulnasser Al-Enezi, Abdullah Al-Enezi, Abdulrahman Al-Mutawa, Saud Al-Duwaisan, Ahmed Al-Munais, Rashid Anbar, Athbi Malik, Fares Suleiman, Talal Abdulrazzaq, Ibrahim Mandeel, and Abdulrahman Mohammed. This tournament carries significant weight, as it is held under the authority of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), and its results will count toward the global rankings. Moreover, as the first-ever edition of the West Asia Championship, all participating teams are eager to capture the historic title and become the first name engraved in the competition's records.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Atletico Madrid reaches deal to sign Argentina international Thiago Almada
MADRID (AP) — Atletico Madrid has reached an agreement to sign Argentina international Thiago Almada from Brazilian club Botafogo. Atletico said Tuesday the 24-year-old attacking midfielder, who was playing on loan with French club Lyon, will sign his contract with the Spanish club after passing a medical. Advertisement Atletico did not disclose the transfer fee or give details on the length of the contract. Spanish media said the transfer was worth about 25 million euros ($29 million), with Botafogo receiving a percentage of a possible future transfer to another club. Almada arrives after forward Ángel Correa left Atletico to sign with Mexican club Tigres. He'll join an attack that includes countryman Julián Álvarez, Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth. Atletico had already boosted its squad by signing midfielder Álex Baena from Villarreal and 22-year-old Italian left back Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta. Diego Simeone's team finished third in the Spanish league last season, behind Real Madrid and champion Barcelona. It was eliminated in the group stage of the Club World Cup. ___ AP soccer: The Associated Press
Associated Press
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Atletico Madrid reaches deal to sign Argentina international Thiago Almada
MADRID (AP) — Atletico Madrid has reached an agreement to sign Argentina international Thiago Almada from Brazilian club Botafogo. Atletico said Tuesday the 24-year-old attacking midfielder, who was playing on loan with French club Lyon, will sign his contract with the Spanish club after passing a medical. Atletico did not disclose the transfer fee or give details on the length of the contract. Spanish media said the transfer was worth about 25 million euros ($29 million), with Botafogo receiving a percentage of a possible future transfer to another club. Almada arrives after forward Ángel Correa left Atletico to sign with Mexican club Tigres. He'll join an attack that includes countryman Julián Álvarez, Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth. Atletico had already boosted its squad by signing midfielder Álex Baena from Villarreal and 22-year-old Italian left back Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta. Diego Simeone's team finished third in the Spanish league last season, behind Real Madrid and champion Barcelona. It was eliminated in the group stage of the Club World Cup. ___ AP soccer:
