Latest news with #Panenka
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
The best sports films and what others fail to capture
There is a special subgenre in sport of gloriously slow deception. A weird trick that exists to catch an opponent off-guard and make them look foolish. Think of football's Panenka or a tennis drop shot during heavy baseline rallies. Baseball has its own version too, although it is rarely seen in the professional game anymore. An Eephus pitch is a few degrees short of a dummy. The ball is thrown incredibly slowly, with a high, floated arc that is intended to confuse the batter. It is the opposite of a fastball and therefore an oddity in a sport that is increasingly focused on power, efficiency and data-driven precision. Modern baseball, like much of life, has little room for something that simply floats. That kind of pitch is the perfect namesake for a small, independent movie called, 'Eephus,' a sports film about a Sunday league game between a bunch of casual players in Douglas, Massachusetts, the last one before the diamond field is bulldozed. Adler's Paint and Riverdogs adult-league teams have played regularly at Soldier's Field, the public pitch serving their small town. Now the road is taking them away from this place. A sleepy crackle of a local radio broadcast opens the film, listing the accident report for the local county and the breaking news of a coyote that had been terrorising local dogs had been killed. There is the unfortunate development that the Topbury candy corn eating competition is cancelled because the whiz kid who could count really fast to tally all the candy corns had moved away. Then comes confirmation that the vote to repurpose central county land has passed. The home of Douglas baseball is the casualty. There are no plans for a replacement field. Part comedy, part elegy, Eephus is a quiet delight. The story takes place over the course of a single day. It feels destined to take its place among the baseball films that have become part of the sport's cultural heritage. What boxing has been to literature, baseball has been to cinema. Bull Durham, A League of Their Own and Moneyball have another partner. It also belongs in another category. The movies where nothing really happens. Ones not really about anything but also everything. The men range from those just starting work to those close to retirement, from lean to comfortably padded. The arc begins as they arrive and ends soon after the final inning. Eephus (2025) It is about the people who turn up for the love of the game or simply through habit. Those who play just so they can light fireworks at the end. The ones who come to drink. The Italian player on a diet who is met with a volley of jibes about pizza and cannoli. The onlooking teens who rightly see them as simply 'plumbers and shit.' Those that smile and nod in agreement at one of the film's many philosophical questions: 'Is there anything more beautiful than the sun setting on a fat man stealing second base?' Co-writer Nate Fisher plays the pitcher for Adler's Paint and he makes sure the central metaphor is clear. The star component is in the dialogue. In how it shows men who do not want to talk about certain things yet find ways to talk about them indirectly. In how the old gives way to the new and sometimes you cannot even be angry about it. A school will be built on the site. The only other diamond is far away and stinks. For many of these players, this is their last ever game. Gradually they begin to realise it. It makes you stop. Stare. Think. Consider how sport has a curious ability to run alongside life. It is not only an outlet. It's not the point in itself. It is the space between those positions. Remember the early weeks after moving to Australia and searching Ticketmaster for a single ticket to afternoon AFL matches simply to have something to do. Remember looking around the back bleachers and noticing the other men doing the exact same, the realm of the solitary and the searching. Reminisce on how sport itself was the most reliable mechanism to make friends in the subsequent weeks. How bad we can be at properly talking to those friends. It is a tribute to wistful nostalgia, even when we know it can be overly-sentimental or impractical. To low-stakes shoot-the-shit toss-arounds. To embracing those toss-arounds while we still can, even if it means scouring woods for errant balls or illuminating the field with car headlights when darkness descends. And how the world is changing all around us. It is not right to say this decade of sports movies have been barren. King Richard, The Iron Claw, The Way Back were all above decent. But the landscape is dominated by corporate promos like Air or the unfocused slog that is Happy Gilmore 2. Watching Eephus from Ireland is a challenge in itself. You can read your favourite critic's review of it, but streaming is another matter entirely. The official website lists five platforms for digital viewing, none of which work in this region. It becomes another example of the familiar frustration with modern film distribution, the way the system so often feels broken, how anyone who follows the conversation can be left waiting months for the film many are talking about, left with the creeping sense of FOMO. Why it is often so difficult to see the titles that fill the annual best-of lists? In the year of 2025, they are still somehow getting it wrong. Sometimes, it feels like it is getting worse. Eephus is a shining example of show, don't tell. It explores the gap between the sunrise and fall, in the rituals that vanish quietly, the games that happen not for glory but our own sense of belonging. This is a sports film that leaves you with a sense of why these moments matter and an unspoken farewell to the stuff that is slowly fading away.
The Hindu
08-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
What happened in the last UEFA Nations League final?
Portugal and Spain will meet in the UEFA Nations League 2024-25 final on Sunday, June 8, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. While the Portuguese beat Germany 2-1 in the semifinals, the Spaniards edged France 5-4 in a humdinger of a match to enter a second successive final in the competition. What happened in the last UEFA Nations League final? The last UEFA Nations League final for the 2022-23 edition was held in the Netherlands at the De Kuip stadium and contested between Croatia and Spain. Dani Carvajal scored a Panenka penalty to win Spain the title in a 5-4 shoot-out victory over Croatia after a tense goalledd draw at the end of extra-time. Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon had denied Lovro Mayer and Bruno Petkovic from the spot before Carvajal cheekily chipped home to break Croatian hearts. The Nations League was the start of Spain's dominance in football again under Luis de La Fuente as La Roja went on to lift the 2024 European Championship in Germany last year. Spain now has the chance to make it a hat-trick of international titles when it takes on Portugal on Sunday.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Premier League target Florian Wirtz went viral for Cole Palmer ‘chippy chips' moment by revealing bizarre favourite food
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FLORIAN WIRTZ'S future is in the melting pot - as Liverpool hover for the Bayer Leverkusen attacker. But the German is already rivalling one Premier League icon in a tasty manner he never expected. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Florian Wirtz sprung to online fame with his verdict on spuds Credit: Getty 4 Chelsea's Cole Palmer became a viral hit for a similar reason Credit: Getty Wirtz and Cole Palmer both went viral over their eating habits. And despite their silky skills on the pitch, it's the way the two exciting talents kept it simple online that caught the eye. Chelsea hero Palmer sent his appeal with fans soaring after a quirky "chippy chips" line when revealing his favourite post-match meals. And Wirtz, 22, arguably surpassed that with his studious efforts while listing his top-ten foods. The Bayern Munich target outlined his preferences with the confidence of a food critic. But like Palmer, it was one stunning assessment in particular that earned him TikTok fame. Wirtz said: "Normal potatoes… I would say are number one." That succinct statement contrasted with Palmer's more detailed analysis as the England playmaker listed his faves to the BBC. 4 Wirtz likes to keep it simple with his eating BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK The 23-year-old said: "Salt and pepper chicken, rice, not salt and pepper chips. Too much that." "You know chippy chips?" They have to be them chips, or you don't get them. Curry sauce, noodles." Chelsea star Cole Palmer admits he threw up in the pool on holiday and got his hand stuck in a Pringles tube Palmer topped it off with a satisfied nod to his interviewer. And he later posted a photo of his Panenka penalty against Tottenham last December with the caption "Chippy chips". But Wirtz's puff piece for potatoes eclipsed Palmer's hip chip clip. The video became one of German football's biggest memes, as fans covered his face in potato images, while the clip was also used on summer dance tracks. However, Wirtz is now far from amused, even if supporters reckon his reaction suggests he's got a skin thinner than a potato's. He told Kicker: "I don't find it entertaining that I have become one of Germany's biggest meme. "Especially those who know me - and myself - don't understand why that blew up." However, Wirtz added: "People made fun of the way I said it. But it's not a bad thing. "I don't regret saying plain potatoes are my favorite. But it gets to a point where it's not funny anymore." It comes as Manchester City decided the reported cost of signing Wirtz was also not a laughing matter. The 29-cap star could fetch a package of around £252milion in transfer fee and salary.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Kaizer Chiefs must bring their scoring boots along to take down Orlando Pirates in Soweto derby
Wandile Duba Wandile Duba will be eager to find the back of the net for Kaizer Chiefs against Orlando Pirates. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Comment by Mihlali Baleka Kaizer Chiefs are in a race against time to ensure they finish the Premiership in the top eight – a feat they could make strides in achieving that feat this week. Chiefs will face arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto derby at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off). You see, the odds are against Chiefs winning this match as their ninth-place on the standings, and inconsistency have been their downfall this season. Yes, Chiefs have blown hot and cold this season as they only have 30 points to their league campaign, despite playing 26 games out of 28. Their rollercoaster ride has seen them miss out on the league title, and two domestic competitions - the MTN8 and Carling Knockout. They could, however, change things in the next two games as they'll face Pirates in back-to-back derbies, including the Nedbank Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium on May 10. Sure, the clash in Durban could ensure that they end their 10-year drought, but they can't think that far – they need to ensure they win in the league on Saturday. Chiefs have to win the derby as that would see them make strides in their pursuit for the top eight as something that eluded them in the previous campaign. The Amakhosi haven't been convincing in the last two league games as they drew with Chippa United before they lost to Marumo Gallants at home, the Calabash, last Saturday. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Coach Nasreddine Nabi has been vividly upset about the team's run of form, so much so that he needed to give a lengthy post-match talk after the loss to Gallants. He said they needed to pick themselves up and not give up on their campaign as the two Soweto derbies could still save their season. Chiefs lost the reverse leg in the league in February as they went down courtesy of Patrick Maswanganyi's Panenka in stoppage time of the game. However, they showed that they have what it takes to step up in big games as they played well in that game, directing traffic from start to play. Chiefs played better in that game, and were kept in the match due to the heroics of goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma, who has since transgressed since that game. Bvuma has conceded a lot of goals, and was responsible for the two against Gallants. It was the wrong match for Bvuma to make those mistakes, because it didn't only deprive them of the win, but played into the criticism of Itumeleng Khune. The legendary goalkeeper said his protégé didn't adhere to his advice 'to fight for the No 1', as he was just happy to play with him at Chiefs. Bvuma has a chance to make up for shortcoming this season, though, as two clean sheets in the next two games could revive his confidence ahead of the new season. Sure, clean sheets are important, but Chiefs need to score as well. They've struggled in that regard, and that's why they need to ensure that they bring their scoring boots in the derby. The likes of Wandile Duba, Ashley du Preez, Makabi Lilelo and Tashreeq Morris have produced some important contributions on attack, and can become Chiefs legends if they find the back of the net against Pirates.
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Man Utd flop Memphis Depay suffers ultimate humiliation as Panenka penalty goes hilariously wrong in Corinthians loss
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MEMPHIS DEPAY was left red-faced after his Panenka penalty went horribly wrong in Corinthians' 2-1 defeat. The Manchester United flop had the perfect chance to hand his side an early lead from the spot, but he fluffed his lines against Mirassol. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Memphis Depay stepped up to take a penalty in the 33rd minute Credit: X / pvsportbr 3 But Depay was left humiliated after his Panenka was comfortably saved Credit: X / pvsportbr Corinthians won the penalty after Igor Coronado's strike hit Joao Victor's arm in the 27th minute. The referee was sent to check the monitor before awarding the spot kick a few minutes later. But after all the drama, Depay stepped up and missed the penalty after attempting a Panenka chip. The former Old Trafford star was left embarrassed after Mirassol goalkeeper Walter extended his body to keep the shot out. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS EUR ON YOUR OWN Man Utd staff to miss free Europa tickets with screening on instead Depay followed it up for the rebound but his header went wide, before angry Mirassol players confronted the 31-year-old. The home side were clearly annoyed with his outrageous dinked attempt, as Depay's team-mates came over to back him up. The Netherlands international did make up for it a few minutes later after assisting his side's opener. Depay's corner was converted by centre-back Caca to send his side 1-0 in first half stoppage time. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS But the former Premier League star was hauled off before the hour mark as Mirassol equalised in the 49th minute. Mirassol then took the lead within minutes of Depay's substitution. Ex-Man Utd star Memphis Depay sparks mass brawl with cheeky trick as four red cards are handed out in derby clash Depay joined the Brazilian outfit last September after leaving Atletico Madrid in the summer. The forward is reportedly paid a staggering £170,000-per-week, which would make him the highest paid player at Corinthians. Depay struggled to make an impact at Man Utd between 2015 and 2017 after joining from PSV. He scored seven goals in his 53 appearances, before leaving the Red Devils and rebuilding his career in Lyon. After four years in France, he made the move to Barcelona and, after two seasons, joined Atletico Madrid in 2023.
