Latest news with #all-Iberian
Gulf Today
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Yamal and Williams help Spain beat France in nine-goal thriller
Spain starlets Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams dazzled as La Roja beat France 5-4 in a thriller in Stuttgart on Thursday, to set up a Nations League final with Portugal. Yamal bagged a brace while Williams scored and provided an assist as the two wingers cut France's makeshift defence to ribbons. Mikel Merino and Pedri were also on the scoresheet for the Euro 2024 champions. Kylian Mbappe netted a second-half penalty, but Spain were 5-1 up and cruising, before Les Bleus suddenly woke up as their opponents took their foot off the pedal. France's three late goals — a Rayan Cherki screamer, a Spain own goal and a stoppage time strike from Randal Kolo Muani — were not enough. Yamal, still just 17, said Spain 'deserved to win.' 'It was a great game -- at the end it was a little too close, but we played very well,' he added. Spain held on to book an all-Iberian Nations League final against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal on Sunday in Munich, while France will face hosts Germany in Stuttgart for the bronze medal, earlier in the day. A smiling goalscorer Merino told DAZN: 'It was a crazy game. Not the best game for the coaches -- nobody wants to concede so many goals -- but an amazing game for the fans. 'We're going to remember this one for a long time.' Returning to Germany where they won the European Championship in dominant fashion a year ago, Spain seem an even more complete team, despite their late fadeout. France coach Didier Deschamps said 'it's a mixed bag.' 'Not everything can be thrown in the rubbish bin... but I'm not leaving with a smile,' he added. France were more dangerous in the opening stages, with Deschamps electing to channel his attack through Ousmane Dembele rather than Mbappe. Dembele, fresh from Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph, created an early chance for Mbappe, but the Real Madrid superstar wasted it, electing to pass rather than shoot when one-on-one with the 'keeper. Minutes later, Spain escaped again as Theo Hernandez's long-range effort shaved the top of the crossbar. Spain made France pay soon after, when Williams and Oyarzabal, La Roja's two goalscorers in the Euro 2024 final, linked up with 22 minutes played. After a tear down the right, Yamal threaded it to Oyarzabal, who held off three defenders with his back to goal before finding Williams, who rifled his shot into the top of the net. Spain grabbed full hold of the match just three minutes later when Oyarzabal dinked the French defence, allowing Merino to collect and hammer past an off-balance Maignan. France had the better chances later in the half, with Dembele finding space in the box three times only to blast straight at a grateful Unai Simon. Just before half-time, the narrowest of offsides robbed Spain of what would have been an incredible third. In a clearly rehearsed free-kick play, Yamal found Martin Zubimendi behind the lines, who cut it back for Huijsen. The second-half played out line the first, with France missing two big chances before Spain again scored a quick-fire double. With 54 minutes played, Yamal won and converted a penalty, taking the ball from Williams before calmly slotting home. France were reeling but Spain's starlets had no sympathy, Williams setting up Pedri for a fourth just one minute later. Mbappe won and converted a penalty with 59 minutes played but Yamal stepped up again to snuff out French hopes of an unlikely comeback, scoring Spain's fifth with just over 20 minutes remaining. Spain made four changes a their thoughts turned to Sunday, allowing France to score two late consolation goals. Substitute Cherki scored a long-range effort on debut and then France forced Spain into conceding an own goal through Daniel Vivian. Kolo Muani's header came in the fourth minute of stoppage time to cut the deficit to one, but France had left their comeback too late, as Spain held on. Agence France-Presse
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
The magic of the Nations League
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE GAME In common with the fiendishly complicated lunchtime TV quiz show Turnabout that was broadcast on the BBC during the 1990s, it is possible to watch and thoroughly enjoy the Nations League without having the foggiest idea what on earth is going on. Dreamed up by Uefa several years ago to eliminate the need for the kind of pointless international friendlies that – [Football Daily checks fixture list] – are taking place across Europe this weekend, the Nations League has managed to inveigle its way into the subconscious of most football fans to the extent that they know it is A Thing, even if the vast majority of them remain completely baffled by its format and are at a loss to explain why it exists. Advertisement Of course, like an entertaining Adrian Chiles Big Website column about the wisdom of purchasing mustard shorts when you know everyone will hate them or doing a naked forward roll, not everything has to be of the weightiest significance for us purists to consider it worthwhile. And in Thursday night's Nations League semi-final between Spain and France, we were served up a bona fide treat. Described in many quarters as a nine-goal 'thriller' despite Spain having enjoyed a 4-0 and 5-1 lead, it was still a close and important enough game to prompt complaints from Kylian Mbappé about the referee's timekeeping when the official blew his final whistle seconds after France had pulled the score back to 5-4, three minutes into added time. 'When two great teams like this play you sometimes see a lot of goals,' explained Lamine Yamal who, along with the France substitute and Manchester City target Rayan Cherki, was the standout player on the pitch. 'They will make you suffer until the end but we went to the final despite the mistakes we made. We were aware of what we wanted to do. We wanted to make history. The greatest thing when you are winning is to keep winning.' Having qualified for their third successive Nations League final, Spain can look forward to an all-Iberian showdown against Portugal on Sunday night, when Lamine Yamal will come up against Cristiano Ronaldo, who won his first Premier League title with Manchester United a couple of months before the 17-year-old Spaniard was born. 'He's a football legend,' added Lamine Yamal of Ronaldo before the final at Munich's Allianz Arena. 'I have huge respect for Cristiano but I will do my job, which is to try to win.' Whether he knows what the prize is that's up for grabs in Sunday's Sphere Game remains to be seen. QUOTE OF THE DAY 'I think he went over there with a point to prove. I think he wanted to prove Manchester United wrong and prove people in the Premier League wrong. He has gone over there and done that pretty successfully. That's credit to him, credit to his attitude and his determination to be the best version of himself. Now he is a king over there' – Scotland skipper Andy Robertson hails teammate Scott McTominay after his year for the ages with Napoli. FOOTBALL DAILY LETTERS I can't be doing with the Club World Cup, and I've never had much time for narcissism's favourite goalhanger Cristiano Ronaldo (yesterday's Football Daily). But I would love it, absolutely love it, if Gianni Infantino had no option but force him to sign for Auckland City to try and wrench those coins for the bloody competition. Apologies to Auckland City goal machine Ryan De Vries for suggesting it, but sometimes annoying Ronaldo must prevail. And apologies to New Zealand if Ronaldo then has to sod off down there for a bit, but it is time for another continent to take its turn to support the weight of his ego' – Jon Millard. Re: Eberechi Eze on England's preparations (yesterday's News, Bits and Bobs, full email edition). Taking tablets and getting on a bike? Thomas Tuchel's training methods remind me of many nights out in Amsterdam a few years back' – Gerry Rickard. It has been mentioned that Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is leaving Manchester City and being replaced by a Dutch midfielder. Is that really the case or does KDB just not want to play in any Reijnders games?' – Michael Glogower. Advertisement If you do have any, please send letters to Today's winner of our prizeless letter o' the day is … Gerry Rickard. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, can be viewed here. SOMETHING TO CHEW ON O Globo marked the start of the Carlo Ancelotti era with Brazil by assigning a reporter to watch the new manager's mastication during the dull 0-0 World Cup qualifying draw in Ecuador. 'During the first half, Ancelotti chewed five pieces of gum,' it declared. 'In the second half, the new coach of the national team chewed three more pieces of gum. In total, he chewed eight pieces of gum.' More as we get it. NEWS, BITS AND BOBS Lyon defender Nemanja Matic and Le Havre striker Ahmed Hassan have been handed two-game bans with a further two matches suspended after they concealed Ligue 1's anti-homophobia insignia on their shirts. Advertisement Tottenham have met with intermediaries to discuss a potential move for Brentford's Thomas Frank, as they weigh up Ange Postecoglou's future. Dreams can come true … Gabriel has signed a new long-term deal with Arsenal. 'I hope I win some trophies with this club, because I love this club and my family loves the club, too,' he cheered. Luis Díaz is shopping himself around in a bid to get a better deal from Liverpool. 'We're talking to clubs, it's normal in the market and we're looking at what's best for us,' he cooed. 'I'm waiting to see what happens. I'm very happy at Liverpool, I've always said so. They've welcomed me very well from day one. If they give us a good renewal or I stay there for two years, I'll be happy. Now it's up to them.' Despite the World Cup's expansion to 48 teams, China won't be one of them after they crashed to a 1-0 defeat against Indonesia. 'This team has been fighting for this goal for over 20 years,' tooted coach Branko Ivankovic. 'But we didn't succeed, and as head coach, I definitely bear significant responsibility.' Advertisement Jordan and Uzbekistan are off to the finals for the first time, though, while South Korea's spot has also been confirmed. Sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe … Gennaro Gattuso has done one from his role as coach of Hajduk Split. Some recent events: Nathan Jones gets Charlton promoted to the Championship … speculation links Jones with the vacant job at Cardiff … now Jones signs new five-year deal with Charlton. 'We've just taken one big step, but that's only one big step, we still have a long way to go to achieve our goals and I'm glad that I'll continue to work towards that,' he roared. And it looks like David Beckham could become Sir David Beckham in the King's Birthday Honours next week. There's even a timeline too. STILL WANT MORE? The Rumour Mill has you covered for all the latest gossip. Advertisement Jonathan Wilson on Thomas Tuchel. Here's the Ligue 1 season review, courtesy of Luke Entwistle and Eric Devin. It's a fair bet that you've never heard of TGP Europe. But Philippe Auclair explains why the company behind numerous online gambling websites has left a host of Premier League clubs with an income gap to fill after its exit from the British market. As mentioned, Uzbekistan have qualified for their first World Cup. John Duerden explains how 'Asia's chokers' finally made it. England have announced their 23 for Euro 2025, but questions remain over squad harmony, strength in depth and player welfare, writes Suzanne Wrack. Advertisement And get these bookmarked if you haven't already: our men's and women's summer transfer interactives. MEMORY LANE Pelé is stuck in goal at a Brazil training session in Bolton [what a sentence that is, by the way – Football Daily Ed] during the World Cup in July 1966. NEED THAT DROSOSTALIA
Scottish Sun
21 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Best boss I ever had' – Cristiano Ronaldo's former bodyguard reveals risks of protecting star and how much he was paid
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CRISTIANO RONALDO's former bodyguard has revealed the eye-watering sum he was paid to protect the footie icon. Hichman Bukhari was part of CR7's security detail for four years when the Portugal star plied his trade with Real Madrid. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Hichman Bukhari was Cristiano Ronaldo's bodyguard for four years while he was at Real Madrid Credit: INSTAGRAM @hichman.07 3 Man mountain Bukhari is a private military contractor Credit: INSTAGRAM @hichman.07 3 Bukhair earned a pretty penny for protecting Ronaldo Credit: INSTAGRAM @hichman.07 The private military contractor (PMC) and close protection operative (CPO) was by Ronaldo's side every time he stepped out in the Spanish capital or jetted to a luxurious location. Bukhari attended some high-profile events during his watch of Ronaldo, which earned him a whopping £850 a day. That equated to a whopping £4,250 for a five-day week and £21,250 per month. His annual salary for a five-day week worked out to be a cool £255,000. READ MORE SPORTS NEWS 'MISSED BY ALL' Heartbreak for England legend as wife dies after months battling illness Despite having to fend off scores of adoring footie fans, paparazzi galore and the occasional thief, Bukhari insists working with Ronaldo was a breeze. During an appearance on Telecinco, he said: 'Our work depends on the client's profile. 'In the case of Cristiano, with whom I worked for four years, his profile wasn't high-risk because people didn't want to kill him, and he didn't receive death threats. "He was threatened by fans or people who wanted to rob him. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS "We always have to know where we're going, who will be there, and have clear entry and exit points, as well as contact points. "We must always be aware that our lives could be at risk. Big-hearted Cristiano Ronaldo laughs it off after fan in wheelchair accidentally drives into him 'We have to be willing to protect a person, and sometimes we have to give our lives to protect them. "If I have to use weapons, I will use them. "The most important thing is having the ability to think quickly, solve problems, and remain calm in difficult situations.' Bukhari has fond memories of his time protecting Ronaldo, who was his 'best' employer to date. He said of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner: 'He is the best boss I've ever had. He was threatened by fans or people who wanted to rob him." Cristiano Ronaldo's former bodyguard, Hicham Bukhari "We have a good relationship. 'Working with him wasn't like working with someone threatened with death or kidnap. 'We had some silly incidents with paparazzi or crazy fans, but nothing major.' Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates booked their place in the Nations League final on Wednesday night with a 2-1 win over Germany. Ronaldo set up an all-Iberian final against Spain with a 68-minute winner.
The Journal
a day ago
- Sport
- The Journal
Spain beat France in nine-goal thriller to reach Nations League final
The 42 SPAIN STARLETS LAMINE Yamal and Nico Williams dazzled as La Roja beat France 5-4 in a thriller in Stuttgart on Thursday, to set up a Nations League final with Portugal. Yamal bagged a brace while Williams scored and provided an assist as the two wingers cut France's makeshift defence to ribbons. Mikel Merino and Pedri were also on the scoresheet for the Euro 2024 champions. Kylian Mbappe netted a second-half penalty, but Spain were 5-1 up and cruising, before Les Bleus suddenly woke up as their opponents took their foot off the pedal. France's three late goals – a Rayan Cherki screamer, a Spain own goal and a stoppage time strike from Randal Kolo Muani – were not enough. Yamal, still just 17, said Spain 'deserved to win.' 'It was a great game – at the end it was a little too close, but we played very well,' he added. Spain held on to book an all-Iberian Nations League final against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal on Sunday in Munich, while France will face hosts Germany in Stuttgart for the bronze medal earlier in the day. A smiling goalscorer Merino told DAZN: 'It was a crazy game. Not the best game for the coaches – nobody wants to concede so many goals – but an amazing game for the fans. 'We're going to remember this one for a long time.' France coach Didier Deschamps said 'it's a mixed bag.' 'Not everything can be thrown in the rubbish bin… but I'm not leaving with a smile,' he added. Returning to Germany, where they won the European Championship in dominant fashion a year ago, Spain seem an even more complete team, despite their late fadeout. France dangerous, Spain efficient France were more dangerous in the opening stages, with Didier Deschamps electing to channel his attack through Ousmane Dembele rather than Mbappe. Dembele, fresh from Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph, created an early chance for Mbappe, but the Real Madrid superstar wasted it, electing to pass rather than shoot when one-on-one with the 'keeper. Advertisement Minutes later, Spain escaped again as Theo Hernandez's long-range effort shaved the top of the crossbar. Spain made France pay soon after, when Williams and Oyarzabal, La Roja's two goalscorers in the Euro 2024 final, linked up with 22 minutes played. After a tear down the right, Yamal threaded it to Oyarzabal, who held off three defenders with his back to goal before finding Williams, who rifled his shot into the top of the net. Spain grabbed full hold of the match just three minutes later when Oyarzabal dinked the French defence, allowing Merino to collect and hammer past an off-balance Maignan. France had the better chances later in the half, with Dembele finding space in the box three times, only to blast straight at a grateful Unai Simon. Just before half-time, the narrowest of offsides robbed Spain of what would have been an incredible third. In a clearly rehearsed free-kick play, Yamal found Martin Zubimendi behind the lines, who cut it back for Huijsen. The second half played out like the first, with France missing two big chances before Spain again scored a quick-fire double. With 54 minutes played, Yamal won and converted a penalty, taking the ball from Williams before calmly slotting home. France were reeling, but Spain's starlets had no sympathy, Williams setting up Pedri for a fourth just one minute later. Mbappe won and converted a penalty with 59 minutes played, but Yamal stepped up again to snuff out French hopes of an unlikely comeback, scoring Spain's fifth with just over 20 minutes remaining. Spain made four changes as their thoughts turned to Sunday, allowing France to score two late consolation goals. Substitute Cherki scored a long-range effort and then forced Spain into conceding an own goal through Daniel Vivian. Kolo Muani's goal came in the fourth minute of stoppage time to cut the deficit to one, but France had left their comeback too late, as Spain held on. © AFP 2025 Written by AFP and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won't find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women's sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here .
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Nations League: Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams dazzle as Spain beat France 5-4; set up final against Portugal
Stuttgart: Spain starlets Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams dazzled as La Roja beat France 5-4 in a thriller in Stuttgart on Thursday, to set up a Nations League final with Portugal. Yamal bagged a brace while Williams scored and provided an assist as the two wingers cut France's makeshift defence to ribbons. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Mikel Merino and Pedri were also on the scoresheet for the Euro 2024 champions. netted a second-half penalty, but Spain were 5-1 up and cruising, before Les Bleus suddenly woke up as their opponents took their foot off the pedal. France's three late goals -- a Rayan Cherki screamer, a Spain own goal and a stoppage time strike from Randal Kolo Muani -- were not enough. Yamal, still just 17, said Spain "deserved to win." "It was a great game -- at the end it was a little too close, but we played very well," he added. Spain held on to book an all-Iberian Nations League final against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal on Sunday in Munich, while France will face hosts Germany in Stuttgart for the bronze medal, earlier in the day. A smiling goalscorer Merino told DAZN: "It was a crazy game. Not the best game for the coaches -- nobody wants to concede so many goals -- but an amazing game for the fans. "We're going to remember this one for a long time." Returning to Germany where they won the European Championship in dominant fashion a year ago, Spain seem an even more complete team, despite their late fadeout. France coach Didier Deschamps said "it's a mixed bag." "Not everything can be thrown in the rubbish bin... but I'm not leaving with a smile," he added. France dangerous, Spain efficient France were more dangerous in the opening stages, with Deschamps electing to channel his attack through Ousmane Dembele rather than Mbappe. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Dembele, fresh from Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph, created an early chance for Mbappe, but the Real Madrid superstar wasted it, electing to pass rather than shoot when one-on-one with the 'keeper. Minutes later, Spain escaped again as Theo Hernandez's long-range effort shaved the top of the crossbar. Spain made France pay soon after, when Williams and Oyarzabal, La Roja's two goalscorers in the Euro 2024 final, linked up with 22 minutes played. After a tear down the right, Yamal threaded it to Oyarzabal, who held off three defenders with his back to goal before finding Williams, who rifled his shot into the top of the net. Spain grabbed full hold of the match just three minutes later when Oyarzabal dinked the French defence, allowing Merino to collect and hammer past an off-balance Maignan. France had the better chances later in the half, with Dembele finding space in the box three times only to blast straight at a grateful Unai Simon. Just before half-time, the narrowest of offsides robbed Spain of what would have been an incredible third. In a clearly rehearsed free-kick play, Yamal found Martin Zubimendi behind the lines, who cut it back for Huijsen. The second-half played out line the first, with France missing two big chances before Spain again scored a quick-fire double. With 54 minutes played, Yamal won and converted a penalty, taking the ball from Williams before calmly slotting home. France were reeling but Spain's starlets had no sympathy, Williams setting up Pedri for a fourth just one minute later. Mbappe won and converted a penalty with 59 minutes played but Yamal stepped up again to snuff out French hopes of an unlikely comeback, scoring Spain's fifth with just over 20 minutes remaining. Spain made four changes a their thoughts turned to Sunday, allowing France to score two late consolation goals. Substitute Cherki scored a long-range effort on debut and then France forced Spain into conceding an own goal through Daniel Vivian. Kolo Muani's header came in the fourth minute of stoppage time to cut the deficit to one, but France had left their comeback too late, as Spain held on.
