Latest news with #CWC
Observer
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Observer
Chelsea win opener at CWC, Benfica deny Boca
PHILADELPHIA: Chelsea began their Club World Cup (CWC) campaign with a 2-0 victory against Los Angeles FC in a largely empty stadium on Monday as Brazilian giants Flamengo also got off to a winning start and a Benfica comeback denied Boca Juniors in a stormy encounter. As the inaugural 32-team tournament gradually kicks into gear in the United States, Chelsea followed fellow European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich by claiming three points in their first group outing. Yet while UEFA Champions League winners PSG were ominous against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, and Bayern put 10 past Auckland City, the Premier League team were more solid than spectacular against LAFC in Atlanta. Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez got the goals for Enzo Maresca's side in the Group D match before nearly 50,000 empty seats at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium — not a great look for the tournament organisers. New signing Liam Delap made his debut as a substitute and helped set up Fernandez's strike, with Chelsea hoping to reestablish themselves among the elite after their recent UEFA Conference League triumph and Champions League qualification. Maresca said it was a "very good result" and was happy with Delap's display following his recent arrival from Ipswich Town. "The good thing about Liam is he knows the way we want to play, so the process is quite quick," said the Italian. "The environment was a bit strange, the stadium was almost empty, not full," added Maresca when asked about the crowd, as just over 22,000 attended the 71,000-capacity venue for a game played at 3:00 pm local time on a Monday. LAFC were late qualifiers for the tournament, beating Club America in a play-off last month to replace banned Mexican side Club Leon. Chelsea went ahead just after the half-hour mark when Nicolas Jackson released Neto and the Portuguese winger turned inside LA defender Ryan Hollingshead before beating goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with a powerful strike. Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud came on at half time for the Americans and Steve Cherundolo's team improved in the second half. However, Delap entered the fray for Chelsea and made the killer second goal, crossing for the arriving Fernandez to control and finish. DOMINANT FLAMENGO Chelsea's next game will be against Flamengo, who began their campaign by easing to a 2-0 win against Esperance of Tunisia in Philadelphia. Uruguayan international Giorgian de Arrascaeta gave the Brazilian giants a 17th-minute lead from an assist by Luiz Araujo, who made it 2-0 with 20 minutes remaining. It was a dominant display from Flamengo, who fielded a strong side featuring several Brazil internationals and gave a debut to Italy midfielder Jorginho following his arrival from Arsenal. Jorginho will face former club Chelsea when the teams meet in their second match on Friday. Flamengo coach Filipe Luis is also an ex-player at Stamford Bridge. There were vast sections of empty seats at Lincoln Financial Field too, with just 25,797 fans in a stadium that can hold close to 70,000. STORMY In contrast, there was close to a full house, and a raucous atmosphere, in Miami as Boca and Benfica played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Group C. The majority of the crowd was backing Boca and the Argentines roared into a two-goal lead, Miguel Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia both scoring in the first half. Two-time European champions Benfica were given a lifeline in first-half stoppage time when Boca's Carlos Palacios mistimed a challenge on Nicolas Otamendi and after a VAR review — which included a red card for protesting from the already substituted Boca midfield Ander Herrera — a penalty was awarded. Veteran Angel di Maria converted from the spot to make it 2-1, but Benfica then had Andrea Belotti sent off in the 71st minute after a wild, high-footed kick into the head of Ayrton Costa. But with six minutes remaining the Portuguese side equalised as Otamendi headed in to make it 2-2. A disappointing result for Boca was compounded by a late red card for Nicolas Figal, who was dismissed for an ugly challenge on Florentino Luis. "We're left with a bitter taste because we thought we could have won it," said Boca's Battaglia. Tuesday's action begins with Borussia Dortmund taking on Fluminense of Brazil in New York in Group F, while Inter Milan face Monterrey of Mexico in Pasadena in Group E. — AFP
The Hindu
16 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Telangana's allegations on Godavari-Banakacherla project are politically motivated, says Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Ramanaidu
Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has refuted the allegations surrounding the Godavari-Banakacherla project, describing them as 'politically motivated attacks' driven by Telangana's internal dynamics rather than legitimate technical concerns. Addressing the media at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Mr. Ramanaidu said certain political elements in Telangana were using the project as a tool to score brownie points. 'The criticisms are not based on facts or technical details. Allegations are being made solely for political mileage,' he said, asserting that the Andhra Pradesh government was following all legal and procedural norms for the project's implementation. Colossal wastage 'The project is aimed at utilising 200 tmc ft of the 3,000 tmc ft of the Godavari floodwaters that go waste into the sea every year. For over 50 years, lakhs of cusecs have been draining into the Bay of Bengal. The project aims at putting those resources to productive use,' he asserted. The project had been structured in three segments — Polavaram to Prakasam Barrage; Prakasam Barrage to Bollapalli Reservoir, and Bollapalli to Banakacherla, he said. 'A preliminary report has already been submitted to the Central Water Commission (CWC), and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be submitted once the preliminary report is approved,' Mr. Ramanaidu said. Countering accusations of 'water robbery' made by the Telangana leaders, Mr. Ramanaidu said, 'Andhra Pradesh is using only the surplus floodwaters that flow into Andhra Pradesh after the needs of the upper riparian States are met. As a lower riparian State, we are only claiming what is rightfully ours. No other State is being harmed,' he insisted. 'Even in the years of low rainfall, as much as 3,000 to 7,000 tmc ft of water flows unused into the ocean. This is national wastage, and we're trying to correct it with a scientific and lawful approach,' the Minister said. 'Double standards' Accusing the Telangana Government of adopting double standards on the issue, Mr. Ramanaidu pointed out that several projects, including those initiated by former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), did not have proper environmental or technical clearances. 'The Sitarama Lift Scheme received formal permission recently after completion of 75% of the project's work,' he observed. Several irrigation projects in Telangana had been initiated, or completed, without proper clearances, he alleged. 'Projects that are nearly complete still lack formal approval. Yet, they raise objections about our DPR, which is being submitted as per due process,' he said. 'Andhra Pradesh has no intention of blocking Telangana's projects. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has never supported such obstructionism. We want cooperative federalism between the two Telugu States,' he made it clear.
The Citizen
21 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Club World Cup exposes growing gap in global football
The matches have, for the most part, lacked intensity and quality, and the imbalance in standards is evident. The FIFA Club World Cup trophy on display in Dortmund, Germany, 20 April 2025. EPA/CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF CONDITIONS – ATTENTION: The DFL regulations prohibit any use of photographs as image sequences and/or quasi-video. The idea to expand the FIFA Club World Cup to 32 teams may have been noble, but the early signs suggest the tournament is doing little to enhance football's status as a global spectacle. With 32 teams now involved, the competition has taken on the feel of the Olympic Games. It is more about participation than genuine competitiveness. ALSO READ: Empty seats as Chelsea win opener at Club World Cup While the idea of giving clubs from less prominent footballing nations a shot on the world stage is commendable, the reality has exposed the huge gap between football's elite and the rest of the world. The tournament was meant to promote inclusion and global growth, but it has instead laid bare the glaring inequalities. So far, the quality of football has also been underwhelming and for purists of the game, this is disappointing. Bayern Munich's 10-0 demolition of Auckland City was not only humiliating but a brutal reminder of the gulf in class. That kind of scoreline should not exist at a world cup level. The matches have, for the most part, lacked intensity and quality, and the imbalance in standards is evident. Even as someone who expected mismatches, Bayern's dismantling of Auckland felt excessive. It was more like a pre-season friendly than a world championship encounter. FIFA's ambitions to grow the game in America ahead of the 2026 World Cup are also being tested. Attendance so far has been poor, and if this is meant to be a dress rehearsal, there's still much work to do. That said, there's still hope that the knockout stages will deliver more drama and competitiveness. That's where we might finally get high-level football this tournament is supposed to showcase. It would be refreshing to see a smaller club make a deep run into the latter part of the competition, but realistically, I think the heavyweights will dominate. Until then, this edition feels less like a festival of champions and more like a reminder of the game's uneven playing field. ALSO READ: Sundowns' Modiba anticipates a tough test from Ulsan in CWC opener The tournament has so far resembled a soft launch rather than the blockbuster spectacle it was billed to be. There's little evidence that it has truly captured the imagination of football fans around the globe.
News18
a day ago
- News18
13-Year-Old Boy Rapes 8-Year-Old Cousin In Rajasthan, Detained; Family Refuses Medical Exam
Last Updated: A 13-year-old boy in Rajasthan's Churu district is accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old relative on June 16. The boy, reportedly a phone addict, is in custody A deeply unsettling case has surfaced in the Sadar police station area of Rajasthan's Churu district, where a 13-year-old boy has been accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl from within the family. The minor accused is reportedly a mobile phone addict, according to preliminary police findings. The incident allegedly took place on June 16, when the victim's parents had gone to work in the fields, leaving their two daughters, aged 8 and younger, alone at home. During this time, the 13-year-old boy, described as a relative and the maternal grandmother's grandson, arrived at the house. It is alleged that he physically assaulted the 8-year-old and then raped her. The crime came to light later in the evening when the girl informed her parents upon their return. Shocked by the revelation, the family immediately approached the Churu Women's Police Station, where the child's mother lodged a formal complaint. Police registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The minor accused has been detained and will be produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for further proceedings. The police arranged for the victim to undergo a medical examination at the district hospital; however, the family refused to allow the procedure. This refusal has introduced a layer of complication in the investigation. A medical board has still been constituted, and police say they are continuing their probe from all possible angles. Investigators have stated that the accused appears to be addicted to mobile phones, though they are still examining the possible motivations and psychological profile of the boy. Police officials are also trying to determine whether any other influences played a role in the alleged act. As of now, the minor remains in police custody, and further action will be taken as per the directives of the Child Welfare Committee. First Published: June 17, 2025, 15:20 IST
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Sundowns need solid defence to progress in World Cup: Wayne Arendse
Retired Brazilians star says the Tshwane side won't have it easy in their opener against Ulsan Retired Mamelodi Sundowns centre-back Wayne Arendse says solid defensive display can take the Brazilians far at the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup (CWC) in the US. Sundowns get their World Cup campaign under way against South Korean side Ulsan at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Tuesday night (, midnight SA time). The 2024-24 Caf Champions League runner-up's other opponents in Group F are German giants Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense of Brazil. 'Sundowns have a talented squad, so talent-wise they won't have a problem,' Arendse, who was part of the Sundowns team in what was their maiden Club World Cup in Japan in 2016, said. 'The most important thing for them is to be tight at the back. In such big tournaments, you must defend well if you're to stand a chance. INSIDE TRAINING: BAFANA BA STYLE IN THE USA 💪🏃 Catch up with the team and get an inside look at some of the work being done as we prepare to face Ulsan HD in our #FIFACWC opener. Full extended video available on YouTube now. 📲 #Sundowns … — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 16, 2025 'Keeping clean sheets always increases your chances of winning games, so I believe that Sundowns can get out of the group stage and go far in this tournament if they can defend well. They must hold their nerves and just enjoy the moment.' On paper, Sundowns' most realistic chance of a win in the group, barring a major upset, would seem to be against South Korean champions Ulsan. Arendse, though, speaking from experience, expects the South Koreans to be a tough nut to crack. It will be the second time Sundowns meet a Korean side at the Club World Cup. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors thumped them 4-1 in the 2016 edition in Osaka in their second game, with Arendse at centreback, after Downs had lost their opener 2-0 to host club Kashima Antlers of Japan. The Brazilians battled with the pace, precision and level of organisation of their Asian opponents in 2016. 🎥 Shuga is behind the lens as he takes us to the #FIFACWC opener at Hard Rock Stadium, with a quick stop for some American food along the way. 🇺🇸 Follow his journey through supporter moments, matchday vibes and much more on YouTube now! 📲 #Sundowns … — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 17, 2025 'I know people think Sundowns will have it easy against the South Korean team, but I don't think it'll be an easy game. South Korea is a footballing country and this team is their best,' Arendse said. 'They can't be pushovers. Naturally, South Koreans work hard, so they won't allow Sundowns to walk all over them.' Downs' last participation was in the old seven-team CWC format, before its expansion this year to 32 new format, rather than watering the standard down, will make for a tougher competition for sides from outside Europe and South America given the presence of most of the world's biggest clubs. After playing Ulsan, Sundowns face Borussia Dortmund at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday (6pm SA time). The Pretoria team wrap up their Group F campaign against Brazilian side Fluminense at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on June 25 (9pm). If the results of the other African teams in the tournament are anything to go by, it could be tough for Downs to make an impact in their tough group. No African club has won yet in the 2025 CWC. Al Ahly, now coached by recently-departed Orlando Pirates boss José Riveiro, started with a 0-0 draw against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, while Esperance de Tunis were soundly beaten 2-0 by Brazil's Flamengo. Downs might need a win against Ulsan to stand a chance of progressing past Group F. Ulsan are five-time South Korean K-League champions. Their key players include Hyeon-woo Jo (goalkeeper), Young-gwon Kim (centre-back) and Darijan Bojanić (midfielder). The Brazilians will be grateful for an evening kickoff in their opener as temperatures for some midday matches — scheduled at that time to be aired at prime time at night for European TV audiences — have been over 30°C.
