Sports
Five Teams that Can Win the Champions League this Season
LONDON – After Real Madrid broke records last year with a stunning 13th Champions League trophy, which was the headline football news with it being their 3rd in a row, Europe’s premier football competition kicked off again on Tuesday, 18th September, 2018.
It was quite a contest last year, with favorites, Barcelona and Manchester City crashing out in the quarter-finals to AS Roma and Liverpool respectively. Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning overhead kick against Juventus, Liverpool pressing Manchester City out of the competition and AS Roma’s heroics against Barcelona were a few of the highlights in last year’s contest. The final at Kyiv was quite a contest, a resurgent Liverpool taking on a star-studded Real Madrid side. Gareth Bale’s stunning double and Loris Karius’ series of howlers sunk the Red ship, and Los Blancos claimed their 13th UCL title.
The group league fixtures for 2018-19 season are simply mouth watering, even better than last years. Runners-up Liverpool have drawn Paris St-Germain and Napoli in their group, while Manchester United faces Juventus. Barcelona, Tottenham and Internazionale will battle out for the two spots in their group.
Matchday 1 provided a lot of exciting encounters. The biggest sports news from midweek came with Liverpool defeated PSG by 3-2 in a mouth-watering clash, with Firmino coming off the bench to score a last minute winner. Lyon pulled off a surprise victory against Manchester City at the Etihad. Tottenham were beaten at a jam-packed San Siro by a late Inter comeback led by Icardi.
With more exciting fixtures to come in the coming weeks, we list out the 5 favorites to win the UCL trophy this year.
Real Madrid – The high profile departure of Cristiano Ronaldo haven’t slowed down the Los Blancos. They have gone off to a slow start in the league, behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid already. But Julen Lopetegui’s men have started their UCL campaign on the front foot. Isco, Bale and Asensio have torn last year’s semi-finalists, AS Roma apart.
Their new number 7, Miranda, looks to be an exciting prospect, while the perennial presence of captain Sergio Ramos and Rafael Varane keeps things tight at the back. Dani Carvajal and Marcelo are arguably their best full-backs in the world right now. Gareth Bale has started to take on the mantle of the firepower up front now. Spaniards Isco and Asensio provide the technical talent in the attacking third. Los Blancos look to be a set unit, vying to win their 4th trophy on the trot.
Juventus – The Italian giants have given it all, with their 100 mil USD transfer of perhaps the best player in the world on current form. Cristiano Ronaldo still remains ageless, and adds a lot of experience and charisma in the front line, along with Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala. With a strong midfield comprising of world cup winner Blaise Matuidi, Sami Khedira and Miralem Pjanic, Juventus looks solid.
The reunion of BBC (Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini) at the back is an added bonus. The bench comprising of talented Columbian Juan Cuadrado and Brazilian Douglas Costa, along with exciting youngsters like Can and Bernardeschi. Two time finalists in the past 4 years, The Old Lady from Turin will hope to go the extra mile this year. Cristiano Ronaldo will look to add another chapter in his already heavy book of accomplishments.
Barcelona – You simply can’t count the Blaugrana out of UCL. The five-time winners might not have been at their best in the past 3 years, but talisman Lionel Messi’s presence is more than enough to see off matches with style. 30 and still going strong, Lionel Messi is arguably the best player of this generation.
The Argentine is supported by Luis Suarez and young Frenchman Ousmane Dembele in a three-pronged attack. The acquisition of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool have bolstered their midfield and provided an outlet for goals from there.
Busquets remains the metronomic midfield metronome, dictating the play in all games. The defensive pairing of Pique and Umtiti forms a perfect balance of athleticism and experience, and was responsible for seeing out matches in the La Liga last season. Having thrashed PSV mercilessly, courtesy of a Messi hat-trick and a Dembele stunner, Barcelona will face sterner tests against Spurs and Inter. But with the amazing squad and Ernesto Valverde surprisingly good tactics, Barcelona might rejuvenate themselves in the UCl this season. The arrival of Arturo Vidal isn’t bad either.
Bayern Munich – It was a toss-up between the Bavarians and Manchester City. On current form, the Citizens slip off. Five time winners of this competition, Niko Kovac’s squad depth is enviable. Misfiring Thomas Mueller is seldom missed, as Lewandowski, Wagner and James Rodriguez provide enough firepower to wreck the opposition. The midfield machine is run by the brilliant Thiago Alcantara and new signing Leon Goretzka. Tolisso and Kimmich are lovely to watch. Added to this is the combined experience of Frank Ribery, Arjen Robben and Javi Martinez. Although they don’t face any stern test in the Bundesliga after the downfall of Dortmund, the squad is powerful enough to take out any opposition in Europe.
The Allianz Arena is a difficult place to visit, and the Bavarian crowd make most of it, driving the opposition out of their wits with the din they create. Last year’s semi finalists might not have attracted headlines and Germany’s untimely exit in the World Cup this year might be a concerning factor, but it is never wise to count off Bayern Munich. They are only a campaign away from becoming the dominant force of Europe again.
Liverpool – Perhaps the most exciting team in the competition right now, Jurgen Klopp’s men went so close to winning the trophy last year, but were let down by Karius’ howlers. The Reds have progressed a lot since then. After a busy summer window, Liverpool’s squad looks unbelievably solid. Alisson replaces Karius, and has so far been a reliable presence between the sticks.
Virgil Van Dijk is touted as the best Centre-back in the world right now, and the full back pairing of Trent-Alexander Arnold and Andy Robertson is one of the best in world football. Liverpool lacked the midfield depth last season, but Naby Keita and Fabinho’s arrival have fixed the holes left by Coutinho and Emre Can. James Milner seems to be getting younger everyday and Gini Wijnaldum has been a revelation in the centre of the park.
Captain Jordan Henderson might divide opinions, but the Englishman is a proven leader on the field. The front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino were the best in Europe last year, each netting 10 goals en route to the final. The addition of Shaqiri and the resurgence of Daniel Sturridge provide able backups. With the high octane football they play, it remains to be seen if the players can remain fit in May.
If the entire squad stays strong, Liverpool do have everything they need to become 6-time winners of the UCL. The fearsome Kop at Anfield Road is something which the opposition doesn’t want to face. If in doubt, ask Pep Guardiola.
By Harsal Nagarkar
Sports
Bo Bichette’s Injury may Permanently Sideline him, According to the Latest Update.
(CTN News) – Bo Bichette, the shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, left the game against the Detroit Tigers on Friday after six innings due to a strained right calf.
The game was played against the Tigers. In the end, the Blue Jays were defeated by a score of 5-4 by the opposing team.
Bo Bichette hit a line drive to right field in the bottom of the sixth inning, and it appeared that he injured his calf when he was sprinting to first base. The damage appeared to be caused by the line drive.
The calf that is causing the problem is the same one that Bo Bichette has been experiencing issues with throughout the entire season. After suffering a strain to his right calf fascia on July 10 while playing against the San Francisco Giants, he was forced to sit out the last four games before the All-Star break from the National Football League.
Because of the discomfort in his right calf, he has been out for nine games since then, and he did not return to action until the 24th of June.
Before the trade deadline on July 30, it is very clear that the Blue Jays will be deconstructed for pieces. It is fairly obvious that the Blue Jays have lost any possibility of winning in the American League East, which is a highly competitive division. Additionally, it is pretty certain that they will be disfigured for pieces.
Bo Bichette’s injuries could prevent him from being traded in the future.
However, it is probable that this injury will preclude him from participating in any further trade conversations. Recent trade rumors have stated that Bo Bichette could be a contender for a trade;
However, it is possible that this scenario will not occur. After an MRI was finished on Friday, Bo Bichette was placed on the injured list for a period of ten days. This list will remain in effect until that time.
Bichette will almost definitely be placed on the disabled list for a period of time that is longer than the minimum of ten days, even if the findings of the MRI come back negative. This is because of the recent spate of calf problems that have been occurring.
There is a lack of clarity on whether or not the Blue Jays would have been willing to trade Bo Bichette regardless of the ailment that he was suffering from.
It has been reported that Toronto has informed other clubs that they are not prepared to trade any players who are under their control beyond the year 2024.
Bo Bichette’s contract with the organization ends in 2025.
Additionally, Toronto has informed other teams for this reason. At the beginning of June, it seemed as though the general manager of the Blue Jays, Ross Atkins, was opposed to the concept of trading Bo Bichette while he was still on the team.
Bichette claimed in a recent comment that he would not be “surprised at all” if he were to be traded to a different team. He said this in reference to the possibility of being traded.
His batting average is even worse than it has ever been in his whole career.He has participated in 79 games so far this season, and he has a batting average of 223 and an on-base percentage of.597 to his name.
The two-time winner Despite the fact that the All-Star is having a challenging season, he would have a far higher chance of having a good season if he were to play for a team that was involved in a more intense level of competition.
On the other hand, it would appear that Bichette will not be participating in a game for a substantial amount of time, regardless of whether he is playing for the Blue Jays or for another team.
SOURCE: FS
SEE ALSO:
France Reaches Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals with Late Own Goal Against Belgium
Euro 2024 Host Germany Trounces Scotland’s National Team 5-1
Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau started disastrously at the British Open.
Sports
Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau started disastrously at the British Open.
(CTN News) – Forget about Rory McIlroy’s final opportunity to compete in a major tournament this year; the British Open may have been his final opportunity.
At present, his most promising prospect is to endure for an additional day. Bryson DeChambeau, the US Open champion, is also present.
On Thursday, Pinehurst No. 2 protagonists encountered Rory McIlroy’s additional complications as a result of an opposing wind that arrived at Royal Troon. McIlroy required two strokes to emerge from a deep hazard located just to the right of the 123-yard eighth hole, which is referred to as the “Postage Stamp.”
Rory McIlroy’s mallet sailed over the rails after three holes.
It culminated in a 7-over 78, which was his lowest major opening round in five years. “I just didn’t do a good enough job on that back nine, and the conditions were tough,” according to him.
DeChambeau was not significantly superior. He encountered difficulties in making par shots at the outset; on the fourth hole, a par-5, he even missed one from three feet.
The par-5 seventh hole resulted in a double bogey for him as he attempted to strike a 7-iron through dense grass, but the ball was only moved a short distance.
Following his 76, he proceeded to the range to evaluate his equipment and determine the reason for his ball’s failure to connect with the driver as anticipated.
He observed, “That day was unusual.” It is highly unlikely that either of them will forget their involvement in the morning wave or their role as the primary attraction following the U.S. Open.
Rory McIlroy was in complete control of his destiny and was leading by two strokes on the back nine before missing a 30-inch par putt on the 16th hole and another par putt from just within 4 feet on the 18th hole, which prolonged his 10-year major drought.
Making a putt from a bunker 55 yards away, DeChambeau secured his second U.S. Open victory. Rory McIlroy’s finale was so challenging that he departed Pinehurst No. 2 without expressing his gratitude to DeChambeau or expressing any sentiments.
McIlroy was optimistic about his form as he approached the final major of the year, following his tie for fourth at the Rory McIlroy Scottish Open last week. Conversely, the wind came from the opposite direction, disrupting the plans of both him and his colleagues.
On the shortened front nine, where high scores are possible, it was directly in their faces. Assistance was provided from the left on the longer back nine, which is challenging in any conditions. McIlroy was taken aback by the difficulty of the back nine, as Rory McIlroy had anticipated that it would be less difficult.
“The course was exceedingly challenging.” The circumstances are exceedingly difficult due to the wind that has yet to be observed this week. McIlroy stated that the wind dictated his strategy during the practice sessions.
However, according to him, “it starts to present different options and you start to think about maybe hitting a few clubs that you haven’t hit in practice when you get a wind you haven’t played in.”
“Just one of those days where I didn’t adjust to the circumstances well enough.” It was not a satisfactory conclusion to the round. Following his decision to play a driver off the 18th.
On the left, Rory McIlroy fired sideways due to a pot bunker.
He drove the wedge to a distance of Rory McIlroy approximately eight feet, made one final bogie, and missed one additional putt, indicating that there was still a significant amount of work to be done.
In order to survive the weekend, he declared, “I must improve my performance under those circumstances.” If not, I should endeavor to advance further on the leaderboard and feel as though I have a reasonable chance. McIlroy was ten strokes behind the lead when he finished, but he had hoped for a smaller margin.
Until he reached the par-5 16th, DeChambeau did not complete a hole below par. It is more accurate to describe him as a sluggish bleeding individual. That was the only positive aspect of the day. An eagle putt of 55 feet was executed on the 565-yard hole by him.
“I am satisfied with the way in which I maintained my composure today,” stated DeChambeau. It would have been so easy for me to give up at nine o’clock and declare, ‘I’m going home’.” No, sir. There will be an additional opportunity for me tomorrow. As I anticipate the assignment, I am eager to begin.
“I will be fine if I am able to make a few putts, hit a few shots, and figure out how to use the equipment.”
SOURCE: CT
SEE ALSO:
France Reaches Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals with Late Own Goal Against Belgium
Euro 2024: Spain Beats Italy 1-0 to Secure Final 16 Berth
Euro 2024 Host Germany Trounces Scotland’s National Team 5-1
Sports
France Reaches Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals with Late Own Goal Against Belgium
(CTN News) – Jan Vertonghen’s late own goal advanced France to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 at Belgium’s expense. A game that lacked quality and excitement for long stretches appeared destined for extra time, but a shot by replacement Randal Kolo Muani rebounded off Vertonghen with five minutes left to win the victory at Dusseldorf Arena.
France had previously missed multiple chances due to a lack of a cutting edge, and even captain Kylian Mbappe made efforts that would typically go wide.
Belgium could have seized the lead before France’s late goal when Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne sprinted into space through the middle, but Mike Maignan blocked his effort.
That was the only real opportunity for the underperforming Belgians, as France closed out the final few minutes to advance to the last eight, where they will meet Portugal or Slovenia.
Didier Deschamps’ team deserved to win, but the 2018 world champions will be relieved more than anything else after struggling to convert chances into goals once more.
They dominated play for long stretches but only had one effort on goal in the first half, Antoine Griezmann’s low strike from distance, which was well saved.
Mbappe is one of the world’s top forwards, but even he struggled when given a shooting opportunity, curling over in the second half after doing well to create space for himself.
France is through but still needs to improve.
In the end, they had 19 shots on goal, but only two were on target, and they are still waiting for their first goal from open play in Germany.
In a theme common to all of the bigger teams remaining in Euro 2024, France is struggling to play at the level they are capable of, but for the time being, they will relish being one step closer to the final.
Belgium was booed off the pitch by some fans after only drawing with Ukraine in their last group game, but their supporters were hopeful that they would improve their performance against the French.
However, they were once again overly cautious for extended periods, and their threatening moments were fleeting.
However, they should have punished France for their carelessness with De Bruyne’s effort in the dying moments, while Romelu Lukaku, who is leaving Euro 2024 without a goal, also saw a low shot saved in the second half.
Like Croatia, this has seemed like one last chance for Belgium’s ‘golden generation’, with players like De Bruyne and Lukaku in their 30s.
And, like Croatia, they will leave the tournament wondering whether this was a squandered chance to achieve what could have been with this set of players.
Source: BBC Sports
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