Harry Kane sparks England rout against Ireland and Nations League promotion

Harry Kane sparks England rout against Ireland and Nations League promotion
England's Harry Kane scores the opening goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Nations League match between England and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley stadium in London Sunday. (AP)
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Updated 18 November 2024
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Harry Kane sparks England rout against Ireland and Nations League promotion

Harry Kane sparks England rout against Ireland and Nations League promotion
  • England won their group on goal difference ahead of second-placed Greece, who beat Finland 2-0
  • After five wins from six games, Carsley will now return to his permanent role as head coach of England’s under 21s
  • Erling Haaland leads the Nations League scoring charts after hitting a hat trick in Norway’s 5-0 win against Kazakhastan in Group B3

LONDON: Harry Kane’s 69th international goal sparked a second-half scoring spree that fired England back to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League on Sunday.

In temporary head coach Lee Carsley’s final game in charge, a 5-0 win against Ireland secured promotion and ensured England will be back among Europe’s leading nations in the next edition of the competition.

“I wanted the England team to be exciting to watch and attacking,” Carsley said. “I see them do it day in, day out on the training ground. And now we’ve seen it (on the field).”

England won their group on goal difference ahead of second-placed Greece, who beat Finland 2-0.

Kane’s 53rd-minute penalty at Wembley was a record-extending goal for his country after Liam Scales brought down Jude Bellingham in the box and was sent off for a second yellow card offense.

Within five minutes England were 3-0 up through Anthony Gordon in the 55th and Conor Gallagher in the 58th.

Substitute Jarrod Bowen made an immediate impact, scoring with his first touch in the 75th and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, making his debut, headed in another four minutes later.

“A really important win for us,” Kane said. “It was a tough first half, but we came out second half with a lot more energy and we finished it off.”

England, who are set to welcome new head coach Thomas Tuchel in January, needed to match Greece’s result to top Group B2.

Anastasios Bakasetas had put Greece ahead in the 52nd in Finland, with Kane’s England opener coming a minute later.

Christos Tzolis scored the second for Greece, which faces a playoff to try to win promotion.

After five wins from six games, Carsley will now return to his permanent role as head coach of England’s under 21s. Tuchel begins in January and will lead the campaign to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

He should have plenty of options when he selects his first squad after Carsley handed debuts to eight players during his short reign.

In his final game, Gordon, Gallagher, Bowen and Harwood-Bellis all scored their first senior goals for England.

“Lee has achieved the main objective from the six fixtures this autumn: securing promotion back to the top tier of the Nations League,” English Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham said. “The players have really enjoyed working with Lee and his team – they have made a real impact in their interim roles.”

Rabiot double

Adrien Rabiot scored two goals as France beat Italy 3-1 to win Group A2.

Both teams had already secured their places in the quarterfinals before the match in Milan, but France needed to win by at least two goals to take top spot.

“It’s been a while since we’ve played a match like that, fighting all together,” Rabiot told French television channel TF1. “The aggressiveness that we showed, our team spirit, that should all be highlighted. That is the real face of the France team.”

Rabiot headed the visitors in front just inside two minutes.

France shocked San Siro into silence in the 33rd when Lucas Digne curled in a magnificent free kick from 25 yards that went into the top left corner via the underside of the bar and Guglielmo Vicario. It went down as an own-goal from the Italy goalkeeper, who was a late replacement after Gianluigi Donnarumma fell ill with a stomach bug.

Italy pulled a goal back two minutes later when Andrea Cambiaso volleyed past Mike Maignan.

But Rabiot grabbed his second in the 65th with another header — the sixth goal in a row Italy has conceded from set plays.

While the match had started with the Italy fans booing the French anthem, it finished with France supporters proudly singing the same song in triumph.

It was the first time Italy had lost a home game by two or more goals since 1983, according to soccer statistician Opta.

Also in the group, No. 6-ranked Belgium fell to a surprise 1-0 loss against Israel, ranked 81st. Yarden Shua’s goal settled the game, which was held in Budapest, Hungary, in the 86th. Israel were relegated to League B despite the win.

Belgium must now face a playoff to try to avoid relegation.

Haaland hat trick

Erling Haaland leads the Nations League scoring charts after hitting a hat trick in Norway’s 5-0 win against Kazakhastan in Group B3.

The Manchester City striker took his total to seven goals and is two clear of Viktor Gyokeres, Cristiano Ronaldo and Benjamin Sesko, who are all tied on five.

Norway were promoted to the top tier, ahead of second-place Austria, who drew 1-1 with Slovenia.


Monika Staab steps down as technical director of women’s football in Saudi Arabia

Monika Staab steps down as technical director of women’s football in Saudi Arabia
Updated 41 sec ago
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Monika Staab steps down as technical director of women’s football in Saudi Arabia

Monika Staab steps down as technical director of women’s football in Saudi Arabia
  • A former player from Germany, she came to the Kingdom in August 2021 as the first head coach of the Saudi women’s national team
  • Appointed technical director in February 2023, she is credited with transforming the women’s game in the country and inspiring a new generation of players

RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced on Friday the departure of Monika Staab, its technical director of women’s football, after more than three years with the organization.

She was credited with transforming the women’s game in the Kingdom during her tenure and for inspiring a new generation of players to take up the sport.

Staab, a former player from Germany, joined the federation in August 2021, initially as the first head coach of the Saudi women’s national team. The federation said her leadership and vision played a pivotal role in shaping its strategy for women’s football, driving growth both on and off the pitch. She was appointed technical director in February 2023.

She coached the women’s national team in their first-ever match, a landmark 2-0 victory over the Seychelles in February 2022. Under her guidance, the Kingdom launched its first regional league for women in 2021, followed by a national football championship in 2022.

Staab also spearheaded the introduction of under-17 and under-20 women’s national teams, laying the foundations for the development of future talent.

Staab leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of milestones that have shaped women’s football in Saudi Arabia, the federation said. (SAFF)

In March 2023, she helped the Saudi women’s national team secure its first-ever FIFA ranking, and this month they reached their highest-ever position, climbing eight places to 166th. The team is now about to begin its campaign to qualify for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Staab leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of milestones that have shaped women’s football in Saudi Arabia, the federation said.

“We bid farewell to Monika and thank her for helping to transform women’s football across Saudi Arabia,” said Lamia Bahaian, the organization’s vice president, as she expressed her deep gratitude for Staab’s contributions.

“Her vision, passion and tenacity have inspired us all. There are young girls across Saudi Arabia now playing football at all levels thanks to the work she has done and the impact she’s had.

“Although her time with SAFF has drawn to a close, her legacy will continue for generations.”

Bayan Sadagah, the captain of the women’s national team, said: “Monika has inspired both myself and all my teammates to believe in ourselves and our team. Our journey as a team is inspiring so many girls across the country to play and follow football, and I know we all wish her the very best for the future.”

The federation said women’s football has become a cornerstone of its strategy to grow the sport at all levels and participation has surged, with more than 70,000 schoolgirls playing football across the country.


Game Changers Falcons defeat Kites in World Tennis League thriller

Game Changers Falcons defeat Kites in World Tennis League thriller
Updated 20 December 2024
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Game Changers Falcons defeat Kites in World Tennis League thriller

Game Changers Falcons defeat Kites in World Tennis League thriller
  • Falcons lead the way in table after second successive win

ABU DHABI: The Game Changers Falcons continued their impressive run in the World Tennis League’s third season, claiming a hard-fought 24-21 victory over the Kites in their match at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

The win marked the Falcons’ second successive triumph, placing them atop the points table with 53 points.

The TSL Hawks, victorious in the day’s earlier match, trail in second with 47 points, followed by the Kites with 46 points and the HonorFX Eagles with 34.

The evening began with a dramatic women’s doubles encounter as Simona Halep and Jasmine Paolini gave the Kites an early advantage, breaking the Falcons’ serve to lead 2-0.

However, the Falcons’ pairing of Elena Rybakina and Caroline Garcia regrouped to level the score and eventually pulled ahead to lead 5-3. The Kites mounted a comeback to tie the score at 6-6, forcing a tiebreak. Displaying resilience, Rybakina and Garcia prevailed, securing the set 7-6 and giving the Falcons an early lead.

In the women’s singles, Rybakina extended the Falcons’ momentum, dominating Halep throughout the set. With powerful and consistent play, Rybakina secured a 6-4 victory, pushing the Falcons’ overall lead to 13-10.

The mixed doubles match showcased intense competition, as Paolini and Nick Kyrgios faced off against Caroline Garcia and Denis Shapovalov. The set remained evenly matched at 5-5 before Paolini and Kyrgios broke serve and held their own to win 7-6, reducing the Falcons’ lead.

Then Andrey Rublev delivered a decisive performance for the Falcons. Building on his stellar form from the season opener, Rublev broke Kyrgios’ serve to lead 4-2. While Kyrgios attempted a comeback, Rublev held firm, closing out the set 6-4 and sealing the Falcons’ 24-21 win.

Speaking after the match, Kyrgios expressed his enthusiasm for the World Tennis League’s format.

He said: “Every game counts in the World Tennis League. When you look at the statistics, it doesn’t matter if a match seems lopsided — you want to fight for your team, and I love that.

“For me, this is the perfect return because it’s not overwhelming; (it’s) just the right amount of tennis. I also love the mixed doubles format. I never imagined seeing myself and Paolini on the same court, on the same side of the net, and that is really cool to witness.”


Bulked-up Tyson Fury promises ‘war’ in Usyk rematch in Saudi Arabia

Bulked-up Tyson Fury promises ‘war’ in Usyk rematch in Saudi Arabia
Updated 20 December 2024
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Bulked-up Tyson Fury promises ‘war’ in Usyk rematch in Saudi Arabia

Bulked-up Tyson Fury promises ‘war’ in Usyk rematch in Saudi Arabia
  • Their first unification bout of the four-belt era was decided by a narrow split-decision

RIYADH: Tyson Fury weighed in at the heaviest of his career on Friday as he vowed to go to war with Oleksandr Usyk in their world title rematch.
The Englishman, albeit fully clothed, tipped the scales at 281 pounds (127.4kg) — 19lb heavier than when he lost to the Ukrainian in their unification bout in May.
Usyk, also dressed against the winter chill at Riyadh’s Wonder Garden amusement park, weighed 226lb, 2.5lb heavier than seven months ago.
Fury’s added weight shows he’s out to physically dominate the smaller Usyk on Saturday. He offered only one word — “war” — to the interviewer as he left the stage.
“When a 20 stone (280lb) man hits you on the jaw, compared to a man at 17 stone, it’s a bit different,” Fury told Sky Sports earlier.
The 36-year-old “Gypsy King” desperately needs the win to erase his sole career defeat at the hands of the mobile, elusive Usyk in Riyadh in May.
The first unification bout of the four-belt era was decided by a narrow split-decision, although Fury was saved by the bell after a standing eight count in the ninth round.
Only three belts — IBO, WBC and WBO — are up for grabs after Usyk vacated the IBF title to focus on the rematch, instead of facing mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois.
The Ukrainian has already amassed one of the great boxing careers after winning Olympic gold and becoming undisputed cruiserweight champion before stepping up to heavyweight.
A low-key build-up ignited on Thursday when the two fighters faced off for a marathon 11 minutes at their press conference, despite attempts to separate them.
On Friday, they faced each other for just a few seconds before parting.
Usyk, 37, comes in undefeated at 22-0 with 14 knock-outs, while 6ft 9ins (206cm) Fury, the taller man by six inches (15cm), is 34-1-1 with 24 KOs.
Victory for Usyk — briefly a soldier after the Russian invasion — would be a fillip for his embattled country after nearly three years of war with its giant neighbor.
Saturday’s fight is just the latest high-profile sports event bankrolled by oil money in Saudi Arabia, confirmed this month as host of the 2034 football World Cup.
Formula One, LIV Golf, top tennis and a parade of senior football stars are among the recent acquisitions as the world’s top oil exporter tries to diversify its crude-reliant economy and update its ultra-conservative image.
Earlier, according to reports, there was good news for Fury when the pre-fight rules meeting decided he would not have to shave off his bushy beard, despite concerns from Usyk’s team that it could cushion punches.
“He has a beard and there’s been a lot of fighters over the years who’ve fought with beards, and that’s it,” promoter Frank Warren told Sky Sports.


Saudi Arabia conclude preparations for 26th Gulf Cup

Saudi Arabia conclude preparations for 26th Gulf Cup
Updated 20 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia conclude preparations for 26th Gulf Cup

Saudi Arabia conclude preparations for 26th Gulf Cup
  • The camp, which ran from Dec. 12 to Friday, put the Green Falcons through an intensive training program under the guidance of head coach Herve Renard

RIYADH: The Saudi national football team on Friday completed its preparatory training camp in Riyadh ahead of the start of the 26th Gulf Cup, set to take place in Kuwait from Saturday to Jan. 3 next year.

The camp, which ran from Dec. 12 to Friday, put the Green Falcons through an intensive training program under the guidance of head coach Herve Renard.

The final training session, held at Al-Shabab Club Stadium, included warm-up drills, possession exercises, and a mini-game played on half the pitch.

Star player Salem Al-Dawsari, who is returning from injury, participated in the warm-up exercises alongside his teammates and underwent additional specialized training with the fitness coach to fine-tune his readiness for the tournament.

Following the training session, the Saudi delegation departed for Kuwait.

Head coach Renard will hold a press conference on Saturday at the tournament’s media center at the Crown Plaza Hotel, where he will outline the team’s strategy and expectations ahead of their opening match against Bahrain on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia have won the Gulf Cup on three occasions — with the first title in 1994 and the last win coming in 2004 — and have been on the losing side of four finals since 2009.


Bento looks to take UAE’s recent form into 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait

Bento looks to take UAE’s recent form into 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait
Updated 20 December 2024
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Bento looks to take UAE’s recent form into 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait

Bento looks to take UAE’s recent form into 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait
  • The Portuguese’s tenure saw an uplifting turnaround in November with emphatic World Cup qualifying victories

DUBAI: Arabian Gulf Cups have become a source of acute anguish for UAE head coaches.

Past glories, stellar reputations or World Cup qualifying progress have been no shield to their ruinous effects.

Shock defeat to Oman in the 23rd event’s showpiece in 2018 provided an unfulfilling start to Alberto Zaccheroni’s reign. Beaten World Cup 2010 finalist Bert van Marwijk was dismissed in the wake of Group A elimination by Qatar in 2019 and Rodolfo Arruabarrena was wounded through 2023’s Group B exit in bottom spot, despite being one of few big hitters to send a full-strength squad.

Such pitfalls awaited current incumbent Paulo Bento on Thursday upon arrival in Kuwait alongside his intriguing, and much-debated, selection for this winter’s 26th running.

The Portuguese’s tenure experienced an uplifting turnaround in November with emphatic World Cup 2026 qualifying victories against Kyrgyzstan and familiar-foes Qatar — whom they open against in Group A on Saturday at Sulaibikhat Stadium.

Arabian Gulf Cup glory is always vital for an ambitious nation keen to add to victories in 2007 and 2013. The true target, however, must be to maintain momentum ahead of March’s resumption of the greater quest to make North America’s grand event.

“In my opinion, we should separate both things,” Bento pragmatically responded on Abu Dhabi Sports when quizzed about the relationship between these twin aims. “This is a competition (Arabian Gulf Cup) that has its own schedule.

“I would say it is a specific competition. But, it cannot have any kind of influence on what we are going to do in March (World Cup 2026 qualifying’s resumption).”

The ex-Portugal and South Korea tactician will soon discover whether this demarcation is plausible, or fanciful.

Eyebrows were raised by a roster that failed to contain Al-Wasl golden boy Ali Saleh and Al-Ain’s AFC Champions League winning center-back Khalid Al-Hashemi. Renewed zest fueled by record goal scorer Ali Mabkhout’s bountiful summer switch to Al-Nasr has not sparked a recall, despite a glaring lack of center forward options.

Surprise also followed a debut call-up for unheralded naturalized midfielder Solomon Sosu, who has played one minute in ADNOC Pro League this term for Al-Ain. Full-back Faris Khalil has not even entered the top-flight fray this season for fallen holders Wasl, yet is in Kuwait.

Bento has made these decisive calls from a position of strength that seemed impossible after a deflating October, which contained one point from two third-round qualifiers.

He also now has rapid Al-Wahda center-back Lucas Pimenta available for selection. The impressive Brazil-born defender could form one of the continent’s great pairings with dominant Al-Ain defender Kouame Auton as the Whites’ naturalization drive shows no signs of abating.

Bento might want to “separate” Arabian Gulf Cup and World Cup targets, but there will be lessons to learn in Kuwait.

A testing Group A contains a Qatar that have picked a full-strength squad for this event under new boss Luis Garcia, contrary to 2023’s experimental selection. The likes of record 2019 Asian Cup top scorer Almoez Ali and double AFC Player of the Year recipient Akram Afif will, surely, be determined to avenge last month’s consequential 5-0 humbling in Abu Dhabi.

Hosts Kuwait have an entire nation behind them, while their fellow World Cup 2026 third-round competitors Oman are much improved under Rashid Jaber’s stewardship.

“It’s going to be tough, due to many aspects,” said Bento. “They (Group A opponents) have their own goals, as well.

“The first game is going to be difficult (against Qatar) and tough for sure. It will not be easy to win again, after winning two times (in World Cup 2026 qualifying).

“For now, we should think about the first game. Then, step by step, analyze and recover the players, checking the best options for the next games.”

Break out of a demanding Group A, and a collision course could be set for Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

The former come into this competition as reigning champions, plus red-hot favorites to make World Cup 2026. Scheduling for this tournament has been kind, meaning many of their foreign-based stars are available for selection because of winter breaks.

Rare uncertainty surrounds a Saudi Arabia that claimed only one point last month from the returning Herve Renard’s opening pair of World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The Frenchman will be without Roma right-back Saud Abdulhamid, plus Beerschot loanees Faisal Al-Ghamdi and Marwan Al-Sahafi.

Fitness doubts also continue to swirl around Al-Hilal talisman Salem Al-Dawsari.

The challenge will be stiff in this hotly contested regional tournament. However, ample reasons for UAE optimism exist.

A strong run in Kuwait can only bolster belief within Bento’s squad, no matter his understandable attempts to calm expectations — and worrying implications if the reverse occurs.

The Whites sit a tantalizing third in Group A of World Cup 2026 qualifying’s third round, just three points behind second-placed Uzbekistan. This is well within striking distance of automatic entry bequeathed by a top-two finish, with four games remaining.

Contrasting tests await in March at perennial qualifiers Iran and bottom-placed North Korea. Bento’s men must come through those examinations in good health, if dreams of a second-ever World Cup spot are to become real.

The competitive Portuguese will embrace any triumph at 26th Arabian Gulf Cup, as will the country. Mahdi Ali and Bruno Metsu are rightly lionized for this century’s cherished regional wins with the UAE.

Bento is, however, fully aware that his tenure will only truly be judged a success by attaining global aspirations. It is the exclusive club of World Cup qualifiers populated by Mario Zagallo alone that he must enter.