Mexico exit World Cup despite beating Saudi Arabia – Newstrends
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Mexico exit World Cup despite beating Saudi Arabia

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2 years ago

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Mexico suffered an agonising exit from the World Cup on goal difference on Wednesday despite beating Saudi Arabia 2-1 in a dramatic finale to Group C.

Second-half goals from Henry Martin and Luis Chavez secured victory for Mexico but they finished third behind Poland after Salem Al-Dawsari’s late strike.

Mexico desperately pushed for a third goal in an effort to improve their goal difference as they faced elimination on FIFA fair play rules.

Saudi Arabia’s win over Argentina in their opening match was one of the World Cup’s great upsets, but they crashed back down to earth with a 2-0 loss to Poland in their second game.

Coach Herve Renard urged his players to show that was no flash in the pan and write themselves into Saudi football history by reaching knockout rounds for the first time since 1994.

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Having failed to win either of their first two group games for the first time in 44 years, Mexico knew victory was essential if they were to stand a chance of reaching the last 16 at an eighth successive World Cup.

Mexico boss Gerardo Martino ditched the back five he used in the 2-0 loss to Argentina and brought in Martin to lead the attack.

It almost reaped immediate rewards but Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais raced out to block Alexis Vega after he was slipped in behind the defence by Hirving Lozano.

Al-Owais, one of the heroes of the 2-1 win over Argentina, tentatively palmed away a bouncing cross ahead of a lunging Martin and held weak attempts by Chavez and Orbelin Pineda.

Mohamed Kanno whipped a free-kick just over for Saudi Arabia, who saw defender Ali Al-Bulayhi forced off with injury — adding to their mounting casualty list.

Mexico continued to attack without success and Ali Al-Hassan nearly sent the bulk of the largely Saudi crowd wild late in the first half with a diving header that flashed wide of the far post.

Chavez tested Al-Owais right after the interval and Martin soon broke the deadlock as he turned in from close range following Cesar Montes’ clever flick-on at a corner.

Mexico’s second goal arrived just five minutes later when Chavez sensationally curled a free-kick into the top corner from 30 metres.

Keeping an eye on the score between Argentina and Poland, Mexico pushed relentlessly for a third goal, with Lozano’s effort ruled out for a tight offside.

Martin blazed over when he had a glorious chance and Chavez had another free-kick turned away by Al-Owais, who also sprawled to his right to claw out a drive from Lozano.

Uriel Antuna then had another goal disallowed for offside before Al-Dawsari’s late strike put an end to the drama.

AFP

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This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing

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1 day ago

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January 2, 2025

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Stanley Nwabali

This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has lost his mother to the cold hands of death barely two month after losing his father.

Nwabali took to his X handle on New Year Day to announce the death of his mother.

In a deeply emotional moment, he shared that this has been “the worst year” of his life, a heart-wrenching statement that captures the weight of his grief.

Nwabali‘s words convey the raw pain of navigating through such a devastating period, with a message that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced profound loss.

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His final post describes the world as “crazy,” encapsulating the bewilderment and despair that often follows such an overwhelming tragedy.

However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) extended heartfelt condolences to Nwabali following the devastating loss of his mother.
In a message shared on social media, the NFF expressed solidarity with Nwabali during this extremely difficult time, offering strength and support.
“Stay strong, Stanley. You are not alone; we are all with you,” the NFF wrote, demonstrating the collective support of the football community as he navigates through his grief.

This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing

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EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool

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1 day ago

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January 2, 2025

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EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool

Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to six points as Gabriel Jesus extended his hot-streak in a 3-1 win at Brentford on Wednesday.

Mikel Arteta’s side were rocked by Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half goal at the Gtech Community Stadium.

But Arsenal refused to be blown away on a wet and windy evening in west London as Jesus equalised before the break.

It was the Brazilian’s sixth goal in his last four games after he scored just once in his first 20 matches this season.

Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli netted in quick succession soon after half-time to ensure Arsenal moved into second place above Nottingham Forest.

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Excluding their 5-1 rout of Crystal Palace, the Gunners had spluttered through their last four games with lacklustre draws against Fulham and Everton followed by a narrow win over lowly Ipswich.

But Arsenal’s first Premier League game of 2025 provided compelling evidence that they are ready to compete in the title race with Liverpool, who have a game in hand on the north Londoners.

Runners-up to Manchester City for the last two seasons, Arsenal are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions, a revitalising run that includes four successive wins.

With Bukayo Saka sidelined for several months due to a hamstring injury, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his first league start for Arsenal.

Kai Havertz was absent after scoring Arsenal’s winner against Ipswich but Jesus ensured the German was not missed.

Arsenal did not lose a single one of their 10 league London derbies in 2024 and they maintained their impressive record in capital clashes after surviving an early blow.

EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool

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Anthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit

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3 days ago

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December 31, 2024

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Abiodun with Joshua and his family

Anthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit

British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua recently paid a courtesy visit to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during his trip to Nigeria.

In a heartfelt display of respect for Yoruba culture, Joshua took to social media to share a moment where he fully prostrated to greet the governor, embodying the Yoruba tradition of humility and reverence.

The image quickly went viral, resonating deeply with many Nigerians who admired his pride in his heritage.

Joshua, whose roots trace back to Sagamu in Ogun State, has long celebrated his Nigerian background despite achieving global recognition in the boxing world.

His connection to his heritage has remained a core part of his identity, and this visit further solidified his bond with the country.

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The meeting took place at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, where Governor Abiodun and his team warmly welcomed the boxing champion.

He wrote: “Today, we had the distinct honour of welcoming @anthonyjoshua, the world-acclaimed boxing champion and a proud son of Ogun State, to our office during his courtesy visit.

“Anthony Joshua’s remarkable achievements in the world of boxing continue to inspire not only the people of Ogun State but also millions across the globe. His dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence are values we hold dear as a state.

“This visit is a testament to the bond we share as a people and our collective pride in the success stories that emerge from Ogun State. We remain committed to supporting our talents and creating an environment that nurtures greatness in all spheres of life.

“Together, we celebrate Anthony Joshua’s accomplishments and look forward to more victories as he continues to make Ogun State proud.”

Anthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit

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