Euro 2024: England overcome Switzerland in dramatic penalty shoo-tout - Newstrends
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Euro 2024: England overcome Switzerland in dramatic penalty shoo-tout

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Euro 2024: England overcome Switzerland in dramatic penalty shoo-tout

England’s pursuit of their first major tournament victory in nearly six decades remains alive after a thrilling penalty shootout win over Switzerland.

The Three Lions secured a 5-3 victory on penalties to advance to the Euro 2024 semi-finals, following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of play.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford emerged as England’s hero, saving the first penalty from Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji. England’s penalty takers—Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—were flawless, securing a semi-final clash with either Turkey or the Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday.

England had previously needed a late equalizer from Bellingham to overcome Slovakia in the last 16, and they faced a similar scenario against Switzerland. With 10 minutes remaining, they were trailing after a largely uneventful match.

Breel Embolo broke the deadlock for Switzerland, but England responded swiftly with their first shot on target, a stunning strike from Saka from outside the box.

Despite a history of poor performances in major tournament quarter-finals, Switzerland once again fell short. Akanji’s missed penalty added to their woes, continuing their streak of never reaching a semi-final.

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England, on the other hand, progresses despite another lackluster display. Manager Gareth Southgate, in his 100th match in charge, made strategic adjustments, including handing Ezri Konsa his first competitive international start in place of the suspended Marc Guehi and switching to a back three.

Saka, retained on the right wing, proved to be England’s most dangerous player in a first half that saw no shots on target from either side. He continuously troubled Switzerland’s defense and created a significant chance for Kobbie Mainoo just before half-time.

The match maintained a slow pace into the second half until Embolo’s weak effort was easily saved by Pickford. Southgate, often criticized for his late substitutions, made impactful changes after England fell behind. The introductions of Palmer, Eberechi Eze, and Luke Shaw revitalized the team.

Saka equalized within five minutes, cutting inside and firing in off the far post. Switzerland’s Yann Sommer made a crucial save to deny Declan Rice during extra time, and Harry Kane suffered an injury after a fall.

Switzerland nearly scored in the second half of extra time when Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner hit the woodwork, and Pickford saved a powerful strike from Zeki Amdouni.

England’s penalty history at the Euros has been mixed, but they executed perfectly this time. Saka, who had missed the decisive penalty in the Euro 2020 final, found redemption with his successful spot-kick.

England now looks ahead to their semi-final match, with hopes of ending their long wait for a major tournament title still intact.

Euro 2024: England overcome Switzerland in dramatic penalty shoo-tout

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U-17 WWC: Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball As FIFA Announces Full List Of Award Winners

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16 hours ago

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November 8, 2026

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U-17 WWC: Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball As FIFA Announces Full List Of Award Winners
Oluebube Umejiaku
U-17 WWC: Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball As FIFA Announces Full List Of Award Winners

Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has been named the best player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after helping the Flamingos win their maiden title in Morocco.

Umejiaku received the prestigious adidas Golden Ball award following her outstanding performances throughout the competition, which ended on Saturday, November 7, with Nigeria defeating Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat.

The Nigerian forward scored the decisive second goal in the final, taking her tournament tally to four goals and capping an impressive campaign with the individual honour.

She also played a crucial role in Nigeria’s historic run, contributing to goals in all seven of the team’s matches.

U-17 WWC: Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball As FIFA Announces Full List Of Award Winners

U-17 WWC: Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball As FIFA Announces Full List Of Award Winners

DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang won the Silver Ball, while Japan’s Fuki Ito received the Bronze Ball.

Despite the United States’ quarter-final elimination, forward Maddie DiMaria emerged as the tournament’s highest goalscorer, claiming the adidas Golden Boot with an impressive 12 goals.

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DiMaria scored six goals against Samoa, four against Kenya and one each against China PR and Spain.

Yu Jong-hyang received the Silver Boot, while her DPR Korea teammate Ri Ui-gyong claimed the Bronze Boot.

DPR Korea goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong was named winner of the adidas Golden Glove after helping her country secure third place in the tournament.

Japan, despite losing the final to Nigeria, received the FIFA Fair Play Trophy.

The full list of award winners is as follows:

  • Golden Ball: Oluebube Umejiaku (Nigeria)
  • Silver Ball: Yu Jong-hyang (DPR Korea)
  • Bronze Ball: Fuki Ito (Japan)
  • Golden Boot: Maddie DiMaria (United States) – 12 goals
  • Silver Boot: Yu Jong-hyang (DPR Korea)
  • Bronze Boot: Ri Ui-gyong (DPR Korea)
  • Golden Glove: Kim Son-gyong (DPR Korea)
  • FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Japan

Nigeria’s triumph marked a historic milestone as the Flamingos became the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The team also became the first African women’s side to win a FIFA World Cup title at any level, following their remarkable 2-1 victory over Japan.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 39th minute before Umejiaku doubled the advantage two minutes into the second half. Fuki Ito pulled one back for Japan in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held on to secure the historic victory.

 

U-17 WWC: Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball As FIFA Announces Full List Of Award Winners

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Messi Breaks MLS Record, Becomes First Player To Win Back-to-Back Golden Boots

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17 hours ago

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November 8, 2026

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Messi Breaks MLS Record, Becomes First Player To Win Back-to-Back Golden Boots
Messi Breaks MLS Record, Becomes First Player To Win Back-to-Back Golden Boots

Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi has made history in Major League Soccer (MLS), becoming the first player to win the league’s Golden Boot award in consecutive seasons.

The Inter Miami captain secured the 2026 Golden Boot after finishing the regular season with 26 goals, retaining the individual honour he won in 2025 when he scored 29 times.

The MLS announced the achievement on Saturday, November 7, following the conclusion of the regular season.

Messi finished ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa, who scored 22 goals, while Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge came third with 21 goals.

The 39-year-old’s latest achievement further strengthens his remarkable influence on American football since joining Inter Miami in July 2023.

Despite scoring fewer goals than he did in the previous campaign, Messi remained the league’s most productive attacking player, recording 17 assists to finish with 43 goal contributions in 2026.

According to MLS statistics, he also led the competition in goals per game, averaging 0.84, and was among the leaders in multi-goal performances, recording six such matches.

His 26 goals came in 31 regular-season appearances, with only one scored from the penalty spot.

Messi’s latest Golden Boot triumph also makes him the sixth player in MLS history to win the award more than once, joining Bradley Wright-Phillips, Chris Wondolowski, Jeff Cunningham, Taylor Twellman and Preki.

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However, none of the previous winners achieved the feat in consecutive seasons, making the Argentine the first to accomplish the milestone.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had previously claimed the 2025 Golden Boot with 29 goals and 19 assists, helping Inter Miami establish themselves among the leading teams in the competition.

His influence has extended beyond goalscoring. Messi became the first player in MLS history to record at least 40 goal contributions in consecutive regular seasons, registering 43 in 2026 after an equally impressive campaign in 2025.

The Argentine also holds the record for the most non-penalty goals in a single MLS season, having scored 28 in 2025.

Messi’s latest individual success came on the final day of the regular season when Inter Miami played out a 3-3 draw against Charlotte FC.

Although he did not score, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward provided assists from two corner kicks as Miami surrendered a three-goal advantage.

The result ensured Inter Miami finished second in the Eastern Conference, securing home-field advantage for the opening stages of the MLS Cup playoffs.

Miami will face Columbus Crew in the opening round of the postseason as they seek to defend their MLS Cup title.

Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain and quickly transformed the club’s fortunes, leading them to the Leagues Cup title in his debut season.

He subsequently helped the club win the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and its first MLS Cup championship in 2025.

The latest Golden Boot award adds another milestone to an extraordinary career that has already produced eight Ballon d’Or titles, multiple domestic league championships and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

Messi Breaks MLS Record, Becomes First Player To Win Back-to-Back Golden Boots

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BREAKING: Flamingos Make History, Defeat Japan 2–1 to Win First FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

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1 day ago

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November 7, 2026

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BREAKING: Flamingos Make History, Defeat Japan 2–1 to Win First FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history after defeating Japan 2–1 to lift the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy in Morocco on Saturday, November 7.

The Nigerian girls produced an impressive performance in the final to secure the country’s first-ever championship title in the competition.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 38th minute of the first half with a long-range effort that slipped through the hands of Japanese goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.

The Flamingos doubled their advantage early in the second half through Oluebube Umejiaku, who calmly lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to give Nigeria a commanding 2–0 lead.

Japan fought back and reduced the deficit through Ito in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian side held on to secure a historic 2–1 victory.

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The triumph marks a major milestone for Nigerian and African football, as the Flamingos become the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria booked their place in the final after defeating Brazil 3–1 in the semi-finals, while Japan secured their ticket following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over defending champions North Korea.

The victory represents a remarkable achievement for coach Akeem Busari and his players, who have brought global recognition to Nigeria with their outstanding campaign.

The historic triumph is also Nigeria’s first title at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, having previously finished third in the 2022 edition.

Nigeria’s victory over Japan has further established the Flamingos as one of the emerging forces in women’s youth football.

BREAKING: Flamingos Make History, Defeat Japan 2–1 to Win First FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

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