Sports

Wasteful Chelsea bow 0-1 to Man City in FA semi-final

Published

2 years ago

April 21, 2024

Wasteful Chelsea bow 0-1 to Man City in FA semi-final

Manchester City defeated a wasteful Chelsea side 1-0 in the semi-final of the FA Cup on Saturday, bouncing back from their agonising Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid.

But the loss meant the London side would end the season trophyless.

Bernardo Silva scored the only goal six minutes from time at Wembley as Chelsea were made to pay for a series of wasted chances by Nicolas Jackson.

Pep Guardiola’s side were second best for long periods of the semi-final, but Chelsea wasted a string of chances before Silva delivered the knockout blow six minutes from full-time.

Shaken by their Champions League quarter-final loss against Real Madrid on penalties in midweek, City took a while to shake off the gloom from the end of their treble bid.

They were hampered by the absence of Norway striker Erling Haaland after he suffered a knock against Real, with Julian Alvarez unable to make an impact as his replacement.

City were bailed out by Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson’s profligacy and Guardiola will hope the hard-fought success provides a timely lift as they chase a Premier League and FA Cup double.

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City face Manchester United or Coventry, who meet on Sunday, in the final on May 25 and will retain the Premier League title if they win their last six games.

It will be City’s 13th final in the competition and potentially a repeat of last year’s 2-1 win over United in the Wembley Manchester derby.

Beaten by Liverpool in the League Cup final in February, Chelsea’s wait to win their first domestic trophy since the 2018 FA Cup goes on for another season.

It was a bitter blow for Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino, who has endured a difficult first season in charge and remains without silverware in England.

The semi-final was billed as in-form Chelsea forward Cole Palmer’s chance to punish his old club for selling him to the Blues in September.

Guardiola said Palmer was asking to leave City for two years before he eventually joined Chelsea, where he has scored 23 goals in all competitions this, including 11 in his last six games.

Palmer, who scored four times in Monday’s 6-0 rout of Everton, was a constant threat for Chelsea, but ultimately it was his team’s lack of killer instinct that proved decisive.

Guardiola relief

Palmer’s pin-point pass sent Jackson racing into the City area early on, but his strike lacked the accuracy to beat Stefan Ortega in a miss that foreshadowed Chelsea’s fate.

Jackson wasted a golden opportunity to give Chelsea the goal their dominance deserved.

Enzo Fernandez’s pass split the City defence, but Jackson opted to go around Ortega rather than shoot and the chance was gone as Nathan Ake scurried back to clear.

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Playing with more purpose and quality than City, Pochettino’s team threatened again as Palmer cleverly shimmied past Rodri for a low drive from 12 yards that was well saved by Ortega.

It was the first time lethargic City had failed to muster a first half shot on target since a game against Everton in February.

Jackson, in the midst of a terrible debut season, was put clean through on goal by Conor Gallagher immediately after the interval.

But the much-maligned striker’s shot was palmed away by Ortega, who clawed away a close-range header from Jackson seconds later.

City finally tested Djordje Petrovic through Phil Foden’s snap-shot, but the Serbian was equal to his powerful strike.

Chelsea appealed in vain for a penalty when Jack Grealish’s arm blocked Palmer’s free-kick, while Moises Caicedo was fortunate to escape a second booking for a crunching tackle that forced Grealish to limp off.

Grealish’s replacement Jeremy Doku drew an immediate save from Petrovic with a near-post blast.

Doku’s presence lifted City and the Belgian played a part as they stole the victory in the 84th minute.

Advancing with intent towards the Chelsea area, Doku slipped a pass to Kevin de Bruyne, whose low cross was pushed out by Petrovic to Silva for a close-range finish that deflected home as Guardiola punched the air in relief.

Wasteful Chelsea bow 0-1 to Man City in FA semi-final

AFP

Sports

Xabi Alonso backs UEFA, opposes FIFA World Cup investment plan

Published

22 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Xabi Alonso backs UEFA, opposes FIFA World Cup investment plan

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has joined growing opposition to FIFA’s proposed plan to sell minority stakes in the commercial operations of the FIFA World Cup, insisting that football should remain accessible to supporters and not be placed in private hands.

Alonso expressed support for UEFA’s opposition to the proposal while speaking in Sydney, where Chelsea are preparing for the new season during a pre-season tour.

The former Spain international and 2010 World Cup winner said football’s global appeal is built on its connection with supporters and the shared emotions created by major competitions.

“I think football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” Alonso said.

“That’s the way we love it. We have seen a great World Cup, and some things should stay the same way. So it’s good to defend the interests of other people.”

The debate centres on a proposal backed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to establish a new commercial subsidiary that would oversee the business operations of FIFA’s major tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.

Under the proposed structure, FIFA would retain control of sporting and governance decisions while allowing private investors to acquire a minority, non-controlling stake in the commercial entity.

FIFA has argued that the investment could generate up to $4.2 billion in additional funding, which could be reinvested in football development across its 211 member associations.

The world football governing body has also maintained that the proposal would not transfer control of football or give private investors authority over competition rules, sporting decisions or FIFA’s governance.

However, the plan has generated strong opposition from UEFA, which has raised concerns about the commercialisation of football’s biggest tournament and the potential influence of investors on the future direction of the sport.

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UEFA has also questioned the consultation process surrounding the proposal and called for greater transparency on how the new commercial structure would operate.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF have also expressed concerns, adding to pressure on FIFA to provide more details and address questions about the long-term impact of the proposal.

Some football stakeholders have argued that the World Cup should remain a global sporting competition managed primarily for the benefit of players, supporters, national associations and the wider football community.

Alonso echoed those concerns, saying he hoped football authorities would preserve the traditions and authenticity that have helped make the sport popular around the world.

“Hopefully it won’t happen,” he said.

“I think it’s the common feeling of football people that we want something that we keep in the hands of everyone, that it’s for all the people.”

The Chelsea manager said the emotional connection supporters have with football could be affected if commercial interests became more influential in the management of major competitions.

“Hopefully we’ll keep the game as attractive and as authentic as we like it, and that’s why it creates these emotions and these passions we’ve seen in the World Cup, in the Champions League and in the Premier League, because it’s for everyone,” Alonso added.

FIFA has defended the proposal, saying the planned commercial structure is intended to strengthen the financial sustainability of global football and increase funding for development programmes.

The governing body has also insisted that the investment plan does not amount to selling the World Cup or handing control of football to private companies.

The proposal is expected to require approval through FIFA’s governing structures and support from its member associations before it can be implemented.

The growing opposition from major football confederations could make it more difficult for FIFA to secure broad support, particularly because UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC represent a significant part of the global football community.

The disagreement has also renewed debate over the increasing commercialisation of football and whether private investment could affect the independence, accessibility and traditions of major international competitions.

For now, FIFA has not withdrawn the proposal, while UEFA and other football bodies continue to seek greater clarity on the proposed structure, investor involvement and safeguards for the future of the game.

Xabi Alonso backs UEFA, opposes FIFA World Cup investment plan

Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo ranked 10th among Manchester United’s greatest players

Published

2 days ago

July 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Cristiano Ronaldo ranked 10th among Manchester United’s greatest players

Cristiano Ronaldo has been ranked 10th among the greatest players in Manchester United history, placing the Portuguese football icon alongside some of the most influential figures to have represented the English club.

The ranking reflects Ronaldo’s achievements, performances and impact during his two spells at Manchester United, while also highlighting the depth of the club’s history and the number of legendary players who made long-term contributions at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2003 as an 18-year-old and quickly developed into one of the most exciting young players in world football.

Under the guidance of former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo transformed from a highly skilful winger into one of football’s most complete and dangerous attacking players.

During his first spell between 2003 and 2009, Ronaldo helped Manchester United win several major trophies, including three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

His performances during the 2007/08 season remain among the most remarkable individual campaigns in Manchester United’s history.

Ronaldo scored 42 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions as Manchester United won the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

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His outstanding form earned him the 2008 Ballon d’Or, making him the first Manchester United player to win the prestigious individual award since George Best in 1968.

Ronaldo left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in 2009 in what was then a world-record transfer. He later became Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer and won multiple domestic and European honours.

The Portuguese forward returned to Manchester United in 2021, nearly 12 years after his first departure.

During his second spell, Ronaldo became the club’s leading goalscorer in the 2021/22 season and produced several important performances in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

However, his return ended in November 2022 after his contract was terminated by mutual agreement following a public disagreement with the club.

Across his two spells, Ronaldo made 346 appearances for Manchester United and scored 145 goals, cementing his place among the club’s most successful and recognisable players.

His ranking at number 10 has generated debate among supporters, with some arguing that his individual ability, goalscoring record and achievements should have placed him higher.

Others believe the ranking reflects the contributions of Manchester United legends who spent longer periods at the club and played central roles in its success across multiple generations.

Players such as Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Denis Law, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Eric Cantona and Bryan Robson are regularly included in discussions about the club’s greatest-ever players.

The debate also highlights the difference between identifying the best footballer to have played for Manchester United and ranking the greatest players based on their achievements and overall contribution to the club.

While Ronaldo went on to establish himself as one of the greatest players in football history, his ranking is based primarily on his legacy and accomplishments during his time at Manchester United.

Despite being placed 10th, Ronaldo remains one of the most influential players of the modern era and one of the most successful footballers to have worn the Manchester United shirt.

Cristiano Ronaldo ranked 10th among Manchester United’s greatest players

Sports

Super Falcons Stunned by Debutants Malawi in Historic WAFCON Upset

Published

3 days ago

July 29, 2026

Trends Admin

Super Falcons Stunned by Debutants Malawi in Historic WAFCON Upset

Nigeria’s quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title suffered a devastating blow on Tuesday night as the Super Falcons fell 3-2 to tournament debutants Malawi in their Group C opener at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The result ranks among the biggest upsets in the history of the competition, with Malawi, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament at No. 153, defeating Africa’s highest-ranked women’s national team, Nigeria at No. 36, in what many are calling a seismic shock for African women’s football. The defeat also ended Nigeria’s remarkable 17-match unbeaten record against WAFCON debutants, having won 16 and drawn one since the competition began in 1998, making the loss even more significant for the 10-time champions who had never previously lost to a tournament newcomer.

After a goalless first half in which the Super Falcons dominated possession but failed to register a shot on target, the match exploded into life in the final quarter, exposing Nigeria’s defensive vulnerabilities in stunning fashion. Temwa Chawinga, the two-time National Women’s Soccer League MVP and Kansas City Current striker, opened the scoring in the 73rd minute, calmly finishing after beating goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who had come off her line too early and was left stranded by the perfectly weighted lob. Just six minutes later, her elder sister and Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga doubled the lead with another clinical finish, leaving the 10-time African champions in a state of panic as their carefully laid plans unravelled in spectacular fashion.

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Nigeria refused to surrender, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the 90th minute to spark hopes of a dramatic comeback, giving the Super Falcons a glimmer of hope after a largely frustrating evening. However, Temwa Chawinga struck again deep in stoppage time, lobbing Nnadozie after spotting the goalkeeper off her line once more, to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion and effectively seal the victory for the debutants. Substitute Uchenna Kanu pulled another goal back in the ninth minute of added time, showcasing the team’s fighting spirit, but there was no time left for Nigeria to salvage a result as Malawi held on for a historic victory, sparking wild celebrations among their players and coaching staff.

The result leaves Zambia top of Group C on goal difference after a 6-0 thrashing of Egypt, with Malawi second on three points, while Nigeria and Egypt are yet to get off the mark, placing the defending champions in an unfamiliar and precarious position. The Super Falcons will now face a must-win encounter against Zambia on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. WAT, followed by a final group match against Egypt on Wednesday, August 5, leaving them with no room for further slip-ups if they hope to defend their continental crown. Zambia head coach Nora Häuptle has already emphasized her team’s readiness to overcome Nigeria, while the Super Falcons must strengthen their defence after conceding three goals and seize every offensive opportunity against a clinical Zambian side that scored six in their opener. With six points still available, Nigeria’s dream of an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title remains alive, but their campaign now hangs in the balance, requiring an immediate response from a team that has historically thrived under pressure.