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UEFA EURO 2024: Thrilling draw between Slovakia and Romania

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After a rapid start, Slovakia took the lead with a wonderful header from Ondrej Duda (24′). Romania, however, only shook themselves off briefly and struck back just 13 minutes later. After a foul on Ianis Hagi on the edge of the penalty area, Razvan Marin safely converted the resulting penalty to make it 1:1 (37′). In the second half, too, both teams did not put their foot on the handbrake and looked for a decision. Ultimately, the game ended in a thrilling draw that was fair on both teams’ performances.

The 0:0 draw in the parallel match between Belgium and Ukraine means that Romania is now the group winner, and its opponent in the round of 16 will only be decided after the evening’s matches in Group F. Slovenia or the Netherlands are possible opponents. Slovakia finished third in Group E and will therefore face Spain or England in the round of 16.

Duda scores 1-0 for Slovakia (24th)

Kucka plays the ball into the center to Duda, who sinks it into the goal with a perfect header.

The question before kick-off was whether a second Gijon was imminent: A non-aggression pact ensured that Germany and Austria reached the next round at the 1982 World Cup in Spain – at the expense of Algeria, which had already finished the group phase and was eliminated. Given the strange starting position with four teams on the same number of points, both the Romanians, who were in first place before the last matchday, and the third-placed Slovakians knew that a draw would guarantee them a place in the knockout round.

“We are playing for group victory”

Romania and Slovakia therefore tried to nip speculation about a match-fixing in the bud and backed up their words with actions. After all, a win for both teams would have put them in first place and, as group winners, would have allowed them to avoid strong opponents such as Spain, France or England in the round of 16.

“Guys, my message is clear. We are playing for first place, we are playing to win the group. Just as we gave everything every second before, we will now and always give everything every second,” said Romanian team manager Edward Iordanescu.

IMAGO/Shutterstock/Kieran Mcmanus Despite the draw, the duel was a thrilling game, and the weather was also varied, from sunshine to cloudbursts

The 46-year-old made two changes to his starting eleven compared to the 0-2 defeat against Belgium. Florinel Coman and Ianis Hagi, son of Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi, started from the beginning. Dennis Man, who provided two assists in the 3-0 win against Ukraine in the opening match, and Valentin Mihaila initially took a seat on the bench. Slovakian team manager Francesco Calzona also trusted his starting eleven, which had surprised everyone with a 1-0 win against Belgium in the opening match, but had to admit defeat to Ukraine 1-2 in the second group match. Only David Strelec was preferred as striker over Robert Bozenik.

Both teams refrain from testing

Both teams tried to dispel any fears of a passing game from the start and went about their work quite boldly despite the high summer temperatures. The Romanians were the first to make an appearance in front of the opposing goal. Andrei Ratiu powered his way through the defensive line and shot after a one-two with Coman. Goalie Martin Dubravka was able to distinguish himself with a flying save (11th minute). On the other side, Florin Nita cleared a corner kick in front of Strelec (15th minute).

And the Slovakians remained dangerous with high balls. Three Slovakians initially narrowly missed a free kick from Lukas Haraslin (22nd minute), but Duda then headed a cross from Juraj Kucka into the net with a spectacular header that was unstoppable for goalkeeper Nita to put them in the lead (24th minute). The cold shower and subsequent drink break clearly did the Romanians good in temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius, and they moved the game into the Slovakian half and pushed for an equalizer.

Marin scores from the penalty spot to equalize (37.)

Razvan Marin scores the penalty after a foul by David Hancko on Ianis Hagi and places the ball powerfully in the top left corner.

Deserved equaliser through penalty

First, Ratiu tried again from distance (33′), but Dubravka parried on the follow-up. Then Hagi moved into the penalty area from the right and was brought down by David Hancko. The first contact took place outside the penalty area, the second – which referee Daniel Siebert decided was the decisive one after studying the video – inside. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Marius Marin took advantage of the resulting penalty to score the deserved equaliser (37′). The game continued at a rapid pace, a long-range shot from Razvan Marin missed the target (43′), and on the other side Ratiu cleared the ball from Hancko (45’+3). After a surprisingly fast-paced first half, the score remained stalemate, as did the table, as no goal had been scored in the parallel match between Ukraine and Belgium.

debate

How far will Austria get in the European Championship?

After the break, the game continued without any changes to either the line-up or the game system. At first, neither team found any gaps, but the 46,000 spectators had to wait for the first great chance as a summer storm approached. Then the game picked up speed again on the offensive. Romanian goalkeeper Nita was just able to clear a ricochet (50th minute), while on the other side Dubravka shone when Haraslin shot from a tight angle (52nd minute). Then the heavens opened and the game continued in pouring rain.

The downpour had no effect on the entertaining game, and the already battered pitch in the sold-out Frankfurt Arena held up, and the game continued to go back and forth. Marin failed to stop Romania from taking the lead in a double chance (61st minute), while Nita parried a powerful shot from Strelec with her foot (64th minute). In the end, both teams did not take any more risks and were happy with the draw that was enough to secure promotion.

UEFA Euro 2024, Group E, third matchday

Wednesday:

Slovakia – Romania 1:1 (1:1)

Frankfurt, 46,000 spectators, SR Siebert (GER)

Torfolge:
1:0 Duda (24.)
1:1 R. Marin (37./penalty)

Slovakia: Dubravka – Pekarik (92./Gyömber), Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko – Kucka, Lobotka, Duda (92./Bero) – Schranz (78./Duris), Strelec (70./Bozenik), Haraslin (70./Suslov )

Romania: Nita – Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu – M. Marin – Hagi (66./Man), R. Marin (86./Rus), Stanciu, Coman (58./Sorescu) – Dragus (67./Puscas)

Yellow cards: Duda or Burca, Bancu, Puscas Iordanescu (coach)

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SAD|| 10 Players Who Lost Everything After Divorce, Number 5 Will Shôck You

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The Hidden Financial Struggles of Footballers: Divorce’s Costly Toll

The glamorous image of professional footballers, with their luxurious lifestyles and multimillion-dollar contracts, often obscures a harsh reality: the financial devastation many endure through divorce. Behind the fame and fortune, several high-profile players have seen their wealth significantly depleted after parting ways with their spouses, a stark reminder that no amount of money can fully shield one of the financial pitfalls of personal relationships gone awry…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

One of the most shocking examples is that of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué, who lost not only his properties in England but also custody of his children following a bitter divorce. Despite earning millions during his career, Eboué found himself stripped of almost everything. His situation became a cautionary tale, underscoring that even the wealthiest footballers can fall victim to the financial ruin that divorce can bring.

Eboué is not alone. Football legends such as Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs have also experienced significant financial losses due to divorce. Henry reportedly paid £10 million to his ex-wife, while Giggs parted with an astonishing £40 million after his marriage ended. Louis Saha and Wes Brown, both former Manchester United players, also suffered substantial financial hits, with Brown declaring bankruptcy despite earning £50,000 per week during his time at the club. His case highlights how even vast earnings can quickly evaporate when faced with legal settlements and financial mismanagement.

David James, the former England goalkeeper, faced a particularly dire situation, losing much of his fortune after divorce and being forced to auction his personal belongings to make ends meet. Similarly, Ray Parlour, another Arsenal great, saw his ex-wife receive half of his £10 million fortune, including a £2.5 million house. Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool star, also faced a hefty settlement, parting with half of his estimated £15 million fortune after his marriage ended.

These are just a few of the many footballers who have faced financial disaster due to divorce. Keith Gillespie, once a key figure in the Premier League, lost over £7 million, leading to his bankruptcy in 2010. Despite earning significant wages during his career, his divorce and poor financial decisions left him in financial ruin. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Perhaps the most shocking case is that of Tendai Ndoro, a Zimbabwean striker who lost everything after registering all his properties in his wife’s name. Following their breakup, she kicked him out of the house, leaving him with nothing. Ndoro’s story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of not protecting one’s assets, even in relationships where trust is implicit.

For footballers, whose careers often peak early, these financial setbacks can be devastating. While their salaries are among the highest in professional sports, the combination of short career spans, legal fees, and divorce settlements can quickly erode their fortunes. Many players also face additional challenges in managing their finances due to a lack of financial education or oversight during their playing years.

These stories underscore the importance of safeguarding personal wealth, especially for high-earning individuals like footballers, who may be more vulnerable to financial upheaval. Proper financial planning, asset protection strategies, and prenups are increasingly necessary tools for protecting one’s earnings and securing a stable future.

In conclusion, while the public sees footballers as insulated by their wealth, the reality is that they are just as susceptible to the financial hardships of divorce as anyone else. The personal struggles behind the scenes reveal that their lives, though glamorous on the surface, are often fraught with the same vulnerabilities and challenges faced by ordinary individuals. These cases serve as sobering reminders that financial security is never guaranteed, even for those at the pinnacle of success.

 

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NFL | The best was yet to come, and then no

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In February 2022, the Bengals missed the Super Bowl by three small points, but regardless, the future seemed bright in Cincinnati.


Posted at 1:13 a.m.

Updated at 7:00 a.m.

In any case, that’s what we, the most seasoned experts in American football, believed, capable of seeing the future each season, often in a very impressive way; for example, this column has been predicting since 1970 that the New York Jets are not going to win the Super Bowl, and that’s still exactly what happens.

The Bengals have never won anything, but their presence on the big stage two years ago suggested that, a bit like the Nordiques in 1990, the best was yet to come.

Well, no.

As of this hour, the Bengals are a dismal 1-4, and even then, their only win came against the Carolina Panthers, who are about as bad as they are.

The good news for the Bengals is that this “landing” is fairly easily explained: their defense is pretty awful. The less good news is that it is probably already too late to try to solve this problem.

In five games, the Bengals have allowed a total of 145 points, which gives a pretty staggering average of 29 points per game. No one else in the American Association looks this bad, and in the league as a whole, only the Carolina Panthers are even worse in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Bengals are wasting the best years of Joe Burrow, who turns 28 in December. He wouldn’t be the first quality quarterback to waste his talent in this uniform.

Is it necessary here to remember that in American football, as in life in general, there is never anything certain? This reality reminds us of this sublime quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who once wrote that “supreme happiness is a hundred times sweeter to hope for than to obtain”.

Rousseau must have been a Bengals fan, obviously.

You are probably aware that the New York Jets fired their coachbut that’s not the worst. The worst part is that poor Robert Saleh would have been escorted to the door like a pauper by security agents.

PHOTO MIKE STOBE, ARCHIVES AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh

It’s undoubtedly one of the worst moments in the history of a club that collects the worst moments, from Mark Sanchez dropping a ball on his lineman’s pussy, to a visibly hot Joe Namath trying to to kiss a reporter live on TV (we’re going to move on to the naughty photo of Brett Favre because there are children here).

We can never repeat it enough: in football, as in life, everything starts from the top. The leaders of the Jets, who display a level of competence similar to that of the inventors of Pepsi Crystal, thus opted for the easy way, instead of realizing that their ground game is non-existent, and that their quarterback who hears voices in his head is finished.

In addition, barely installed, new coach Jeff Ulbrich decided to give control of the attack to assistant Todd Downing, who will call the plays from now on. This is not a detail because this task previously fell to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, close and confidant of Aaron Rodgers.

It’s obvious that this is going to end very badly. As per usual.

Someone whispers in my ear that the inbox is overflowing again, so let’s get to it right away.

First, Luc Girouard from Sept-Îles sends us this timely little comment: “Would Prince Rodgers have plotted to kick Robert Saleh out in order to take his place? »

We all see what you did, Luc.

Then, there is a certain Nicolas B. from Laval who sent this: “Hi Richard. Great weekly column on football. Really entertaining. In addition, you allow my teenagers to read about football in French, which is still a challenge […] If you ever make a reference to my comment, my sports travel gang is buying me a beer on our next trip. »

You will demand a micro beer, Nicolas. Finally, there is Marco Campanozzi who can no longer hear about “mixing” and the right chair: “I can’t do it anymore!!! »

We are Marco.

It will be another great opportunity to lock yourself in front of the TV while pretending to do something constructive, because Sunday’s menu is particularly spicy.

Thus, Commanders in a state of grace will go to Baltimore to prove that they are serious, the Chargers will go to Denver in the hope of recovering after two defeats in a row, and the Cowboys will host the Lions, in a match that they can’t really let slip away, just to build something following the little miracle last Sunday night in Pittsburgh.

Don’t forget to check out the colors during halftime.

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A young badminton player realizes his deceased father’s dream

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Only 13 years old, badminton-player-honors-fathers-dream-at-nationals/” title=”13-year-old Saskatchewan badminton player honors father’s dream at nationals”>Gautham Sumesh is preparing to realize the dream of his father, who died six months ago: he will soon participate in the National Badminton Championship.

My father was really addicted to badmintonrecalls the Saskatchewan teenager. He really liked that I played.

Gautham Sumesh has been playing badminton since he was old enough to handle a racket. The first time he managed to beat his father, Sumesh Pulavathil, he was offered a drink to celebrate the event.

Sadly, Sumesh Pulavathil died in a road accident near Estevan last October.

Despite the tragedy, the teenager continues to carry his family’s dreams: Gautham Sumesh won the provincial championships this year and is preparing to participate in the National Championship in New Brunswick.

He would be really happyhe believes.

Dreaming of badminton

The young player’s parents left India in 2022 in the hope that their son would become a top badminton player.

: Gautham badminton”,”text”:”When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badminton”}}”>When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badmintonexplains the latter’s mother, Gayathri Ramdas. It is the foundation of our family life.

Her husband put everything in place to help his son play. He bought him shoes and racquets, in addition to devoting many hours to coaching him and other children.

Sumesh Pulavathil (front) was an avid badminton player. (Archive photo)

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Although the family was devastated by Sumesh Pulavathil’s death, there was never any question of the teenager quitting badminton. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Since the death of his father, Gautham Sumesh has undergone intensive training, particularly in preparation for the provincial competition which took place in April.

He remembers that no one knew him when he started competing provincially, but that changed after his victory at the provincial championship.

: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”,”text”:”After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job! “Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”}}”>After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with meexplained Gautham Sumesh.

A portrait of Sumesh Pulavathil (far left) and his family.

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Despite his son’s success in the championship, Gayathri Ramdas believes the victory was bittersweet due to his father’s absence.

Despite everything, she watched her son grow up and demonstrate the values ​​of sportsmanship and good play that she and her husband wanted to instill in him, as he harbored ambitions of becoming a professional badminton player.

I’m little by little catching up on all the dreams we had.

With information from Janani Whitfield

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