蹤獲弝け

UAE to face Brazil in NEOM Beach Soccer Cup 2024 final

UAE to face Brazil in NEOM Beach Soccer Cup 2024 final
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Updated 16 November 2024

UAE to face Brazil in NEOM Beach Soccer Cup 2024 final

UAE to face Brazil in NEOM Beach Soccer Cup 2024 final
  • The UAE team will play the final on Saturday night, against the Brazilian team, while the Spanish team will face the German side for third and fourth place

NEOM: Defending champions Brazil and UAE are through to the final of the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup 2024, after winning their last matches of the group stages against Japan and 蹤獲弝け on Friday.

In group A, the UAE team succeeded in overcoming the Saudi side with a 6-5 result, raising their score to 9 points, while the Green Falcons finished with 2 points in last place.

In the same group, the German team achieved their first victory in the tournament, after defeating the English side 6-3, to rise to second place with 3 points, ahead of the Three Lions, who are in third place on goal difference.

Meanwhile, in group B, the South American side beat Spain comfortably 9-1, while Japan beat China 9-0. With these results, the Brazilian team topped the group with 9 points and reached the final for the third year in a row, followed by Spain with 6 points, Japan with 3 points, while the Chinese team came last in the group without any points.

The UAE team will play the final on Saturday night, against the Brazilian team, while the Spanish team will face the German side for third and fourth place.

The match for fifth and sixth place will bring together Japan and England, and the Saudi team will face the Chinese side in the contest for seventh and eighth place.

UAE defender Waleed Abdullah spoke to Arab News after the match against the hosts, 蹤獲弝け.

It is difficult to predict what will happen in the match, he said. The Brazilian team is very strong and ranked first in the world, and we have all respect for them. We will enter the match with high focus and do our best. In the end, it is an opportunity to face the world champion, and this is not the first time we compete with them.

In the womens group, a late goal from Brazilian striker Dani Barboza led to the team overcoming Ukraine 5-4 to reach the final against Spain, who put in a great performance and finished with a 4-1 victory over England.


Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan Garc穩a from crosstown rival Espanyol

Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan Garc穩a from crosstown rival Espanyol
Updated 18 June 2025

Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan Garc穩a from crosstown rival Espanyol

Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan Garc穩a from crosstown rival Espanyol
  • The 24-year-old Garc穩a recently finished a stellar first season in La Liga
  • Barcelona said they activated a release clause of $28.5m

BARCELONA: Barcelona are signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garc穩a, who was once linked to a move to Arsenal, to a six-year contract, the Spanish champion said Wednesday.

The 24-year-old Garc穩a recently finished a stellar first season in La Liga when he led all goalies in saves with an average of almost four a game.

He will now join Espanyols main rival.

Barcelona said they activated a release clause of 25 million euros ($28.5 million) and that Garc穩a is expected to sign the contract Friday in a private ceremony at the club offices.

The fee could help Espanyol reinforce a squad after they only avoided relegation on the final day of the season.

Garc穩a had been close to a possible move to Arsenal last summer after he helped Spain win Olympic gold in Paris. He stayed put and was Espanyols best player.

Garc穩a has yet to debut for Spains senior side, but it is considered only a matter of time before he does if he continues to play well.

His arrival to Barcelona puts in question the role of veteran Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was injured most of the season. He is under contract through 2028.

Following Ter Stegens injury, Barcelona convinced Wojciech Szczsny to come out of retirement and sign a contract for the remainder of last season. Barcelonas other goalie is I簽aki Pe簽a.

While several Barcelona players have joined Espanyol later in their careers, it is rare for an Espanyol player to move to Barcelona. Their derbies are heated affairs.


Last years Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025

Last years Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025
Updated 18 June 2025

Last years Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025

Last years Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025
  • Jabeur, a Wimbledon finalist in 2022 and 2023, beat the fourth-seeded Paolini 6-1, 6-3 in the second round of the Berlin Tennis Open
  • Paolini was playing for the first time since winning the French Open doubles title with fellow Italian Sara Errani

BERLIN: Last years Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini got off to a losing start in her first grass-court match of 2025, a straight-sets loss to Ons Jabeur.

Jabeur, a Wimbledon finalist in 2022 and 2023, beat the fourth-seeded Paolini 6-1, 6-3 in the second round of the Berlin Tennis Open on Wednesday after the Italian had a first-round bye.

Jabeur could face 2023 Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova or Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Paolini was playing for the first time since winning the French Open doubles title with fellow Italian Sara Errani. Paolini lost to Elina Svitolina in the fourth round of the French Open singles.


Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game

Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game
Updated 18 June 2025

Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game

Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game
  • Squad greeted by 蹤獲弝けs Consul General in Houston Shafi Al-Otaibi.
  • Hassan Kadesh and Mohannad Al-Saad continued recovery work, guided by the teams medical staff

AUSTIN: The Saudi national football team has touched down in Austin, Texas, and is now in the final stretch of its preparations for Thursday nights highly anticipated Concacaf Gold Cup game against the United States at Q2 Stadium.

Arriving from San Diego late Tuesday, the squad was greeted by 蹤獲弝けs Consul General in Houston, Shafi Al-Otaibi. Saudi Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal extending his thanks to the consulate for their hospitality and the smooth coordination of arrival logistics.

Once settled, the Green Falcons got straight to work. Under the watchful eye of head coach Herve Renard, the team trained at St. Edwards University. The session featured a mix of warm-ups, and a short game on half the pitch, before winding down with stretching routines.

Injury updates came from the sidelines, where Hassan Kadesh and Mohannad Al-Saad continued their recovery work individually, guided by the teams medical staff.

蹤獲弝け will hold one final training session on Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. local time, again at St. Edwards. The opening 15 minutes will be open to the media.


PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise

PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise
Updated 18 June 2025

PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise

PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise
  • Al- Hattan Al-Saif: I dont care who Im facing Im ready for anyone

The heat is rising ahead of the much-anticipated showdown in the Professional Fighters League MENA, as Saudi fighter Hattan Al-Saif and Lebanese contender Nour Fleyti exchanged fiery statements that set the stage for an electrifying bout scheduled for July 4 at the Green Halls in Riyadh.

Speaking at the official pre-fight press conference, both fighters exuded confidence and determination, making it clear this is more than just a match it is a clash of wills.

Al-Saif said: I dont care who Im facing Im ready for anyone.

She dismissed any concerns about her opponent, and added that victory in combat sports is not accidental but the result of relentless dedication.

Winning doesnt happen by chance its a result of continuous hard work and commitment, she said. Im prepared for any opponent. Every fight requires a different strategy.

When asked about criticism of Arab women in combat sports, Al-Saif responded firmly: I dont pay attention to outdated opinions. Im doing what I love and chasing my goal.

Fleyti said: I love surprises watch my answer inside the cage.

She expressed her excitement to finally step into the PFL MENA cage, describing it as a long-awaited opportunity.

I respect Hattan as a fighter, she said, adding: But shell be facing me and Im stronger. I will surprise everyone inside that cage.

Fleyti promised a thrilling performance: Expect a fun fight. I dont find fighting difficult I enjoy every second of it.

A battle of pride and passion awaits as the two fighters prepare to face off.

With Al-Saifs unwavering confidence and Fleytis bold promises, Riyadh is set for a showdown that transcends sport. One question remains: Who will prove to be the stronger force inside the cage?

The answer awaits on July 4.


Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Womens T20 World Cup opener

Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Womens T20 World Cup opener
Updated 18 June 2025

Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Womens T20 World Cup opener

Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Womens T20 World Cup opener
  • Edgbaston will also host a clash between Asian rivals India and Pakistan on June 14
  • Group 1 includes record six-times champions Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan

Hosts England will kick off their 2026 Womens T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12 while holders New Zealand begin their title defense against the West Indies a day later, the International Cricket Council said on Wednesday.

Group 1 includes record six-times champions Australia, two-times runners-up South Africa, 2020 finalists India and Pakistan, as well as two teams from the Global Qualifier tournament.

New Zealand, 2009 champions England, Sri Lanka, 2016 winners West Indies and the other two teams from the Global Qualifier are in Group 2.

The top two teams from Group 1 and Group 2 will advance to the semifinals of the biennial T20 international tournament, which will be contested by 12 teams for the first time.

World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different it has the potential to be truly game-changing, England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said in a statement.

Playing on home soil, for the biggest prize, against the best players in the world, its going to be unmissable. I cant wait to be a part of it.

Edgbaston will also host a clash between Asian rivals India and Pakistan on June 14.

Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval, Bristol County Ground and Lords are the other venues.

The final will take place at Lords on July 5.