U.S beat Netherlands to set up women’s football semi-finals clash with Canada

Published

2 years ago

July 31, 2021

Record Olympic women’s football champions the U.S got the better of the Netherlands on penalty kicks on Friday to set up a semi-final clash with neighbours Canada.

The 4-2 shootout success followed a 2-2 draw after extra-time at the Tokyo Games.

The world champions, who have taken Olympic gold four times, took the lead for 2-1 on 31 minutes through Lynn Williams.

But the European champions hit back, thanks to Vivianne Miedema’s second goal of the game.

The U.S had two goals disallowed for offside in the second half of extra-time.

But they eventually prevailed as goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher saved penalty kicks from Miedema and Aniek Nouwen before star player Megan Rapinoe clinched the semi-final spot.

It was a revenge of sorts for the U.S who had gone out on penalty kicks against Sweden at the same stage at Rio 2016.

Canada knocked out Brazil 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw in their quarter-final, leaving the heralded Brazilians still without an Olympic title in the seven editions of women’s football.

Australia fought back to defeat Britain 4-3 in extra-time with Sam Kerr first taking the game to a further 30 minutes late in normal time and then netting one of Australia’s two extra-time goals.

Ellen White scored a hat-trick but it was all in vain for Britain, who also missed a penalty kick in extra-time.

Australia next meet Sweden in Monday’s semi-finals after the Scandinavians beat hosts Japan 3-1.

Rio 2016 champions Germany did not qualify for Tokyo.

Related Topics:Football Netherlands semi-finals U.S.

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EPL: Guardiola reveals Tottenham manager that made title hard to win

Published

3 days ago

December 1, 2023

NewsDirect

Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola has claimed it is now harder to win the Premier League.

Guardiola was speaking to the media on Friday, ahead of the visit of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

According to him, Spurs have “always been up there” since Mauricio Pochettino became their manager.

“It [the Premier League] is a more difficult competition to win and I have said many times that every season it is getting better. So more teams involved and every single game is so difficult.

“Ever since Mauricio Pochettino has arrived, I would say Spurs have always been up there, so yes, they are a fantastic team.

“Of course, they have a lot of absences now, but I saw the first 15-20 minutes against Aston Villa and they created a lot of chances, especially in their approach.

“So it is definitely really good for football,” Guardiola said.

Rivers United’s Odeh makes CAF Confederation Cup Goal of the Week

Published

3 days ago

December 1, 2023

NewsDirect

Rivers United’s Paul Odeh’s goal against Academica Petroleos club do Lobito has been selected among the best of matchday one fixtures in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Odeh scored a fantastic long-range strike in Rivers United’s 3-0 victory at the Godswill Akpabio International, Uyo.

Other goals selected are USM Algiers’ Islam Merili screamer against Al-Hilal SC, Mordern Future’s Ghanam Mohammed’s goal versus Supersports, Sagrada Esperanca’s Simone Lepau’s close-range strike against CO Coyah SC and Zamalek’ Yusuf Obama’s header against Abu Salam completes the list.

The former Nigeria Premier Football League champions will battle Dream SC of Ghana in their matchday two fixture on Sunday.

The match is billed for the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi.

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He reminds me of Berbatov – Michael Owen lavishes praise on Arsenal star

Published

3 days ago

December 1, 2023

NewsDirect

Former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker, Michael Owen has heaped praises on Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, comparing him to former Tottenham Hotspur attacker Dimitar Berbatov.

Owen likened Havertz’s touch and ability on the ball to that of Berbatov, who also played for Manchester United during his football career.

This is coming after Arsenal’s recent 6-0 thrashing of RC Lens in the Champions League on Wednesday.

“It is a bit of a conundrum with him, I don’t think he scores enough goals to be a centre-forward, has he got the pace to be a wide man? Maybe ghosts in and plays inside a little bit, there is no doubt about his talent,” Owen said on TNT Sports about Havertz.

“He’s got a lovely touch, a lovely way about him. He reminds me a bit of Berbatov, the way he takes the ball and his lovely touch. There is definitely a brilliant player there.”

Havertz joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer transfer window for a reported fee of £65 million.

The German endured a difficult start to life at the Gunners, scoring just one goal in his first 19 appearances for the club.

However, Havertz has seen an upturn in form recently, scoring the match-winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Brentford last weekend.