ARGENTINA END LONG WAIT WITH WORLD CUP VICTORY

Argentina bagged their third World Cup victory in the most exciting final of the 92-year history of the competition. After a 3-3 draw that featured two goals from Lionel Messi and a hat trick from Kylian Mbappé, La Albiceleste defeated France 4-2 on penalties.

From the start of the final, Messi was in spectacular form. He gave Argentina the lead from the penalty spot after Angel Di Maria was fouled. Then he initiated to a smooth team move that ended in Di Maria doubled the lead in the 36th minute. Argentina controlled the first period and led 2-0 at the interval.

Mbappé, on the other hand, remained unnoticed until he scored two goals in a span of 97 seconds. The first came in the 80th minute from the penalty spot, while the other was a volley to tie the score and force extra time.

In the 108th minute, Messi, who is 35 years old, still had plenty of energy and was at the right spot to score his second goal. Once again, Argentina was in position to win the championship. But after a handball, France was awarded another penalty, and Mbappé converted to send the nail-biting contest into a shootout.

Messi and Mbappé converted the first penalties for their respective teams. Emi Martinez, the custodian for Argentina, stopped a shot from Kingsley Coman before Aurelien Tchouameni then missed for France. Wild celebrations ensued after Gonzalo Montiel successfully converted his penalty.

Messi led Argentina to victory in the World Cup and replicated what Maradona did in 1986. After a humiliating 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the opening game, he scored seven goals and fulfilled his duty by guiding his team out of those difficult situations. He made history by being the first player to score in the group stage and each of the knockout rounds of a single World Cup.

After involving in a record-setting 26th World Cup game, Messi yelled "Let’s go, Argentina!" into a microphone on the field during the post-game celebrations. It's a thrilling conclusion to Messi's international career, which is still ongoing. After the game, he declared that he will keep competing for his country.

TIGERS SUPER SPORTS

ITALY BEAT ENGLAND IN SHOOTOUTS TO WIN EURO

Euphoria erupts in the streets of Rome immediately after the victory. Roberto Mancini boys became men as they came back from the shock concede and claim a 3-2 victory over England at Wembley.

Luke Shaw's goal inside the opening two minutes gave England a lead, which looked like it would hold onto all night. But a goalmouth scramble midway through the second half allowed Leonardo Bonucci to poke home an equalizer for Italy.

It was a similar story in the first additional 15 minutes, though England did briefly force their way back into the game in the second period, albeit without either side creating anything to reward the crowd for their waves of noise. So it went to penalties, where England’s young guns failed and Italy took the championship. It is the Azzurri's first major title in 15 years since they won the World Cup over France.

RUGBY ASIA

Gianlucci Donnarumma saved from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after Marcus Rashford hit the post, as Federico Bernardeschi, Leonardo Bonucci and Domenico Berardi all scored for the Italians. The giant goalkeeper made his debut with AC Milan at 16 years old. He made his first Italy start at 17 and already Euro2020 Player of the tournament at 22. Donnarumma is a prodigy and Italy keep churning out the best goalkeepers over the decades.

The journey towards this glory started in November 2017, Italy failed to qualify for the world Cup for the first time since 1958. In May 2018, Italian FA appointed Mancini. The Azzurris have not lost a single game in all 34 matches including the win the Euro 2020 last night.

Cristiano Ronaldo finished the tournament’s joint top goal scorer along with Czech Republic’s forward Patrick Schick. England remained without a trophy since the 1966 World Cup victory.

By: Faiz Hakim | Photo: EURO 2020 / Getty

SUFI SUPER YACHTS

MESSI LEADS ARGENTINA TO COPA AMERICA GLORY

Lionel Messi finally able to secure his first international medal with Argentina to his collection of La Liga, Champions League, World Club Cup, Ballon d’Or and more. Clearly he is in tears, succumbed to the atmosphere finally realizing the dreams have come true at last.

Argentina have also won their first major title in 28 years on Saturday when an Angel Di Maria goal gave them a 1-0 win over Brazil and a record-equalling 15th Copa America. The victory also means they draw level with Uruguay as the all-time leading winners.

Di Maria, starting for just the second time in the Copa, justified his selection by scoring the opener in the 22nd minute in the first half. Argentina managed to defend even when Brazil piled on the pressure in an exciting second half but even with five strikers on the field they could not get an equaliser against an Argentine defence protected by the outstanding Rodrigo De Paul.

THE MATCH

Messi finished the tournament’s joint top goalscorer with four goals and was elected joint best player along with Neymar. The historic game was played at the legendary Maracana Stadium, Rio De Janerio. A true footballing temple where the best Brazilian legends have won many great titles here. The Argentinian nicknamed this stadium Maracanazo.

"This is a very big title," said Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni who last won a major Champion at U20 World Cup in Malaysia in 1997 along with Pablo Aimar and Walter Samuel which are also in his Argentinian coaching staffs. This win extended their sequence of undefeated matches to 20 under Scaloni.

Amidst all the Copa America celebration, it is hard not to mention the one and only Diego Armando Maradona. So sad that he was not able to be here to see Argentina lift this Cup. He is surely looking from above, proud of his countrymen especially Messi.

Argentina won this for him too!

By: Faiz Hakim

Photo: Copa America/AFP

TIGERS UNITED

ENGLAND BEAT DENMARK TO ENTER FIRST EURO FINAL

England reached their first major tournament final since 1966 after defeating Denmark 2-1 in Euro quarterfinals. Captain Harry Kane fired his side into European Championship final by tapping in the rebound to his saved penalty in extra-time.

Despite being tired of traveling, Denmark showed a lot of determination from the kick-off. Mikkel Damsgaard ended England's run of clean sheets with a superb freekick to beat Jordan Pickford in the 30th minute. The Three Lions responded with increasing the pressure on Denmark. Nine minutes later, Bukayo Saka delivered a fine pass into the danger area for Raheem Sterling, but was intercepted by Simon Kjaer and the ball ended into his own net.

THE MATCH

The 1-1 score remained until the full time whistle. As the match got into the extra-time, England pegged back a tiring Denmark side. In the 103rd minute, Sterling was brought down in the penalty area by Joakim Maehle. Kane took the spotkick, Kasper Schmeichel saved it but the ball rebounded for Kane to slam-in the winner.

Although Denmark are out of the tournament, they had a great story to be remembered. England are finally in the Euro final for the first time. They will meet Italy for the championship at Wembley again next Monday.

Photo: UEFA EURO 2020

TIGERS SUPER SPORTS

ARGENTINA TO FACE BRAZIL IN COPA AMERICA FINAL

Argentina reached the Copa America final after they beat Colombia 3-2 in penalty shootouts. The semifinal match in Brasilia ended 1-1 after ninety minutes. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was the hero for Argentina as he saved three shots.

Argentina took early advantage when Lautaro Martinez fired into the net from Lionel Messi's pass in the 7th minute. The match was so intense as ten yellow cards were shown by the referees. Both sides had almost the same amount of opportunities and possessions. Colombia's equaliser came in the 61st minute when Luis Diaz scored from a tight angle to complete a surprise counter attack.

In the shootouts, Martinez saved Colombia's spot kicks by Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona. Messi, Leandro Paredes and Martinez scored from the spot to send Argentina for the title decider against Brazil. Argentina are now unbeaten in 19 games are set for the final showdown at the Maracana on Saturday.

Photo: Copa America/AFP

TIGERS UNITED

ITALY IN EURO FINAL AFTER BEATING SPAIN ON PENALTIES

Italy beat Spain 4-2 in penalty shootouts to booked a spot in the Euro 2020 final. The semifinal clash at Wembley Stadium ended with a 1-1 draw and the winner have to be decided through penalties. Alvaro Morata failed to score his spot kick, and Jorginho delivered the winner for the Azzurri.

After having impressive runs in this tournament, the match between the two sides was expected to be a very tight contest. In the 60th minute, Federico Chiesa looked as if he had sent Italy through with a wonderful shot from a counter attack. However, Morata came on to slot the equaliser with just 10 minutes left on the clock.

Roberto Mancini had lead Italy to be one the best team in this tournament. They had won all their previous 13 games and deserve the place in the final. The Azzurri will play against England or Denmark in the final this Sunday.

Photo: UEFA EURO 2020

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BRAZIL IN COPA AMERICA FINAL AFTER WIN OVER PERU

Defending champions Brazil beat Peru 1-0 in the Copa America semifinals at Estádio Nilton Santos in Rio. Lucas Paqueta scored the winner in the 35th minute to secure his team spot in the Copa America final.

The semifinal was a repeat of the last final, two years ago, when a Brazil team shorn of the injured Neymar also triumphed on home soil. The Selecao dominated the first half but Peru gave the home side some nervous moments after the break. In the 36th minute, Neymar produced his magic to set up for Paqueta to score the only goal. Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was the busiest player throughout the match as he saved many attempts by Brazil. 

Brazil will play the winner of another semifinals clash between Argentina and Colombia. They have now gone 13 games unbeaten in all competitions, and eyeing for the 10th Copa America title.

TIGERS UNITED

ENGLAND THRASH UKRAINE, DENMARK EDGE CZECH

England displayed extraordinary performance when they thrashed Ukraine 4-0 in Rome on Saturday. Skipper Harry Kane found the net twice as they reached the Euro semifinals for the first time in 25 years.

England were ahead after just four minutes at the Stadio Olimpico when Kane converted Raheem Sterling through ball. Both teams went into the break with just one goal separating them. Then Harry Maguire headed home for England's second in less than a minute into the second half.

TIGERS UNITED

In the 50th minute, Kane scored England's third as Ukraine's losing their focus. Gareth Southgate sent in Jordan Henderson and scored his first international goal in the 63rd minute to ensure England comfortably cruise into the last four. The Three Lions will face Denmark at Wembley in the semifinals.

In another quarterfinals match, Denmark edged Czech Republic 2-1 to join the last four. Thomas Delaney opened the scoring in the 5th minute, before Kasper Dolberg doubled the advantage three minutes before the break. Patrick Schick pulled a goal back for the Czechs, but Denmark held on to claim the victory.

Photo: UEFA EURO 2020

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ITALY AND SPAIN REACH EURO SEMIFINALS

Italy ended Belgium's good run in Euro 2020 with a narrow 2-1 win at Allianz Arena. The clash between the two favourites can be regarded as an anti-climax because both sides have been showing entertaining performance throughout this campaign. It was very unfortunate as they had to meet in the quarterfinals.

As expected, the match started with a lot of qualities. However, Nicolo Barella managed to get the breakthrough for Italy with a goal in the 31st minute. Lorenzo Insigne doubled the lead for the Azzurri in the 44th minute. Romelu Lukaku brought Belgium back into the match with a goal right before the break.

3-5-2 FOOTBALL

Belgium went all out in the second half in search for an equaliser. However, Italy were rock solid and hard to break. The score remained until the final whistle and Italy are through into the semifinals.

In another Euro quarterfinals, Spain beat Switzerland in penalty shootouts to reach the next stage. Denis Zakaria own goal in the 8th minute gave Spain the lead. However, Xherdan Shaqiri equalised for the Swiss in the 68th minute.

Switzerland were reduced to 10-man in the 77th minute after Remo Frueler was shown red card by the referee. The score were tied until end of extra-time and the winner have to be decided through penalty shootouts.  Swiss substitute Ruben Vargas was in tears at full-time after he blasted his penalty over the bar, allowing Mikel Oyarzabal to score the decider for Spain.

Photo: UEFA EURO 2020

TIGERS SUPER SPORTS

SPAIN BEAT CROATIA IN EXTRA TIME, SWITZERLAND BEAT FRANCE IN SHOOTOUTS

Spain overcame a late scare by Croatia to secure a place in the Euro quarterfinals. The three time Euro champions were already in a comfortable zone until the 85th minute when Croatia made a comeback attempt and dragged the match into extra-time.

Croatia took the lead in the 20th minute from Pedri's own goal. However Pablo Sarabia leveled the score 38th minute. Cesar Azpilicueta put Spain ahead in the 57th minute. In the 77th minute, Ferran Torres netted the third goal for Spain.

Croatia did not give up and increased the pressure in search for goal. Just five minutes before the final whistle, Mislav Orsic gave his team a fighting chance. As they pushed for a miracle, Mario Pasalic made it 3-3 in the added time.

TIGERS UNITED

Both teams have to play another 30 minutes of extra-time. Alvaro Morata scored Spain's fourth goal in the 100th minute. Three minutes later, Mikel Oyarzabal added their fifth and sealed a place in the quarterfinals. 

Switzerland pulled-off a massive upset against world champions France as they won 5-4 on penalties to make the quarterfinals. France had turned on the style in the second half and looked on course for a big win. But Switzerland fought back and the match have to be decided through penalty shoot-outs. Kylian Mbappe missed the fifth French penalty to give Switzerland the win.

Photo: UEFA EURO 2020

3-5-2 FOOTBALL