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Olympic Soccer: Round Up of Match day 1

This event has 16 national teams made up of a squad of U23 players with three exceptions; some stars include Pedri, Richarlison and Asensio

Group A

Mexico (4) v France (1)

Mexico has been known for producing great, solid young sides along with their accomplished goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. France included some moderate stars in their line-up but they lacked any cohesion as a squad.

The second half lit up the affair with Vega and Cordova grabbing two goals after neat team moves.

French captain, Andre-Pierre Gignac thought he got his team back into it by scoring a penalty on 69 minutes.

Instead, Mexico substitutes, Antuna and Aguirre, brought some class by scoring two fantastic goals to seal the game at 4-1.

 

Japan (1) v South Africa (0)

Home team Japan’s hopes rested on the young shoulders of Real Madrid’s Takefusa Kubo, with old players like Maya Yoshida. South Africa brought mostly players from their home league as one of the tournaments major underdogs.

Star Kubo did end up getting the opening goal after 70 mins, assisted by Tanaka. This turned out to be the winning goal as the Japanese held out for a 1-0 win.

 

Group B

New Zealand (1) v South Korea (0)

New Zealand brought a relatively unknown squad along with Premier League stalwarts, Chris Wood and Winston Reid. South Korea decided to bring a home-grown side with only three players from outside of Asia.

The South Koreans, playing in neighbouring Japan were favourites for this game but New Zealand took the lead through striker Wood.

With only the one shot on target in the whole game, the All Whites managed to hold out for the remaining 20 minutes for a 1-0 win.

 

Honduras (0) v Romania (1)

None of the Honduras players would be house hold named but the country is known for its teamwork and tenacity. This is Romanian football’s first Olympics in nearly 50 years and they hoped to be a surprise package.

An Olivia own goal gave Romania the lead just before halftime. The game remained tense with Romania holding out for a valuable win.

 

Group C

Egypt (0) v Spain (0)

Spain came into this competition as one of the favourite, bringing many of the players who played at Euro 2020. Egypt, on the other hand, were demoralised due to their star Mohamed Salah not being allowed to travel because of his club Liverpool.

The Egyptians defended valiantly throughout the game, giving Spanish forwards, Olmo and Oyarzabal little time and space.

Egypt was able to shut down any play causing a very dull game but giving them a point from this stalemate.

 

Argentina (0) v Australia (2)

Argentina last won the Olympics in 2008 and 2004 but this year their squad is weaker and more home based. Australia also took a team of mainly unknowns, looking to make an unexpected shock.

Wales opened the scoring for Australia after 14 minutes. Things got worse for Argentina as defender Ortega received a second yellow card before halftime.

Tilio tamped the unexpected win for Australia with a goal in the 90th minute, winning the game 2-0.

 

Group D

Ivory Coast (2) v Saudi Arabia (1)

Ivory Coast last qualified in 2008, now; with Man United’s Eric Bailly and Amad they had high hopes for the competition. Saudi Arabia brought some of their players that attended the 2018 World Cup hoping to cause an upset in their group.

The Saudi Arabians started badly with defender Amri conceding an own goal but star Al-Dawsari levelled the game for them five minutes later.

AC Milan’s Franck Kessie found the winner for Ivory Coast as they left with three points in a 2-1 win.

 

Brazil (4) v Germany (2)

This was to be a repeat of the 1-1 2016 Olympic final where Brazil came out on top.

Everton’s Richarlison capitalised on poor German defending three times in the first half an hour but Goalkeeper Muller brought some pride back by saving a penalty on halftime from Matheus Cunha.

Amiri was a shining light for Germany and he got a goal back from a volley after 57 minutes. All German hope seemed be extinguished five minutes later after captain Maximilian Arnold was sent off for a second yellow but Ache got a second goal back in the 83rd minute.

Veteran captain Dani Alves and his team finished the game off after a Paulinho thunderbolt in the last minute of play to win 4-2.

GAA: Cork Minors v Waterford Minors Reaction

Cork GAA minor footballers smashed Waterford GAA minor footballers on Wednesday evening in the Electric Ireland Munster GAA Football Minor Championship Quarter Final.

The Rebel County ran out 5-28 to 0-03 winners in an extremely one-sided affair in Dungarvan, a week after their minor hurlers beat Waterford by the same margin.

The Déise have never defeated Cork at minor level and their most recent match-up was clear evidence that the gap between the sides is too big.

Jamie O’Driscoll netted a hat-trick with Darragh O’Brien and Niall Daly scoring goals also.

Three other Cork minor footballers got seven points or above on the night to help the side to a 40-point win.

Adam Murray scored all of Waterford’s points but none of them came from play.

Many people were appalled by the visible gulf between the two sides and took pity on the Waterford minors.

The size of the deficit was a huge shock to many of those who commented on the game.

Some Cork fans congratulated their side on the victory they had achieved on Wednesday night.

However, other fans felt it was unfair to cheer such a result at the behest of minor footballers who had trained hard for the occasion.

Fans took to Twitter to give their thoughts on what should be changed so this may never happen again.

There were people who feared that counties may lose promising footballers as a result of being on the end of such scorelines.

One user ‘@DylanFins11‘ said that something must be done about these “mismatches.”

Some suggested a B championship at minor level so the young players can play other teams at their level.

Cork’s minors will progress to a provincial semi-final where they will play the Kerry GAA minor footballers.

A closer result in that game would be appreciated by the masses.

Heineken Cup Draw: Ulster Fixtures, Dates, Kick-off Times and Pool Opposition

The Heineken Cup Draw has been revealed, after the pool draw took place in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Wednesday at 12:00 UK and Irish time. 

With 24 of Europe’s best sides learning of their opponents for the upcoming 2021/22 competition.

Following the conclusion of the draw, the EPCR have announced exact dates, venues, kick-off times and TV coverage.

Here is everything you need to know about Ulster for the upcoming 2021/22 competition:

Pool A

La Rochelle
Exeter Rugby
Leinster Rugby
Montpellier
Bath Rugby
Glasgow Warriors
Racing 92
Sale Sharks
Ulster Rugby
Clermont Auvergne
Northampton Saints
Ospreys

Pool B

Toulouse
Harlequins
Munster Rugby
Castres Olympique
Wasps
Cardiff Blues
Bordeaux Begles
Bristol Bears
Connacht Rugby
Stade Francais
Leicester Tigers
Scarlets

Pool Opposition

ASM Clermont Auvergne Rugby

Northampton Saints

Ulster Fixtures/Fixture Dates – TBC

Kick-off times  – TBC

2021/22 key dates

Round 1 – 10/11/12 December

Round 2 – 17/18/19 December

Round 3 – 14/15/16 January 2022

Round 4 – 21/22/23 January 2022

Round of 16 (first leg) – 8/9/10 April 2022

Round of 16 (second leg) – 15/16/17 April 2022

Quarter-finals – 6/7/8 May 2022

Semi-finals – 13/14/15 May 2022

Challenge Cup final – Friday, 27 May 2022, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille

Heineken Champions Cup final – Saturday, 28 May, 2022, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille

Heineken Cup Draw: Connacht Fixtures, Dates, Kick-off Times and Pool Opposition

The Heineken Cup Draw has been revealed, after the pool draw took place in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Wednesday at 12:00 UK and Irish time. 

With 24 of Europe’s best sides learning of their opponents for the upcoming 2021/22 competition.

Following the conclusion of the draw, the EPCR have announced exact dates, venues, kick-off times and TV coverage.

Here is everything you need to know about Connacht for the upcoming 2021/22 competition:

Pool A

La Rochelle
Exeter Rugby
Leinster Rugby
Montpellier
Bath Rugby
Glasgow Warriors
Racing 92
Sale Sharks
Ulster Rugby
Clermont Auvergne
Northampton Saints
Ospreys

Pool B

Toulouse
Harlequins
Munster Rugby
Castres Olympique
Wasps
Cardiff Blues
Bordeaux Begles
Bristol Bears
Connacht Rugby
Stade Francais
Leicester Tigers
Scarlets

Pool Opposition

Leicester Tigers

Stade Francais Paris

Connacht Fixtures/Fixture Dates – TBC

 

2021/22 key dates

Round 1 – 10/11/12 December

Round 2 – 17/18/19 December

Round 3 – 14/15/16 January 2022

Round 4 – 21/22/23 January 2022

Round of 16 (first leg) – 8/9/10 April 2022

Round of 16 (second leg) – 15/16/17 April 2022

Quarter-finals – 6/7/8 May 2022

Semi-finals – 13/14/15 May 2022

Challenge Cup final – Friday, 27 May 2022, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille

Heineken Champions Cup final – Saturday, 28 May, 2022, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille

Limerick FC Documentary To Feature At Galway Film Fleadh

A Limerick FC short documentary called ‘Sit Down And Shut Up’ about the time they played European giants Real Madrid in the 1980 European Cup will be shown at the Galway Film Fleadh.

It’s a David vs Goliath tale about the opera of football, the city of Limerick and a game that few remember but three men can never forget.

The documentary is set to have its world premiere online at Galway Film Fleadh 2021 from July 20th – July 25th. 

The short film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Cian O Connor and is funded by Limerick Arts Bursary.

The film features interviews with Limerick legends like Des Kennedy and Kevin Fitzpatrick as well as local fans such as Gary Spain – the historian of Limerick soccer, and publican, JJ O Dea.

The aim of the film according to director Cian O Connor, “was to not only tell the great story of this famous match but also to shine a light on that team and the golden era of Limerick soccer”.

The film according to Cian also aims to capture the spirit of the city of Limerick and its people. 

Limerick FC played Real Madrid on the 17th of September 1980 in what today would be known as the UEFA Champions League.

The match was played in Lansdowne Road much to the disappointment of local Limerick fans.

The game itself was a thriller with a goal by Des Kennedy and an excellent showing by the Limerick team. 

The film will screen online at the prestigious Galway Film Fleadh from the dates mentioned above.

Tickets for the online showing can be bought on the Galway Film Fleadh website.

The film will also be going on a national film festival run with showings across the country and a Youtube release set in the near future. 

Click here to get tickets for the Galway Film Fleadh.

Football – Offaly v Dublin – Starting News, Live Scores, Betting; TV Coverage

Leinster U20 Football Championship Final – Offaly v Dublin – 7:30 pm

Dublin will face-off against Offaly at O’Moore Park, Portlaoise in County Laois this coming Thursday at 7:30 pm in the U20 Leinster Football Championship Final live on TG4.

The Dubs are coming into this final after narrowly defeating Wicklow at Parnell Park on the 8th of July, winning their quarter-final bout 1-12 to 1-08 in dramatic fashion.

They went on to draw Leinster rivals, Meath, in the semi-finals played in Pairc Tailteann, Navan. The boys in blue came out victorious in a six-point winning margin, beating their historic rivals 0-13 to 4-07 in an entertaining tie.

All in all, Dublin are steadily improving each game, and if the reigning U20 Leinster champions do hit top gear, it can be a long day for whoever they are facing.

Currently, on the 16th U20 Leinster title, they will face off against Offaly in the U20 Leinster Football Championship Final.

Offaly have done as well as one would hope for entering this game, they have battled their way through their last two games. Beating Wexford by a single-point in Chadwicks Wexford Park with a scoreline of 1-09 to 1-10.

Being drawn against Westmeath in the semi-final, they came out two-point victors at TEG Cusack Park in Mullingar, winning by a scoreline of 1-09 to 1-11.

Conceding the same amount as their previous game against Wexford, but scoring an extra point will keep their management team happy defensively, but coming up against this young and vibrant Dublin side, their forward line will have to do more.

Conclusion

While Offaly can cause problems from their midfield, Dublin overall is much better, stronger, faster, fitter and better on the ball, boasting an acute killer awareness in front of goal.

If Offaly is to survive, they will have to win the midfield battle, push up on the kick-outs and hope Dublin’s forward line is misfiring.

Prediction: Dublin by 12 points

Starting Teams 

Offaly

Image

Dublin

Image

 

Betting

Offaly: 7/2

Dublin: 1/4

Draw: 10/1

RLWC 2021: IRL Issues Statement In Response to Australia and NZ

The International Rugby League chairman Tony Grant has issued a statement in response to the news that Australia and New Zealand have pulled out of the upcoming Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) tournaments.

The two teams, one the holders and another the number one-ranked side in the world, have cited player welfare and safety concerns as reasons for their announcement.

The rise in cases in RLWC host nation England is what has led to this decision.

The RLWC is scheduled to kick off on October 23 with the final to be played on November 27 – both teams were strong favourites to reach it.

The ARLC and NZRL have requested that the competition be postponed until 2022 to minimise the risk of participating players contracting Covid-19.

International Rugby League chairman Troy Grant issued a statement later on Thursday.

“I appreciate Peter calling me to explain the rationale behind the ARLC’s decision and, whilst I can appreciate the ARLC’s intent to ensure player safety and welfare, I find it difficult to find the words that adequately describe my disappointment with that decision,” Grant said.

“Every sporting organisation, every industry, government and family globally have been impacted by this pandemic.

“I have been in regular communication with the RLPA and a number of international players and coaches who have been satisfied with the world cup’s biosecurity arrangements and expressed a clear determination to travel to England and proudly represent their nations. They have expressed to me that they feel their own personal choice to participate or not in the world cup has been taken from them.

“The obvious question being asked of us is why rugby league players are not able to make the same sacrifices as players from other sports? Sadly, players are telling me they haven’t had the opportunity to make that decision for themselves.”

There are 14 teams left in the competition after the announcement, including Ireland and host nation England.

RLWC 2021: Australia And New Zealand Withdraw Due To Covid Concerns

Holders and 11-time world champions Australia and 2008 world champions New Zealand have withdrawn from the 2021 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) due to concerns about coronavirus.

The tournament, hosted by England, is set to begin on Saturday, October 23rd when the hosts face Samoa.

Ireland was drawn into Group C with New Zealand, as well as Lebanon and Jamaica.

Australia and New Zealand have said that it is “simply too unsafe” to travel and have further cited player welfare and safety concerns as reasons.

Both teams were coming into the competition as the top two teams in the world and had automatically qualified after their performances in 2017 and were the two finalists that year.

As the cases continue to rise in England, the two nations have decided not to travel and have also repeated calls for the postponement of the competition until 2022.

The decision to withdraw from the RLW means the Australian Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns will not participate in the women’s division.

A joint statement from the two nations said: “The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) today informed the International Rugby League (IRL) and Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) organisers that Australia and New Zealand will not compete in a 2021 World Cup because of player welfare and safety concerns.

“The ARLC and NZRL have again requested the RLWC2021 be postponed until 2022 to minimise risk of players contracting COVID-19 and ensure the best outcome for player well-being.

“The ARLC and NZRL have resolved, that in the present environment the risks to athletes and officials travelling to the UK to participate in the tournament this year are too great, and it is unable to endorse Australia and New Zealand participating in the RLWC in 2021.”

NZRL chief executive Greg Peters cited “stark differences” between the management of the pandemic in the UK and Australasia and declared it was “simply too unsafe” for the Southern Hemisphere powerhouses to take part in the tournament.

He said: “The safety and well-being of our people is the main priority, and unfortunately, that cannot be guaranteed to our satisfaction.

“There are stark differences between how the pandemic is being managed in the UK compared to Australasia and recent developments have highlighted how quickly things can change.

“The tournament organisers have moved heaven and earth to make this work, so it is not an easy decision, but the Covid-19 situation in the UK shows no sign of improving, and it’s simply too unsafe to send teams and staff over.

“We understand how disappointing this is for fans and those involved; however player and staff safety remains paramount.”

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys AM reiterated his New Zealand counterpart’s concerns and issued a renewed appeal for the tournament to be rescheduled for next year.

“In the current environment, the risks to the safety, health and well-being of the players and officials travelling from Australia to participate in the tournament this year are insurmountable,” he said.

“The majority of NRL players are currently living away from home under difficult biosecurity protocols. They would then be required to remain under protocols and away from home for the duration of the tournament before again quarantining on return to Australia. This is too much to ask our players and officials to do.

“We have again requested the IRL and Rugby League World Cup consider postponing the event until 2022 to enable all players to participate.”

Team Ireland launch guidebook and interactive webpage for Tokyo 2020

Team Ireland have announced a new webpage to get to know all the Irish athletes in Tokyo and to keep up to date with official news

Ireland will be sending record numbers of116 athletes to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games.

To help fans stuck at home, the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) has developed a Team Ireland Guidebook designed as an introduction to the athletes who will compete for Ireland in Tokyo, as well as an explainer about their sports.

To meet Team Ireland view the Guidebook, click here.

In Tokyo, the 116 athletes will compete for Ireland across 19 sports from Friday, 23rd July to Sunday, 8th August.

In addition to this guidebook, an interactive web page has been developed in collaboration with the Olympic Channel.

This will have a live link to the schedule and results in the Olympic Games. It can also be filtered by sport and country for more in depth coverage.

To see the Olympics interactive webpage, click here.

https://3.249.64.60/other_sports/list-of-irish-athletes-qualified-for-the-2020-olympic-games/

 

RTÉ will be showing all of the Irish action from Tokyo live as well as highlight packages and athlete interviews.

Ireland’s first event will be the rowers on Friday morning, 23rd July just before the opening ceremony.

The Opening Ceremony takes place on Friday the 23 July 2021 at 12 noon Irish time (8pm local time).

https://3.249.64.60/other_sports/olympic-games/team-ireland-announce-flag-bearers-for-tokyo-2020/

U20 Football Preview: Mayo v Roscommon – Live Score, Betting, Team News

We have all the information you need to know about Wednesday’s Connacht U20 football final between Mayo and Roscommon

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE SCORES ON MAYO V ROSCOMMON

The match will throw in at 19:30 on Wednesday, 21st July in McHale Park, Mayo.

The home side, Mayo, had to beat reigning champions Galway on penalties to progress to the final. The game was decided through some excellent spot taking and a great save by the Mayo keeper.

Jack McMahon in Mayo’s corner forward position proved to be an important part of their win against Galway. He is a strong place kicker but also has a quick burst of pace in open play.

Roscommon needed to overcome a tough Sligo team to reach the final. It was a high scoring thrilling affair where a mounted Sligo comeback was not enough to break down Roscommon.

In that game, corner forward James Fitzgerald was the difference, scoring 2-02. He will need to be on form again for Roscommon to bring home the provisional championship.

These two faced each other in the 2018 final which Mayo easily came out on top of that time.

Predicted Starting 15

Mayo

 

Roscommon          

Betting

Mayo have been given the advantage in this game with odds of 8/13 to win.

U20’s matches have a knack for taking games to extra time and the odds of another draw are 15/2.

Roscommon are underdogs but have a chance with odds of 13/8 to grab the title.

 

Predicted Score

Underage Connacht football has always been between Mayo and Galway. Now that Mayo has dispatched the Tribesmen, this is their competition to lose.

Roscommon are happy to be at the final after beating Sligo not too comfortable. Although this is an exciting young team, it is hard to see them overcoming Mayo.

Expect Mayo to lift the title with a seven point lead at the final whistle.

 

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