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Euro 2020: Will Hazard and De Bruyne miss the rest of the competition?

On Sunday evening, Belgium defeated Portugal 1-0 to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 but might be losing two of their best players to injury

Coming into the tournament, Belgium took the risk of bringing an unfit Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne recovering from a face injury.

The decision seemed perfect when De Bruyne showed his class assisting in the third game of the group stage. Hazard also fought back into the starting line-up and captained the side against Portugal.

The match against Ronaldo’s Portugal was a cagey and physical night in Seville. Eden’s brother Thorgan Hazard got the winning goal with a sweet strike in the first half.

Belgium boss, Roberto Martinez said after the game:

“It’s too early to say how they are doing. With Kevin, it’s the ankle, he couldn’t really turn in the second half. With Eden, it’s the muscle, but we have to wait for a diagnosis.”

How did they get injured?

The win was the end of the good news for Belgium as a foul on De Bruyne after half an hour forced him off minutes after halftime. Palhinha, in attempted to take the ball of the Belgian, his knee landed on De Bruyne’s ankle.

Later the substituted Belgian was seen with a large ice pack wrapped around his ankle. The 30-year-old was seen walking around on the pitch after the game, leaving the fans with some hope.

The same cannot be said for Hazard, while chasing down a Portuguese fullback, he pulled up with hamstring pain. He immediately signaled to come off and was replaced by Yannick Carrasco.

De Bruyne will be used to the recovery process having gotten surgery on his face after a block by Antonio Rudiger in the Champion’s League final.

“We’re going to need 48 hours to find out the extent of injuries. Kevin De Bruyne is the ankle, it was a really bad tackle. We don’t have a diagnosis from the medical department,” added Martinez

“Eden Hazard is more muscle. We will go back to Belgium tonight and have the scans tomorrow.”

 

Belgium will face Italy in the Euro 2020 quarterfinal at 20:00 on Friday 2nd June in Munich.

Conor McGregor To Sponsor Irish Youth MMA Team

Conor McGregor will sponsor the entire Irish youth team to participate in the 2021 International Mixed-Martial Arts Federation Youth MMA Championships.

IMMAF’s 2021 Youth MMA Championships for 12 to 18-year-old’s will take place in Bulgaria at the EFE Marinela from July 29th to August 1st.

The former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight champion’s coach and Irish Mixed-Martial Arts Association president John Kavanagh broke the news to the kids.

McGregor will cover the entry fees ad pay for the flights and accommodation of the 27 youths and 20 coaches that are travelling so that they can take part in the tournament.

‘The Notorious’ sent the kids a message after the announcement: “Wishing the Irish squad the very best of luck in their quest at the world championships this year! From the fighters to the coaches, I know the future of our fighting nation is in excellent hands! Fight with the pride of the Emerald Isle, team! We are all with you! Good luck!”

The group cannot qualify for any funding to represent Ireland as MMA is not yet officially recognised as a sport in this country.

Families had already started fundraising to ease the financial cost of the trip for the competitors and their coaches.

McGregor’s pledge eases the worries of those involved and allows those that deserve to go to the World Championships to travel.

IMMAF President Kerrith Brown said to the IMMAF website that “it’s fantastic news for all the athletes, coaches and the Irish MMA community that Conor has shown his passion for the sport in this way and is helping pave the way for the next ‘Conor’.

We at IMMAF are appreciative of Conor’s support of grassroots athlete development and his demonstration of support for John Kavanagh’s work in the MMA community, as President of the Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association.

The value of this endorsement extends beyond the money in terms of the focus and sense of purpose it gives to the team. This is what IMMAF is all about, working in communities to deliver value from MMA for social good.”

The full list of youth athletes travelling to Bulgaria can be seen here.

Khabib makes Poirier-McGregor Trilogy Prediction

Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor are two weeks out from their third outing, and former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has predicted what will go down on July 10th.

McGregor (32) will have the chance to redeem his loss to Poirier (32) at UFC 257 after his shocking 2nd Round knockout in January.

Khabib Nurmagomedov is currently retired from the sport, boasting a 29-0 record and has defeated both McGregor and Poirier via submission.

When asked about how he sees the third fight panning out, the Russian gave a plain sailing prediction;

”It is the same thing (as the previous fights)” Khabib told UFC Russia in a recent interview.

”If it’s the first round (for a finish), I’d back Conor. From the second and further, then Dustin (wins). ”

Nurmagomedov gave up his lightweight title after defeating Justin Gaethje last October.

Due to the death of his father, He wanted to take time away from the sport.

A potential return to the octagon is still unlikely for the Dagestan fighter.

However, coach Javier Mendez has admitted that Khabib has missed fighting and will not return unless his mother gives her blessing.

Mendez told Betway Insider “You know when we went to the last fight and his cousin Abubakar was to fight, he just got all energised, and he said, ‘I miss this feeling.’ 

“What I do know is his mother’s bond and his mother’s wishes are extremely important to him, and if he did ever decide, it would have to be his mother and him talking, and his mother would have to give him her blessing”.

Since then, Brazilian Charles Oliveira defeated Michael Chandler to claim the lightweight belt at UFC 262 back in May.

The winner of Poirier-McGregor 3 will be the number one contender for the Lightweight title.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Lavin One Step Away From Olympics

Irish hurdler Sarah Lavin is one more result off the Olympics after another impressive run on Saturday.

The Limerick hurdler won the 100m hurdles at the National Championships in Dublin with a 13.17 run.

The time is her second fastest ever, behind only her magnificent time last week in Madrid.

In Madrid, the hurdler broke her personal record with a 12.95 finish at the World Athletics Continental Tour silver meeting.

Lavin became the second-ever Irish woman to break the 13-second barrier.

The two sensational results for the 27-year-old have her in a great position to qualify for the Olympics.

The result means that Lavin can secure qualification with another good run in Lucerne, Switzerland on Tuesday.

The runner currently sits 36th in the Women’s 100m hurdles Road To Tokyo rankings.

The top 40 on June 29th, which is the closing date for the Olympic deciders, will travel to Tokyo to race in the event at the Olympics.

After rupturing two ligaments in her ankle a year ago, qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics would be the perfect way for the track star to recover.

The extra year to prepare for the Olympics has allowed her to regain fitness and get into the Olympic picture as the cut-off date draws near.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Lavin admitted that “the Olympics probably wasn’t going to happen for me this time 12 months ago.”

After the race on Saturday, the 27-year-old paid tribute to a friend she had recently lost on RTÉ.

“I lost a good friend of mine last Friday night and it really hurt this week because I came back on Sunday and found out.

“My family had kept it from me just for Madrid and I’ve no doubt she was behind that and she was behind today.

“I’m so lucky to be in this position and hopefully get the job done on Tuesday night.”

Irish sprinter Leon Reid waits Olympic decision

Irish 200m runner Leon Reid looks certain for an Olympic place but awaits an Irish and World Olympic decision due to a troublesome court case

On Sunday 27th June, Reid ran the men’s 200m sprint at the Irish Athletics National Championships. He won in a time of 20.7, beating out sprinters like Mark Smyth and Marcus Lawlor for the title.

Reid has shown that he is well capable of blocking out personal issues to focus on his sport.

The runner was charged this month along with 17 others in relation to drug and firearm offenses at Bristol Crown Court.

After the race, Reid said: “It’s been a tough mental battle, but when you win it makes it all worth it.

“Today was all about cementing that place and getting those bonus points. We just have to wait and see. No matter what, I was going to fight for that win. It was a victory for myself as much as anything.”

 

It is alleged that Reid was in possession of a handgun and allowed crack cocaine, a grade-A drug to be produced at a property in Bath.

The 26-year-old athlete who trains out of England denies the claims against him. The trial was adjourned and is not expected to begin again until at least November.

 

The time in the race and Reid’s world ranking is enough for him to qualify for Tokyo 2020. His problem is that he needs to be selected by Athletics Ireland and then be invited by the Olympic Committee of Ireland.

This recent scandal would not make the sprinter a favorable candidate to send to Japan in July.

Reports suggest that Reid will not be going to the Olympics. Athletics Ireland and the OFI will have to make their in the coming days, until then the sprinter will have a tough wait.

2021 Joe McDonagh Cup Preview

After the draws for each of the annual GAA Hurling competitions for the Christy Ring, Joe McDonagh and Lory Meagher cup’s were made in April.

The start of each competition starts this coming weekend, with the Joe McDonagh Cup, after the COVID-19 Pandemic caused a delay until October 2020.

Antrim were crowned champions after defeating Kerry 1-17 to 0-22 in Dublin in December. last year.

Format

  • The 2021 Joe McDonagh cup (Tier 2) will be structured on a ’round-robin’ basis with each team playing each other home and away.
  • There are two groups, Group A consists of 3 teams and Group B with 3 teams.
  • The winner of Group A and Group B will play against one another in the final, with the winner gaining entry into the Leinster Hurling Championship the following year.
  • The bottom team in Group A and Group B will play against one another in a relegation playoff to determine who drops down to the Christy Ring Cup (Tier 3) in 2022.

Group A

Group A consists of three teams, Carlow, Kildare and Westmeath.

Carlow

Tom Mullally was brought in as manager in January 2021, along with selectors Chris Kealy, Joe Nolan and Pat Murphy as part of his backroom staff.

They had a successful league campaign, only finishing behind Offaly in second place.

The fighting cocks last won the title in 2018 with a winning effort against Westmeath at Croke Park.

First Game: Away v Kildare
Kildare

The Lilywhites had a great league campaign, winning all four games and remaining unbeaten.

Boasting an outrageous point difference of +77, they are looking like a strong outfit.

They are coming off the back of winning the Christy Ring Cup after beating down last year.

First Game: Home v Carlow
Westmeath

After a stinker league campaign, finishing bottom of their respective group, losing all 5 games.

Getting whitewashed in all of their games against tough opposition.

Heading into this, they will be one of the favourites.

First Game: Away v Carlow
Round 1 
Kildare v Carlow
Round 2
Carlow v Westmeath
Round 3
Westmeath v Kildare

 

Group B

Group B consists of three teams, Down, Kerry and Meath.

Down

Losing finalists during the 2020 Christy Ring Cup, Down will be looking to go one better this term around.

They had a decent league run, finishing third.

First Game: Away v Kerry

Kerry

Finishing runner up in last years final, losing to Antrim by 2 points, the Kingdom will be back for redemption.

2020 was their first final appearance, and they would be confident to finish the job come July.

First Game: Home v Kerry

 

Meath

After finishing second in Division 2 a few weeks ago, Meath is looking out of their depth this season.

If they are to put up a good showing, they will hope to start off on a positive note.

First Game: Away v Down

 

Round 1
Kerry v Down
Round 2
Down v Meath
Round 3
Meath v Kerry

Predictions

Winners: Kildare

Relegation: Meath

 

 

 

 

Rafa Benitez threathened with banner subject to Everton Appointment

Looming Everton manager Rafa Benitez has been subject to a threatening banner near his family home in Liverpool.

Merseyside police are now investigating the incident, with further information ongoing.

“We can confirm police are investigating reports of a threatening banner at a location in Caldy today, Monday 28 June,” a Merseyside Police statement read.

“At around 7 am, it was reported that a banner made from bedsheets had been placed over a wall and bushes on a residential driveway, with wording which is thought to target football manager Rafa Benitez.

“If anyone has information about who produced the banner or helped to put it up, please let us know as soon as possible.”

Numerous images were uploaded on social media platforms Twitter and Facebook showing the banner, placed outside the Spaniard’s residence, reading ‘We know where you live, don’t sign’.

 

Benitez is on the verge of being the next Everton manager this week, replacing Carlo Ancelotti who left for Real Madrid.

The 61-year-old has been dismissive of Everton in the past, referring to them in 2007 prior to a game against Everton as a ”small club”, something that did not go down too well from the blue half of Merseyside.

His six-year stint from 2004-2010 as manager of rivals Liverpool has caused outrage amongst Evertonians, who are unhappy with the potential appointment.

 

Euro 2020: Czech Republic and Belgium Through

The Czech Republic and Belgium earned their spots in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals after wins over the Netherlands and Portugal respectively.

Oranje Crush: Czechs Kick Netherlands Out

The Czech Republic won the five o’clock kick-off, upsetting Frank de Boer’s Netherlands in the process.

Dutch defender Matthijs De Ligt was shown a red card for deliberately handling the ball in the fifty-fifth minute.

The Netherlands had dominated the first but had nothing to show for it and the momentum swung in the second half.

Slavia Prague right-back Tomas Holes scored the opening goal in the sixty-eighth minute to give his country the advantage over the 10-man Netherlands.

Netherlands goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg came off his line and left it open for Holes to put his side ahead.

Frank de Boer’s selections and substitutions proved ineffective in the Netherlands’ first European Championship knockout game since 2008.

Tournament star Patrik Schick finished off the helpless Dutch with the second of the game and his fourth of the tournament coming in the 80th minute.

The Czech Republic will face Denmark in the quarter-finals on Saturday at 5 pm.

Belgium Down Portugal To Keep Euro 2020 Hopes Alive

Later on, the Belgians beat reigning European champions Portugal to earn themselves a date with Italy.

A Thorgan Hazard wondergoal lit up an otherwise dull first half and forced the Portuguese to attack Roberto Martinez’s side in the second half.

Fernando Santos’ selection of Renato Sanches and Joao Palhinha did not pay off as the Portuguese side failed to break down the Belgians.

Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to score his 110th international goal against Belgium, which would have put him out on his own in the all-time international scoring charts.

Santos’ side failed to take advantage of the opportunities they had, registering 1.53 expected goals on the night without finding the net.

The 101-year-old defence of Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelen and Toby Alderweireld kept a clean sheet and helped their side progress to the quarter-finals.

Belgium will play Italy in their quarter-final on Friday at 5 pm.

Villa’s £30 million bid for Smith Rowe rejected

Arsenal have rejected a second official bid from Aston Villa for midfielder Emile Smith Rowe according to numerous reports.

Villa tabled their first bid last week worth around £25m, have come back with an improved offer for the young star.

A £30 million bid worth has been reported after an opening offer was rejected by the London club.

The Gunners are hoping to extend Smith Rowe’s current Arsenal contract which is set to expire in the summer of 2023.

The Midlands side has already spent big this summer. Signing Norwich winger Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City worth up to £35 million pounds. Who Arsenal was also in the market for.

 

Dean Smith will be hoping to capture the Englishman this summer to strengthen his midfield options going forward with the potential departure of captain Jack Grealish.

With Manchester City set to test the waters for Grealish, they are heavily rumoured to start negotiations after EURO 2020 with an opening bid of £100 million pounds on the table.

Smith-Rowe has broken into Mike Arteta’s side after numerous loan spells with Huddersfield and RB Leipzig and impressing with the Arsenal U18’s and Arsenal U23’s have made him a main starter in the midfield.

The 20-year-old England youth international has come into his own this season, with impressive displays at the latter end of last season. Contributing to 14 goals in 37 games across all competitions.

The relationship between Arsenal and Villa have been positive in recent years, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez leaving for the midlands last season for £16 million.

French team Rennes make offer for Irish youngster

Ligue 1 side Rennes are the leading European club in talks with St Patricks Athletic player, Glory Nzingo according to the Examiner

Nzingo made his debut for St Pats back in 2019 in a friendly against Chelsea. He is now a regular at the club, winning u15 FAI Player of the Year last season.

Little is known about the star, but it is clear he has a creative touch and can play for world-class through balls. The central midfielder has also been a shining light in Irelands u15 and u16 teams in the last few years, captaining the sides on a few occasions.

He is now 16 years old and big European clubs are looking to sign the former Home Farm midfielder.

Nzingo is one of many young League of Ireland being scouted by European teams this summer. Shamrock Rovers Kevin Zefi is set for a move to Inter Milan while Justin Ferizaj was recently at a trial at AS Roma.

 

Why does everyone want Irish players now?

The increase in exports of Irish young players is mainly down to Brexit’s effect on English football. Now, players will have to wait until they are 18 before, they can sign for a club outside of Britain, leaving a gap in the market that Irish players are exploiting.

At first, this might seem worrying for Irish football but there are great positives to this; League of Ireland clubs will get more money and players will get more exposure from bigger clubs.

With the addition of the new Europa Conference League, there will be more of a chance for Irish clubs to play in Europe as well.

It has been a long time since we saw Irish players like Liam Brady tearing it up in big European clubs outside of England but that might change.

The future of Irish football is looking bright.

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