Indonesia eliminate Jordan, join Qatar in last 8 of AFC U-23 Asian Cup

Indonesia eliminate Jordan, join Qatar in last 8 of AFC U-23 Asian Cup
Indonesia’s supporters cheer for their team during the AFC U23 Asian Cup Group A match between Jordan and Indonesia at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on April 21, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 22 April 2024
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Indonesia eliminate Jordan, join Qatar in last 8 of AFC U-23 Asian Cup

Indonesia eliminate Jordan, join Qatar in last 8 of AFC U-23 Asian Cup
  • A 4-1 win secured second spot in Group A of the tournament which also provides a pathway to 2024 Olympic Games in Paris

DOHA: Indonesia on Sunday beat Jordan 4-1 at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha to reach the quarterfinals of the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.

Indonesia has now secured second spot in Group A behind already-qualified hosts Qatar, who drew 0-0 against Australia on the same day at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Al-Rayyan.

The tournament, which runs until May 3, provides a pathway to the men’s football competition at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Indonesia led 2-0 at half time thanks to Marcelino Ferdinan’s penalty on 23 minutes and Witan Sulaeman’s strike five minutes before the break.

Ferdinan made it 3-0 after 70 minutes before Jordan’s consolation nine minutes later came via an own goal from Justin Hubner.

Komang Teguh ensured there would be no late drama by making it 4-1 with four minutes of the 90 left.

In Monday’s action, a draw against Iraq will be enough for Saudi Arabia to secure top spot in Group C, while Thailand and Tajikistan meet at Al-Janoub Stadium in Wakrah.

After two rounds of matches, Saudi Arabia lead the group with a maximum of six points while Thailand are second with three points on goal difference from Iraq. All three can still qualify for the quarterfinals while bottom-of-the-table Tajikistan, with no points, have already been eliminated.

Monday will also see the conclusion of Group B. South Korea meet Japan, with both having already ensured progress; and the UAE and China clash in a dead rubber having amassed no points between them so far.

The tournament has 16 nations split into four groups, with the top two from each progressing to the quarterfinals. For the Olympic Games in Paris this summer, the winners of the two semifinals secure automatic qualification.

The two losing semifinalists will compete for third place, with the winner also booking a place in Paris. The fourth-place finisher has a final chance with a playoff against an African qualifier.


Bayern on track for title after keeping Leverkusen at bay

Bayern on track for title after keeping Leverkusen at bay
Updated 15 February 2025
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Bayern on track for title after keeping Leverkusen at bay

Bayern on track for title after keeping Leverkusen at bay
  • Bayern barely crossed the half-way line and failed to register a shot on target in the first half for the first time since 1992
  • Xabi Alonso’s champions were unable to find a way through

LEVERKUSEN, Germany: A dogged defensive performance from Bayern Munich kept Bayer Leverkusen at bay in a 0-0 away draw on Saturday to keep their eight-point lead atop the German Bundesliga..
Bayern barely crossed the half-way line and failed to register a shot on target in the first half for the first time since 1992, but Xabi Alonso’s champions were unable to find a way through.
The result, just the fifth time Bayern have dropped points in 22 league games this season, puts them on track to win back the title, with 12 games remaining.
Knowing only a win would realistically keep the title race alive, Leverkusen dominated the opening half but were unable to convert several chances, with Alonso electing to leave both strikers Patrik Schick and Victor Boniface on the bench.
Jeremie Frimpong headed against the bar 21 minutes in after some clever work from Florian Wirtz down the left.
Nathan Tella, scorer of the winner between these two sides in the German Cup in December, blasted against the bar from close range when one-on-one with Manuel Neuer four minutes later.
Neuer was almost caught out on the 33rd-minute mark when he ventured out of the penalty area, but Wirtz’s long-range effort from deep curled just wide.
Leverkusen again dominated the ball in the second half but could not find a way through.
Wirtz had a chance in the final minute to snatch a win, but his close-range effort went centimeters wide of the post.
Earlier on Saturday, Borussia Dortmund’s slide continued with a 2-0 loss at lowly Bochum.
The hosts, who started the game in last place, grabbed control in the first half when winter loan signing Georgios Masouras scored two goals in three minutes.
Masouras tapped a low Philipp Hofmann shot in from close range after 33 minutes and then pounced on a terrible back-pass from Niklas Suele to double the lead two minutes later.
Dortmund have lost five of their past seven and sit 11th.
“We need to turn things around soon,” Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck said.
“It’s becoming a horror season,” he added.
Stuttgart failed to take advantage of fourth-placed Leipzig’s scoreless draw at Augsburg on Friday, giving up a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 at home against Wolfsburg.
Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade came off the bench to put the hosts ahead after 72 minutes with a superb solo goal, but Wolfsburg hit back five minutes later when Tiago Tomas tapped in a Mohamed Amoura assist.
With five minutes remaining, Stuttgart’s Josha Vagnoman handled the ball in the box, bringing Amoura to the spot.
The Algerian nervelessly converted to grab all three points and lift the visitors to eighth, keeping alive their hopes of European football for the first time since 2022.
Elsewhere, Freiburg overcame a poor first-half penalty miss from Vincenzo Grifo to win 1-0 at St. Pauli thanks to an own goal from Philipp Treu with two minutes remaining.
Grifo tried a Panenka from the spot in the 45th minute but his limp effort was easily saved. Freiburg have missed all four penalties they have been awarded this season in the league.
In the dying stages, Treu, a former Freiburg player, diverted a shot into his own net. The visitors climbed to fifth on the table.
First half goals from Lukas Ullrich and Tim Kleindienst took Borussia Moenchengladbach to seventh with a win 2-1 at Union Berlin, who pulled one back from the spot in the second half through Andrej Ilic.


Real Madrid held by Osasuna with Bellingham sent off

Real Madrid held by Osasuna with Bellingham sent off
Updated 15 February 2025
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Real Madrid held by Osasuna with Bellingham sent off

Real Madrid held by Osasuna with Bellingham sent off
  • The Spanish champions took the lead through Kylian Mbappe
  • Ante Budimir levelled for hosts Osasuna from the penalty spot

PAMPLONA, Spain: La Liga leaders Real Madrid dropped two points in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna on Saturday in which Jude Bellingham was sent off.
The Spanish champions took the lead through Kylian Mbappe before the referee expelled England international Bellingham for dissent toward the end of the first half.
Ante Budimir levelled for hosts Osasuna from the penalty spot after 58 minutes as Carlo Ancelotti’s side endured a third consecutive league match without victory.
Atletico Madrid, second and two points behind the leaders, host Celta Vigo later Saturday, while third-place Barcelona welcome Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
Ancelotti said Bellingham should not have been dismissed and had just been expressing his frustration rather than directly insulting the referee.
“I think with Bellingham’s red card (the referee) didn’t understand the English well... I don’t think it’s something offensive,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“I think the red card came out because the referee was nervous... Bellingham did nothing today to have been sent off, absolutely nothing.”
The coach said he was happy with how Madrid played despite dropping points.
“In a footballing sense we started very well, and we finished well despite having one less player,” said Ancelotti.
The Italian made a few rotations with the midweek Champions League play-off second leg clash against Manchester City in mind, with Rodrygo resting and Brahim Diaz given a rare start.
Los Blancos controlled the game from the off, moving the ball around too quickly for Osasuna to get a foothold.
Vinicius appealed for an early penalty when Alejandro Catena slid in to dispossess him and the ball struck the defender’s arm.
The Brazilian winger should have put the champions ahead when Mbappe crossed for him, but misjudged the flight of the ball and headed wide from close range.
Madrid did not have to wait long for their opener and Fede Valverde created it with a low cross for Mbappe, who produced a clinical finish.
It was the in-form French forward’s seventh goal in his last five La Liga matches.
Osasuna threatened just once in the first half, with a low drive from Aimar Oroz, which Thibaut Courtois superbly pushed to safety.
Vinicius spurned another golden opportunity when Mbappe teed him up, before Bellingham was dismissed in the 39th minute.
The England international exchanged words with referee Jose Munuera Montero, who then reached for his red card.
Madrid have complained heavily about Spanish refereeing in recent weeks, labelling it “rigged” and they grew further frustrated with Munuera Montero in the second half.
Osasuna levelled before the hour mark through Budimir from the spot after Eduardo Camavinga was late on the Croatian striker.
Budimir had already shot wide of the post when the French midfielder clattered into the forward, similar to the penalty Aurelien Tchouameni conceded in Madrid’s derby draw with Atletico Madrid last weekend.
Budimir’s penalty was his 13th goal of the season, behind only Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Mbappe, on 17, in the standings.
Mbappe came close to scoring a second but fired narrowly over and Vinicius had an effort deflected wide after a dangerous incursion from the left.
Madrid pushed for a winner despite their numerical disadvantage, knowing their title rivals are breathing down their necks.
Mbappe had one last chance in stoppage time but Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera palmed away his effort with a strong hand.
After playing for nearly an hour with 10 men, Manchester City will hope it takes a toll on Madrid on Wednesday when the sides meet at the Santiago Bernabeu.


La Liga launches Arabic TikTok account to connect with millions of Arab football fans

La Liga launches Arabic TikTok account to connect with millions of Arab football fans
Updated 15 February 2025
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La Liga launches Arabic TikTok account to connect with millions of Arab football fans

La Liga launches Arabic TikTok account to connect with millions of Arab football fans
  • ‘It represents the culmination of all the efforts La Liga has made in the MENA region over the past years,’ says managing director
  • Account will act as a hub for thrilling highlights from La Liga EA Sports matches

JEDDAH: Spanish football league La Liga on Saturday launched an Arabic account on TikTok in a bid to connect with millions of football fans in the Arab world.
It is part of the league’s efforts to reach and engage with its followers in the Middle East and North Africa region, a media statement said.
“We are thrilled to launch the Arabic TikTok account, as it represents the culmination of all the efforts La Liga has made in the MENA region over the past years,” said Maite Ventura, managing director for MENA.
“We believe that Arab fans deserve high-quality digital content that meets their expectations. This account will bring us closer to them than ever before,” she added.
The initiative marks another step in La Liga’s digital success, as it remains the most-followed football league in the world online, boasting more than 245 million followers across 16 platforms in 20 different languages.
Mohammed Harb, head of partnerships at TikTok MENA, said: “We are delighted to be part of this special step for La Liga.
“Launching a TikTok account in Arabic reinforces the league’s commitment to bringing fans closer to the game they love, providing the TikTok community with a platform that reflects the unique culture and passion of Arab football fans.”
The La Liga Arabic TikTok account will be a hub for all the thrilling highlights from La Liga EA Sports matches, coinciding with the intense competition in the league.
Arab football stars will also receive special attention, as La Liga has hosted more than 80 Arab players throughout its history, from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and Syria.
Beyond match highlights, the account will offer a diverse range of visual content, featuring contributions from influencers, players, journalists and fans across the Arab world.


Marmoush hat-trick lifts Man City into Premier League top four

Marmoush hat-trick lifts Man City into Premier League top four
Updated 15 February 2025
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Marmoush hat-trick lifts Man City into Premier League top four

Marmoush hat-trick lifts Man City into Premier League top four
  • The Egyptian was in scintillating form as City recovered from their late Champions League collapse to lose to Real Madrid 3-2 at home in midweek
  • Marmoush’s explosion gives some cause for optimism as Newcastle were blown away inside the opening 33 minutes

MANCHESTER: Omar Marmoush scored his first Manchester City goals with a first-half hat-trick to beat Newcastle 4-0 and fire Pep Guardiola’s men back into the Premier League’s top four on Saturday.
The Egyptian was in scintillating form as City recovered from their late Champions League collapse to lose to Real Madrid 3-2 at home in midweek.
The English champions have a mountain to climb when they visit Madrid on Wednesday if they are to reach the last 16 of Europe’s elite competition for the 12th consecutive season.
But Marmoush’s explosion gives some cause for optimism as Newcastle were blown away inside the opening 33 minutes.


The match had been billed as a clash between the Premier League’s two top strikers as Golden Boot rivals Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak went head-to-head.
However, they were both overshadowed as Marmoush announced his arrival to the English game.
The 26-year-old scored 20 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt this season before making a £59 million ($72.6 million) move to Manchester in January.
City were keen to add more goalscoring threats to support Haaland and the early signs are promising that the Norwegian and Marmoush can dovetail effectively.
Guardiola made six changes to freshen up his side between the Madrid double header with Marmoush one of those to come into the side.
Ederson was at fault for City’s late collapse from 2-1 to 3-2 down against the European champions on Tuesday, but made amends with his third assist of the season.
Kieran Trippier was caught underneath the Brazilian goalkeeper’s booming kick upfield and Marmoush had the simple task to lob the stranded Martin Dubravka.
That goal continued City’s run of scoring in their last 33 Premier League games against the Magpies.
Five minutes later, it was 2-0 when Ilkay Gundogan fed Marmoush inside the area, who cut inside before his deflected effort found the bottom corner.
Savinho’s pace and trickery down the right was another major positive for Guardiola and he created the third by skipping past Lewis Hall and squaring for Marmoush to fire home from close range.
City’s fragility at defending leads this season was never seriously tested as the visitors suffered another damaging defeat to their chances of a return to the Champions League next season.
Either side of reaching next month’s League Cup final, Eddie Howe’s men have lost three of their last four Premier League games to slip to seventh.
City, on the other hand, climb back into pole position for Champions League qualification despite their drastic dip in standards this season that will see an unprecedented run of four consecutive league titles almost certainly come to an end.
James McAtee came off the bench to add the fourth six minutes from time when the midfielder turned in Haaland’s flick on from a Gundogan corner.
But there was a worrying scene for City as Haaland had to be replaced in the closing stages after receiving treatment on a knee injury.


Super-sub Merino strikes late as Arsenal sink Leicester

Super-sub Merino strikes late as Arsenal sink Leicester
Updated 15 February 2025
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Super-sub Merino strikes late as Arsenal sink Leicester

Super-sub Merino strikes late as Arsenal sink Leicester
  • With his attacking options limited by a host of injuries, Arteta sent on Spain midfielder Merino to act as a makeshift striker in the closing stages
  • It proved an inspired move as Merino netted twice in the last nine minutes to extend Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the league to 15 games

LEICESTER, United Kingdom: Arsenal ignored their injury woes to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to four points as Mikel Merino came off the bench to clinch a 2-0 win against Leicester on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side were in danger of wasting a chance to put pressure on Liverpool in the title race as they labored to make the breakthrough at the King Power Stadium.
But, with his attacking options limited by a host of injuries, Arteta sent on Spain midfielder Merino to act as a makeshift striker in the closing stages.
It proved an inspired move as Merino netted twice in the last nine minutes to extend Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the league to 15 games.
“We knew it was going to be tough. The first 20 minutes, we were too sloppy. We didn’t have a real threat and we weren’t playing with enough urgency,” Arteta said.
“We were much sharper in the second half. Mikel could give us something. He has a sense of danger and great timing in the box.
“We were on the verge of a different level of anxiety. But we were composed, scored two brilliant goals and could have scored one or two more.”
Having lost 2-0 at Newcastle in the League Cup semifinal second leg before an extended break due to their early FA Cup exit, the Gunners returned to action with a vital victory that keeps them hot on the heels of Liverpool.
Liverpool, who stumbled with a draw at Everton in their game in hand on Wednesday, can increase their lead back to seven points if they beat lowly Wolves at Anfield on Sunday.
“Let’s go day by day and take a lot of positives from the second half, but also know the first half wasn’t good enough to win games,” Arteta said.
With Kai Havertz ruled out for the season after suffering a hamstring injury while blocking a shot during Arsenal’s recent training trip to Dubai, Arteta was left with a threadbare attack.
Havertz’s injury blow came just weeks after Arsenal failed to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins during the January transfer window.
Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were already sidelined, so Arteta was forced to use Belgian winger Leandro Trossard as his central striker.
Underling the paucity of Arteta’s forward options, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and the out-of-form Raheem Sterling filled in on the flanks either side of Trossard.
Fortunately for Arteta, third-bottom Leicester were ideal opponents for his weakened team.
Underlying the gloom around Leicester’s relegation battle, fans staging a vocal protest against the club’s Thai owners and Foxes director of football Jon Rudkin after 14 minutes.
With the protest songs still ringing around the King Power Stadium, Declan Rice headed wastefully wide when Nwaneri’s cross teed up Arsenal’s first sight of goal.
Wilfred Ndidi was close to breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when his header skidded off the rain-soaked surface and flashed just wide of the far post.
Nwaneri was one of Arsenal’s few bright sparks on a murky day in the East Midlands.
The teenager surged onto Martin Odegaard’s pass and curled just wide from 20 yards in a rare Arsenal threat.
Nwaneri was a constant menace, unloading a stinging strike that Leicester keeper Mads Hermansen tipped onto the post.
Leicester couldn’t stem the tide as Arteta’s gamble paid off in the 81st minute.
Nwaneri swung a pin-point cross into the Leicester area and Merino found space to thump his header past Hermansen from six yards.
Merino celebrated by dancing a jig around the corner flag, but he wasn’t finished yet.
Seven minutes later, Trossard whipped a cross into the six-yard box and Merino’s well-timed run eluded the Leicester defense as he slotted home to keep Arsenal firmly in the title chase.