Sports
We’re used to being underdogs, Bale says before Wales’ clash with Denmark
Gareth Bale has embraced Wales’ underdogs tag, with Euro 2020 rivals Denmark counting on support from all over Europe following Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest.
Inter Milan midfielder Eriksen collapsed on the pitch during Denmark’s tournament opening goal against Finland in Copenhagen on June 12 and is currently recovering at home.
Denmark qualified for the knockout stage on a wave of emotion and have become a lot of people’s “second team” after what happened to Eriksen.
But skipper Bale, speaking ahead of Saturday’s round-of-16 clash in Amsterdam, said Wales were familiar with being underdogs.
“That’s normal anyway,” said the Real Madrid forward.
“We’re always the underdogs and (are) used to that tag. It doesn’t make a difference to us.
“Obviously we understand the situation that happened with them and we’ve sent all our best wishes to Christian.
“What a great job the Denmark team did with that. But it won’t have any bearing on the game.
“The players have been in situations before, where teams are favourites and supported more.
“Against Turkey they had 18,000 fans in the stadium (when Wales won their group game in Baku 2-0). So, it makes no difference.
“When it comes to kick-off, it will be just us players on the pitch focusing on the game.”
Eriksen was the star performer in both games when Denmark completed a UEFA Nations League double over Wales in 2018.
The Danes triumphed 2-0 in Aarhus and 2-1 in Cardiff and have won six of the 10 games between the two countries.
“The last time we played them we were in more of a transition and younger players were coming in,” Bale said.
“With the time that’s passed, we’ve got better and improved as a team.
“We’ve got more players now and we’re more comfortable with each other.
“Hopefully, we can prove on the pitch that we’re a much better team.”
Wales must attempt to claim a first-ever win in the Netherlands without any of their fans present in a 16,000-strong crowd at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Supporters coming from Wales are banned because the United Kingdom is not on the safe list of countries.
Denmark, as a country in the European Union, are able to have their citizens avoid quarantine in Holland by spending less than 12 hours in the country.
Around 4,400 Denmark fans are expected in Amsterdam.
“We don’t have our fans in the stadium, which is disappointing,” said Bale, who confirmed that Wales had practised penalty kicks in the event of a shootout contest after extra-time.
“But, as players, that’s something we’re a little bit used to.
“We know the occasion we’re in, at a big tournament, and every game we play we feel it’s a big game.
“We just have to play the game and not think of the occasion.”(dpa/NAN)
Sports
CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2024 Women’s Champions League
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.
Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.
Sports
Messi Matches Ronaldo’s Record with Hat-Trick Against Bolivia
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.
On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.
Sports
Mourinho Targets Barcelona’s Ansu Fati for January Transfer to Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.
Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.
-
Business15 hours ago
Okpella Monarch: Obaseki Ratified Kingmakers Decision, End 5years leadership Vacuum
-
Banking11 hours ago
Free Food Saga: Akpabio quoted out of context-CSO
-
Foreign15 hours ago
Sci-tech innovation fuels China’s high-quality development
-
Entertainment7 hours ago
Davido Declares ‘Timeless’ His Best Album
-
Entertainment7 hours ago
‘Adire’ Secures Four Nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards
-
Business8 hours ago
Wike Urges Nigerians to Pay Taxes for Improved Social Services
-
Foreign9 hours ago
Qinling Mountains better safeguarded with comprehensive digital platform
-
Foreign9 hours ago
Expressway service station in Shandong achieves carbon neutrality