STOCKHOLM: Goalkeeper Nadine Angerer saved two penalties and substitute Anja Mittaga scored the winner as Germany beat Norway 1-0 to win a thrilling final at the European women’s soccer championship in Stockholm on Sunday.
Germany recorded a fourth European final victory over Norway, who also had a goal ruled out for offside in a tight, tense encounter in front of a crowd of 41,301 in the Swedish capital.
Underdogs Norway pressed Germany from the start, and missed a golden opportunity to go ahead on the half-hour mark when Trine Ronning missed a spot-kick after Celia Okoyino Da Mbabi was penalized for pushing Cathrine Dekkerhus in the back.
Ronning fired straight down the middle, but despite diving to her left, Germany captain Angerer managed to flick out a foot to keep her effort out.
Under pressure from Norway, Germany replaced Lena Lotzen with Mittag at halftime, and it took the substitute just four minutes to break the deadlock.
Played onside by Marit Christensen, Mittag steamed through the middle and swept home Okoyino Da Mbabi’s center to put Germany ahead.
Norway battled on and were thrown a lifeline after an hour when referee Cristina Dorcioman awarded them a second penalty as Caroline Hansen went down in the box.
Angerer, however, was up to the task once more.
The German keeper, who conceded just a single goal in six matches at Euro 2013, hurled herself to her left to keep out Solveig Gulbrandsen’s spot kick.
There was more agony for Norway four minutes later as Ada Hegerberg had a goal ruled out for offside.
Nadine Kessler could have put the game beyond doubt for Germany seven minutes from time, but she rolled her effort against the foot of the post with Ingrid Hjelmseth beaten.
Despite plenty of late pressure from Norway, Germany held on to secure their eighth European women’s championships victory.
German women European soccer champs again
German women European soccer champs again
Salah says he is ‘more out than in’ at Liverpool as he enters final months of contract
- Mohamed Salah: ‘Well, we are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club’
- The Egypt international is 32 and has been at the club since 2017
Salah spoke out after scoring two goals in Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday and suggested he is more likely to leave than stay with the Premier League leader.
“Well, we are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club,” he told reporters. “I’m probably more out than in. You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this. But in the end, it is not in my hands.”
Salah’s goals saw Liverpool extend its lead at the top of the standings to eight points. The Egypt international is 32 and has been at the club since 2017.
He has scored 12 goals in 18 appearances this season.
Salah gave a rare interview to English print media before boarding the team bus after the Southampton game and expressed his frustration about the lack of progress with his contract.
“I’m not going to retire soon so I’m just playing, focusing on the season and I’m trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well. I’m disappointed but we will see,” he said.
“I’m very professional. Everybody can see my work ethic. I’m just trying to enjoy my football and I will play at the top level as long as possible. I’m just doing my best because this is who I am and I try to give it all for myself and for the club. We will see what happens next.”
Salah has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia since the oil-rich nation launched a drive to lure some of the biggest players in the world to its top league.
Salah is Liverpool’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League with 167 goals. In all competitions he has scored 223 goals in 367 appearances.
He has won a full set of trophies with the Merseyside club including the league title and the Champions League.
Jeddah event celebrates African heritage, culture, and unity
JEDDAH: VibeScape and SightScape hosted African Night, an event brimming with vibrant energy, cultural performances, and diverse activities, over the weekend at Yazen Ranch in Jeddah.
The event featured activities for all ages, and guests were welcomed by the beats of African drums and live DJ performances, setting an energetic tone for the evening.
A standout feature was the captivating African stage shows, which brought stories of heritage and unity to life. Guests also enjoyed unique activities like stargazing with telescopes, interactive color fights, and marshmallow roasting by campfire.
Families delighted in the animal interaction area, meeting ostriches, deer, and other exotic creatures, while others explored carnival games, karaoke sessions, and photography corners.
Guests enjoyed a buffet featuring a variety of African dishes, offering a taste of the continent’s rich culinary traditions.
Khaled Hashem, founder of VibeScape and SightScape, shared his vision for the event.
“We wanted to create an experience that brings people together and celebrates the richness of African culture. Seeing families and friends connect and enjoy themselves motivates us to keep innovating,” he said.
SightScape, a Saudi platform offering city passes, encourages locals and tourists to explore the Kingdom through curated experiences. Along with VibeScape, it contributes to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and tourism sectors, supporting Vision 2030’s goal of promoting cultural exchange and enhancing local experiences.
Morooj Ghoneim, the choreographer behind the stage performances, said: “Our African-themed show is a celebration of traditional and modern African culture, brought to life through music and dance. We incorporated over six iconic songs, ranging from classics like ‘Waka Waka’ to contemporary hits, all performed with authentic African rhythms and drums.
“The choreography was designed to reflect the vibrancy and essence of African dance, and the team worked tirelessly to ensure each performance truly honored the culture and spirit of Africa.”
Afrah Al-Naeem, an attendee who came with her family, said: “The African shows were absolutely breathtaking; they truly transported us to another world.
“As a Sudanese, I felt immense pride seeing our culture and cuisine showcased so beautifully. My family loved the petting zoo, and the pleasant weather made the outdoor activities even more enjoyable. Everything was well-organized,” she added.
Salem Abdullah, another guest, praised the variety of activities, saying: “From the color fight to the nature walk, every moment was unique, and the vibrant community spirit was inspiring.
“Events like this show how much the Kingdom has evolved, offering exceptional entertainment for everyone and setting a new benchmark for events.”
Saudi’s Al-Qahtani aims to avenge loss to Jordan’s Alhyasat in Riyadh
- The hometown fighter lost to his opponent in the semifinals but was handed a reprieve after original finalist Islam Reda withdrew due to injury
RIYADH: An odds-on favorite to become one of four inaugural PFL MENA champions, Saudi Arabian featherweight star Abdullah Al-Qahtani found himself on the wrong end of arguably the biggest upset of the first season — he fell to relative unknown Abdelrahman Alhyasat in the semifinals.
Al-Qahtani had steamrolled his first four assignments inside the PFL SmartCage, but “The Reaper” was effectively neutralized by Alhyasat, as the Jordanian “Cobra” grappled his way to a unanimous victory.
It seemed Al-Qahtani would have to go back to the drawing board and try again next season, but fate handed him a second chance at gold. Original finalist Islam Reda was forced to withdraw due to injury, clearing the path to a spot in the finals and a shot at redemption against Alhyasat.
With gold on the line, the two talented 145-pounders will face each other in Riyadh on Nov. 29.
Back in the hunt, Al-Qahtani says he has studied his mistakes and plans to make things right.
“Together with my coaching team, I’ve analyzed the mistakes I made in the semifinal and focused on the positive aspects of my performance,” he said. “We’ve set the right plans for the final. God willing, Abdullah will be the one to crack Alhyasat’s code, win, and bring joy to the Saudi audience.”
Given that Al-Qahtani is arguably the biggest mixed martial arts star in Saudi Arabia today, it would be easy to assume his morale took a hit after bowing to a less-experienced fighter. But Al-Qahtani maintains the loss to Alhyasat was not a big deal.
“Abdelrahman has five victories in his professional career and won the semifinal by unanimous decision. This hasn’t put pressure on me or affected my morale,” he said. “Since the PFL announced a month ago that I would be in the final, replacing Islam Reda due to his injury, I’ve been training intensively to prepare.”
Now with higher stakes, Al-Qahtani is more motivated to bring home the inaugural PFL MENA Featherweight Championship.
“I have nine wins against two losses, and this motivates me to give my best, avenge the semifinal loss, and claim the title. Fighting on home soil with the Saudi crowd behind me will be a strong support as I aim to secure the belt.,” he said.
The complete PFL MENA Championships Fight Card:
PFL MENA Featherweight Championship: Abdelrahman Alhyasat (5-0) vs. Abdullah Al-Qahtani (9-2)
PFL MENA Welterweight Championship: Mohammad Alaqraa (7-0) vs. Omar El Dafrawy (12-6)
Amateur Women’s Atomweight Bout: Hattan Alsaif vs. Lilia Osmani
PFL MENA Bantamweight Championship: Ali Taleb (11-1) vs. Rachid El Hazoume (15-3)
PFL MENA Lightweight Championship: Mohsen Mohammadseifi (6-1) vs. Georges Eid (10-4)
Showcase Fights:
Lightweight MENA Showcase: Mansour Barnaoui (21-6) vs. Alfie Davis (17-4-1)
Heavyweight MENA Showcase: Slim Trabelsi (7-0) vs. Abraham Bably (5-0)
Featherweight Global Showcase: Jesus Pinedo (23-6-1) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (19-4)
Featherweight Global Showcase: Asael Adjoudj (8-1) vs. Jose Perez (9-1)
Middleweight Global Showcase: Costello van Steenis (15-3) vs. Joao Dantas (7-1)
Hattan Alsaif ‘100 percent ready’ ahead of SmartCage return in Riyadh
- The rising Saudi MMA star faces Lilia Osmani in the first PFL MENA Championships on Nov. 29
RIYADH: When it comes to mixed martial arts in Saudi Arabia, there are few stars bigger than amateur standout Hattan Alsaif.
The history-making striker signed with the Professional Fighters League earlier this year, making her the first Saudi female to ink a deal with a major combat sports promotion.
And on Nov. 29 in Riyadh, Alsaif looks set to pick up her third straight win when she meets Algeria’s Lilia Osmani in the first- ever PFL MENA Championships. Competing on perhaps the most star-studded PFL card this year, Alsaif says she’s fully prepared to put on an impressive performance.
“I am 100 percent ready for the anticipated match,” she said. “Achieving victory requires self-confidence, and I am confident in my abilities and my capacity to defeat my opponent, despite the fear, tension and anxiety I feel — not just before this fight, but before every fight I’ve faced.”
While Alsaif is only two fights deep into her MMA career, she’s no stranger to the rigors of combat sports training; she achieved success in Muay Thai before shifting gears to MMA.
For her upcoming bout, Alsaif has undergone a rigorous training camp.
“Combat sports require high levels of focus and significant mental and physical preparation, and I have undergone an intensive training camp in Riyadh under the supervision of my technical and coaching team to prepare for my fight against Lilia Osmani,” Alsaif said.
“This fight has been my main focus recently, and all my time has been dedicated to it.”
Alsaif has already made quite an impact in a very short period of time, from signing with the PFL to her performances inside the SmartCage. All of it, she says, continues to fuel her fire as she progresses in her career.
“The records I’ve achieved previously, including entering the Guinness World Records for the fastest knockout — defeating my Egyptian opponent in 41 seconds during the PFL event in Riyadh last May — serve as additional motivation to deliver the performance that the audience expects and hopes for in this historic and extraordinary moment,” she said.
The complete fight card is:
PFL MENA Featherweight Championship: Abdelrahman Alhyasat (5-0) vs. Abdullah Al-Qahtani (9-2)
PFL MENA Welterweight Championship: Mohammad Alaqraa (7-0) vs. Omar El Dafrawy (12-6)
Amateur Women’s Atomweight Bout: Hattan Alsaif vs. Lilia Osmani
PFL MENA Bantamweight Championship: Ali Taleb (11-1) vs. Rachid El Hazoume (15-3)
PFL MENA Lightweight Championship: Mohsen Mohammadseifi (6-1) vs. Georges Eid (10-4)
Showcase Fights:
Lightweight MENA Showcase: Mansour Barnaoui (21-6) vs. Alfie Davis (17-4-1)
Heavyweight MENA Showcase: Slim Trabelsi (7-0) vs. Abraham Bably (5-0)
Featherweight Global Showcase: Jesus Pinedo (23-6-1) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (19-4)
Featherweight Global Showcase: Asael Adjoudj (8-1) vs. Jose Perez (9-1)
Middleweight Global Showcase: Costello van Steenis (15-3) vs. Joao Dantas (7-1)
India five wickets away from big win in 1st test against Australia
- Australia struggle at 104-5 at lunch on Day 4 in chase of mammoth 534-run target
- India have won only nine Test matches out of a total of 53 on Australian soil
PERTH: Fast bowler Mohamed Siraj bowled India to the brink of victory in the opening Border-Gavaskar series cricket test with Australia struggling at 104-5 at lunch on the fourth day.
Siraj removed opener Usman Khawaja with his fourth ball Monday and then accounted for star batter Steve Smith to end a frustrating 62-run fifth wicket stand.
Siraj switched ends with fellow fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and forced Smith (17) to edge a low catch behind to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
Siraj took 3-34 while Bumrah, the chief destroyer of Australia in the first innings with 5-30, had 2-26 at the break.
Travis Head was 63 not out and Mitchell Marsh unbeaten on five with the pair to resume after lunch as Australia faces the bleak task of surviving a minimum of 165 overs over five sessions to prevent India from taking a 1-0 series lead.
India is close to winning only its second test match against Australia in Perth in six outings following the 72-run win at the WACA ground in January 2008. It will also be the tourists’ 10th win in 53 tests on Australian soil.
India’s commanding position was set up by majestic centuries from opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) and a masterful 100 not out by Virat Kohli as India closed its second innings at 487-6 declared.
This was after an outstanding spell of fast bowling by Bumrah which dismissed Australia for 104 in reply to India’s 150 all out on an eventful first day which saw 17 wickets fall.
Set an impossible 534 runs to win the test on a Perth Stadium surface that is increasingly deteriorating, Australia crashed to 12-3 on the third evening.
The start of day four did not go well for the hosts as Siraj forced Khawaja (4) to top edge for Pant to complete a running catch to reduce Australia to 17-4.
But Smith and Head survived some anxious moments against India’s pace quartet and Head counterattacked his way to a 63-ball half century with six fours. He has faced 72 balls and hit seven fours so far.
Smith, the most experienced batter in the side, put behind his first ball nought in the first innings to play a watchful innings, but was eventually undone by a superb Siraj delivery.
