HAMBURG, Germany: Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed this year’s European Championship will be the last of his career.
The Portugal superstar, who is 39, is playing at the Euros for a record sixth time and has helped his country reach the quarterfinals — where Kylian Mbappe and France await in Hamburg on Friday.
Speaking to Portuguese public broadcaster RTP after the penalty-shootout victory over Slovenia on Monday, Ronaldo said: “It is, without doubt, my last European Championship.
“But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by all that football means — by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me.”
Ronaldo, who is one of the most prolific scorers in football history and has a record 14 goals at European Championships, said his main motivation now was “making people happy.” He was reduced to tears during the Slovenia game after having a penalty saved in extra time.
“It’s not about leaving the world of football,” he said. “What else is there for me to do or win? It’s not going to come down to one point more or one point less.”
Ronaldo says he is playing his ‘last European Championship’
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Ronaldo says he is playing his ‘last European Championship’
- Portugal superstar is playing at the Euros for a record sixth time and has helped his country reach the quarterfinals
Jordan’s Jarrah Al-Silawi looking to regain SmartCage glory in PFL MENA
- Al-Silawi debuted in the PFL Challenger Series by knocking out Michael Lilly in the first round
- Al-Silawi will be competing on PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this coming July 12 as part of the welterweight tournament
RIYADH: Jordan’s Jarrah Al-Silawi is by no means a stranger to the Professional Fighters League.
After making a name as a two-division champion in BRAVE Combat Federation, the man known as “The Jordanian Lion” became a trailblazer of sorts for Middle Eastern fighters in the PFL. Al-Silawi debuted in the PFL Challenger Series by knocking out Michael Lilly in the first round and earned himself a spot on the PFL’s global roster, where he defeated UFC veteran Gleison Tibau.
After his fiery start however, Al-Silawi hit a rough patch and absorbed three consecutive losses inside the PFL SmartCage.
After a brief stint back in BRAVE CF where he snapped his losing streak, Al-Silawi is heading back to the SmartCage as part of the PFL MENA roster.
Al-Silawi will be competing on PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this coming July 12 as part of the welterweight tournament. He will be taking on Egypt’s Ahmed Sami in the co-main event.
Al-Silawi will be banking on his previous experience in the PFL to hopefully propel him to the top of the PFL MENA mountain.
“I have everything to achieve success, but I also work to diversify my training and I have an idea of how it is to compete on a global stage,” he said. “I’ve won against a group of the most prominent fighters in the world.
“I’m one of those people who love combat sports, and I’m physically fit and I’m an intelligent fighter.”
Being one of the most accomplished and recognizable fighters from the Middle East, Al-Silawi maintains that it is a privilege to be competing on a global stage such as the PFL, and adds that it also provides other fighters from the region a platform to showcase their skills.
“It’s an honor to be part of a global organization,” he said. “I’m very proud that the PFL has established itself in Saudi Arabia because it provides even more fighters from the Middle East even more opportunities to compete here, where there are bigger audiences.”
PFL MENA 2 takes place on Friday, July 12 at the Green Halls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Jubilant Indian cricketers return home after winning the Twenty20 World Cup
- India pulled off a sensational seven-run win against South Africa in a gripping final last weekend
NEW DELHI: Jubilant India cricketers have received a rousing welcome home from fans after winning the Twenty20 World Cup final in Barbados.
India skipper Rohit Sharma held up the World Cup trophy after arriving at New Delhi International Airport early Thursday morning.
Hundreds of supporters were gathered at the airport, many waving the national flag and chanting “India, India.”
There were thousands more waiting to continue the celebrations, which started Saturday and were about to ramp up. Some of the players danced to drum beats when they reached their hotel.
India pulled off a sensational seven-run win against South Africa in a gripping final last weekend, ending a drought in global International Cricket Council limited-overs competitions.
The team’s return from the Caribbean was delayed because of a shutdown forced by Hurricane Beryl in Barbados.
“It’s a lifetime experience,” cricket official Arun Dhumal said.
The T20 triumph was India’s first World Cup title since it won the 50-over version in 2011.
Over the last 12 months, India lost the World Test Championship final to Australia in England and the 50-over World Cup final at home, also to the Australians.
After meeting India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the cricketers were due to fly to Mumbai and participate in an open bus roadshow, followed by a celebration ceremony later Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced a cash bonus of $15 million for the winning squad.
Soon after winning the title, Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from international T20 matches.
Saudi national football team to face UAE at West Asian Youth Championship final
RIYADH: The Saudi national football team has qualified for the final match of the Arab Diar Championship for West Asian U-19 teams, organized by the West Asian Football Federation and hosted by the Taif Governorate, Saudi Arabia, state news agency SPA reported on Thursday.
The semifinal matches were held on Wednesday, where the Saudi national team defeated its Syrian opposition with a score of 2-0, while the UAE defeated Jordan 2-1.
The final match is scheduled to be held next Friday at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium in the Taif Governorate at 9 p.m.
Saudi Arabia announces six additional sports clubs for privatization
- Six additional clubs are now available for privatization starting in August
- An additional eight clubs will all also be up for privatization at a later stage
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Sport has launched the latest phase of the Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project to privatize 14 more clubs.
Initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last June, the project, rolled out in collaboration with the National Privatization Center, aims to accelerate the sports industry in the Kingdom by inviting business sector involvement with clubs.
Six additional clubs are now available for privatization starting in August: Al-Zulfi, Al-Nahda, Al-Okhdood, Al-Ansar, Al-Orouba, and Al-Kholoud. The clubs have been selected based on their operational readiness, financial health, administrative capabilities and athletic facilities.
An additional eight clubs — Al-Shoalah, Hajar, Al-Najmah, Al-Riyadh, Al-Rawdhah, Jeddah, Al-Taraji and Al-Sahel — will all also be up for privatization at a later stage.
Following the successful privatization of Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad during the first phase, the project now advanced into phase two.
As part of the commitment to accelerate the transformation of the sports sector, the project seeks to enhance the administrative and financial governance of clubs, creating new opportunities for sports investment in the country to develop club infrastructure, among other things. This, in turn, will take fan experiences to new levels, the ministry’s statement said.
The Roshn Saudi League has shown significant commercial revenue growth from last season after the privatization of clubs, with a goal to potentially reach an annual total of 1.8 billion Saudi riyals ($479,819).
With more than 80 percent of the population following, watching or playing football, the league’s development is enhancing the sport and entertainment experience for a big fanbase. This progress is raising the bar for clubs in the league, encouraging them to invest in facilities and stadiums.
With the help of the ministry, Al-Fateh, Al-Ettifaq, Al-Taawoun, Al-Shabab and Al-Hilal all moved into their own home stadiums during the 2023-24 season.
The Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project operates through two primary tracks. The first involves granting permission for businesses and development organizations to invest in sports teams in return for ownership transfer. The second involves offering publicly owned sports clubs for privatization. Investors interested in participating in this project can visit the ministry’s website for application details and further information.
Antetokounmpo, Greece strong in opener; Doncic, Slovenia still have chance to qualify for Olympics
- Thomas Walkup added 17 points for Greece, who led by as many as 27 and can advance to the semifinal round with a victory over Egypt
- Slovenia can make it out of Group A and into the semifinals if they beat New Zealand by 21 points when the teams meet Thursday
LONDON: Giannis Antetokounmpo looked like a player intent on leading Greece to their first Olympic berth since 2008.
Antetokounmpo had 32 points in 19 minutes, going 11 of 11 from the field, as Greece rolled to a 109-82 win over the Dominican Republic on Wednesday in Group B of the Piraeus, Greece, Olympic qualifying tournament.
Thomas Walkup added 17 points for Greece, who led by as many as 27 and can advance to the semifinal round with a victory over Egypt on Thursday.
“Giannis loves to be here. He loves to represent his country,” Greece coach Vassilis Spanoulis said. “He’s very humble. He’s part of the team. For a superstar you don’t find this easy. ... He’s about winning.”
The tournament in Greece is one of four that opened Tuesday to settle the final four spots in the field for the Paris Olympics. Other tournaments are ongoing in Latvia, Puerto Rico and Spain.
Group play at all four sites continues through Thursday, with semifinal games Saturday and the title games Sunday.
An appearance in the Olympics is one of the few things Antetokounmpo has yet to accomplish in his career.
On Wednesday, he didn’t seem to be bothered at all by the strained left calf that caused him to sit out the Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff run in April. He got to the rim at will, went 9 of 13 from the free-throw line and knocked down his lone 3-point attempt.
New Zealand 90 Croatia 86
Croatia advanced in their bid to earn one of the final Olympic berths, but not with the kind of momentum it had hoped.
New Zealand beat Croatia 90-86 in Group A in Piraeus. Corey Webster had 21 points and Shea Ili added 18, including a go-ahead layup in the final minute to help New Zealand rally.
“I think it’s just a gutsy win from our team,” New Zealand captain Reuben Te Rangi said.
Ivica Zubac had 29 points and 16 rebounds, Dario Saric added 19 points and eight rebounds and Mario Hezonja had 16 points for Croatia, which was able to secure a place in the semifinals with the four-point differential. The loss, however, kept NBA star Luka Doncic and Slovenia in contention.
Slovenia can make it out of Group A and into the semifinals if they beat New Zealand by 21 points when the teams meet Thursday. If not, New Zealand will advance.
Croatia won their opener 108-92 over Slovenia on Tuesday.
“It was a tough spot playing after an emotional win over Slovenia,” Saric said of the loss Wednesday. “We were hoping we’d be on a level and push the game in our direction. But today wasn’t the case.”
Montenegro 70 Cameroon 66
In Riga, Latvia, Montenegro survived a sluggish start to keep their semifinal hopes alive with a 70-66 win over Cameroon.
Marko Simonovic had 18 points, six rebounds and went 9 of 9 from the free-throw line to lead five Montenegro players in double figures. Nikola Vucevic finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
Cameroon need to beat Brazil when the teams meet Thursday to advance to the semifinals out of Group B. Otherwise, the second spot would go to Montenegro.
Cameroon led 32-29 at the half. But Montenegro opened the third quarter with a 15-2 run to take a 44-34 lead and never trailed again. Montenegro connected on 7 of 9 free throws in the final period and 20 for 24 for the game.
Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe each had 14 points apiece to lead Cameroon.
Bahamas 90 Poland 81
Valdez Edgecombe Jr. scored 21 points, Deandre Ayton added 18 points and nine rebounds, and the Bahamas advanced to the knockout round with their win over Poland in Valencia, Spain.
The Bahamas led by as many as 19 in the fourth quarter, knocking down 13 3-pointers and assisting on 24 of its 31 field goals for the game. Buddy Hield finished with 17 points and 10 assists to help his team finish 2-0 in Group B.
Poland and Finland play Thursday to decide who will join the Bahamas from the group in the semifinals.
Philippines 89 Latvia 80
Justin Brownlee had 26 points, nine rebounds and nine assists to help the Philippines hold off a late charge and beat Latvia 89-80 in Group A of the Latvia tournament.
Kai Sotto added 18 points and eight rebounds.
Latvia trailed by 26 points and cut what was a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to 10 with 1:21 remaining. But the Philippines settled down and were able to close it out.
Rodions Kurucs led Latvia with 18 points.
The Philippines are in the driver’s seat to win the group and advance to the knockout stage when they play Georgia on Thursday. Latvia beat Georgia 83-55 on Tuesday.
Spain 89 Angola 81
Santiago Aldama had 24 points and Spain beat Angola 89-81 to win Group A and advance to the semifinals of the Liga, Spain, tournament.
Willy Hernangomez added 22 points and 10 rebounds. The winner of Lebanon and Angola on Thursday will join Spain in the knockout round.
Spain carried a nine-point lead into the fourth quarter and Angola never got closer than six the rest of the way.
Jilson Bango led Angola with 15 points and nine rebounds.
Lithuania 97 Ivory Coast 93
Domantas Sabonis had 22 points to help Lithuania beat Ivory Coast 97-93 and advance to the knockout round of the San Juan, Puerto Rico tournament.
Marius Grigonis added 18 points and Lukas Lekavicius finished with 13, including 3 with under a minute to play to put his team ahead for good. Sabonis also had nine rebounds to help Lithuania finish 2-0 in Group A.
Deon Thompson had 18 points to lead Ivory Coast, which needs to beat Mexico Thursday to earn a semifinal berth.
Ivory Coast took a 72-65 lead into the fourth.
Lithuania twice got within a point before Lekavicius made a floater for a 92-90 lead. Ivory Coast nudged back in front with a minute to play on a 3 by Jean Philippe Dally.
Lekavicius answered with a 3 to make it 95-93 with 41 seconds left.
Puerto Rico 90 Bahrain 56
Stephen Thompson Jr. scored 20 points and Puerto Rico powered past Bahrain 99-56 on home soil to secure a spot in the semifinal round.
George Conditt IV added 17 points and eight rebounds for Puerto Rico, which will face Italy on Thursday to determine the winner of Group B. Italy also advanced to the knockout stage, having beaten Bahrain 114-53 on Tuesday.
Puerto Rico controlled the game throughout, building a 39-19 halftime lead that grew to more than 40 early in the fourth quarter.
Zee Hamoda led Bahrain with 15 points.
