BERLIN: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente called on a “brilliant” generation of players to make history for their country in the Euro 2024 final against England on Sunday.
La Roja are aiming to win a record fourth European Championship 12 years after they last lifted the trophy.
With Rodri Hernandez pulling the strings in midfield and explosive young wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams in attack, Spain have been the tournament’s great entertainers on the road to Berlin.
“It’s a brilliant generation, many of them have come through successful youth levels and that usually bodes well for success,” De la Fuente told reporters Saturday.
“We want to start to make history — and we have made history already in the run to (the final)... I trust in a great future, there’s both present and future.”
Spain won the 2008 and 2012 Euros and the 2010 World Cup with many star players from Barcelona and Real Madrid, including Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Ramos and David Villa.
The current side has fewer stars but consider that one of their strong points, with the squad on an even footing and “unity” has been a key word among Spain players at the tournament.
Despite Spain shining en route to the final while England have scraped through, De la Fuente said the clash at the Olympiastadion will be “extremely balanced.”
“Whichever team manages to impose their strengths, whoever makes less errors (will win),” said the coach.
“But you can win a one-off game, even playing far worse (than your opponent).
“We need to have maximum concentration, not make any mistakes and take advantage of the chances we have — put them away.”
The coach thanked injured duo Pedri and Ayoze Perez, who will not be available to face England, and said Barcelona midfielder Gavi will travel to join the team for the final.
The 19-year-old missed most of the season with a knee injury but was an important player for Spain before sustaining it in November.
De la Fuente said it was no challenge to keep Barcelona’s Yamal, who turned 17 on Saturday, and Athletic Bilbao’s Williams, 22, calm ahead of the biggest game of their careers.
“It’s not at all hard, they have such joy, and incredible maturity for such young players, they understand the sport very well and they are well accompanied by more experienced players,” explained the coach.
“We’re a team, it’s not about hailing individuals, and this makes us stronger.”
At the other end of the age spectrum is 38-year-old Sevilla defender Jesus Navas, who started the semifinal win over France in direct confrontation with Kylian Mbappe.
Navas won the 2010 World Cup, 2012 Euros and the 2023 Nations League with Spain and said he would love to lift another trophy with his country.
“To still be enjoying myself with my national team at 38 is incredible,” said the right-back.
“In (Spain’s golden years) we were such a close-knit group, and you could feel it. Now it’s the same, there’s an incredible group. I’m delighted by everything that’s happening to us.
“We know the excitement and hope that we all have and I hope we can win it.”
De la Fuente calls on Spain players to make history in Euros final
https://arab.news/8zxh7
De la Fuente calls on Spain players to make history in Euros final
- “It’s a brilliant generation, many of them have come through successful youth levels and that usually bodes well for success,” De la Fuente told reporters Saturday
Mbappe ready for Bernabeu bow as Ancelotti seeks Madrid balance
- The French superstar striker will make his first home appearance for Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday against promoted side Real Valladolid
- Mbappe will hope to mark his first Bernabeu appearance for Madrid with a goal
BARCELONA: Kylian Mbappe’s La Liga debut for Real Madrid did not go as planned as Los Blancos drew at Mallorca last weekend, with coach Carlo Ancelotti believing the Spanish champions lacked “balance.”
The French superstar striker will make his first home appearance for Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday against promoted side Real Valladolid, owned by former Madrid forward and Brazil great Ronaldo.
Mbappe is on course to enjoy a similarly sizable legacy in football, but is hoping to make a far greater impact at Madrid than Ronaldo was able to, during the club’s ‘galactico’ era.
Ronaldo won just one La Liga title and failed to lift the Champions League during five seasons in the Spanish capital between 2002-07.
One of the biggest problems during that period was a top-heavy side which boasted several superstar attackers but lost lynchpin Claude Makelele.
Ancelotti has lined up with Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Jude Bellingham in the 2-0 UEFA Super Cup win over Atalanta and the 1-1 Mallorca draw, but criticized his team’s balance after both matches
“We just had to do better, with more attitude, you can learn from these games — it’s clear where the problem is,” Ancelotti told reporters last week.
“We need to defend better, we need more balance.”
One issue for Madrid is that Mbappe, Vinicius and Rodrygo all prefer to be shifted toward the left flank.
Another is that by playing all three forward, Bellingham is pushed back into a midfield role, when it seems after last season’s superb debut campaign where he helped Madrid win La Liga and the Champions League, he is most content contributing in attacking areas.
“(Balance) is found by all players thinking the same thing — when it comes to getting the ball back we all have to think about it together,” continued the Italian coach.
“It’s a team problem that they didn’t understand was a key aspect in this game, Mallorca played a great game in a defensive sense, better than us.”
While visitors Real Valladolid, who beat fellow promoted side Espanyol in their first match, do not pose too much threat to Madrid on paper, the sooner Ancelotti can get his team firing on all cylinders the happier he will be.
After years of links to Madrid, Mbappe completed his dream move this summer at the end of his Paris Saint-Germain contract.
The forward clinically struck against Atalanta in Warsaw but was shut out by Mallorca and their goalkeeper Dominik Greif.
Mbappe will hope to mark his first Bernabeu appearance for Madrid with a goal, weeks after he was greeted there by over 80,000 fans at his presentation.
Once Madrid’s forward are on song, they will be difficult for any side to stop.
“When I saw them running toward me, I just prayed to God and asked myself — ‘what am I doing here?’” admitted Mallorca defender Pablo Maffeo.
Madrid’s remarkable firepower could prove a double-edged sword with teams rising to the challenge of stopping the attacking quartet dubbed the “fantastic four.”
“We’re going to face the best team in the world, with one of the best coaches in history and the best attack in the world today,” said Valladolid coach Paulo Pezzolano.
“We know what we’re going to face, but we’re going there convinced that we’re going to compete and bring something back home, knowing that it’s difficult, but that we can do it.”
The former Manchester City striker made his Atletico debut as a substitute at Villarreal in their opening fixture but could be given a bigger role against Girona on Sunday as he makes his first appearance at the Metropolitano stadium for Diego Simeone’s new-look Rojiblancos.
Friday (all times GMT)
Celta Vigo v Valencia (1700), Sevilla v Villarreal (1930)
Saturday
Osasuna v Real Malloca (1500), Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao (1700), Espanyol v Real Sociedad, Getafe v Rayo Vallecano (both 1930)
Sunday
Real Madrid v Real Valladolid (1500), Leganes v Las Palmas (1700), Alaves v Real Betis (1715), Atletico Madrid v Girona (1930)
‘The Esports World Cup is a great opportunity for Saudi Arabia and the world’ — Neymar
- The Al-Hilal and Brazil star praised the tournament after leading ‘Team Neymar Jr’ in a special sell-out competition
- The footballer talked of the ‘promising future’ of esports and said gaming was a ‘significant part’ of his life
RIYADH: Al-Hilal star Neymar Jr. has hailed the Esports World Cup as “a great opportunity” for Saudi Arabia after he captained ‘Team Neymar Jr’ in a special cross-competition event at Boulevard Riyadh City.
The Brazilian, a lifelong gaming fan who joined the Saudi Pro League champions in 2023, said the summer-long event had highlighted the Kingdom’s culture and hospitality to the international community.
“This is a great opportunity for the country, especially in terms of the visibility it has generated,” Neymar said. “It allows people to see what Saudi Arabia is really like. I’ve learned a lot of positive things since coming here. It’s a fantastic country, with positive and happy people, and I hope this event this the first of many in the years ahead because it has opened new doors for the world to experience Saudi Arabia.”
Tuesday saw Brazil’s all-time top scorer lead ‘Team Neymar Jr’ against a side captained by Mossad Al-Dossary, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s EWC Club Championship winners, Team Falcons. The match — which saw the two teams face off in Counter-Strike 2, Rocket League, and TEKKEN 8 — ended with a 2-1 win for Neymar’s side.
The player had special praise for the capacity crowd inside the SEF Arena.
“The SEF Arena is incredible, I love it,” he said. “I’ve played here a bit, and it’s surreal to see what they’ve accomplished in just a few months by building it. I love the vibe, everyone I’ve met is so nice and the atmosphere is fantastic. This shows that Saudi Arabia is doing something truly amazing in the gaming and esports world. The Kingdom has become a pioneer for the industry while opening up opportunities across for the region and whole world to be a part of.”
As part-owner of Brazilian organization FURIA Esports, Neymar said he was excited about the industry’s future.
“Esports undoubtedly has a promising future — it’s incredibly exciting for everyone involved and we’re now seeing young people with an opportunity to turn their passion into a career. I’m optimistic about the industry’s growth and the potential it holds for the next generation.”
The star also spoke of the vibrant gaming culture he has experienced throughout his professional career, labeling it as “a significant part” of his life.
“Gaming culture is deeply embedded in the teams I’ve played with. We often play together online, whether in hotels or while traveling,” he said. “Esports is a big part of the world of football, as it’s a great way for us to relax and relieve stress.
“On a personal level, my interest in esports originates from the time I have outside of football. I find it incredibly relaxing; it helps me destress, connect with friends, and offers a different perspective on life. Some of my best memories are tied to playing games like “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive,” so esports has become a significant part of my life.”
The eighth and final week of the EWC begins on Wednesday at Boulevard Riyadh City, with TEKKEN 8 and PUBG Battlegrounds action. ESL and Rocket League begin on Thursday. The PUBG Battlegrounds final is on Saturday, with the other three tournaments’ grand finals taking place on Sunday.
‘I’m hoping to be back very soon’ says Neymar as he continues his recovery
- The Al-Hilal and Brazil international speaks exclusively to Arab News at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh
- Neymar moved to Saudi Arabia last summer but suffered a season-ending knee injury in October
RIYADH: Al-Hilal and Brazil star Neymar has revealed he hopes to be back playing football “very soon” as he continues his recovery from injury.
The 32-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star moved to Saudi Arabia last summer but suffered a season-ending ACL knee injury on international duty in October.
At the Esports World Cup at Boulevard Riyadh City on Tuesday, Neymar — an avid gamer — played for about an hour and a half at a live, sold-out show match. Team Neymar Jr defeated the recently crowned Esports World Cup Club Champions Team Falcons 2-1 after winning show matches in Counter-Strike II and TEKKEN 8, with their opponents taking the honours in Rocket League.
Speaking after the esports show match, the Neymar revealed his desire to be back on the football pitch for club and country as quickly as medically possible.
Neymar said: “I’m hoping to be back very soon. We don’t have a definite date yet, but I’ll only return when I’m 100 percent ready.
“I haven’t returned to training yet, but I’m making good progress. It’s been a challenging period for me — this wasn’t an easy injury — but I'm working hard to come back stronger and play football again.”
At the end of last season, Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus revealed the timeline for Neymar’s return: “We’re hopeful he might be ready to rejoin the team and start practicing by September or October,” Jesus said.
“He’s a star player, he possesses exceptional talent. Unfortunately, I can’t provide a definitive answer at this point — injuries like Neymar’s typically require 10 to 12 months for recovery.”
Neymar, who has part ownership in Brazilian esports outfit Team Furia, visited the Esports World Cup as a fan in July to watch the Dota2 Riyadh Masters and Counter-Strike 2 tournament finals. He was pictured cheering loudly as he watched the elite action unfold at the 8,000 capacity SEF Arena at Boulevard Riyadh City.
Being able to participate as a player during the Esports World Cup was something the Brazilian thoroughly enjoyed. The inaugural Esports World Cup — which features 22 games across 21 titles over a two-month period, complete with a record-breaking industry prize pool of $60 million — concludes with the closing ceremony this Sunday.
Neymar said: “The Esports World Cup is a great opportunity for the country, especially in terms of the visibility it can generate. It allows people to see what Saudi Arabia is really like. “I’ve learned a lot of positive things since coming here. It’s a fantastic country, with positive and happy people, and I hope this event opens doors for the world to experience Saudi Arabia.
“The arena here is incredible, man. Incredible. I’ve played here a bit, and it’s surreal to see what they’ve accomplished in just a few months by building it. I love the vibe here; everyone I’ve met is so nice and I made friends here.
“Saudi Arabia is doing something amazing with this project. It is truly pioneering in this industry.”
Man City’s Foden wins PFA Player of the Year award
- Foden: To win this award is something very special and it is one that I am very proud of and grateful for
- City enjoyed a clean sweep of the main awards at the Manchester ceremony as Khadija Shaw was voted the women’s Player of the Year
LONDON: Manchester City forward Phil Foden won the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year award on Tuesday.
Foden played a key role in City winning an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title last term.
The 24-year-old scored 19 times and delivered eight assists for Pep Guardiola’s team as they pipped Arsenal to the title on the last day of the season.
“To win this award is something very special and it is one that I am very proud of and grateful for. To be recognized this way by your fellow professionals means everything and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me,” Foden said.
“I also want to pay special thanks to Pep, the City coaches and all my teammates as they help me to try and get better every single day.”
Foden has already set his sights on a fifth successive Premier League crown after City started their title defense with a 2-0 win at Chelsea on Sunday.
“Last season was another very special one for everyone at the Club but now all our focus is concentrated on trying to achieve more success this term,” he said.
Foden also won the 2023-24 Premier League player of the season award and was named the Football Writers’ Association footballer of the year.
City director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “Everyone here is so thrilled to see Phil win this award. To have your fellow professionals recognize you in such a way is very special.
“Phil embodies everything we stand for at Manchester City. He is a supremely talented player but is someone who always strives to seek to improve.
“He is a very humble guy who is hugely popular throughout the Club. We are all very proud of him.”
Foden’s City teammates Erling Haaland, who won the award last year, and Rodri, as well as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins were also on the Player of the Year shortlist.
Chelsea forward Palmer was named the men’s PFA young player of the year.
Foden and Palmer’s awards made it the first time that both the senior and young player trophies went to English players since 2009-10, when Wayne Rooney and James Milner took home the silverware.
England international Palmer was second only to Haaland in the Premier League scoring charts with 22 goals in a breakthrough campaign after leaving Guardiola’s team to move to Stamford Bridge.
City enjoyed a clean sweep of the main awards at the Manchester ceremony as Khadija Shaw was voted the women’s Player of the Year.
Jamaican forward Shaw was the top scorer in the Women’s Super League with 21 goals as City were edged out for the title on goal difference by Chelsea.
“I am both happy and proud to have received this award, to be recognized in such a way by my peers is a very special honor,” Shaw said.
EWC ‘way beyond what I imagined’ — former Dutch international footballer Wesley Sneijder
- The ex-Ajax, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Galatasaray star visited Boulevard Riyadh City over the weekend
- Longtime gaming fan Sneijder discussed the esports evolution and shed light on the gaming culture during his football career
RIYADH: Former Dutch international footballer Wesley Sneijder has opened up on his Esports World Cup experience in Riyadh, describing the event as “insane” while tipping esports to be the future of global sport.
The former Ajax, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Galatasaray attacking midfielder — widely considered one of the best of his generation — visited Boulevard Riyadh City on Sunday during the Grand Finals of StarCraft II, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, and EA Sports FC.
“I was invited here and I love gaming, so there was never any doubt about accepting the invitation,” said Sneijder, who with 134 appearances holds the record as the Netherlands’ most capped player of all time.
“I’ve wanted to see professional gaming from a close-up perspective for some time now. The way esports has grown in recent years is incredible.
“I had some expectations before arriving but what I’ve seen goes way beyond what I imagined — it’s insane! The venue here and the facilities within are amazing, and as a fan I’m intrigued about what the years ahead will look like for the EWC. It’s going to become bigger and bigger every year because esports look set to be the future.”
Sneijder said the event brought back fond memories of the gaming cultures at his former clubs. The Dutchman, who made his professional debut for Ajax in 2002, said this was when his own gaming journey began.
“We didn’t have computers when I was really young, but the PlayStation was around by the time I made the Ajax first team,” he said. “We played together a lot, especially in pre-season, but after a certain point we hardly slept because we were playing during the night with training the next day!
“Gaming became huge for many footballers around that time and has remained so ever since. Looking back, we never could have imagined how much more advanced and realistic games would become.”
Reflecting on his time in Italy — where Serie A, Coppa Italia and UEFA Champions League triumphs sealed a historic continental treble under legendary manager Jose Mourinho in 2009/10 — Sneijder said: “This was where we played together the most as a team. I played a lot with Mario Balotelli and Marko Arnautovic — I loved playing with those guys.
“As footballers, it was always nice to see ourselves on FIFA. It was always an exciting time wondering who the new face would be and what the new skills would be ahead of a new edition. We often spoke about these things. Our ratings were also a major talking point every season and some players were like ‘Woah, why do I only have this?’ or ‘How am I not higher?’. We were always competitive about these little things but it was always great fun.”
Besides catching the action from EA SPORTS FC 24, the inaugural installment of the new series that succeeded FIFA, Sneijder’s EWC appearance also coincided with the finale of a tournament headlined by his favorite franchise.
“I’m a huge Call of Duty fan. I’ve seen and played every edition that’s ever been released, I absolutely love it and the improvements made in each new game are incredible,” he said.
