Teun Koopmeiners seeks silverware for Juventus in Saudi Arabia

Teun Koopmeiners says he has fulfilled a footballing dream by joining a club of the stature of Juventus — one that is always competing for trophies — and hopes the team known as the Old Lady of Turin is smiling brightly in Riyadh come Monday night. (Reuters)
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Updated 03 January 2025
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Teun Koopmeiners seeks silverware for Juventus in Saudi Arabia

  • Juve play AC Milan in the second semifinal of this year’s EA Sports FC Italian Supercup at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh on Friday. The winners face Inter Milan on Monday

RIYADH: Teun Koopmeiners says he has fulfilled a footballing dream by joining a club of the stature of Juventus — one that is always competing for trophies — and hopes the team known as the Old Lady of Turin is smiling brightly in Riyadh come Monday night.

To achieve the first trophy of his Juventus career, however, the summer signing from Atalanta will first need to play his part in overcoming AC Milan in the second semifinal of this year’s EA Sports FC Italian Supercup. The clash of the Italian giants kicks off at 10 p.m. Saudi time at Al-Awwal Park on Friday night.

Should they overcome the Rossoneri, they would face their city rivals, Inter Milan, after the Nerazzuri defeated Atalanta 2-0 through a double from Koopmeiners’ international team-mate Denzel Dumfries on Thursday in the other semifinal.

Inter now have the opportunity to win three Supercups in succession in Riyadh.

Koopmeiners is eager to bag a double of his own in downing both Milan clubs in the space of four days.

He was a key part of the Atalanta team that claimed UEFA Europa League glory last season — earning the 26-year-old the first trophy of his career — before joining Juventus for a reported fee of more than €50 million ($51.5 million).

Juventus enter the Supercup, which is being staged in Saudi Arabia for the fifth time, as winners of last season’s Coppa Italia.

Koopmeiners said: “The dream was to go to a club that plays everything to win prizes, to win trophies. Juventus has proven over the whole history of Serie A that they can win the most trophies. I wanted to go there to have a good chance but in sport there are never any guarantees. I also knew I wouldn’t go there and automatically win trophies; I have to work (hard) every single day to achieve that, and also with the team. It’s nice that in one week we can win a trophy inside two games. That’s what we go for and that’s what the full focus is on and that’s what I want to do.

“We need to be at our very best because AC Milan are a very strong team, as a team but also as individuals. We have to be confident to make it a great match. We have to play at our highest level to reach the final. Then we have to play another great game (against Inter) because one is not enough.”

Koopmeiners has a number of international team-mates playing in the Saudi Pro League, including Gini Wijnaldum at Al-Ettifaq and Steven Bergwijn at Al-Ittihad. The midfielder reports an overwhelmingly positive experience from those he has spoken to about living and playing in Saudi Arabia.

Koopmeiners, who starred for AZ Alkmaar — where younger brother Peer plays — in the Netherlands for four years before moving to Serie A, said: “They tell me that it’s developing a lot (in Saudi), that the facilities are really nice, and every month let alone every year it’s getting more attention. There are also some more players now that I’ve played against in other competitions that are playing here who are really positive and say the people are really nice.

“I also played at the World Cup in Qatar, which is quite close to here, so I’ve seen the culture there a little bit and the people were really nice. I think the most important thing is that the sport is bringing cultures together and everyone is enjoying this and learning from each other. Everyone can do better developing on the field, the training methods, and helping children to do better. I think everyone in sport and especially football should have the chance to enjoy.”


Swiatek faces Sabalenka as Boisson eyes ‘dream’ French Open final

Updated 55 min 13 sec ago
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Swiatek faces Sabalenka as Boisson eyes ‘dream’ French Open final

  • The biggest rivalry in the current women’s game will get its first instalment since last August in Cincinnati
  • Swiatek holds an 8-4 winning record against Sabalenka, but came into the tournament under a cloud after a disappointing clay-court season

PARIS: Iga Swiatek puts her bid for a fourth straight French Open title on the line against world number one Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday, before surprise French hero Lois Boisson aims to continue her fairytale run against Coco Gauff in the second semifinal.

The biggest rivalry in the current women’s game will get its first instalment since last August in Cincinnati when the reigning Roland Garros champion goes up against the top seed.

It will be only their second ever meeting at a Grand Slam tournament and their first since a three-set win for Swiatek in the 2022 US Open semifinals en route to the title.

Swiatek holds an 8-4 winning record against Sabalenka, but came into the tournament under a cloud after a disappointing clay-court season and without even a final appearance since lifting the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen 12 months ago.

But the Pole is on a remarkable 26-match winning streak in the French Open and could become the first woman to win four straight titles at Roland Garros since Suzanne Lenglen 102 years ago.

“I don’t know if she elevates my game,” she said of Sabalenka.

“But for sure our rivalry is pushing both of us, I think, but it’s not only about the level of tennis. It’s about like everything, how we work, and how professional we are.”

The pair practiced together in the build-up to the tournament, and Sabalenka credits their improving relationship off-court to a dance video they did for TikTok at last year’s WTA Finals.

Sabalenka has only beaten Swiatek once on clay, in the 2023 Madrid Open final.

Their most memorable clash was the 2024 final in the Spanish capital when Swiatek saved three championship points and won in a deciding-set tie-break.

“We’ve had a lot of great battles in the past,” Sabalenka said after her quarter-final win over Zheng Qinwen.

“I’m super excited to go out there and to fight and to do everything I need to get the win.”

Sabalenka has powered through the draw so far without dropping a set.

Swiatek has also been in dominant form, with the exception a battling comeback victory over Elena Rybakina in the fourth round, a performance she said she “needed.”

World number 361 Boisson is still dreaming of an improbable title on her Grand Slam debut after a memorable quarter-final triumph over rising Russian star Mirra Andreeva.

The 22-year-old Boisson missed out on making her first Roland Garros appearance last year after suffering a knee injury shortly before the tournament, but has more than made up for lost time with a stunning run through the draw.

She had never played a top-50 opponent before this week, but has now beaten two in the top 10 in third-ranked Jessica Pegula and world number six Andreeva to set up her last-four clash with Gauff.

“I think every kid who plays tennis has the dream to win a Slam. More for French players to win Roland Garros, for sure,” said Boisson.

“So, yeah, it’s a dream. For sure I will go for the dream, because my dream is to win it, not to be in the semifinal.”

Andreeva was overwhelmed by the atmosphere on Court Philippe Chatrier as she lost the last six games of her quarter-final against Boisson.

But Gauff has a plan to try and block out the noise from the partisan home crowd.

“I think there are two ways I have done it in the past. Either, A: just pretend they’re cheering for you, and B: just using it and not letting that get to you,” she said after defeating Australian Open champion Madison Keys in the last eight.

The American is bidding to reach her second French Open final after a demoralizing defeat by Swiatek in the 2022 showpiece.

Gauff has since won the US Open, in 2023, and climbed to second in the world.

The 21-year-old will be hoping her added experience can help her finally clinch the title at a tournament in which she has reached at least the quarter-finals in five successive years.


UAE’s ‘giant-killing’ of Bangladesh not as unlikely as some might think

Updated 05 June 2025
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UAE’s ‘giant-killing’ of Bangladesh not as unlikely as some might think

  • At first sight, the UAE men’s team beating Bangladesh in a 3-match T20 series appears to be an upset. On closer examination, this would be a disservice to the UAE in this format

“Giant-killing” in sport is often associated with cup competitions in soccer, when a team from a lower division beats one placed in a higher division.

A recent example was when Plymouth Argyle, near the foot of the Championship — effectively, the second tier of English football — beat the leaders of the Premier League, Liverpool, in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Feb. 9, 2025. There have been many other legendary examples of giant-killing in soccer. Use of the term to describe similar feats in other sports does not appear to be commonplace.

Perhaps it reflects the different structure of other sports. At its apex, cricket is not structured by divisions. Only 12 teams play Test cricket against each other. In one-day international cricket (ODIs) and T20 international cricket, the International Cricket Council rates teams according to performance. The Test-playing teams occupy the highest-rated positions in the shorter formats by virtue of their greater strength. Outside of World Cup tournaments they rarely play teams rated in the 20 places below them. Therefore, the opportunities for giant-killing would appear to be restricted.

This is not to say that upsets and surprises do not happen. They are part of the natural rhythm of sport. Identifying when they may happen is a challenging task. In Liverpool’s case, the manager selected a team consisting of a number of players who were not normally first choice for league matches. Last week I referred to Zimbabwe’s defeat of Australia in the group stage of the 1983 World Cup at Nottingham. Two members of the Zimbabwean team met several of the Australian team the evening before the match at the hotel where both teams were staying.

The Zimbabweans were surprised to learn of the level of disharmony within the Australian camp and the openness with which it was revealed. This revelation gave them hope and confidence, but it was not until the closing stages of the match that they realised a shock win was possible against an aging Australian team. The part-time players of Zimbabwe triumphed by 13 runs. Afterwards, the Australian captain admitted that “We knew nothing about them at all. There was no video analysis. We said, ‘We’ll find out what they’re like when we get out there on the park’.”

A vastly different environment exists today in which technical analysis of players’ performances in different circumstances are forensically assessed, with plans drawn up to promote, expose and counter them. It is not clear if these have led to upsets of smaller nations beating more powerful ones. At first sight, the UAE men’s team beating Bangladesh in a three-match T20 series between May 17 and 21 might appear to be an upset. On closer examination, this would be a disservice to the UAE in this format.

Prior to the series, Bangladesh were rated ninth in the ICC T20 rankings, compared with 15th for the UAE. The ratings are the result of dividing the total number of points earned by the number of games played. Bangladesh had a rating of 225 prior to the series compared with 181 for the UAE. Although there were only six places separating Bangladesh and the UAE, the reality is that, given the points system of two points for a win and minus two points for a loss, it would take a significant time for the UAE and teams with similar ratings to bridge the gap.

This puts the UAE’s series win into greater perspective. Bangladesh won the first match by 27 runs, the UAE losing its last seven wickets for 33 runs. In the second match, Bangladesh posted 205 for 5 wickets which the UAE chased down with only one delivery remaining for the loss of eight wickets. Muhammad Waseem top scored with 82. The crucial difference in that match was that the UAE’s lower order did not collapse. In the third match, the UAE chased down 163 for the loss of only three wickets, with five deliveries remaining. Alishan Sharafu scored an undefeated 68, assisted by 41 not out from Asif Khan. Earlier, Haider Ali had claimed three wickets for only seven runs.

After the series, Litton Das, Bangladesh’s captain, noted that his team bowled and fielded in the second half of all three matches, the UAE having won the toss and elected to field. He said that dew was a factor in making the ball more difficult to grip and field cleanly, adding that his team’s batting, including his own, had not been consistent enough. This pattern continued in Bangladesh’s next series against Pakistan, which the latter won 3-0. As a result, Bangladesh have dropped one rating place to 10th.

Although the UAE’s rating remained unchanged, the UAE team and their management were understandably delighted with the outcome. Emirates Cricket Board Chairman Nahayan Mabarak Al-Nahayan congratulated the team on their historic series win, saying that “the team had played brilliantly in the whole series, while the support staff put in the hard yards to make the victory possible, another glorious chapter in our cricketing history.” He added that the board will “continue to provide the best possible facilities and exposure to our immensely talented players.”

The UAE have previously beaten Test-playing countries Ireland, New Zealand and Afghanistan, the last two in 2023. Victory over Bangladesh should, as the chairman remarked, “give immense confidence and self-belief to our players and make them take on bigger and more established opponents.” It is in this context that giant-killing acts in cricket may be judged — the defeat of a Test-playing, ICC full member being defeated by an associate nation.

It was certainly a shock when the Netherlands beat South Africa in the group stages of the 2023 World Cup at Dharamsala by 38 runs. In the same competition, Afghanistan beat England by 69 runs. A year later, the US, as joint host nation of the 2024 T20 World Cup, beat Pakistan in a super over, bowled because the match scores were tied. One of the greatest upsets was achieved by Ireland in the 2011 ODI World Cup in Bengaluru. England scored 327 and, in reply, Ireland slumped to 111 for five. Kevin O’Brien then hammered 100 off 50 deliveries to propel Ireland to a sensational three-wicket victory.

Finding a common denominator to explain or forecast upsets remains elusive. In three of the above examples, the defeated full members either looked out of sorts on the day or had broader issues, which affected their performances.

In the case of Ireland, O’Brien produced an innings of brilliance, which occasionally and unexpectedly occurs. In more normal patterns it is possible that, as associate nations improve over time with appropriate developmental support from their national boards, the propensity for giant-killing may increase. This is a possibility for the UAE in T20 cricket rather than ODIs, in which their recent performances have put the team in jeopardy of losing its ODI status.


Ronaldo fires Portugal into Nations League final

Updated 05 June 2025
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Ronaldo fires Portugal into Nations League final

  • It was Portugal’s first win over Germany since 2000
  • Spain and France will clash in the other semifinal on Thursday to decide who will face Portugal in the decider on Sunday

MUNICH: Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner as Portugal fought back to beat Germany 2-1 on Wednesday, with the 40-year-old bagging his 137th international goal to send them into the Nations League final.

It was Portugal’s first win over Germany since 2000 with Ronaldo’s goal earning them a spot in their second Nations League final, after winning the inaugural edition in 2019.

Spain and France will clash in the other semifinal on Thursday to decide who will face Portugal in the decider on Sunday.

Germany dominated the first half, but it remained goalless thanks to the heroics of Portugal keeper Diogo Costa.

The shotstopper made an excellent start to the first half, keeping out a low shot from Germany’s Leon Goretzka after four minutes with a strong save.

Costa came to Portugal’s rescue again with an incredible save from Nick Woltemade’s close-range effort and two minutes later, he produced another quick reaction stop, diving low to tip away another attempt from Goretzka.

Germany took the lead in the 48th minute, as Florian Wirtz headed in unmarked in the box, following a pinpoint lobbed pass from Joshua Kimmich.

However, Portugal turned the match around, first equalizing through substitute Francisco Conceicao in the 63rd minute, before Ronaldo tapped in five minutes later after Nuno Mendes teed him up.

For Conceicao, the win carried extra significance, as his father Sergio scored a hat-trick the last time Portugal beat Germany — at the European Championship in 2000.

“We need to enjoy the victory — we won for the first time in a while against Germany. Tactically we were exceptional and our commitment helped... it was a team victory,” Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said.

“Now we can recover and evaluate,” he added. “We want another performance with personality in this shirt.”

Germany looked to shift the momentum when substitute Karim Adeyemi unleashed a powerful rising strike with his left foot, only to see it crash against the outside of Costa’s right-hand post.

Portugal could have grabbed a third goal very late in the match but Germany keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen stretched impressively to perform a double save.

It was a disappointing 100th appearance for Germany captain Kimmich.

“The defeat is absolutely deserved. We weren’t playing well enough in the first half. After going 1-0 up, nothing came of it in the second half,” he told reporters.

“We have to learn from this. If we’re not at 100 percent, we can’t beat a top European team. Today was one of our worst games, purely based on our performance.”


Brazil need to get the best out of Vinicius Jr., says Ancelotti

Updated 05 June 2025
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Brazil need to get the best out of Vinicius Jr., says Ancelotti

  • Ancelotti: I don’t know if he’s been at his best here, but he has time to do what he does at Real Madrid
  • Vinicius made his World Cup debut in Qatar in 2022 and has been a regular during their qualifying campaign for the 2026 tournament

GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador: Brazil must help striker Vinicius Jr. rediscover the form he has displayed at Real Madrid, new national team coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Wednesday.

Ancelotti, who guided the Spanish giants to several titles alongside the Brazilian forward, including two Champions League triumphs and two LaLiga crowns, said that his unique ability to unsettle opposing defenses made him a vital asset.

“I don’t know if he’s been at his best here, but he has time to do what he does at Real Madrid,” Ancelotti told reporters ahead of Brazil’s World Cup qualifying match against Ecuador on Thursday — his first match in charge of the national team.

“For us, he’s a fundamental player. We have to work to ensure he performs at his best here,” the manager added.

Vinicius made his World Cup debut in Qatar in 2022 and has been a regular during their qualifying campaign for the 2026 tournament. However, he has struggled for form with the national team, falling short of his usual standards at Real Madrid.

Regarding his tactical approach, Ancelotti stated that he aims to field a compact, balanced team.

“I don’t want a team with a clear identity. We have to defend well, whether it’s 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. We have to defend together and use creativity with the ball,” he said.

“Individual quality is not enough today; you have to combine it with attitude, drive and commitment.”

He didn’t reveal his starting lineup for his debut as coach, but he did have words of praise for 18-year-old Estevao, who is leaving Palmeiras for Chelsea and has been tipped for a bright future with the national team.

“He’s got a special talent... he’s got character, he’s a good person, he’s humble, and he seems fine to me, but with a young player we have to be patient and careful. He has the characteristics to be very important for the future of the national team,” the coach said.

Brazil are fourth in the standings for the South American World Cup qualifiers, while their opponents Ecuador are second, behind world champions Argentina. The top six qualify directly for the World Cup.

They will host Paraguay in Sao Paulo next week and could secure an early spot at next year’s World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.


Thunders vs. Pacers 2025 NBA Finals highlight NBA’s competitive parity

Updated 05 June 2025
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Thunders vs. Pacers 2025 NBA Finals highlight NBA’s competitive parity

  • NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum says the series between Oklahoma and Indiana shows success no longer dictated by market size and reflects the league’s evolving landscape

DUBAI: As the 2025 NBA Finals tip off in Oklahoma City this week, the league is celebrating this year’s matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers as a landmark moment. These are finals defined by competitive parity, the rise of international stars, and a clear message: In today’s NBA, success is no longer dictated by market size.

During a pre-finals international media call, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said the Thunder-Pacers series reflects the league’s evolving landscape.

“This season, we will crown the seventh different NBA champion in seven years, a first in league history. This speaks to the parity in today’s NBA, where more teams have a chance to win and more players are stepping up on the global stage,” Tatum said.

A new era of champions

Neither Oklahoma City nor Indiana has ever won an NBA title, with the Pacers’ only championships coming in the ABA. But both teams have reached the top through smart drafting, player development, and long-term vision, not through market size or heavy spending.

“It’s still early, but I’m encouraged by what we’re seeing in terms of parity,” Tatum said. “Teams like OKC and Indiana prove that strong management, regardless of market size, can build championship contenders. The result is increased global interest and competitive balance.”

The Thunder finished with a league-best 68 wins behind Canadian-born MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Pacers, led by Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton, advanced through the East with dynamic offense and relentless energy. Both squads are young, deep, and built with a clear identity.

Small markets, global reach

While Oklahoma City and Indiana are traditionally considered small markets, their impact in 2025 tells a different story. Through global broadcasting and social media, the finals and their stars are more accessible than ever.

“Market size doesn’t have the same weight it once did. Thanks to social media, international distribution, and player-driven content, stars from any team can become global icons,” the NBA deputy commissioner added.

This postseason supports that claim. The NBA recorded its most-viewed opening playoff weekend in 25 years, and the Eastern Conference Finals between Indiana and New York had the highest viewership in seven years. Across digital platforms, engagement is at an all-time high.

“The Thunder and Pacers have proven that you don’t need to be from New York or Los Angeles to capture global attention. If your team plays the right way and your players connect with fans, the world will watch,” Tatum continued.

Global stars, global stage

The finals spotlight two international standouts: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from Canada and Pascal Siakam from Cameroon. Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named both the 2025 NBA regular season MVP and Western Conference Finals MVP, and Siakam, the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, have emerged as global stars on the league’s biggest stage. Both are products of the NBA’s global development programs, including Basketball Without Borders. Siakam participated in the Basketball Without Borders Africa camp in 2012, which played a significant role in his basketball development. Gilgeous-Alexander attended the Basketball Without Borders Global camp in 2016, showcasing his talent on an international stage.

“This is truly a breakout moment for Shai,” Tatum said. “And Pascal’s story, from attending a camp in Africa to becoming an NBA champion and now returning to the finals, is a powerful example of what international investment can achieve.”

Built, not bought

This year’s finals also highlight the impact of the league’s updated Collective Bargaining Agreement. Neither team is a luxury-tax payer, and both rosters were built through the draft, player development, and smart acquisitions.

Tatum highlighted that there are multiple paths to building a championship contender, adding that what we are seeing now is a validation of the system. Drafting Chet Holmgren, trading for Alex Caruso, and signing Isaiah Hartenstein are all smart, sustainable moves.

Finals for the future

With Gilgeous-Alexander, Haliburton, Siakam, and Holmgren at the forefront, the 2025 NBA finals represent more than a battle for the title. It marks a generational shift in the league.

“These players aren’t anointed. They earn their place. And this is where they begin to cement their status as the future faces of the NBA,” Tatum concluded.

As two passionate fan bases chase their first NBA title and a global audience tunes in, the Thunder-Pacers Finals stand as a symbol of the league’s evolution, driven by competitive parity and the rise of international stars who are boosting viewership around the world.

Given that Oklahoma City holds home court advantage, Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips off on Thursday, June 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET (Friday, June 6 at 4:30 a.m. GST), live from Oklahoma City.