Milan's Lead Cut to a Point as Title Race Heads towards Thrilling Climax

File Photo: Olivier Giroud was twice denied as Milan failed to score against Bologna. MIGUEL MEDINA AFP
File Photo: Olivier Giroud was twice denied as Milan failed to score against Bologna. MIGUEL MEDINA AFP
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Milan's Lead Cut to a Point as Title Race Heads towards Thrilling Climax

File Photo: Olivier Giroud was twice denied as Milan failed to score against Bologna. MIGUEL MEDINA AFP
File Photo: Olivier Giroud was twice denied as Milan failed to score against Bologna. MIGUEL MEDINA AFP

AC Milan lead Serie A by a single point after failing to get past mid-table Bologna on Monday, a goalless draw the latest twist in a thrilling title race which looks to be heading to the wire.

After dropping two precious points Stefano Pioli's side hold a slender lead over second-placed Napoli, who ran out impressive 3-1 winners at Atalanta on Sunday afternoon and are now snapping at Milan's heels.

Defending champions Inter Milan are four points back in third with a game in hand following their 1-0 triumph at fourth-placed Juventus, who are eight points off the pace with seven matches left, AFP said.

The draw was another disappointing result against one of the league's lesser lights, their displays against teams they should beat a consistent problem as the season inches towards its climax.

Milan took 33 shots over the course of the match but only seven were on target in an imprecise performance in front of goal which could yet cost them a first league title since 2011.

"The only thing that we were missing was the goal because we fought, played with intensity and created a lot of opportunities," said Pioli to DAZN.

"We were neither nervous nor cocky... as the minutes ticked away we lost a bit of lucidity and we got a bit rushed, but absolutely not because we were feeling the pressure."

Bologna, who sit 12th, were without their coach Sinisa Mihajlovic who is being treated for leukaemia but spoke to his players in the days leading up to the match on a video call from Sant'Orsola hospital in the northern Italian city.

- Wasteful Milan -The away side fought throughout in front of over 68,000 fans at the San Siro and could even have taken the lead midway through the first half when Mike Maignan pulled off a fingertip save to keep out Musa Barrow's long-range rocket.

However Milan dominated the play as they pushed to maintain their three-point lead on Napoli, with Olivier Giroud being denied twice just before half-time by Lukasz Skorupski.

The hosts came out aggressively after the break but again struggled to find a way past Skorupski, who kept out Rafael Leao's low drive before watching Davide Calabria's 61st-minute drive fly just wide after being set up by his Portuguese teammate.

Leao scuffed wide a curling effort 11 minutes later and Fikayo Tomori hit over the bar before Skorupski saved a point for Bologna in the fifth minute of stoppage time by tipping over Ante Rebic's powerful header, which fortunately for the Pole was hit straight down the middle of his goal.

Earlier Giovanni Simeone struck his 16th league goal of the season in Verona's 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Genoa who fell to their first defeat under coach Alexander Blessin.

Simeone became only the second player in Verona's history after Luca Toni to net more than 15 times in a single Serie A campaign after his decisive fifth-minute strike which moved Verona up to ninth and left Genoa second from bottom, three points from safety.

Blessin had not lost in his previous eight matches in charge since arriving at Genoa a virtual unknown in January, running out seven consecutive draws before beating Torino just before the international break.

Verona were playing without the support of their hardcore fans after the Curva Sud section of the Stadio Bentegodi was closed following racist abuse directed at Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly and Victor Osimhen in their previous home fixture last month.



France to Boost Olympics Security with Foreign Military, Police Support

FILE PHOTO: French police patrol at the Trocadero square near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, March 4, 2024. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: French police patrol at the Trocadero square near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, March 4, 2024. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo
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France to Boost Olympics Security with Foreign Military, Police Support

FILE PHOTO: French police patrol at the Trocadero square near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, March 4, 2024. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: French police patrol at the Trocadero square near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, March 4, 2024. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo

France has asked about 45 foreign countries to contribute several thousand extra military, police and civilian personnel to help safeguard the Paris Olympics this summer, government sources said on Friday, amid a complex geopolitical and security outlook.
The country plans to deploy about 45,000 French police and security forces, 20,000 private security personnel and around 15,000 military each day to protect an event that will see millions of sports fans and tourists stay in the country for several weeks at the height of summer.

Germany will introduce temporary border controls as part of ramped-up security around soccer's 2024 European Championship which it is hosting, the interior minister said Tuesday.
The tournament starts on June 14 and is set to attract 2.7 million fans to stadiums and up to 12 million at public viewing events.


Hijab Wearing Players in Women’s NCAA Tournament Hope to Inspire Others

Diaba Konate #23 of the UC Irvine Anteaters dribbles against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first quarter in the first round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at McCarthey Athletic Center on March 23, 2024 in Spokane, Washington. (Getty Images/AFP)
Diaba Konate #23 of the UC Irvine Anteaters dribbles against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first quarter in the first round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at McCarthey Athletic Center on March 23, 2024 in Spokane, Washington. (Getty Images/AFP)
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Hijab Wearing Players in Women’s NCAA Tournament Hope to Inspire Others

Diaba Konate #23 of the UC Irvine Anteaters dribbles against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first quarter in the first round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at McCarthey Athletic Center on March 23, 2024 in Spokane, Washington. (Getty Images/AFP)
Diaba Konate #23 of the UC Irvine Anteaters dribbles against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first quarter in the first round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at McCarthey Athletic Center on March 23, 2024 in Spokane, Washington. (Getty Images/AFP)

N.C. State's Jannah Eissa and UC Irvine's Diaba Konate are leaving a big impact off the court, bringing visibility and inspiration to Muslim women by wearing hjiabs while they play.

They aren't the first women to do it in NCAA Tournament play, but with record viewership and attendance they are certainly getting noticed.

“Representation really matters,” said Konate whose team lost in the first round of the tournament to Gonzaga. “Just having people, young Muslim women wearing the hijab, we’re not there yet. Just seeing us play, I think it makes me really happy because I used to have people that I was looking up to. Now having people that look up to me makes me happy.”

Konate admires Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, who made NCAA history by being the first to wear a hijab in college basketball when she played for Memphis a decade ago. Abdul-Qaadir was instrumental in getting FIBA to overturn its own ban on headgear in 2017.

Konate started 31 of the team’s 32 games, averaging 7.5 points and nearly four assists. She moved to the US from France after receiving a scholarship from Idaho State. She transferred to UC Irvine as a junior.

She’d love for a chance to play in a hijab at home in France, where she won two medals playing on their youth teams, but as of now the French Federation of Basketball prohibits the wearing of “any equipment with a religious or political connotation”.

“Being French and hosting the Olympics, it really hurts to not be able to be ourselves,” said Konate, who first started wearing the hijab in 2020. “Hopefully, it changes.”

Eissa and Konate have never met, but are aware of each other.

“I just know there’s another woman wearing a hijab,” Eissa said. “I just saw a post about two days ago. I was so happy there are other people.”

Eissa, who turned 18 in February was a walk-on at N.C. State, joining the team after trying out in September. Even though she didn't play much this season — appearing in 11 games and hitting one 3-pointer — her impact is definitely being felt.

Earlier this season a group of young Muslim girls came to her game. They ended up coming a few more times to support her.

“I’d love to say I was a role model to them. Never thought I could be a role model for someone I didn’t know,” said Eissa, who grew up in Cairo before coming to N.C. State. “Never knew one person could make such an impact. They were so young girls and girls my age looking up to me and I was so happy.”

Eissa chose N.C. State because her dad got his PhD from the school and her two older sisters go there.

She said that even when she was having a bad day or an off day, she'd remember her young fans and it would make her happy.

“If they see someone giving them hope, I’m happy that I’m the person to give it to them," Eissa said. “I want to make it as far as I can for the image of women in hijabs.”


Murray Pulls Out of Monte Carlo, Munich Due to Ankle Injury

 Andy Murray, of Great Britain, celebrates winning a game against Tomas Machac, of Czech Republic, in their men's third round match at the Miami Open tennis tournament, Sunday, March 24, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP)
Andy Murray, of Great Britain, celebrates winning a game against Tomas Machac, of Czech Republic, in their men's third round match at the Miami Open tennis tournament, Sunday, March 24, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP)
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Murray Pulls Out of Monte Carlo, Munich Due to Ankle Injury

 Andy Murray, of Great Britain, celebrates winning a game against Tomas Machac, of Czech Republic, in their men's third round match at the Miami Open tennis tournament, Sunday, March 24, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP)
Andy Murray, of Great Britain, celebrates winning a game against Tomas Machac, of Czech Republic, in their men's third round match at the Miami Open tennis tournament, Sunday, March 24, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP)

Andy Murray will miss the Monte Carlo Masters and Munich Open next month as he recovers from a severe ankle injury sustained during his exit from the Miami Open, the Briton's team announced on Friday.

The 36-year-old rolled his ankle in the deciding set of his 5-7 7-5 7-6(5) defeat by Czech Tomas Machac in southern Florida last Sunday and had said that he would be out for an "extended period" on the sidelines with ruptured ligaments.

"Following consultation with his team and medical experts, Andy Murray has taken the decision to miss the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters and BMW Open Munich," a statement from his team read.

"At this stage, it is still not clear how long Andy will be out of action, and he is continuing to review options with his medical team.

"Obviously this is disappointing news for Andy and he has reiterated his desire to get back on court as soon as possible."

Former world number one and three-times Grand Slam champion Murray, who returned after hip resurfacing surgery in 2019, had previously said he did not plan to "play much past this summer" but hoped to compete at another Olympics.

He had also said he hoped to play at the French Open, which starts at Roland Garros on May 26.

Wimbledon, where Murray has twice been champion, will begin on July 1 and the Paris Games get underway later that month.

The Monte Carlo Masters will be held April 7-14, and the Munich Open April 15-21.


French Soccer Federation Limits Support for Players’ Ramadan Observance, Critics See Discrimination

The match is paused so Muslim players can break their fast due to Ramadan during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at the Goodison Park stadium in Liverpool, England, on April 3, 2023. (AP)
The match is paused so Muslim players can break their fast due to Ramadan during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at the Goodison Park stadium in Liverpool, England, on April 3, 2023. (AP)
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French Soccer Federation Limits Support for Players’ Ramadan Observance, Critics See Discrimination

The match is paused so Muslim players can break their fast due to Ramadan during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at the Goodison Park stadium in Liverpool, England, on April 3, 2023. (AP)
The match is paused so Muslim players can break their fast due to Ramadan during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at the Goodison Park stadium in Liverpool, England, on April 3, 2023. (AP)

For Muslim soccer players in deeply secular France, observing Ramadan is a tall order, and this is not about to change.

Wielding the principle of religious neutrality enshrined in the French constitution, the country’s soccer federation does not make things easy for international players who want to refrain from drinking or eating from dawn to sunset during the Islamic holy month.

Ahead of training camps which took place in March, the federation made clear it would not change the schedule for meals and practices to accommodate players who want to fully observe the religious ritual.

Some left-wing politicians, coaches and former players were outraged; the federation denied accusations of religious discrimination.

The secular outlook in France also prevents league referees from authorizing pauses in games to allow Muslim players to break their fast with a quick bite and drink on the sidelines during evening matches. Such breaks have been authorized in nearby countries such as Germany, England and the Netherlands.

French secularism, while affirming religious freedom, provides that the state does not favor any religion and remains neutral. The French soccer federation (FFF) says part of its mission is to defend the country’s strict adherence to secularism in public life.

Critics say this leads to anti-Muslim rules.

“You want to forbid them to be Muslim. Whether we like it or not, it’s part of their identity that we’re trying to erase,” said Demba Ba, the former Senegal international player who was born in France and is Muslim.

He says he fasted for Ramadan throughout his professional career, even on match days. He has described particularly hard days when he played in the English Premier League with Newcastle, with matches sometimes scheduled at 1 p.m. in the summer, when the sun sets late in this part of England.

While Catholicism remains the leading religion, Islam is France’s second-largest faith, encompassing an estimated 10% of the population.

FRANCE’S LACK OF RAMADAN ACCOMMODATIONS GOES AGAINST TREND In Muslim countries, clubs shift their training schedule to make it easier for players who fast during Ramadan. In recent years, Western countries have followed suit and France’s approach seems increasingly isolated.

In the English Premier League, captains of clubs with Muslim players can arrange with match officials to create a pause at sundown to allow players to break their fast. Soccer officials in Australia have adopted the same approach, introducing breaks for players observing Ramadan for the first time this season. In the US, Major League Soccer introduced drink breaks last year.

In addition, some Premier League teams have signed a Muslim athletes’ charter, pledging to create a more inclusive environment.

In France, meanwhile, Nantes coach Antoine Kombouare said last year he helped his players adapt their schedule to Ramadan’s requirements, but fasting on game day was not an option.

Kombouare would let the players fast during the week, but on match day he would not select those who do.

“I respect that a player fasts. But on the other hand, he has to respect the rules I’ve put in place, and that goes for everyone,” Kombouare said.

Philippe Diallo, the FFF president, denies accusations the federation is effectively banning Ramadan observance due to its stringent rules.

“No one at the federation, starting with me, has forbidden anyone to fast,” Diallo told France Info media. “I can’t accept people saying that the FFF discriminates on religious grounds.”

The FFF says fasting players are allowed to skip meals and offered medical advice. It also contends that Muslim players who choose to postpone their fasting days will have a valid excuse in the eyes of religious authorities.

The controversy — spotlighted last year when France Under-23 players reportedly threatened to go on strike for the right to fast — grew after Habib Beye, the coach of Paris-based Red Star, criticized the federation’s framework related to religious fasting.

“I truly respect my players’ faith of any kind,” Beye said last week. “I also have players practicing Lent. One only sees the downsides, but I only see the benefits. It creates cohesion, discussions, a solidarity that people may not see on a football pitch.”

Beye, who says he’s the son of a Muslim and a Catholic, believes the strict rules are imposed only on Muslim players.

“I call it religious discrimination,” he said.

Water and dates are the traditional Muslim way to break the fast during Ramadan. Last year, Paris Saint-Germain fans mocked the federation rules by deploying during a match a banner that read: “A date, a glass of water: the FFF’s nightmare.”

SOCCER LIMITS REFUEL SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE DEBATE The polemics are refueling the lingering debate on secularism — still volatile more than a century after the 1905 law on separation of church and state that established it as a principle of the French Republic. The country’s constitution states, “France is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic. It ensures the equality of all citizens before the law, without distinction of origin, race or religion.”

Razika Adnani, a secular philosopher who studies how people relate to Islam, welcomed the FFF decision to maintain its ban on breaking the fast during matches. By refusing such pauses, she said the federation protects Muslims who do not fast — but might pretend they fast, and refrain from drinking water, to avoid reprisals from Muslim fans.

“Originally, breaking the fast was a private matter,” she wrote in an op-ed piece for the newspaper Le Figaro. “It was done at home with the family or in restaurants. Interrupting matches to allow players to break their Ramadan fast, which is more than just a ’refreshing break,’ is tantamount to establishing this Ramadan atmosphere on the soccer pitch and imposing it on all players, all supporters, all viewers, in a form of fait accompli.”

There were no Ramadan-linked incidents reported during the latest gathering of senior French international players. But there were reports in French media last week that Lyon midfielder Mahamadou Diawara declined to join the France Under-19s training camp when he found out about the rules relating to religious fasting. Asked for comments, Lyon and the French federation did not give a reason for Diawara’s refusal to attend.

To guarantee a neutral approach, Diallo said there can’t be any changes to timetables and common practices at training camps purely on religious grounds.

“I respect everyone’s convictions,” he said. “When players are selected for the French national team, I don’t ask them about their religion.”

The FFF insists the rules are not anti-Islam and that players who might want to observe Lent-related fasting, for instance, would also have to observe the federation’s framework and would not be accommodated.

The polemics are reminiscent of the heated debate that emerged when France’s highest administrative court ruled last year that the French soccer federation was entitled to ban headscarves in competitions, even though the measure could limit freedom of expression.

The Council of State issued its ruling after a group of headscarf-wearing soccer players called “Les Hijabeuses” — the word hijab refers to the headscarf — campaigned against the ban and launched legal action.


Grigor Dimitrov Ousts Top-Seeded Carlos Alcaraz in Miami Open Quarterfinals

 Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria celebrates after defeating Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the Miami Open tennis tournament, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP)
Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria celebrates after defeating Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the Miami Open tennis tournament, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP)
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Grigor Dimitrov Ousts Top-Seeded Carlos Alcaraz in Miami Open Quarterfinals

 Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria celebrates after defeating Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the Miami Open tennis tournament, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP)
Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria celebrates after defeating Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the Miami Open tennis tournament, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP)

Eleventh-seeded Grigor Dimitrov came out strong against top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday night and went on to win 6-2, 6-4 in the Miami Open quarterfinals, his first victory over a top-five player in nearly five years.

Fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev, who beat unseeded Fabian Marozsan 6-3, 7-5, will play Dimitrov in the semifinals Friday. Second-seeded Jannik Sinner will face No. 3 Daniil Medvedev in the other semifinal, a rematch of last year’s final that Medvedev won.

Dimitrov said he didn't want to evaluate the quality of his play against Alcaraz “since I have to play again tomorrow. I’m trying to stay on point. This is how our sport is. You appreciate it, of course. You’re very happy with the current win. Then you have to quickly move on and start focusing on the next match.”

Alcaraz, the 2022 champion, entered this tournament off a victory over Medvedev at Indian Wells. But the world's second-ranked player had trouble finding his game against Dimitrov and became visibly frustrated numerous times in the first set.

But Alcaraz didn't go away even after falling behind a break at 4-2 in the second set. He broke Dimitrov at love and then held serve to even the set at 4-4. Dimitrov, though, won the final two games, breaking Alcaraz in the clincher.

Alacaraz said Dimitrov played “almost perfect.”

“I have a lot of frustrations right now because he made me feel like I’m 13 years old,” the 20-year-old Alcaraz said. “It was crazy. I was talking to my team saying that I don’t know what I have to do. I don’t know his weakness. I don’t know anything.”

This was Dimitrov's first victory over a top-five player since he beat then-No. 3 Roger Federer in the quarterfinals of the 2019 US Open.

On the women's side, fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina once again had to go three sets, pushed to the edge before beating No. 27 Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 0-6, 7-6 (2) in the semifinals.

Rybakina, ranked fourth on the WTA Tour, will on Saturday face unseeded Danielle Collins, who defeated No. 14 Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-2. Rybakina also made last year's final, losing in straight sets to Petra Kvitová.

“This year, it’s much different,” Rybakina said. “I was not expecting, honestly, to be in the final because I was not prepared that well for this tournament, but really happy that I managed to battle through all these matches and be in the final again.”

A day off will likely be welcome for Rybakina, who has been pushed to three sets in all but one match this tournament. Thursday’s match lasted 2 hours, 33 minutes, and she told the Tennis Channel that for the first time in her career, she has rested on the days between matches during a tournament.

“In the beginning, these long matches were helping me to get back in shape,” Rybakina said. “Now I’m not in shape just because I’m tired of all these long matches, but overall, it was really successful tournament no matter how I do in the final.”

Rybakina appeared to take control when she broke Azarenka's serve to take a 3-2 lead in the third set. Azarenka fought off four break points before hitting a two-handed backhand into the net to give Rybakina the game.

It was quite a response from the second set when Azarenka lost only two points on her serve, and one came on a double fault.

But Azarenka wasn't done. With Rybakina serving for the match, Azarenka broke back to even the final set at 5-5. Both players then held serve to send the match to a tiebreaker, which belonged to Rybakina, who went up 6-1. She wrapped up the victory with a cross-court forehand.

Rybakina is seeking her third title this year. She is 4-0 in her career against Azarenka, including two victories this year.

Azarenka, 34, was attempting to become the tournament's oldest winner. She became the second-oldest semifinalist; 36-year-old Venus Williams made the semis in 2017.


Japan Leukaemia Survivor Ikee to Swim at Paris Olympics

Rikako Ikee celebrates a bronze medal for the women's 50m butterfly at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP
Rikako Ikee celebrates a bronze medal for the women's 50m butterfly at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP
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Japan Leukaemia Survivor Ikee to Swim at Paris Olympics

Rikako Ikee celebrates a bronze medal for the women's 50m butterfly at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP
Rikako Ikee celebrates a bronze medal for the women's 50m butterfly at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP

Leukaemia survivor Rikako Ikee will compete for Japan in the 100m butterfly at the Paris Olympics after missing out on an individual place at the Tokyo Games three years ago.
Three-time world champion Daiya Seto will swim the men's individual medley after Japan's 27-member team for the Paris Games was announced by the country's Swimming Federation on Wednesday.
An 18-year-old Ikee was named MVP of the 2018 Asian Games after claiming six golds and two silvers, and was expected to be one of the stars of the Tokyo Olympics, said AFP.
In early 2019, a few months after those triumphs, she was diagnosed with leukemia and spent around 10 months in hospital.
She only returned to competition in August 2020 and completed an incredible comeback by winning the 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly at the 2021 Olympic trials.
Her times were not fast enough to qualify for the individual events in Tokyo but the performances gained her selection for both freestyle and medley relay teams at her home Olympics.
Now 23, Ikee secured her place in the 100m butterfly by just 0.01sec at Japan's trials earlier this month as she held off the fast-finishing Matsumoto Shiho to finish second in 57.34sec.
"In the end I think it was my long arms that won the touch," Ikee was quoted as saying by Olympics.com.
"I think God was on my side today."
The race was won in an impressive 56.91sec by 17-year-old Haiari Mazuki, one of several talented Japanese teenagers in the team.
Also heading to Paris are Mio Narita, 17, in the women's individual medley and Tomoyuki Matsushita, 18, who swims the same event for men.
"I'm glad lots of veterans and young talent made it to the national team this time," Daichi Suzuki, the swimming federation chief, was reported as saying by Japan media.
"I hope to see them on the podium with Japan's national flag on their shoulders in Paris," he added.


FIFA Series 2024 Concludes in Jeddah

The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
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FIFA Series 2024 Concludes in Jeddah

The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA

The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the Kingdom played host during the international FIFA days, featuring eight national teams. Held in Jeddah, the matches took place in two venues -- the auxiliary stadiums of King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City -- from March 21 to March 26 of this year, Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) President Yasser Al Misehal said in a news release, SPA reported.
The first group featured teams from Cape Verde (Confederation of African Football), Cambodia (Asian Football Confederation), Equatorial Guinea (Confederation of African Football), and Guyana (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football), while the second group included Bermuda (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football), Brunei Darussalam (Asian Football Confederation), Guinea (Confederation of African Football), and Vanuatu (Oceania Football Confederation).
The SAFF president hailed the event as a "success" and emphasized the role of Saudi talents in showcasing Saudi Arabia's capacity to host global events.

"This tournament is seen as a collaborative effort between FIFA and the Saudi Federation to develop international football, aligning with FIFA's goals, particularly in developing national teams and creating more opportunities for their growth” he said.
Saudi Arabia recently has hosted numerous high-profile events, establishing itself as a global sports powerhouse. Its recent hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup, Spanish and Italian Super Cups, and the West Asian Women's Championship, coupled with its hosting the 2027 Asian Cup, showcase its ambition.

The Kingdom's potential candidacy for the 2034 World Cup further demonstrates its commitment to major sporting events.


Liverpool 'Not The Right Option' For Alonso, Says Matthaeus

Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Jurgen Klopp and teammates celebrate after winning the EFL Carabao Cup final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain, 25 February 2024. EPA/ANDY RAIN
Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Jurgen Klopp and teammates celebrate after winning the EFL Carabao Cup final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain, 25 February 2024. EPA/ANDY RAIN
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Liverpool 'Not The Right Option' For Alonso, Says Matthaeus

Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Jurgen Klopp and teammates celebrate after winning the EFL Carabao Cup final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain, 25 February 2024. EPA/ANDY RAIN
Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Jurgen Klopp and teammates celebrate after winning the EFL Carabao Cup final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain, 25 February 2024. EPA/ANDY RAIN

Ballon d'Or winner Lothar Matthaeus said Wednesday a move to Liverpool in the summer was "not the right option" for in-demand Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso.

Alonso has been linked with moves to Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, clubs where he all spent time as a player, having so far done a stunning job at runaway Bundesliga leaders Leverkusen.

Alonso has the unbeaten side 10 points clear of Bayern Munich and on track for a first-ever German title with eight games remaining this season.

In an interview with AFP and other media on Wednesday, Matthaeus said following outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp would be difficult for any coach and that the in-demand Alonso should stay with Leverkusen.

"Liverpool is not the right option for Xabi Alonso after this season. He has better options."

Matthaeus spent the majority of his career at Bayern and said he would welcome Alonso as the replacement for outgoing coach Thomas Tuchel in the summer but admitted in Munich "(Alonso) would have to build a new team for the future, with new players".

Leverkusen have won 34 and drawn four of 38 games this season. With the club in the final four of the German Cup and the quarter-finals of the Europa League, Alonso has Leverkusen on course for a treble.

"Why move to Liverpool? Why should he leave this beautiful team which makes us happy with their beautiful football, like Barcelona 12 years ago?"

Klopp shocked the football world in January by announcing he would leave Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years at the Reds, citing exhaustion.

Matthaeus said Klopp's success at Liverpool made him a hard act to follow.

"To coach at Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp is not easy because Jurgen is a hero, he's fantastic. What he was doing is great and what could you do that was much better?"

The 1990 World Cup winning captain praised current Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann and said the side was "on the right path" after returning to form with wins over France and the Netherlands in the last week.

However, Matthaeus did add: "In Germany, our dream and wish was that Jurgen Klopp would be the next national coach."


Endrick and Yamal Shine as Vinícius Júnior’s Brazil Draws 3-3 with Spain in ‘One Skin’ Friendly 

Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)
Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)
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Endrick and Yamal Shine as Vinícius Júnior’s Brazil Draws 3-3 with Spain in ‘One Skin’ Friendly 

Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)
Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)

Teenagers Lamine Yamal and Endrick took the spotlight as Brazil drew 3-3 with Spain on Tuesday in the “One Skin” international friendly that was set up to highlight the fight against racism after a series of insults aimed at the Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior.

Vinícius was relatively quiet in a match in which Brazil equalized with a penalty converted by Lucas Paquetá deep into stoppage time after Rodri's spot kick in the 87th had put Spain ahead.

Brazil had rallied from two goals down with an equalizer scored by Vinícius’ future Madrid teammate Endrick, the 17-year-old Palmeiras player who had made his scoring debut with Brazil just three days previous.

The Spanish lineup was led by 16-year-old Barcelona forward Yamal, who helped set up three goals and received a standing ovation from the crowd at Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium when he was substituted near the end of the match.

“Yamal and Endrick are players who have a chance to be stars at the 2026 World Cup,” Brazil coach Dorival Júnior said. “They both play at a very high level.”

The international friendly came a day after Vinícius broke down in tears while talking about the continued racist insults that he is subjected to in Spain, saying he was losing his desire to keep playing but pledged to continue his fight against racism.

Vinícius was loudly applauded when he was substituted in the 71st. The 23-year-old Brazilian, the Seleçao’s captain on Tuesday, received some of the loudest jeers when his name was introduced ahead of the match.

Brazilian players went onto the field wearing black jackets with the slogan “One Skin, One Identity.” The jackets will be auctioned to help an anti-racism campaign.

Vinícius, who has been accused of provoking fans and opponents, got into verbal altercations with Spanish players, including from the bench after leaving the match. He also shoved Spain defender Aymeric Laporte from behind while play was stopped.

Laporte tweeted after the match the question: “Maybe he wanted to dance...?” accompanied by a previous tweet with the image of Vinícius’ shove and quoting the Brazilian from Monday, when he said, “I just want to play soccer.”

The friendly game was set up by Spanish and Brazilian soccer officials amid the uproar that followed the racist insults aimed at Vinícius in a Spanish league game in Valencia 10 months ago. Many believed the incident would be a turning point for soccer in Spain, but another wave of racist abuse targeting Vinícius has followed.

While most of the attention was on Vinícius, it was Yamal threatening the most with his speed and quick moves to get past Brazilian defenders.

Rodri put Spain ahead by converting a 13th-minute penalty kick after Yamal made a run through the right side and was brought down by João Gomes inside the area.

Vinícius had Brazil’s first shot on goal in the 17th but it was easily saved by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón.

Yamal set up Dani Olmo's 36th-minute goal and Rodrigo pulled Brazil closer in the 40th after a mistake by Simón.

Endrick, who will arrive in Spain at the end of the season, equalized and was also set to take the late penalty but instead gave the ball to Paquetá. The crowed jeered as it wanted to see the new Madrid player try to score again.

Vinícius went to defend Endrick from the bench after Spanish players loudly complained because of a hard foul by his future teammate late in the match.

The Spaniards appeared unsettled with how Brazilian players celebrated the late equalizer near the Spanish fans.

Spain, preparing for the upcoming European Championship in Germany, was coming off a 1-0 loss to Colombia on Friday in London.

“I'm happy because we were better than Brazil in all areas,” coach Luis de la Fuente said. “I'm proud of the match we played."

De la Fuente said he was “ashamed” by the jeers directed at Atletico Madrid forward Álvaro Morata by the crowd at the Bernabeu, where Morata used to play for earlier in his career.

Vinícius has been subjected to multiple racist insults since arriving in Spain six years ago. He complained on Monday about the lack of punishment for perpetrators and asked for help from FIFA, UEFA and other soccer institutions in the fight against racism.


Defending Champ Medvedev, No. 1 Seed Alcaraz Advance to Miami Open Quarterfinals 

Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)
Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)
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Defending Champ Medvedev, No. 1 Seed Alcaraz Advance to Miami Open Quarterfinals 

Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)
Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)

Defending Miami Open champion Daniil Medvedev won his 350th career match to move into the quarterfinals for a fourth straight year, beating Dominik Koepfer 7-6 (5), 6-0 on Tuesday.

Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz also advanced with ease in a 6-3, 6-3 win over No. 23 seed Lorenzo Musetti.

Alcaraz, who beat Musetti in less than 90 minutes and looked comfortable as ever on the court, said he's “probably” playing his best tennis since last summer. That ankle injury from last month is no longer a concern, he said.

“I don't know if this is the best game that I'm playing, but without a doubt it's the best feeling,” the Wimbledon champion said. “I'm feeling great on the court. I'm moving great. ... I'm not thinking about the ankle anymore on the court.”

Alcaraz will face No. 11 seed Grigor Dimitrov on Thursday in the quarterfinals. Dimitrov beat No. 8 seed Hubert Hurkacz 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3) after a tiebreaker in which Hurkacz was penalized for touching the net with his foot.

Tied at 2-2 in the tiebreaker, the match referee said Hurkacz’s foot touched the net as he charged forward on a return. It cost him a point. Hurkacz slammed his racquet in protest.

In a match that lasted well into Wednesday morning, 2018 finalist and No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev reached his fourth Miami Open quarterfinal with a 6-1, 6-4 win over 15th-seeded Karen Khachanov 6-1, 6-4.

No. 3 seed Medvedev, after a tight opening set, pulled away to win his ninth straight match in south Florida and continue his run at back-to-back titles.

Medvedev trailed 4-0 in the tiebreaker before rallying to take the set. He said he used that momentum to get out to a fast start and finish his milestone victory.

“I would say before the match, the desire to win is the same, but for sure, the feeling of winning, and during the match while you're winning, is different,” he said. “The feelings are different, but the desire is the same and that's what keeps me going."

Medvedev goes for victory No. 351 on Wednesday against Nicolas Jarry, the No. 22 seed who ousted No. 7 seed Casper Ruud 7-6 (3), 6-3.

Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, seeded No. 2, improved to 19-1 in matches this year with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Christopher O'Connell to reach the quarterfinals.

In the middle of the match, commentators said a spectator had fainted in the 82 degree temperatures and play was stopped. Sinner came to the sideline and passed up drinks and towels to the person.

Also advancing was Tomas Machac, who reached the quarterfinals to face Sinner with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Matteo Arnaldi.

On the women’s side, No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina outlasted No. 8 seed Maria Sakkari 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-4 in a grueling match that lasted 2 hours and 48 minutes to earn a spot in the semifinals.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka defeated Yulia Putintseva 7-6 (4), 1-6, 6-3 to also make the semifinals. It was the second time that Azarenka, 34, has made it to the semifinals this season after going that far just once in 2023. She has won the Miami Open three times.