Football Stars Maldini, Villa Praise Progress of Sports in Saudi Kingdom

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Football Stars Maldini, Villa Praise Progress of Sports in Saudi Kingdom

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

The Saudi people are enthusiastic and passionate about football, according to football stars David Villa from Spain and Paolo Maldini from Italy, SPA reported.
Their remarks came while visiting Jeddah to promote the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by the governorate from December 12 to 22.
Maldini indicated that there are numerous significant cultural and sports changes taking place in the Kingdom recently. He stated that the Saudi people are highly enthusiastic about football and are actively contributing to the development of sports in all aspects.
Villa emphasized that the development in sports in the Kingdom is incredibly impressive. He also praised the passion of football fans and their love for the game, stating that this will contribute significantly to the advancement of sports.
Villa noted that the Kingdom showcases football in a magnificent way, not only on a local scale but also on an international level.
"The Saudi league is growing and evolving significantly, and football in the Kingdom, in general, is progressing. There is strength in increasing its popularity. Football, in general, must advance and evolve in any championship and country where its fans desire progress. This is very important for the Kingdom, and it is also crucial to have a tournament like the FIFA Club World Cup hosted here," the Spanish star said.



Diallo Goal Seals 2-2 Draw for Man United against Liverpool

Manchester United's Amad Diallo reacts at the end of the English Premier League soccer match against Liverpool at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP)
Manchester United's Amad Diallo reacts at the end of the English Premier League soccer match against Liverpool at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP)
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Diallo Goal Seals 2-2 Draw for Man United against Liverpool

Manchester United's Amad Diallo reacts at the end of the English Premier League soccer match against Liverpool at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP)
Manchester United's Amad Diallo reacts at the end of the English Premier League soccer match against Liverpool at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP)

Amad Diallo's late equalizer secured a 2-2 draw for Manchester United against Premier League leader Liverpool on Sunday.

The forward turned home Alejandro Garnacho's cross in the 80th minute at Anfield after Mohamed Salah's penalty had looking like giving Liverpool the win.

United led through Lisandro Martinez's strike in the 52nd, but Cody Gakpo leveled seven minutes later.

Salah fired Liverpool ahead from the spot in the 70th after Matthijs de Ligt handled in the box.

Late drama Raul Jimenez scored a 91st-minute penalty to salvage a 2-2 draw for Fulham against Ipswich.

It was Jimenez's second penalty of the match as Fulham twice came from a goal down at Craven Cottage.

Relegation-fighting Ipswich went ahead through Sam Szmodics in the 38th and Jimenez leveled from the spot in the 69th.

Ipswich went in front again through Liam Delap's penalty in the 71st and looked like climbing out of the relegation zone.

But when Jimenez was brought down by Leif Davis in the box, referee Darren Bond pointed to the spot again.

Jimenez made no mistake and fired into the top corner to share the points.

Fulham is ninth and six points off the top four, while Ipswich is 18th and below Wolverhampton on goal difference, having played a game more.