Neymar Says Saudi Arabia Can Host Exceptional FIFA World Cup in 2034

Neymar toured the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 Bid Exhibition, held in Riyadh. Photo: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation
Neymar toured the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 Bid Exhibition, held in Riyadh. Photo: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation
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Neymar Says Saudi Arabia Can Host Exceptional FIFA World Cup in 2034

Neymar toured the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 Bid Exhibition, held in Riyadh. Photo: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation
Neymar toured the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 Bid Exhibition, held in Riyadh. Photo: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation

Brazilian star of Al-Hilal FC Neymar Jr. expressed his admiration for Saudi Arabia's bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, emphasizing that the Kingdom has the necessary infrastructure and capabilities to organize an exceptional World Cup.
His remarks came during his tour of the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 Bid Exhibition, held in Riyadh.
"I think the bid is one of the best projects I have ever seen in my life. It has all the potential to be the best World Cup ever," Neymar said.
He highlighted that the Kingdom’s bid for the global event has been meticulously planned to ensure the best experience for both players and fans alike.
"Everything in this bid is designed to serve football. They are thinking about the players so that there are no long flights and travel times during the World Cup. This ensures easy movement between stadiums and hotels, giving players ample time to recover between matches and perform at their best,” Neymar said.
He also expressed his admiration for the Kingdom from the moment he arrived, noting the respect and enthusiasm in Saudi society for hosting top global stars in the ROSHN Saudi League.
The Brazilian star shared his deep appreciation for the warm welcome and is optimistic that many more international players will have the opportunity to enjoy a similar experience in the future.



Hamburg Fires Steffen Baumgart as Coach after Five Games without a Win

08 November 2024, Lower Saxony, Brunswick: Hamburg coach Steffen Baumgart gives an interview before the German Bundesliga 2 soccer match between Eintracht Braunschweig and Hamburger SV. (dpa)
08 November 2024, Lower Saxony, Brunswick: Hamburg coach Steffen Baumgart gives an interview before the German Bundesliga 2 soccer match between Eintracht Braunschweig and Hamburger SV. (dpa)
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Hamburg Fires Steffen Baumgart as Coach after Five Games without a Win

08 November 2024, Lower Saxony, Brunswick: Hamburg coach Steffen Baumgart gives an interview before the German Bundesliga 2 soccer match between Eintracht Braunschweig and Hamburger SV. (dpa)
08 November 2024, Lower Saxony, Brunswick: Hamburg coach Steffen Baumgart gives an interview before the German Bundesliga 2 soccer match between Eintracht Braunschweig and Hamburger SV. (dpa)

Former Bundesliga heavyweight Hamburger SV has fired Steffen Baumgart as coach after five games without a win across all competitions.

The second-division club said Sunday it was letting Baumgart go because of a “crisis of performances and results” after the team’s 2-2 draw at home with Schalke on Saturday.

That left Hamburg eighth in the 18-team division, four points behind early leader Paderborn after 13 rounds.

“Steffen gave everything with great passion, energy and commitment right up to the end for HSV. However, our analysis of the current situation and yesterday’s game has once again made it clear that we believe a new impetus is necessary,” Hamburg sporting director Stefan Kuntz said.

The club said Baumgart, who was a Hamburg fan as a child, took the news “calmly” on Sunday morning.

“It was an exciting and very intense time,” the former Cologne coach said. “I remain connected to the club and hope that HSV achieves its goals.”

Hamburg has been bidding to return to the Bundesliga since its demotion from the top flight in 2018. It had been the only ever-present team in the league since it was founded in 1963, earning the nickname “der Dino.”

But every season since relegation has ended in disappointment. Hamburg rival St. Pauli was promoted last season to add to Hamburg fans’ woes.

Baumgart, a former Hansa Rostock and Union Berlin forward, took over as Hamburg coach in February, when the team was third, but ultimately it was unable to improve and finished fourth – one place behind Fortuna Düsseldorf in the promotion playoff spot.

Hamburg said Baumgart’s assistants Rene Wagner and Kevin McKenna were also let go, and that assistant coach Merlin Polzin will prepare the team for its next game at Karlsruher SC.

There was no mention of a permanent successor.