While Portugal’s national team was for the most part all smiles during the trophy ceremony after its 1-0 Nationals League Final win over the Netherlands on Sunday, one player couldn’t hide his disappointment when it came to individual awards.
Over six million UK viewers tuned in to watch the opening match of Group D at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup between rivals England and Scotland on Sunday, the highest viewership ever for a women's soccer game in the United Kingdom.
For Cristiano Ronaldo, the path to UEFA Nations League glory was exceptionally similar to the one he trod to victory at Euro 2016. After a stunning hat trick in the semis to lift Portugal to the final — much like the towering, match-winning header he planted against Wales at the same stage in 2016 — Ronaldo was subdued at the tournament’s climax.
After finishing in third place at the 2015 World Cup, advancing to the semifinals of Euro 2017 and, most recently, capturing the 2019 SheBelieves Cup on U.S. soil, England approached this summer’s World Cup with expectations at an all time high.
The first details of FIFA 20 have been confirmed by EA SPORTS, including a release date of September 27 and a new gameplay mode called “VOLTA Football” — which is “an authentic street football experience” wherein you can “build your player, pick your gear, and express your own personal style.”
Australia, the dark horse candidate of many at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, suffered a shock defeat to Italy, making its first finals appearance since 1999, to begin Group C play in France. Australian captain Sam Kerr gave her side an early lead by following up her own saved penalty, but Italy’s Barbara Bonansea scored twice in the second half — including the winner five minutes into stoppage time — to give the Azzurre a dream start.
Italy traveled to Athens to face Greece in Euro 2020 qualifying on Saturday. Nicolò Barella had himself a game to remember, for a couple reasons.
Italy beat Greece 3-0 to stay atop Group J, with Barella netting the opener. Before that though, he accidentally smashed a ball boy with a misplaced kick.
Early in the match, Barella was upset about letting the ball go off him for a goal kick when he could’ve won a corner. In frustration, he tried to kick the ball off the advertising boards just off the pitch.
Instead, he kicked the ball off the face of a poor ball boy.
What hurts more, a man getting kicked in the crotch or a woman giving birth?
It’s a question that is just about impossible to answer accurately. Determining pain thresholds for men compared to women is about as easy to do as herding cats, and it’s an issue scientists for decades have struggled to even appropriately consider.
Scoring on your rival? Awesome.
Scoring on your rival in a knockout tournament? Awesomer.
Scoring on your rival with a goal from midfield? Awesomest.
Antonio Blanco ripped a shot from 45 yards in a 1-1 draw with Barcelona on Saturday, advancing Real Madrid 3-1 on aggregate into the Copa del Rey Juvenil semifinals.
Blanco’s equalizing goal came with the match in the balance. Barcelona attempted to cross midfield only for the Madrid player to steal the ball, take one touch and blast a long-range effort over the Barça keeper.