Balogun set for US debut in CONCACAF clash with regional rivals Mexico

Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is set to make his much anticipated debut for the US on Thursday in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal against regional rivals Mexico.. (File/AFP)
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Updated 15 June 2023
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Balogun set for US debut in CONCACAF clash with regional rivals Mexico

  • American fans have high hopes for Balogun, who scored 21 goals in France’s Ligue 1 this season where he was on loan to Reims
  • The Final Four tournament in Las Vegas marks the start of the road to the 2026 World Cup which will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada

MIAMI: Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is set to make his much anticipated debut for the US in Thursday’s CONCACAF Nations League semifinal against regional rivals Mexico.

The Final Four tournament in Las Vegas marks the start of the road to the 2026 World Cup which will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.

Canada play Panama in Thursday’s other semifinal with the final and third-place games also at the Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.

With no qualification process for the three World Cup co-hosts, it is going to be the CONCACAF tournaments, including this month’s Gold Cup, where the teams will seek to build toward the big one.

American fans have high hopes for Balogun, who scored 21 goals in France’s Ligue 1 this season where he was on loan to Reims.

The New York-born forward, who moved to England as a two-year old, recently switched his national allegiance to the US from England, where he had played for the Under-21 team.

The US have lacked a consistent goalscoring center-forward, capable of making the most of the opportunities created by the likes of Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah and Gio Reyna.

“I’m just settling in, getting to know everyone. There’s been a lot of noise surrounding me coming but I feel like this is just the nature of the sport,” Balogun said after teaming up with the squad.

“I’m obviously used to competing and I’m used to the pressure of playing at Arsenal and having that expectation of yourself.

Interim US head coach BJ Callaghan will have to decide whether to hand Balogun his debut from the outset against El Tri or to keep faith with Ricardo Pepi and use his new weapon from the bench.

“I’m coming in with a mindset that I need to earn my place. I’m not assuming I’m going to come in and start. That’s not really the mentality I have in life,” said Balogun.

Callaghan is taking charge of the US team for the first time since he was appointed to guide the team until a new permanent coach has been selected.

Gregg Berhalter, who led the US into the round-of-16 at the World Cup last year, did not have his contract renewed and his temporary replacement, Anthony Hudson, left to join Qatari club Al-Markhiya.

The US are clearly targeting the Nations League, having named a largely domestic based squad, without most of their Europe-based stars, for the Gold Cup.

Mexico have also changed coaches after their disappointing World Cup where they failed to progress from the group stage for the first time in 32 years.

Argentine Diego Cocca took over in February and is under intense pressure to deliver on the undoubted potential he has inherited.

Mexico are without injured Napoli winger Hirving Lozano and wide-man Jesus Corona of Seville but are hoping that Feyenoord’s 22-year-old striker Santiago Gimenez will make an impact.

Canada are looking to build upon their first World Cup appearance in 36 years with coach John Herdman sticking with the bulk of the squad that featured in Qatar.

The Canadians have yet to win a title in CONCACAF and that is something Herdman is hoping his players can change.

“This is an experienced group of players with a hunger to win silverware for Canada,” said Herdman.

“We know we have a big opportunity in front of us to lift a trophy, but we also know it’s going to be difficult and we are relishing that challenge,” he said.

Canada start as favorites against Panama, coached by Danish-born former Spain international Thomas Christiansen, who will be without two regulars in Alberto Quintero and Jose Fajardo, who are suspended for the semifinal.

But midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, who plays in Major League Soccer for Houston Dynamo, says ‘Los Canaleros’ are comfortable being underdogs.

“For us it is nothing out of this world, Panama has never been a favorite, so we are used to that. I have full confidence, together with the group, that we can win this game,” he said.


Lewandowski back for Barca at Espanyol with LaLiga title in sight

Updated 14 May 2025
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Lewandowski back for Barca at Espanyol with LaLiga title in sight

  • The Polish striker missed Barca’s last three league games
  • The 36-year-old has scored 25 goals in 31 league games

BARCELONA: Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is set to return to action in Thursday’s LaLiga clash at Espanyol, manager Hansi Flick said, as his side prepare to wrap up the title this week.

A victory in their city derby against Espanyol would clinch the championship for the Catalans. Barcelona, now seven points clear at the top with 82 points, could win the title as early as Wednesday if Real Madrid fail to win at Mallorca.

The Polish striker missed Barca’s last three league games and was also absent from their 3-2 Copa del Rey final win over Real Madrid on April 27 due to a muscle injury.

The 36-year-old has scored 25 goals in 31 league games, two behind Kylian Mbappe in the LaLiga Golden Boot race, with both having played the same number of matches.

“Lewandowski is doing good and of course he is ready to play,” Flick told reporters on Wednesday.

Lewandowski featured for only 30 minutes in their Champions League semifinal second leg defeat by Inter Milan last week and missed their 4-3 home win against Real Madrid on Sunday.

After their last Clasico win, Barcelona have defeated Real in all four encounters this season across all competitions, and Flick hailed his team’s performance as a source of immense pride.

“We played 24 minutes with no contact from Real in our half, so it has something to do with the pressing, it has something to do with the right structure we had,” he said.

“How we started to press them when they had the ball was unbelievable. When I heard this stat I thought it’s really great... we can be very proud of that. I’m happy for the fans, for the club, because I know that’s very important for them.”

Asked about Real manager Carlo Ancelotti joining the Brazil national team at the end of the season, Flick, who coached Germany from 2021 to 2023, said: “I think he (Ancelotti) did a fantastic job in Madrid. He’s a gentleman and one of the best and most successful coaches in the world.

“I wish him all the best for his new job. I think he will find a great team there, and he can follow success there.”


Atletico keen to keep improving to close gap with rivals, says Simeone

Updated 14 May 2025
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Atletico keen to keep improving to close gap with rivals, says Simeone

  • Simeone’s side faded and now sit third with 70 points from 35 matches
  • Atletico will also have one eye on the upcoming Club World Cup

MADRID: Atletico Madrid will continue their efforts to close the gap on their rivals next season, manager Diego Simeone said on Wednesday as his side look to end the current campaign on a high after falling out of the LaLiga title race.

Atletico’s close-season transfer window last year was headlined by forward Julian Alvarez, with the club also signing midfielder Conor Gallagher, center back Robin Le Normand and striker Alexander Sorloth.

Atletico, who last won LaLiga in 2021, were in the running for the title this campaign and even topped the standings at the halfway mark, but Simeone’s side faded and now sit third with 70 points from 35 matches.

Barcelona are top with 82 points, seven ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid in second place. Barca could secure the title on Wednesday without kicking a ball if Real fail to beat Mallorca.

“In every season we take steps, last year with the arrival of players and next year we are going to do it the same way, always thinking about improving,” Simeone told reporters ahead of Thursday’s trip to 11th-placed Osasuna.

Atletico will also have one eye on the upcoming Club World Cup.

The expanded 32-team tournament runs from June 14 to July 13 in the United States with $1 billion in prize money at stake.

“The money at stake is for those who are thinking about that competition. For us it’s a very nice tournament, it’s exciting to represent Atletico and we hope to get there in the best way,” Simeone said.

The Argentine was also asked about Carlo Ancelotti, who will leave Real at the end of the season to become the new coach of the Brazil national team.

Ancelotti has enjoyed four hugely successful years in his second tenure with the Spanish giants but they are set to finish this season without a trophy.

The Italian is set to be replaced at the Bernabeu by former Real midfielder Xabi Alonso.

“As a coach, we all have admiration for his work, not only for everything he managed at Real Madrid, but for his entire sporting career. I’m an admirer of his, I love him very much, he knows that and I wish him all the best,” Simeone said.


Son, Kim and Lee tasting success in Europe despite South Korea’s soccer struggles

Updated 13 May 2025
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Son, Kim and Lee tasting success in Europe despite South Korea’s soccer struggles

  • Kim Min-jae helped German giant Bayern Munich lift the Bundesliga title
  • “I think this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, something I may never have again,” Son said

SEOUL: South Korea’s national soccer team may be stumbling toward 2026 World Cup qualification and its clubs may have struggled in the Asian Champions League, but three of its biggest stars have been finding success in Europe.

Kim Min-jae helped German giant Bayern Munich lift the Bundesliga title, the 28-year-old defender’s second major prize in Europe after winning the Italian championship with Napoli two years earlier.

While Kim has two European trophies, the biggest star in Korean soccer is Son Heung-min and the 32-year-old forward is yet to win a major title. That could change next week with the Tottenham captain preparing to lead the London-based Spurs in the Europa League final against Premier League rival Manchester United.

“To complete the puzzle, you need every piece. Ultimately, I think, the most important final piece is still missing,” Son, who joined Tottenham in 2015, told South Korea media in London on Monday.

“I think I’ve been chasing that piece for 10 years. I’d love to finish that puzzle this time.”

Son was part of the Tottenham team that lost the 2019 UEFA Champions League final to Liverpool. Now, as the senior player, he’s determined to end what has been a difficult season for club — Tottenham are currently 17th out of 20 teams in the Premier League — and country, on a high.

“I think this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, something I may never have again,” Son said. “I hope I won’t have regrets afterward. When I return to Korea after the season, I’d like to give my Korean fans and our Tottenham supporters the biggest smile I can bring.”

Son returned to action last weekend after an absence through injury but is set to start against Manchester United. The same is not automatically the case for Lee Kang-in.

The 24-year-old Lee, an attacking midfielder has been struggling for playing time of late for Paris Saint-Germain. He has appeared in 11 UEFA Champions League games this season but was on the bench as the French club beat Arsenal in the semifinals to book a final against Inter Milan on May 31 in Munich.

That game will marks the end of the European season and the start of transfer speculation. Lee has been linked with clubs elsewhere in Europe. So has Kim, whose season at Munich has been affected by injuries.

“I want to keep playing for Munich,” Kim said last month. “There’s no reason why I should leave this team. I like playing for Munich. I want to continue playing for this team next season. It’s one thing that’s important to me right now.”

It remains to be seen where the three biggest stars in Korean football are in August but the focus is currently on winning three prizes in European club football and bringing some good news for fans at home.


Brazil signs Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti 1 year ahead of 2026 World Cup

Updated 12 May 2025
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Brazil signs Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti 1 year ahead of 2026 World Cup

  • CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues: ‘Bringing Ancelotti to coach Brazil is more than a strategic movement. It is a statement that we are determined to recover the top of the podium’
  • Rodrigues: ‘He is the greatest coach in history and, now, he will be with the greatest national team on the planet. Together, we will write new glorious chapters of Brazilian soccer’

SAO PAULO: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will leave the Spanish club and take over as coach of Brazil’s national team, the Brazilian soccer federation said Monday.

The 65-year-old Ancelotti, who will be Brazil’s first full-time foreign coach in a century, is still under contract with Madrid. The last round of the Spanish league will be on May 25 and the CBF said in a statement that he will officially take over Brazil the following day.

“Bringing Carlo Ancelotti to coach Brazil is more than a strategic movement. It is a statement to the world that we are determined to recover the top of the podium,” CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues said in a statement. “He is the greatest coach in history and, now, he will be with the greatest national team on the planet. Together, we will write new glorious chapters of Brazilian soccer.”

Rodrigues said Ancelotti will take charge of Brazil’s next two fixtures in South American World Cup qualifying, with his debut at Ecuador on June 5th and five days later in front of home fans against Paraguay in Sao Paulo.

Ancelotti’s contract with Madrid ends next year but is expected to be terminated early.

He will replace Dorival Junior, who held the job for 14 months and was fired in March after a 4-1 defeat at Argentina. Brazil lags in 4th position in World Cup qualifying after 14 matches and has its 33-year-old star Neymar still in difficulties to return to top form after an ACL injury in 2023.

The top six teams will secure direct spots in next year’s tournament.

Ancelotti leaves Madrid after a frustrating season in which the team did not defend its European title and saw rival Barcelona win the
Copa del Rey and get close to securing the league title after a 4-3 victory over Madrid on Sunday.

The Italian coach and Real Madrid are yet to comment on CBF’s announcement.

Ancelotti’s signing ends a turbulent time on Brazil’s bench since Tite left after the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals elimination against Croatia. Under-20 coach Ramon Menezes and Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz took charge for several matches as Rodriguez sought Ancelotti to become coach.

Menezes and Diniz both fared poorly, and Ancelotti extended his deal with Madrid during that span. Dorival Júnior was then chosen in 2024 to take the team to the World Cup, but he was also fired after the same lack of success and unimpressive performances.

Former Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus, a 70-year-old Portuguese who won several titles with Brazil’s Flamengo in 2019, was the favorite to take the Brazil job until Madrid was knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal earlier in April.

Brazil will be Ancelotti’s first international experience as full-time coach. He was an assistant to Arrigo Sacchi in the 1994 World Cup as Italy lost to Brazil in the final on penalties.

That ended a 24-year World Cup title drought for Brazil, the same time frame it will face next year in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Ancelotti, who won Serie A titles as a player with Roma and AC Milan plus two European titles with the latter as a creative midfielder, started his full-time coaching career in 1995 at Italy’s Reggiana.

He’s also coached Parma, Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Everton, winning titles in Italy, England, Spain, France and Germany.

He twice won the Champions League with Milan 2003 and 2007, and added three more titles with Real Madrid in 2014, 2022 and last year.

Ancelotti will be only the second foreign coach to take Brazil into an international tournament.

The first was Uruguayan Ramon Platero, who coached Brazil in the 1925 South American championship, the predecessor of the current Copa America. He was on the job for 19 days and four matches of a round-robin competition with Paraguay and Argentina, with two wins, one loss and one draw in the final with Argentina, who lifted the title.

Portuguese coach Jorge Gomes de Lima, known as Joreca, shared Brazil’s coach position with local Flavio Costa in two friendly victories over Uruguay in 1944.

And in 1965 Argentine coach Filpo Nunez coached Brazil for one day. Nunez was Palmeiras’ coach, and Brazil’s soccer body chose the Sao Paulo-based club to play with national team shirts in a friendly against Uruguay in the opening of the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte. The hosts won 3-0.

The announcement of Ancelotti’s departure came a day after Madrid lost its fourth straight match to Barcelona this season, falling seven points behind the Catalan rival with three rounds remaining.

Former player Xabi Alonso is widely expected to take over the club’s helm after he confirmed his departure from Bayer Leverkusen.

Alonso led Leverkusen to an unprecedented German league and cup double last year in his first full season after taking over the team when it was in the Bundesliga’s relegation zone the season before. He starred as a player as Madrid won a Spanish league title in 2012 and the 2014 Champions League before leaving for three Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich.

Madrid still has to play in the upcoming Club World Cup beginning next month.


Crown prince congratulates Al-Ahli on historic Asian Elite Champions League win

Saudi Crown Prince in a photo with Al-Ahli players. SPA
Updated 12 May 2025
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Crown prince congratulates Al-Ahli on historic Asian Elite Champions League win

  • Praises Al-Ahli for exceptional performance, professionalism
  • Victory vital to boost Saudi’s growing stature in global sports

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Al-Ahli on Monday for winning the 2025 Asian Elite Champions League.

At a reception here, the crown prince met with Sport Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal, Al-Ahli Club Chairman Dr. Khaled Al-Issa Al-Ghamdi, and several of the club’s staff and players.

The crown prince congratulated the team on their historic victory and praised them for their exceptional performance and professionalism.

He stressed the importance of hard work to elevate Saudi Arabia’s profile in the global sports arena.

Al-Ahli’s continental success marks a major milestone in the club’s history and comes amid Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in sports and culture as a part of Vision 2030.