Category sport-news

Belgium Names Frenchman Rudi Garcia New National Football Coach

Following Domenico Tedesco’s dismissal, Belgium’s football federation named Frenchman Rudi Garcia as the new national team coach on Friday.

Later in the day, the federation announced that they would formally introduce the 60-year-old former Napoli, Lyon, and Roma boss to the press at a press conference.

After a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, Garcia will be given the task of revitalizing the Red Devils. He has previously held positions with Saudi giant Al Nassr and French giants Marseille.

Following disappointing recent Nations League performances and an early exit from the continental championship this summer, Belgium fired Italian-German coach Tedesco last week.

In March, Belgium will face Ukraine in a play-off.

Garcia’s latest effort in management at Napoli was an unsuccessful five-month stint in 2023 during the club’s disastrous post-Scudetto winning season.

The Frenchman started out coaching at Lille from 2008 to 2013 as a coach.

Belgium travel to North Macedonia in June to kick off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Previous coach Tedesco was appointed in February 2023 to replace Roberto Martinez and rebuild the squad as the country’s “golden generation” departed.

Son Helps Spurs Hold Off Hoffenheim In Europa League

Son Heung-min helped Tottenham gain some respite from their Premier League woes on Thursday with a double in a 3-2 Europa League win at Hoffenheim to put them on course for the knockout rounds.

Goals from Son and James Maddison lifted Spurs up to provisional fourth in the revamped league phase of European club football’s second-tier competition ahead of the night’s later games.

It also lifted some of the heat off manager Ange Postecoglou with his injury-ravaged team arriving in Germany after losing seven of their last Premier League games.

Tottenham Hotspur’s English midfielder #64 Callum Olusesi (R) celebrates with Tottenham Hotspur’s English midfielder #47 Mikey Moore after their team’s win of the UEFA Europa League football match between TSG Hoffenheim and Tottenham in Sinsheim, on January 23, 2025. Tottenham won the match 3-2. (Photo by Daniel ROLAND / AFP)

Postecoglou had pledged to win silverware for the first time for the London side since 2008 in his second season as boss.

With Spurs struggling in 15th behind Liverpool at home that leaves the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup to fulfil his promise.

A win against Swedish outfit Elfsborg in their closing league phase game at home next week will give them an automatic ticket to the next round as one of the top eight finishers.

“I told them to enjoy it,” Postecoglou told TNT Sports.

“Winning away in Europe, it’s a significant victory for us and gives us a good foothold to get into those top eight spots which will give us a week off,” the Australian added.

They charged out of the stalls with Maddison receiving a pinpoint pass from Pedro Porro to fire the ball past keeper Oliver Baumann and into the roof of the net to give Spurs the perfect start after just four minutes.

Richarlison, making only his second start of the campaign, could have doubled the advantage but the Brazilian’s shot went straight to Baumann.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Welsh defender #33 Ben Davies (R) shakes hands with Hoffenheim’s German defender #25 Kevin Akpoguma after the UEFA Europa League football match between TSG Hoffenheim and Tottenham in Sinsheim, on January 23, 2025. Tottenham won the match 3-2. (Photo by Daniel ROLAND / AFP)

Attacking at will Spurs were looking to put the game to bed against their out of sorts German hosts.

And on 22 minutes Maddison turned provider to set up Son whose shot deflected off a defender, the ball flying over Baumann and into the far corner.

The big problem for Spurs given their leaky defence was to hold onto their superiority.

Brandon Austin started in goal for them, two weeks after making his debut, and was called on to make a full-stretched save to deny Tom Bischof as half-time beckoned.

VAR overturned a penalty decision to Hoffenheim after the hour when Austin collided into Max Moerstedt.

With the wind in their sails Hoffenheim halved their deficit minutes later when Spurs got caught on the counter, Anton Stach toeing the ball past Austin.

But Son’s angled shot with 13 minutes left on the clock settled the issue, although David Mokwa’s goal two minutes from normal time meant another nerve-jangling ending for Tottenham’s long-suffering supporters.

Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce drew 0-0 at third-placed Lyon to lift the Turkish side provisionally 19th and the door open to make the the play-offs.

In the 2000 GMT kick-offs Manchester United host Rangers and table toppers Lazio play Real Sociedad.

Two Real Sociedad fans were taken to hospital after their group was apparently attacked by hardcore Lazio supporters ahead of the match at the Olympic stadium in Rome, the Spanish club said.

Victor Boniface Refutes Breakup Claims With Norwegian Girlfriend

Super Eagles star Victor Boniface has refuted claims of breaking up with his Norwegian  girlfriend Rikke Hermine, describing the reports as “fake”.

The alleged breakup between the Bayer Leverkusen forward and the influencer made headlines on social media in the past few days.

It claimed that Hermine demanded a legal marriage without prenup, a clause Boniface refused, effectively ending the relationship.

But in a now-deleted post written partly in Pidgin English, the Nigerian striker denied the claims.

READ ALSO: [Champions League] Arsenal Beat Dinamo To Stay On Course For Last 16

“Stop posting fake shit you guys know nothing about,” he wrote on X on Thursday, before saying, “People will just pick their phones and post without verification. Not everyone is like your sister. So, respect yourself. Everything you guys say about her are all lies. ”

Boniface was an integral part of the Leverkusen side that won the Bundesliga in an unbeaten run which also saw them lift the German Cup.  

Keys Shocks Swiatek To Set Up Sabalenka Australian Open Final

Madison Keys fought back from a set down on Thursday to shock Iga Swiatek in a nail-biter and set up an Australian Open final against two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.

The 19th seed battled through a thrilling semi-final on a final-set tiebreak against the world number two 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10/8) after Sabalenka swept aside Paula Badosa in straight sets.

Five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek had not dropped her serve since the first round but was broken eight times by Keys, who saved a match point on her way to edging a titanic battle.

It will be the American’s first final in Melbourne, and only her second in Slams, and she broke down in tears after finally getting over the line in 2hr 35min.

It was the first time an Australian Open semi-final had been decided by a third-set 10-point tiebreak.

“That match was just such a high level and she played so well,” Keys, 29, said.

“I felt like I was just fighting to stay in it and then obviously really kind of ran with the second and then the third was just a battle.

“To be able to be standing here and be in the finals is absolutely amazing and I’m so excited that I get to be here on Saturday. ”

Keys confessed she couldn’t recall much detail about the final set where she saved a match point.

“In the third set, it was just so up and down. I feel like I blacked out at some point,” Keys smiled.

“Just to be able to stay in it and just keep fighting and then a 10-point tiebreaker for a dramatic finish. ”

Earlier, Sabalenka put her close friendship with Badosa aside to stay on track for a 26-year first.

The Belarusian world number one romped home 6-4, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena against 11th seed Badosa.

Keys predicted a slug-fest between two of the hardest ball-strikers in the women’s game in Saturday’s showpiece.

“Definitely some big hitting. I think that is going to happen,” Keys said.

“Not a lot of long points but she is obviously going for her third Aussie Open and I’m excited to get to play here. ”

‘So proud of myself’

Sabalenka is closing on a third consecutive Melbourne crown — something that hasn’t happened this century.

The last person to achieve the feat was Martina Hingis in 1999 and only four other women have completed the three-peat — Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles.

Court was in the stadium watching.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I’m so proud of myself. I’m proud of my team that we’re able to put ourselves in such a situation,” Sabalenka said of being on the cusp of a third Melbourne Park title.

“It’s a privilege. If I’m able to put my name into history, it will mean a lot. It will mean the world to me. ”

Sabalenka last year described Badosa as her “best friend” and “soulmate” and said she was “super happy” that they got to play each other on such a big stage.

“I hope she’s still my friend. I’m sure she’ll hate me for the next hour, day or two, but I’m okay with that, I can handle that,” she added.

Despite losing, Badosa’s run to the last four capped a remarkable comeback for the Spaniard after a brutal back injury in 2023 had her considering quitting tennis.

Instead, her Melbourne exploits will return her to the top 10 for the first time since October 2022. Keys will also return to the top 10.

Sabalenka Beats Badosa To Reach Third Straight Australian Open Final

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka put her close friendship with Paula Badosa aside Thursday to sweep past the Spaniard into a third successive Australian Open final and stay on track for a 26-year first.

The Belarusian world number one romped home 6-4, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena and will meet either Polish second seed Iga Swiatek or American 19th seed Madison Keys in Saturday’s decider.

The hard, fast courts of Melbourne Park have been the 26-year-old’s happy place.

She has now won 20 straight matches at the Australian Open to close in on a third consecutive crown — something that hasn’t happened this century.

The last person to achieve the feat was Martina Hingis in 1999 and only four other women have completed the three-peat — Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles.

Court was in the stadium watching.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I’m so proud of myself. I’m proud of my team that we’re able to put ourselves in such a situation,” Sabalenka said of being on the cusp of a third title.

“It’s a privilege, you know. If I’m able to put my name into history, it will mean a lot. It will mean the world to me. ”

Sabalenka last year described Badosa as her “best friend” and “soulmate” and said she was “super happy” that they got to play each other on such a big stage.

“A tough match, tough battle,” she said.

“I hope she’s still my friend. I’m sure she’ll hate me for the next hour, day or two, but I’m okay with that, I can handle that.

“After that I think we are back to being friends, back to go out together and go shopping. ”

Despite their friendship it was all business on a cool Melbourne evening.

The 11th seed Badosa stunned world number three Coco Gauff in straight sets to reach her maiden Slam semi-final at the age of 27 and came out swinging.

She gifted Sabalenka a break point in the opening game on a double fault, but then nailed some big winners to save and hang on.

It was then the Belarusian’s turn to offer two break points to the Spaniard with some sloppy power shots and Badosa capitalised to open a 2-0 lead when a forehand sprayed wide.

But the top seed found her radar and rallied from 0-40 down on Badosa’s next serve to break back as her opponent’s error-count mounted.

READ ALSO: Sinner Aiming To Be ‘Better, Stronger’ In Australian Open Semi

Laughing 

Sabalenka then won three games in a row to surge 4-2 clear as Badosa fluffed some vital shots.

With rain arriving the roof was closed, but it didn’t halt the Sabalenka juggernaut, wrapping up the set in 53 minutes with an ace, slapping 19 winners to Badosa’s six.

Badosa tumbled to the floor early in set two as she reached for a shot, before giving the thumbs up, with the action briefly delayed as both players burst out laughing.

Sabalenka composed herself and broke for a 2-1 lead when Badosa sent down consecutive double faults, then broke again with the Spaniard having no answer to her bruising baseline game.

The win kept alive Sabalenka’s quest to still be world number one when she leaves Melbourne.

If she had lost, Swiatek would have taken it back. Should the pair meet in the final, the winner will depart the tournament with the top ranking.

Despite losing, Badosa’s run to the last four capped a remarkable comeback.

A former world number two, she spent several months out after a brutal back injury in 2023 and last year considered quitting tennis.

Instead, her Melbourne exploits will return her to the top 10 for the first time since October 2022.

Man City Step Up Rebuild With Signing Of Marmoush For £59 Million

Manchester City on Thursday announced the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush, with Kyle Walker joining AC Milan on loan, as the club step up their rebuild during a disappointing season.

Egypt forward Marmoush has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Premier League champions for an initial fee of £59 million ($72. 6 million) with add-ons worth a potential £4 million.

He is City’s third signing of the January transfer window following the arrivals of defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis as manager Pep Guardiola reshapes his squad.

The 25-year-old, who scored 37 goals in 67 games for Bundesliga side Frankfurt, said signing for City was “an amazing feeling”.

“With Pep, his technical staff and the world-class facilities here, players have everything they need to improve,” he said. “That was really enticing for me when I had the chance to come here.

“And I cannot deny I also want to win trophies. City have been the most successful club in England for many, many years, so I know I am joining a winning environment and winning culture. ”

Director of football Txiki Begiristain said Marmoush, who has 35 international caps, was an “accomplished and exciting forward”.

“He’s had an outstanding season, and every time we have watched him, he has influenced matches,” he said.

“He has all the attributes a top-class attacker requires. He has outstanding pace and awareness, and he is exceptional in front of goal. He can also play a number of different positions, which is a really valuable asset. ”

Marmoush’s arrival at the Etihad comes during a frustrating season for City by their sky-high standards.

The club, Premier League champions for the past four seasons, are currently fifth in the table, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool and realistically out of the title race.

Defeat at Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday means Guardiola’s side are in danger of missing out on the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since the 2012/13 season.

The 2023 European champions must beat Club Brugge next week to qualify for the play-off round after letting a two-goal lead slip in their 4-2 defeat in Paris.

READ ALSO: Guardiola Admits Man City ‘Could Not Cope’ With PSG As European Hopes Flicker

City struggles 

City started the current campaign strongly but hit the buffers in late October, winning just one in 13 matches in all competitions.

Guardiola admitted earlier this month that he may have made a mistake by turning down the option of strengthening his squad in the summer transfer window.

Marmoush, who has scored 20 goals for Frankfurt this season, fills the void left by the sale of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid in August, significantly boosting Guardiola’s attacking options.

City have been hit by a spate of injuries this season, particularly in defence.

Earlier this week they announced the signing of teenage defender Vitor Reis from Brazilian club Palmeiras for a reported fee of around £30 million.

It followed the arrival of Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov from Ligue 1 side Lens for about £34 million.

But Walker is ending his long association with the club, set to join AC Milan on loan for the remainder of the season.

The England right-back, 34, has endured a difficult campaign at City and has not started a game since their derby loss to Manchester United on December 15.

Last week City announced that forward Erling Haaland had signed a blockbuster new deal keeping the prolific forward at the Etihad until 2034.

The club are splashing the cash even as they wait to learn the outcome of a major disciplinary case.

City faced an independent commission hearing last year to examine more than 100 charges from the Premier League concerning alleged breaches of its financial rules, charges the club have always strenuously denied.