Category sport-news

Nine-Man PSG Defeat Bayern To Reach Club World Cup Semi-Final

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Paris Saint-Germain reached the Club World Cup semi-finals as Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele’s goals earned the nine-man European champions a 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in a gripping battle on Saturday.

The French treble winners had Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez sent off in the final stages, but managed to oust the German giants in Atlanta.

Bundesliga champions Bayern, who lost Jamal Musiala just before half-time with a horror ankle injury, shared an intense and even battle with the Parisians.

Bayern had won their last four matches straight against PSG, including a 1-0 Champions League victory last November, before Luis Enrique’s side hit their peak.

Players and nearly 67,000 spectators observed a minute of silence in honour of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically died in a car crash on Thursday.

It was an emotional moment, especially for a PSG side with five Portuguese players in the squad, including starters Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes.

Luis Enrique began with leading Ballon d’Or candidate Dembele on the bench, as he continues his comeback from a quadriceps injury, but Bayern playmaker Musiala was fit to start after a calf issue.

It was FIFA’s expanded tournament’s biggest heavyweight clash thus far and Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said on the eve of the game he would pay to watch a match he described as a “perfect storm”, because of the teams’ similar high-pressing, attacking styles.

The air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Stadium also produced the perfect conditions for a pulsating game, lit up by supremely talented dribblers on both sides, as well as two elite goalkeepers in Gianluigi Donnarumma and Manuel Neuer.

Both sides exchanged early blows as Desire Doue fired narrowly wide and Donnarumma saved Michael Olise’s low effort.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hit the side netting after a razor-sharp PSG counter before Donnarumma produced a fine save at full stretch to tip away another Olise effort.

Georgia international Kvaratskhelia forced Neuer into an excellent stop from close range after the effervescent Bradley Barcola floated a ball out to him on the left and the winger surged inside at pace.

Donnarumma was called into action as Aleksandar Pavlovic’s low cross for Musiala eluded the German and nearly found the bottom corner, but for a swift reaction from the Italian.

The goalkeeper could do nothing about Dayot Upamecano’s header from Olise’s free-kick in first-half stoppage time but the French defender had strayed offside and it was disallowed.

England captain Harry Kane also came close for Bayern with a header that flew narrowly off target after fine work by Kingsley Coman.

READ ALSO:  Family And Football Unite To Bid Diogo Jota Farewell

  Musiala horror injury

Jamal Musiala #42 of FC Bayern Munchen is carted from the pitch by medical staff following an injury during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter-final match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Bayern München at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 05, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Kevin C. Cox / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Unfortunately, Musiala suffered a gruesome ankle injury before half-time as he fell following a collision with Donnarumma, with the goalkeeper appearing distraught in the aftermath.

Bayern’s 39-year-old stopper Neuer produced a sensational save to deny Barcola early in the second half, as the French winger ran through on goal and tried to bend the ball into the far corner.

With 20 minutes remaining, Luis Enrique sent on Dembele to try and make the difference and avoid extra-time, which neither side needed at the end of a gruelling season.

Dembele came inches from doing just that when Neuer gave the ball away outside his area and the Frenchman lunged to try and roll into the empty net, but it trickled just wide of the post.

Eventually, 20-year-old Doue found the breakthrough as Kane gave the ball away and PSG attacked in numbers.

Doue, who burst into the limelight in PSG’s run to Champions League glory, worked some space on the edge of the box and flashed a low strike home at the near post.

Bayern were given hope as they hunted for an equaliser when PSG defender Pacho was sent off for a high tackle on Leon Goretzka after 83 minutes.

Kane headed home from an offside position before PSG substitute Hernandez was dismissed for an elbow.

Dembele hit the crossbar on the break as Luis Enrique’s side clung on before sealing their victory through the French forward, who tucked home after Achraf Hakimi’s run through and paid tribute to Jota by copying his video-gaming celebration.

PSG will face Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals on Wednesday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Sinner Powers Into Wimbledon Last 16 As Djokovic Eyes Century

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Wimbledon top seed Jannik Sinner crushed Pedro Martinez to reach the last 16 without losing a set on Saturday while title rival Novak Djokovic targets his 100th victory at the tournament.

Sinner took just one hour and 55 minutes to demolish 52nd-ranked Martinez 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 in a Centre Court masterclass, though the Spaniard was struggling with a shoulder issue.

The 23-year-old will face Bulgarian 19th seed Grigor Dimitrov or Austria’s Sebastian Ofner in the fourth round at the All England Club.

Sinner has lost just 17 games across his first three matches at this year’s tournament, in contrast to defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who has shown patchy form on route to the last 16.

The Italian returned from a doping ban in May, losing the Italian Open final to Alcaraz and squandering three championship points against the Spaniard in the French Open final last month.

His best performance at Wimbledon was a run to the semi-finals in 2023 and he reached the quarter-finals last year.

“Every time you reach the second week of a Grand Slam it’s a very special occasion,” said Sinner, who acknowledged Martinez’s discomfort with his shoulder.

“Even more special here in Wimbledon, so I’m very happy to be in the second week. ”

Later on Centre Court, Djokovic will resume his bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam crown.

The seven-time champion, locked with the long-retired Margaret Court on 24 majors, is aiming to reach the fourth round for the 17th time in his 20th appearance at Wimbledon.

A third-round clash against Serbian Davis Cup teammate Miomir Kecmanovic will hold few fears for the sixth seed, who has not lost against his 49th-ranked compatriot in three previous meetings.

If Djokovic beats Kecmanovic he will reach a century of victories at the All England Club, a feat only surpassed by eight-time champion Roger Federer, who won 105 times on the lawns of southwest London, and Martina Navratilova, who chalked up 120 victories.

“If I play like this, I feel like I have a very good chance against anybody, really, on the Centre Court of Wimbledon, a place where I maybe feel the most comfortable on any court,” Djokovic said after beating Britain’s Dan Evans in the second round.

Djokovic’s first Wimbledon win came against Argentine Juan Monaco 20 years ago, when Kecmanovic was aged just five.

Swiatek’s title chance 

Former champion Elena Rybakina became the latest star to suffer a shock exit, losing to Denmark’s Clara Tauson 7-6 (8/6), 6-3.

Rybakina, the Kazakh 11th seed, won her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2022 and reached the semi-finals last year.

But the 26-year-old’s hopes of another strong run were ended by 23rd-seeded Tauson in a third-round tie on Court Two.

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva thrashed American world number 55 Hailey Baptiste 6-1, 6-3 in just 78 minutes on Court One.

The 18-year-old, seeded seventh, is one of the few leading players left in the women’s draw.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka is the only player remaining from among the top six seeds.

Iga Swiatek has quietly gone about her business at this year’s Wimbledon but will have watched the mass exodus of her top rivals with interest.

The five-time Grand Slam champion is seeded eighth at the All England club after slipping down the rankings, though she is now back in the world’s top four after reaching the Bad Homburg final last week.

The Pole, who faces American Danielle Collins in the third round, has never been beyond the quarter-finals at the All England Club.

Swiatek, who has won four titles on the French Open clay, was beaten by former Australian Open finalist Collins at the Italian Open in May.

Defending women’s champion Barbora Krejcikova is also in action on Saturday against American 10th seed Emma Navarro.

Man City Defender Walker Joins Burnley

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England defender Kyle Walker has signed a two-year deal with newly-promoted Premier League club Burnley for a reported fee to Manchester City of £5 million ($6. 8 million).

The England international, 35, has made 410 appearances in the Premier League and won the competition six times with City, as well as the Champions League.

He spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Serie A side AC Milan, who did not exercise their right to buy him.

Walker’s contract at City, which he joined in 2017, was due to expire at the end of the 2025/26 season.

“I’m delighted to be here,” the right-back said in a Burnley statement on Saturday.

“When I spoke to (manager) Scott Parker and heard about his plans for next season, it was an opportunity I jumped at.

“He’s done an amazing job here, guiding the club back to the Premier League with a 100-point haul, and now we’re looking forward, together, at being back in the greatest league in the world. ”

READ ALSO: Family And Football Unite To Bid Diogo Jota Farewell

Walker, capped 96 times by England, was not part of City’s squad for the Club World Cup, and another move had been anticipated.

The deal reunites Walker with Parker, the Burnley boss who was a teammate at Tottenham between 2011 and 2013.

Family And Football Unite To Bid Diogo Jota Farewell

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Close family and friends and stars of the world of football will gather Saturday for the funeral of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother 48 hours after the siblings’ car crash.

Jota, 28, and Andre Silva, 25, were killed on Thursday after their vehicle veered off a motorway in northwestern Spain and became engulfed in flames, a week after the Portugal forward had got married.

The funeral, which begins at 0900 GMT, is being held in his hometown of Gondomar, near Porto.

The service will be conducted by the bishop of Porto, local media report.

People stand behind the gate of the cemetery during the funeral ceremony of Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in Gondomar, on the outskirts of Porto, on July 5, 2025.   (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP)
An attendee holds a portrait of late football player Andre Silva during the funeral ceremony of Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at the Mother Church of Gondomar, on the outskirts of Porto, on July 5, 2025.   (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM / AFP)
Diogo Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso (C) follows the coffin of Portuguese football player Diogo Jota carried out of the church after the funeral ceremony of Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at the Mother Church of Gondomar, on the outskirts of Porto, on July 5, 2025.   (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP)

Among those who came to offer their condolences were a childhood friend, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, Jota’s agent Jorge Mendes and Porto club president Andre Villas-Boas.

“Football is truly in mourning. Diogo was an icon of the talent Portuguese football represents,” said football federation chief Pedro Proenca.

Former teammates step out of the church after the funeral ceremony of Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at the Mother Church of Gondomar, on the outskirts of Porto, on July 5, 2025.   (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM / AFP)
AC Milan’s Portuguese forward Joao Felix (R) leaves after the funeral ceremony of Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at the Mother Church of Gondomar, on the outskirts of Porto, on July 5, 2025.   (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM / AFP)
Liverpool’s Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk carries a wreath during the funerals of Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at the Mother Church of Gondomar, on the outskirts of Porto, on July 5, 2025.   (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM / AFP)

‘Rest in peace’

Mourners arrived carrying wreaths of flowers, some sobbing audibly, before the wake was opened to members of the public.

The death of the Portugal international and his brother has triggered an outpouring of emotion in football, and beyond.

Liverpool opened a book of condolences and lowered flags to half-mast, with dozens of supporters laying a sea of flowers, balloons, Jota shirts, and scarves with the message “Rest in peace Diogo Jota”,  outside Anfield.

At the Diogo Jota football academy, close to Gondomar SC where the ex-Porto and Atletico Madrid player took his first steps in the game, well-wishers created a memorial with flowers, scarves, candles and shirts.

Portugal’s national football team coach Spanish Roberto Martinez leaves after the funerals of Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at the Mother Church of Gondomar, on the outskirts of Porto, on July 5, 2025.   (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM / AFP)
Wreath in shape of football jerseys are displayed at the entrance of the cemetery after the funeral ceremony of Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in Gondomar, on the outskirts of Porto, on July 5, 2025.   (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP)
(From L) Portuguese football players Danilo Pereira, Bruno Fendrich and Andre Horta attend the funeral ceremony of Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at the Mother Church of Gondomar, on the outskirts of Porto, on July 5, 2025.   (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM / AFP)
Liverpool’s Dutch manager Arne Slot (C) steps out of the church after the funeral ceremony of Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at the Mother Church of Gondomar, on the outskirts of Porto, on July 5, 2025.   (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM / AFP)

Pedro Neves, who was friends with Jota at school in Gondomar, said he “will remember him as someone who was very friendly, very courteous, who loved everyone, who always had a smile on his face”.

“He left us too young, it’s not fair. But that’s how life is sometimes,” Neves, 31, told AFP.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who brought Jota to the Reds in 2020, has said he was “heartbroken” while the club spoke of an “unimaginable loss”.

Jota was remembered at the Club World Cup in the United States on Friday, with a one-minute silence held at the quarter-final between Brazil’s Fluminense and Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in Orlando.

Liverpool’s Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah said the death of his teammate had left him “frightened” to return to the club as the Premier League champions postponed the return of some players for pre-season training.

Ahmed Musa Named New Manager Of Kano Pillars

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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced a complete reconstitution of the club’s management board, appointing former Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, as the club’s new General Manager.

The appointment was confirmed in an official statement released Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa.

The restructuring follows the expiration of the outgoing board’s one-year tenure and is part of what the governor described as a “strategic effort to reposition Kano Pillars for greater success. ”

“This is more than just a reshuffle. It is a deliberate initiative to blend football experience with strong administration. The inclusion of Ahmed Musa reflects our desire to attract investment, inspire players, and reignite fans’ passion for the club,” the statement read.

Ahmed Musa, a decorated Nigerian international who played in the English Premier League, Russian top flight, and Turkish Super Lig, also served as captain of the national team, the Super Eagles. His appointment has sparked excitement within the football community, especially among Pillars supporters, many of whom still remember his early playing days at the club.

Speaking on his new role, Musa expressed gratitude and determination.

“Kano Pillars has always been close to my heart. I’m honoured by this opportunity to contribute in a new capacity. We have great talent, a loyal fan base, and with the right structure, we can aim higher and compete for titles. ”

The newly announced 17-member board will be chaired by Ali Umar (Nayara), with several members from the outgoing board reappointed in recognition of their contribution to the club’s recent progress, including a commendable ninth-place finish in the just-concluded NPFL season.

Other board members include Salisu Mohammed Kosawa, Yusuf Danladi (Andy Cole), Idris Malikawa Garu, Nasiru Bello, Muhammad Ibrahim (Hassan West), and Hamza Abdulkarim Audi Chara, among others. Media Directors Abubakar Isah Dandago Yamalash and Ismail Abba Tangalash retained their roles, providing continuity in the club’s communication strategy.

READ ALSO: Fluminense Beat Al Hilal To Reach Club World Cup Semis

Governor Yusuf emphasised that the new leadership team is expected to raise the bar for performance, discipline, and stakeholder engagement.

Chelsea Beat Palmeiras 2-1 To Reach Club World Cup Semis

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A late own-goal by goalkeeper Weverton took Chelsea through to the Club World Cup semi-finals on Friday as the Premier League side edged Palmeiras of Brazil 2-1 in a last-eight tie that had been lit up by a moment of magic from young star Estevao Willian.

The teenage Brazil forward, who will join Chelsea after the tournament, was eager to impress his future employers and his brilliant 53rd-minute finish cancelled out Cole Palmer’s opener in Philadelphia.

But a deflected Malo Gusto cross went in off Palmeiras ‘keeper Weverton in the 83rd minute to take Chelsea through to a semi-final showdown with another Brazilian side in Fluminense.

“In the first half we were in control of the game and could have scored more than one goal,” said Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, dismissing suggestions his team had been fortunate.

Chelsea’s Spanish defender #03 Marc Cucurella celebrates after Palmeiras’ own goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinal football match between Brazil’s Palmeiras and England’s Chelsea at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in Philadelphia on July 4, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
Chelsea’s players celebrate past Palmeiras’ Brazilian forward #41 Estevao Willian after winning the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinal football match between Brazil’s Palmeiras and England’s Chelsea at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in Philadelphia on July 4, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
Palmeiras’ Brazilian forward #41 Estevao Willian scores his team’s first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinal football match between Brazil’s Palmeiras and England’s Chelsea at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in Philadelphia on July 4, 2025. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)
Fans of Palmeiras cheer for their team during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinal football match between Brazil’s Palmeiras and England’s Chelsea at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in Philadelphia on July 4, 2025. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP)

The scoreline was a repeat of Chelsea’s victory when the teams met in the final of the Club World Cup under the tournament’s old guise in 2022.

“Overall Chelsea was better. They have better players and a better coach,” admitted Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira.

“They were lucky with the way they scored the second goal but it can happen in football and we need to accept it and move on. ”

Chelsea will now be fancied to go on and reach the final, with Fluminense standing in their way in the last four at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday.

If not everyone has yet been won over by the tournament, the intensity levels on the pitch are rising as it reaches the business end and there was a big-game atmosphere in Philadelphia.

Lincoln Financial Field was almost sold out, with 65,782 fans in attendance despite much of the city having emptied out for the July 4 holiday and long weekend.

Chelsea’s English midfielder #10 Cole Palmer takes a free kick during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinal football match between Brazil’s Palmeiras and England’s Chelsea at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in Philadelphia on July 4, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
Fans of Palmeiras cheer for their team during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinal football match between Brazil’s Palmeiras and England’s Chelsea at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in Philadelphia on July 4, 2025. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP)
Chelsea’s Argentinian midfielder #08 Enzo Fernandez and Palmeiras’ Colombian midfielder #08 Richard Rios fight for the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinal football match between Brazil’s Palmeiras and England’s Chelsea at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in Philadelphia on July 4, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Independence Day fireworks

Chelsea lit the spark first, going ahead in the 16th minute thanks to a moment of class from England international Palmer.

After drifting into a pocket of space just outside the Palmeiras box, Palmer controlled a Trevoh Chalobah pass on the half-turn, carried on into the area and dispatched a low shot past Weverton.

It was the ideal start for Chelsea, who lost to Flamengo when they last faced Brazilian opposition in the same stadium during the group stage.

Maresca added extra Brazilian flavour to the occasion by handing a first start to young midfielder Andrey Santos.

With Moises Caicedo suspended, Santos occupied the holding midfield role for Chelsea while Pedro Neto lined up on the right wing, choosing to play despite having to come to terms with the tragic death of his Portugal teammate Diogo Jota on Thursday.

Playing on the right wing for Palmeiras was Estevao, the 18-year-old Brazil prodigy set to join Chelsea in a big-money transfer agreed over a year ago.

He knew this could be his last game for the Sao Paulo side, and Chelsea probably should have been two ahead before the interval only for Christopher Nkunku to blaze over after being teed up by Palmer.

Palmeiras’ Brazilian forward #41 Estevao Willian (R) celebrates with teammate Colombian midfielder #08 Richard Rios (L) after scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinal football match between Brazil’s Palmeiras and England’s Chelsea at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in Philadelphia on July 4, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
Chelsea’s English midfielder #10 Cole Palmer (L), Brazilian midfielder #17 Andrey Santos (C) and Brazilian forward #20 Joao Pedro (R) celebrate after Palmeiras’ own goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinal football match between Brazil’s Palmeiras and England’s Chelsea at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in Philadelphia on July 4, 2025. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP)
Chelsea’s Argentinian midfielder #08 Enzo Fernandez and Palmeiras’ Colombian midfielder #08 Richard Rios fight for the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinal football match between Brazil’s Palmeiras and England’s Chelsea at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in Philadelphia on July 4, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Positioned inside the Chelsea box to the right, Estevao controlled a pass by Richard Rios and took a touch to get in front of Levi Colwill, another to steady himself, and then surprised goalkeeper Robert Sanchez with an early shot that went in off the bar.

Chelsea responded by sending on new signing Joao Pedro for his debut, the Brazilian becoming the 27th player used by Maresca during the tournament.

The Blues pushed in search of a second goal but extra time was looking likely when the Premier League side grabbed a scrappy winner with seven minutes of the 90 to play.