Bale Scores Hat-trick To Keep Wales World Cup Hope Alive

Published

3 years ago

September 5, 2021

NewTimes

Bale Scores Hat-trick To Keep Wales World Cup Hope Alive

Real Madrid striker, Gareth Bale scored a hat-trick, as Wales defeated Belarus 3-2 on Sunday in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

The win was Wales’ second in three games in Group E and moves them up to third, one point behind the second-placed Czech Republic with a game in hand.

The group winners qualify automatically for the 2022 finals in Qatar with the runners-up heading into the play-offs.

Belgium lead the table with 10 points from four matches and host the Czechs later on Sunday.

“Qualification is alive, we lost to a very good Belgium team but it is important we win every other game,” Bale told Sky Sports.

“I know the performance, and we all know the performance wasn’t good enough in the first half. We corrected it more in the second half, we bounced back and showed character to get the result.”

Bale, who has broken back into the Real Madrid team this season under Carlo Ancelotti, gave the nominal visitors a fifth-minute lead from the penalty spot in Kazan.

The game was being played in Russia due to EU and UK sanctions against the Belarusian government.

But Lokomotiv Moscow’s Vitali Lisakovich levelled with a spot-kick just before the half-hour mark, and then set up Pavel Sedko to turn the game on its head a minute later.

Wales had to be patient in the second period, only equalising in the 69th minute through another Bale penalty.

Cardiff City youngster Mark Harris, making his debut as a substitute, caused havoc in the Belarus defence in stoppage time, with his shot saved by Sergei Chernik.

But the ball eventually found its way to Bale and his snap-shot squirmed under the body of the Belarus goalkeeper to spark wild Welsh celebrations.

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AFP

Manchester United Axe Ten Hag

Published

2 months ago

October 28, 2024

NewTimes

By John Michael

Manchester United on Monday announced the departure of Erik ten Hag as the club’s head coach.

The former Ajax boss leaves the English side in fourteenth position after nine games.

While making the announcement in a statement, the club stated that former player, Ruud van Nistelrooy, would take charge as the interim coach.

It reads: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.

“Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”

Sports

FG Approves January For National Sports Festival

Published

7 months ago

May 25, 2024

NewTimes

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun

The Federal Government has approved January, 2025 as the official date for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games, Ogun 2024.”

In a communique released after the first National Council on Sports, held at the Old Government Lodge, Abakaliki Road, Enugu, Enugu State, the Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh extolled the government of Ogun State for its commitment to the successful hosting of the festival.

He noted that the National Sports Festival plays a vital role in national unity, as it would also increase the socio-economic growth for the sustainable development of the state and the country in general.

The minister also urged the federal and state governments to bid and host national and international sports competitions to fast-track the growth of sports in the country.

He urged all key stakeholders to play active roles towards the successful hosting of the Gateway Games, saying the Council of Sports is in support of the establishment of Sports Development and Investment Fund (NSIDF) with its attendant benefits for driving sports development in Nigeria.

While fielding questions from journalists shortly after the meeting, Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka revealed that the state government is ready to host the National Sports Festival.

He submitted that the NSF has the ability to bring people together, to foster teamwork and cooperation and instil values of discipline and perseverance in humans, and encourage the vast youthful population in the state to embrace the power of sports in community development.

He stated further that targeted funding and incentives are crucial for driving grassroots sports engagements and ensuring the sustainability of sports programmes in the state.

“Through the power of sports, we have the opportunity to come together, forge connections, and celebrate our shared humanity. We are leveraging the Building Our Future Together Agenda, of the Governor, to develop sports at the grassroots,” he said.

Sports

Barcelona Shows Xabi The Exit Door

Published

7 months ago

May 24, 2024

NewTimes

By John Michael Ojo

Spanish football giant, Barcelona has relieved Xavi Hernandez of his role as the head coach of the club.

This was revealed by the club via its official website on Friday.

The statement reads in part: “Today Friday, FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernández that he will not be continuing as first team coach in the 2024-25 season.

READ ALSO: Ten Times Barcelona Suffered Heavy Defeats In Champions League Since 2017

“FC Barcelona wishes to thank Xavi for his work as coach, as well as for his inimitable career as a player and as team captain, and wishes him every future success in the world.

“Xavi Hernández will be coaching the team for the last time in Sunday’s game away to Sevilla.”