Sports

Analysis: German icon Voller set to take care of German national team

Published

1 year ago

13/01/2023

BERLIN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) — One of German football’s most famous names is about to take over the challenging job of rescuing the country’s struggling national team.

The final steps to an official announcement are yet to go, but the return of 1990 world champion Rudi Voller appears the only sense-making option after the team and fans seem trapped in an emotional and sportive crisis.

One year ahead of the 2024 Euro hosted by Germany, the 90 time-capped former striker as the managing director must fill the emptiness caused by painful World Cup group exits in 2018 and 2022 and a disappointing Euro 2020.

After approval rates for the national team dropped significantly over the past years, Voller is expected to revitalize the broken relationship between the national team and fans, like a lifesaver.

The 1993 Champions League winner and long-standing CEO of Bayer Leverkusen as the successor of managing director Oliver Bierhoff must turn into a feel-good-manager supporting coach Hansi Flick.

The sports magazine Kicker called the news “a logical surprise,” and the Sueddeutsche Zeitung spoke about “an expert for a good atmosphere.”

Voller seems to meet the desires of German fans as over 70 percent in a Kicker survey voted in favor of the man, who had retired last spring.

Other than Bierhoff, Voller won’t cover all of Bierhoff’s jobs but will concentrate on the national team. The German association must find a man taking care of the academy and talent development.

The emergency call for rescue worker Voller gives proof of the crisis the German national team is facing.

“I never experienced a country that is so little behind its national team like Germany. That makes me sad and thoughtful,” said first-tier side coach Steffen Baumgart.

A survey by the news agency DPA revealed over 50 percent of the population has lost interest in the national team.

Figures appear absurd for a football nation having won the World Cup four times and was seen as one of Europe’s top dogs taking the continental title three times, as often as Spain.

Voller is the man for the hard nuts to crack as he most likely is returning to get things into place again.

From 2000 to 2004 the popular fan-pleaser took over and reached the 2002 World Cup final against Brazil.

Reports speak of Voller’s job outlined until 2024. Pundits throughout the country agree the chance for a turnaround until the 2024 Euro must be taken.

The task couldn’t be harder as Germany dropped back to position 14 in the FIFA World ranking list after the disappointing performance at the tournament in Qatar.

A job that seems a perfect match for a man counting on a unique mixture of expertise, network, and popularity.

Until the final approval, sobered German fans, the struggling association and Hansi Flick are eagerly awaiting the word of consent from Voller.

Source(s): Xinhua

Sports

The table tennis star Dheema, first Maldivian athlete to qualify for Olympics

Published

6 hours ago

18/05/2024

The table tennis star, Fathimath Dheema Ali, who will be partaking in the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, has received a warm welcome upon returning to Male’ City. Dheema showcased her exemplary skills amidst stiff competition from the finest table tennis players in South Asia and emerged victorious in the South Asia Regional Olympic Qualifications. Her triumph signifies a momentous milestone for the Maldives in the realm of international sports.

Upon arrival back to the Maldives, the Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu and senior officials of the ministry along with the President of Maldives Olympic Committee (MOC) Mohamed Abdul Sattar and key figures from the Table Tennis Association of the Maldives extended their heartfelt and warm welcomes to Dheema. The minister organised a special ceremony held in the Youth Centre, commemorating the groundbreaking achievement of Dheema.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the table Tennis Association Ali Rasheed rejoiced, stating that Dheema’s historic performance marked a significant milestone in the history of the Maldives. Highlighting that this remarkable victory was a result of 10 years of her unwavering commitment and dedication, Ali affirmed that the administration and countries in which she received training played a pivotal role for her success. On this stance, he expressed heartfelt gratitude towards all who were engaged in assisting to ensure this significant opportunity was secured.

While Dheema successfully qualified for the Olympic Games, previously Maldivian athletes competed in the games in invitational (tripartite) opportunities provided. As such, Maldivian athletes have been actively participating and competing in athletics, badminton and swimming since 1988.

Source(s): PsmNews

Sports

Minister announces survey for 20-year sports development plan

Published

3 days ago

15/05/2024

Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu has announced a special survey for the Maldives’ 20-year sports development plan.

The draft plan was developed in February and focuses on cultivating top athletes by training coaches in schools, hosting major tournaments in the Maldives, and expanding sports associations’ activities in the atolls.

At a press conference, Minister Rafiu highlighted ongoing collaboration with sports associations. He said that detailed work on the long-term policy is available on the ministry’s website. He also said that the survey is a critical part of the process and spans 22 pages and requires time for completion by each association.

Additionally, Minister Rafiu mentioned agreements with Malaysia for training athletes and administrators. He also said that discussions about the plan have taken place with France, and talks are ongoing with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Source(s): PsmNews

Sports

Mbappe announces PSG departure at end of season

Published

1 week ago

11/05/2024

MARSEILLE, May 10 (Xinhua) — Kylian Mbappe confirmed on Friday that he will leave French Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season, without revealing his next destination.

But according to multiple media reports, he will join the La Liga powerhouses Real Madrid after the season ends.

“I wanted to announce to you all that it’s my last year at Paris Saint-Germain. I will not extend and the adventure will come to an end in a few weeks,” Mbappe said in a video posted on social media.

“I will play my last game at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.”

The French international joined PSG on loan from Monaco in 2017 and officially signed with the capital-based side after the season ended for a transfer fee of 180 million euros.

During his seven years with the team, Mbappe helped the club claim six league titles and three French Cup victories, making 306 appearances and scoring 255 goals, becoming the top scorer in the team’s history.

“It’s a lot of emotions, many years where I had the chance and the great honor to be a member of the biggest French club, one of the best in the world,” said the 26-year-old.

“It allowed me to arrive here, to have my first experience in a club with a lot of pressure, to grow as a player of course, by being alongside some of the best in history, some of the greatest champions,” he added.

“It’s hard and I never thought it would be this difficult to announce that… but I think I needed this, a new challenge, after seven years.”

PSG have already secured the Ligue 1 title of this season and reached the French Cup final, where they will compete for the championship against Lyon on May 25th.

However, in the Champions League where the team most aspired to make a mark, they suffered another disappointing exit as they were eliminated in the semifinals after being defeated in both legs by Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

Source(s): Xinhua