Sports

Four things to look out for as France take on Morocco in World Cup semifinal

Published

1 year ago

14/12/2022

DOHA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) — Wednesday’s second World Cup semifinal sees France as clear favorites against Morocco, but the Moroccans’ historic progress to the last four in Qatar shows we can take nothing for granted. Here are four things to look out for on Wednesday night.

1. Griezmann the supplier and more

Antoine Griezmann was arguably France’s best player in their 2-1 win over England, with the Atletico Madrid forward dropping once again into a deeper role. That allowed him to use his energy to cover in midfield and defense and to break up English attacks (often with cynical fouls). He was also in the right place to give the assists for France’s two goals. The first a simple pass for Aurelien Tchouameni and a second a pinpoint cross for Olivier Giroud to score the winning goal.

Expect more of the same from Griezmann on Wednesday, where France will have to break down a packed defense and also stop any Moroccan counter attacks.

2. En-Nesyri: Morocco’s big threat

One of the players charged with launching those counter-attacks for Morocco is the striker Youssef En-Nesyri: The Sevilla forward has scored three times for his country in this tournament, although with better finishing he could have had more.

Although he can be wayward at times in his definition, En-Nesyri is a constant handful for rival defenders, with his pace and height making him a threat both on the break and from set-pieces.

The striker is able to use his body to gain possession and bring others into play and while his ‘leggy’ style might not be pretty to watch, it is effective.

3. Mbappe vital in tight spaces

England did an excellent job of keeping Kylian Mbappe quiet in Saturday’s quarter-final, although you could argue that in keeping Mbappe quiet, they failed to take enough care with other French forwards, such as Griezmann and Giroud.

However, although Mbappe was more of a lurking presence, rather than a direct threat for England, he will probably have to step up a gear against a Moroccan side that will play differently to England. Whereas England looked to take France on head-to-head, Morocco will sit deep and try and deny France space in attack. It is here Mbappe’s ability to turn, hold off a defender and gain two yards of space from seemingly nowhere needs to be decisive.

4. Problems for Morocco in defense

Morocco’s defense has been built on three pillars. Right back Achraf Hakimi and central defenders Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd. However, Aguerd picked up a thigh injury in the last-16 tie against Spain, while Saiss, who is also Morocco’s captain, was injured against Portugal.

While it’s true that Morocco held on against Portugal without either Aguerd or Saiss on the pitch, losing their two best defenders is a handicap and also limits coach Walid Regragui’s options to make substitutions.

Striker Walid Cheddira’s rash sending off against Portugal also limits Regragui’s options and ahead of what will be a hugely demanding match for Morocco, the substitutes’ bench is starting to look a little too depopulated for comfort.

Sports

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

Published

5 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