Tag:

Football

Other Sports

What now for ex-Wales forward Craig Bellamy following Scott Parker’s appointment at Burnley either as one of his assistants or finally take over the Wales Head Coach role

by Sports Benches

With Scott Parker now in charge at Burnley for however long that might be depending on his performances this season in the EFL Championship, what does it mean for ex-Wales forward and seasoned first-team coach Craig Bellamy? He’s been at the club long enough having rejected the chance to follow Vincent Kompany following his move to Bayern Munich in Germany’s Bundesliga league last month after being around his corner for a couple of years in Belgium on top of coaching the Anderlecht youth U-21 team. Although he did take a year off back home for some time back in 2021-22 due to a toll on his mental health before he came back once Kompany moved to England a year later with Burnley following its straight relegation from the Premier League last time around at Championship level. According to some reports earlier this week, he is expected to stick around rather than being let go as one of Parker’s assistant coaches alongside Henrik Jensen – even though he is still on the radar when it comes to Wales’s head coaching position. It’s still up for grabs until at least September for their next set of matches after Rob Page was gone a few months back having failed to help them qualify for the Euros via Play-Offs v Poland.

At age 44/45 now, he would’ve at least liked to have one senior head coaching job under his belt when he was unsuccessful 1-2 times several years ago all within 2018 – such as the previous Wales Head Coach position to Ryan Giggs while he thought he was going to take over the Oxford United job in League 1 (now a Championship side via Play-Offs) but then that club had a change of owners at the time and he didn’t agree with the way the owner wanted to go in the end. Not even being the acting head coach for a while would count when Burnley needed to move on uninterrupted like taking charge of pre-season training.

If he was to take over the Wales head coach job at last, then good for him. He will bring a lot of Welshness alongside some excellent coaching experience that he studied and taught across Belgium and England’s top 2 leagues into the squad where he’s been there & done that so many times as a player – which will translate well for these players who have plenty of International caps between them while some will benefit from his coaching methods for those who are new into the setup.

Not only that, he will always be at home for the most part with his family in the heart of Wales while getting the chance to lead them Internationally on a few occasions throughout the year including training sessions to cover as well. They have some unfinished business such as qualifying for the World Cup again in 2026 before he might get the chance to lead them for the home next Euros tournament in 2028 across the UK and Ireland depending on the next Euros qualification process as they will either have to go through it manually or win the automatic berth since it’s been hosted by several different UK & Irish nations.

But having been out and about for so long where the shipped has sailed when it comes to being the No.1 in a coaching side while currently living around the North of England in Manchester, continuing to be second in charge would be best for him since Parker needs him whom they know each other well from his playing days at West Ham back in 2007-2009. Now he might not be with Kompany anymore when the Belgian is now in Germany but at least he will be working with someone – who shares the same attacking football philosophies including some Belgium Pro League combined experiences too – which they’ve done it many times before on their own, although Parker’s one was short-lived with Club Brugge though for 67 days.

If he was to move again, then it will have to be somewhere within the UK unless Parker gets sacked again at Turf Moor unexpectedly and he will finally be No.1 there. Other than that, the choice is his to take whichever way it might be. But having experienced some mental toll after being away from the UK, it seems he will rather stay at Turf Moor as No.2 to Parker to help support for himself and his family – see Mark Hudson for reference when he was sacked at clubs every now and then when his family was really worried about him not being able to continue to work when Football moves so fast with coaching nowadays.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Other Sports

Soccer: Colombia too good 5-0 that ended Panama’s extended run in the Copa America Quarter-Finals en route towards yet another semi-final this time against Brazil or Uruguay

by Sports Benches

Colombia absolutely too good on what has been an excellent team showing that ended Panama’s good run up until the Quarter-Finals with a 5-0 win just now as they will either take on Uruguay or Brazil for the 2nd Copa America semi-final match on 10am Thursday morning at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. So that leaves Canada now as the only North American team in the running alongside three other South American sides including their semi opponents Argentina which is going to be incredibly difficult since they’re the current champs. However, they have the team spirit to hopefully give them a tough time having made excellent progress over the last few years – even with Jesse Marsch in charge now who is doing well.

All good things has to end at some point unfortunately when Panama had a great group stage campaign such as wins against the USA and Bolivia off the back of a deep CONCACAF Gold Cup run to the Final last year (Finished 2nd to Mexico with a 1-0 loss) despite losing to Uruguay in the opening match. This is a team Panama should be proud of as there’s unfinished business ahead that would make them stronger as one of the North American teams out there alongside Canada, Mexico and the USA like qualifying for the 2nd time since 2018 to compete in the next World Cup in two years time across North America as well as another excellent next Gold Cup and Copa America showing if possible would be their next two targets. For now, it’s been a disappointing end when they so vulnerable defensively for the most part. Although they did had some ball on occasions with a bit more progress later on where 1- 2 goals could’ve been theirs, but then the match was already over way before full-time.

Meanwhile, Colombians including the some of its huge supporters groups all over the US have been partying all match to see them advance into the semi-finals yet again & this time it won’t be a semis rematch after all unless they make it into the Final with Argentina in it. They were simply destructive mainly in attack with so much possession to put themselves ahead of the game including an excellent 3-0 first-half performance. Yes, things might have slowed things down a bit as the game goes on but they were still way comfortable up front despite some improved Panama ball before a few changes off the bench helped Colombia finished off the match on a high including their 5th and final goal off a successful quick penalty kick past the keeper & into the net. Whatever that is, Colombia needs their full strong support worldwide in the hope of advancing to their 3rd Copa America Final and the last time they’ve done it was back in 2001 with the one and only triumph v Mexico 1-0 at home.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Other Sports

Thoughts on Scott Parker returning to management now with Burnley after 2 x Championship promotions but also underwhelming spells in the EPL & Belgium

by Sports Benches

And just before the weekend, Burnley FC have finally got a replacement onboard to replace the now Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany in none other than ex-England midfielder Scott Parker. He’s the man who guided both Fulham via the Play-Offs in 2019-20 and Bournemouth as runner-up in 2021-22 to also Fulham to Premier League promotions over the last couple of years in the EFL Championship but has yet to cut it in the top flight, having experienced one full season relegation in West London while being sacked only a few matches into the new season with Bournemouth.

Then things went from bad to worse when he took the chance to cut his teeth abroad at Club Brugge in Belgium’s Pro League but he only won just 2 games out of 12 that only lasted 67 days en route towards yet another sacking as he’s been out of management a little over a year until he’s now back at Turf Moor to try and get this club straight back into the Premier League. The new season will start in early August on Tuesday 13th at 5am AEST against fellow Premier League relegation side Luton Town in the hope of topping this table once again throughout the 2024/25 season, would look pretty nice for him to guide a 3rd Championship promotion to the PL but this time with the finish for 1st.

Burnley has been there before back in 2022/23 with Kompany before they struggled to keep up with the Premier League table following another relegation finish in 19th and sure they’ll do it again this time under Parker.

Yes, there will be some people who will criticise him for not being good in the Premier League when he complained of Bournemouth not being backed to succeed there upon his 2nd head coach firing after Bournemouth lost too much v Liverpool 9-0 nearly two years ago and yet they did well in 13th under Gary O’Neil – who is very good with the coaching side of things rather than him feeling like he has the responsibility of what a traditional old-fashioned manager does in English soccer- which is now predominantly redundant nowadays. Although O’Neil wasn’t kept on when Bournemouth wanted to do things differently with really good football under Androni Irola, he didn’t do bad though at Wolves last season in 14th.

Don’t forget Scott witnessed the same thing when Fulham spent 100 million pounds of players upon their return into the Premier League at the first attempt back in 2020-21 & unfortunately, that didn’t go well for him despite winning a couple of games on what has been a mostly underwhelming season where they returned straight to the 2nd tier in 18th place.

However, he has some qualities that is relevant to the modern game such as playing possession-based/attacking football, knows how to get the best out of young players and can be expansive on how he coaches them too with a back four for the majority and sometimes back three/five on occasions if required. Not only that, he will be sorely be responsible of the coaching since he will take over the head coach title while Burnley will continue to buy players soon enough to help Scott dominate this Championship table that suits his tactics. The club have already began their transfer activity with right-back Shurandy Sambo from PSV for free the other day when they were still managerless at the time not long before Parker’s arrival.

Now he will soon get back to work to coach the players starting next week under a three-year deal as time will tell if he can finally do better in the Premier League at some point should Burnley be promoted once again, so clubs like West Ham (his old playing club) can give him a chance to try and compete in the Top 6-7 every season alongside some deep domestic cup runs.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Other Sports

UEFA Euro 2024: Spain to meet France in the 1st semi-final having seen Spain eliminate the hosts Germany while France escaped Portgual’s endless attempts via penalties

by Sports Benches

What a day it has been this morning through the first of the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship Quarter-Finals that went through the very end across Germany where the hosts were beaten by Spain 2-1 in Stuggart even though they’ve kept the game going for a bit longer while France defeated Portugal via penalties in Hamburg when no score was settled for both sides through 90 mins of normal time and 30 mins of extra time. Now that the first semi-final match is set to go on Wednesday morning between Spain v France, all eyes on 2021 runner-up England if they can get the job done tomorrow morning v Switzerland with a hint of a formation change by going with a back three defensive strategy before we will find out soon enough whether or not if Turkey’s fairy tale run will continue going into the semis at the same time v the Netherlands,

Heartbreak from the hosts who did the best they can to keep the match going having responded well to Spain’s 2nd half lead with a few attempts to try and get the job done towards goal. Yes, great to see Bayer Lekekusen forward Florian Wirtz who gave his country a lifeline off a clean strike through the middle – having his side held back Spain’s early celebration a bit longer ahead of extra time. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t the match they wanted to finish off when the keeper should’ve saved that header which turned out to be Spain’s 2nd goal as it could’ve gone onto penalties to try & boot Spain out of the tournament. Then another series of hit and misses in the last few minutes despite being given three minutes more than the added 2nd extra time period have clearly summed up their disappointment from the last eight on home soil as the next time Germany will seek their next European crown will be 2028 in the UK/Ireland – 32 years from their one & only title back in 1996.

Meanwhile, Spain did so well to put themselves ahead straight after half-time through a brilliant straight line strike off Dani Olmo when the first half didn’t go their way when it comes to the possession. They had a few scares at times every time the Germans tried to get the job done like that poor goal kick before Wirtz at least levelled the scoreboard that led to another 30 minutes of play at extra time. But they’re glad to wrap up the game with a huge sigh of relief thanks to a brilliant header by Mikel Merino when the opposition keeper hesitated to save the ball before it led to the Spaniards regaining the lead for their 2nd goal just in time for his side’s own keeper to stop Germany from slipping away towards the very final full-time whistle at the 126th minute. Now they will be in the semis yet again in the hope of advancing into the Final since 2012 when they did well last time out v Italy in Ukraine & if Spain can go all the way, then this could be their record 4th title in the Euros history.

Looking at the other Quarter-Final match, France were relieved to get away with Portgual’s endless shooting attempts with some excellent saves alongside the solid defensive work they’ve put in that didn’t make it into goal all night long whereas Portugal would be very frustrated on what has been a painful end to the tournament following a scoreless first 120 mins that could’ve been their night like scoring 2-3 goals to wrap up early instead of walking away empty handed. Yes, France might not have found the opportunities they desired up front off the back of a strong Portugal ball. But they did however win this game via penalties when a mis-timed Joao Felix penalty shootout attempt went their way through the woodwork before Theo Hernandez scored the 5th and final winning penalty goal that sent France into the semis now v Spain. It looks like France has made Portugal pay when they broke their hearts back in the 2016 Final on home soil 1-0 at Stade De France as Portugal’s poor hit and misses ultimately gave them the exit boot while France is chasing their 3rd Euros crown in 25 years now since 2000.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Other Sports

Argentina’s record 16th Copa America chase continues following a brilliant finish with the Quarter-Finals win via penalties v Ecuador

by Sports Benches

July 4 may have taken place today in the US but that doesn’t mean soccer can’t be played without them when Copa America began the knockout stages in the first of the four Quarter-Finals at the same time between Argentina v Ecuador at NRG Stadium in Texas. It was almost a quiet game for a start when Argentina took the early lead off a successful in the first 45 minutes where they led 1-0 before Ecuador gave themselves a lifeline that held them back a bit longer thanks to substitute left winger Keven Rodriguez just minutes towards the end of normal time (90 mins) as this match isn’t over just yet.

Although both teams were unable to break the equaliser over the next extra half-hour, but at the end of the day, one winner has to advance into the semis while the other will have to pack their bags back home early. The winner belongs to Argentina following a 4-2 penalty win where their supporters went wild while they got the share with the Americans on their birthday as a whole nation. Now Argentina’s US tour continues to New Jersey now at MetLife Stadium in five days time (Wednesday 10AM AEST) – the home of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final as it will either be Venezuela or Canada now in Quarter-Final match No.2 where one of them will go on to take on Argentina come tomorrow 10 AM also within Texas but this time at AT&T Stadium.

Heartbreak for Ecuador where they were so fortunate enough to keep the game alive until the very end but there were a few missed opportunities that could’ve seen them advance into the semis instead of the Argentineans. Yes, they weren’t bad to get the ball rolling but it was simply their poor executions that came back to bit them such as that back-to-back mis-timed shots on goal including that early 2nd half penalty before more & more of these hit and misses made it so easy for Argentina to put the ball away from the in-goal at the sudden death shootout – which ultimately confirmed their elimination from the last 8 yet again over their last 3 out of 4 campaigns. It would’ve been about three decades now since their last semi-final there on home soil back in 1993 if they did win v Argentina as Ecuador will have to try again next time for the next Copa America in 2028.

Meanwhile, congratulations to Argentina with the brilliant win after they escaped the threat of Ecuador unscathed via penalties. Great to hear they’ve got the lead early while trying to hold out until at least the end of normal time (90 mins or 100 mins you would like to call it these days) for the win but then those plans were held back by Ecuador last minute when Argentina could’ve done better to cash in on the opposition’s hit and miss attempts such as scoring 2-0 or 3-0 in order to give themselves a bit of an early mark ahead of the semis. But they’ve did well however to bring this game to a close where Argentina was always good to in penalties like we’ve seen in the past – such as their 3rd World Cup trophy after a long 36 years (1986) wait two years ago v 2 x champions France in Qatar. Now with Lionel Messi sticking around for a bit longer following his post-World Cup triumph pledge, let’s see if Argentina will go one step closer once again to try & defend their crown from 2021 for the record 16th time as this next contest wouldn’t be that difficult either way en route to the Final.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Other Sports

Thoughts on Manchester United retaining manager Erik Ten Hag for at least another two years following their recent FA Cup triumph

by Sports Benches

So there you have it with Manchester United finished off their 2023-24 season a high with an FA Cup win over Manchester City despite being 8th in the Premier League & Erik Ten Hag is staying on after all at least for another two years. With a change of minor ownership at the start of the year when Sir Richard Ratcliffe and INEOS was onboard whilst the Glazer family still held majority control, there were rumours about the manager/head coach being fired – even if he did bring home the FA Cup trophy having won the League Cup on top of their good 3rd PL campaign during his first season back in 2022/23. 

But his good track record of promoting youngsters from the academy including his ability to win silverware were the key reasons for the manager to stay at least a bit longer if he can help Man Utd compete Top 4 next season or else a Europa League winning campaign would do it to back up his two year contract extension today. Plus, the team’s training ground would get a much-needed change that is gonna cost at least £50 million in order to keep up to date with the other big clubs.

Looking to win back the Premier League is something everyone dreams of since Sir Alex Ferguson left on a high at the end of the 2012-13 season and looking at Man Utd’s position right now it’s still a long way to go. However, they are getting there depending on how good the manager will be to challenge up front like Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal soon enough. If not, they can always go to another manager maybe someone young for the long haul. 

Other than that, there’s lots of big changes other than keeping the manager with the possibility of either renovating Old Trafford or building a “Wembley of the North” Stadium elsewhere. I guess we will see a similar Camp Nou (Barcelona) v Bernabaeu (Real Madrid) battle for the best Football stadium across England if the plans do go ahead at some point.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Other Sports

Thoughts on Optus Sport acquiring off Network 10/Paramount + for the FA Cup rights in Australia starting this August

by Sports Benches

So there we have it, Optus Sport is now your new home of the FA Cup and the FA Community Shield beginning later this year under a multi-year contract. Network 10 via Paramount + previously had the rights over the last three seasons but their contract has now expired and unable to renew its contract where they will now be left with the A-League both Men’s and Women’s competitions (expiring at the end of 2025/26) as well as the Socceroos and Matildas matches including their respective AFC and World Cup qualification campaigns (expiring soon but is expected to be renewed until at least 2028).

Meanwhile on Optus’s end, they’ve now got the FA Cup both men’s and women’s tournaments alongside the Premier League, La Liga, Copa America (currently ongoing), Women’s Super League in England and many more including the UEFA International Football competitions such as the Euro 2024 (also currently ongoing) as well as the yearly Nations League.

That’s a bit of surprise when we first thought the FA Cup would return to free-to-air here for 10 since they’ve first acquired the rights off ESPN to at least air the big Final LIVE like SBS used to so for so many years and decades. However, that’s no longer a requirement nowadays since it’s no longer protected by the government & 10 didn’t have to make this happen by just chucking the highlights and its extras content including these past archives for free on 10 Play while having the whole lot such as all the live and on-demand matches being locked up behind a paywall via Paramount +. Although they did have the Youth Cup knockout rounds including the final in front of a paywall only online on 10 Play, but that’s the bare minimum they could do likewise with the early round senior matches during their first year if I recall up until the fifth-round proper I think and then everything else is only Paramount +. Unfortunately, that’s not going to change anytime soon where the only free content Optus Sport will show is show 3 minute highlight matches of each round hours after the game is done in the morning – It’s the same thing they do with other footballing properties Optus shows such as the Premier League, the WSL & UEFA Internationals.

Other than that, not much of a loss from 10 to lose one part of their soccer rights and something to gain from Optus by having another major English Football Domestic competition that complements the Premier League and even the Women’s Super League well in the FA Cup & Community Shield. I’m sure they will have the FA Youth Cup as part of the bigger deal with the FA this week while continuing to air the Women’s FA Cup which is contracted separately to the Men’s competition.

For now, you can view all the FA Cup stuff including the entirety of the 2023-24 season while you can on 10 and Paramount + up until August before Optus Sport takes over beginning with another Manchester derby between Manchester United v Manchester City this time for the Community Shield trophy once again on Sunday August 10 at Wembley Stadium.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Other Sports

Copa America 2024: Ecuador held back Mexico with a 0-0 draw as Mexico now eliminated while they will get another knockout Finals run this time v Argentina

by Sports Benches

We might not have seen any goal from either Mexico or Ecuador earlier today during the last set of Group Stage Copa America matches after nearly 100 minutes of play at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. However, Ecuador had at least something to celebrate that all but confirmed Mexico’s early elimination from the tournament, having just punched their ticket to the Quarter-Finals this Friday at 11am AEST v Argentina. Brilliant defense to start off with including some good saves from the keeper while they were relieved to escape Mexico’s hit and misses, especially when they were so close at times towards having to hand over that finish to the opposition. All Ecuador had to do is not letting Mexico win all along since they had a bit of a goal difference advantage after they’ve won comfortably a few days ago v Jamaica 3-1 and they’ve done it on what is going be another extended Finals run soon. Yes, it won’t be easy when going up against one of the best in current World Cup champs Argentina. You never know what Ecuador has to offer in the best of the South Americas when it’s held in the USA.

It’s been disappointing for the Mexicans to walk away early, not even the injuries didn’t help much – despite their good start of their Group B campaign v Jamaica with the win 1-0. But then they couldn’t capitalise it against the table-topping Venezuela where all Mexico had to do is just win that game and they’re still in this fight. Yes, Mexico may have dominated the pitch but just couldn’t get the job done when it comes to shots on goal unfortunately – even though there were so many shots here & there as their poor attacking executions ultimately ruined sealed their elimination in the end. It’s the third time now that Mexico had to exit the group stages in this tournament since the 2015 Copa America edition as a past regular invitee in Chile.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Other Sports

UEFA Euro 2024: Defending champs Italy now out from the Round of 16 as Switzerland is in the last eight v runner-up England or Slovakia after a 2-0 win at the Berlin Olympiastadion

by Sports Benches

Looks like we will see a new UEFA Euros champion after defending champions Italy were just knocked out of the Round of 16 with a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland, who is now off to their 2nd Quarter-Finals this time v 2021 runner-up England or Slovakia come tomorrow morning. Despite being a bit off possession when Italy tried to keep on chasing the scoreboard, gotta say that Switzerland had a brilliant game where they managed to find the net twice in between two halves. That first one was quick & easy in front of the goalkeeper while the 2nd strike was clearly long and high that just went over the keeper & into the net it goes to extend the Swiss’s lead. They’ve been great in the Euros over the last three campaigns now as this could be their best ever run yet if they can knock off the other Euro finalists. Although the Swiss should take it one step at a time should they go all the way in the hope of making their own history maybe against either Hosts Germany or even Spain in the Final.

Meanwhile, it’s heartbreaking to see Italy bow out early having entered this campaign as the defending champs after they defeated England on their own turf last time out from the previous Final in Wembley 1-0. First of all, the keeper made some fine saves. But despite holding the possession, Italy just wasn’t good enough defensively where they couldn’t stop the Swiss from entering their own danger zone inside the box. Plus, their attacking executions look scrappy including one poorly timed attempt later during the 2nd half that hit the woodwork in between the net & keeper by their main No.9 Giancula Scamacca. 

Not even a near own goal by Switzerland could’ve put them back on track with sheer luck where the opposition were relieved to see the ball being deflected away past the crossbar off a defensive header that almost became very costly indeed. Now that’s something for the Swiss to watch out when clearing the ball next time. Italy’s search for a 3rd championship will have to wait until 2028 across the UK and Ireland as Switzerland’s extended run continues for the last eight next Sunday at 2am AEST.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Other Sports

2024 Copa America, Panama one step closer towards the last eight ahead of their next match v Bolivia on Monday after their 2-1 win Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta v the USA

by Sports Benches

USA’s chances of going into the Quarter-Finals of the 2024 Copa America are beginning to crumble now in Group C ahead of their next match v Uruguay (Tuesday morning at 10am AEST) after their 2-1 loss to Panama. That first attempted free-kick goal was unlucky when it went offside, although they did find the net first thanks to centre-forward Florian Balogin which was so far, so good.  However, Panama controlled the pitch for the majority where they went into half-time at 1-1 before they eventually found the winner in the 83rd minute off the back of a huge arm wrestle past the US defense towards the final attacking third. Now all Panama has to do is beat Bolivia this Sunday (also Tuesday morning 11am AEST here) if USA can’t win v Uruguay and they will be through in 2nd expecting to go up against either Colombia or Brazil from the top ranked Group D.

Unlucky from the US as a draw would at least be acceptable if it wasn’t for the VAR rejection for that early offside free-kick or another win would be nice, but shame they just couldn’t find a way to stop Panama from conceding into the net. The defense looked so poor including the keeper who should’ve saved the first Panama goal while they just couldn’t get more ball with limited opportunities to get the job done on target at the other end. Meanwhile, wonderful moment from Panama to take home with the win other than that nasty late tackle where one of them was given a straight red card. While that might be a huge blow ahead of their next game v Bolivia, they have won a few times against them before including their last meeting via a friendly match 2-1 in August last year. All in all, they showed excellent fight while dominating the opposition US territory for most of the match. They know where to find the net up close inside the box not once but twice and Panama were right on the money in order off the back of two clean powerful strikes before they closed out for the win. We all know how close they are last year in the CONCACAF Gold Cup through to the Final v Mexico 0-1, as long as USA lose to Uruguay, Panama is ready to go all the way by proving they are not afraid of going up against the best of South Americas after being the best of the North.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail