Europe

Ukraine’s qualification for Euro 2024 raises country’s spirits amid war with Russia

WROCLAW — Ukraine's qualification for the Euro 2024 soccer finals has cheered a country suffering hardship in its conflict with Russia and for a few weeks in June and July the tournament will provide a welcome distraction from the harsh reality of war.

The team came from behind to defeat Iceland 2-1 in their playoff final in neutral Poland on Tuesday and book a fourth successive appearance in the continental finals.

France’s all-time leading scorer Olivier Giroud nearing shock move to LAFC

France and AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud is reportedly finalizing a summer transfer to LAFC following Euro 2024 according to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert.

Giroud has been Milan’s top scorer this season finding the back of the net 14 times and adding nine assists. The 39-year-old Frenchman has aged like a fine wine.

His contract with the Italian giants will expire in June and it appears that a move to Major League Soccer is on the horizon.

Wife of Swedish star Emil Forsberg accuses him of ghosting her and their kids after NYRB move

Sweden international and star New York Red Bulls signing Emil Forsberg has been accused of “ghosting” his wife and children since the transfer from RB Leipzig to Major League Soccer.

Forsberg’s wife, Shanga, took to social media announcing she’s filing for divorce and exposed the 32-year-old of neglecting his family. Shanga and Emil had been in a relationship for 19 years and have two children.

Emil Forsberg wife files for divorce

Hey Nottingham Forest, Thursday’s USMNT game is why you need to play Gio Reyna

Thursday night’s United States men’s national team 3-1 victory vs. Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals was about as ugly as it gets. There are still some positives to be pulled for the game like the performance of Gio Reyna.

Were you watching Nottingham Forest??

Reyna is on loan from Borussia Dortmund to Forest until this summer and it’s been a nightmare move for the 21-year-old.

Germany end decades-long partnership with Adidas and sign new deal with Nike

BERLIN — The German Football Association (DFB) announced that American sportswear giant Nike would become their official supplier from 2027 onwards, ending a decades-long partnership with German firm Adidas.

The DFB said on Thursday Nike would supply all national teams from 2027 to 2034, having made the best financial offer.

"The coming partnership allows the DFB for the next decade to work on central tasks with a view to developing football in Germany," DFB President Bernd Neuendorf said in a statement.

Germany Adidas split

USMNT U23’s to face Thierry Henry’s France in opening game of Olympics

PARIS — Hosts France will play the United States to kick off the men's soccer tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics after the two teams were drawn together on Wednesday.

The game will be played in Marseille on July 24, two days before the opening ceremony in Paris. New Zealand and the winner of a playoff between an Asian team and Guinea complete Group A.

USMNT Olympics group

Spanish court sets $1.1 million bail for Dani Alves

BARCELONA — Brazilian soccer player Dani Alves can be released from jail on a $1.1 million bail while he appeals his rape conviction, after serving about a quarter of his four-and-a-half-year sentence, a Barcelona court ruled on Wednesday.

The conditions for Alves' release include relinquishing both his Brazilian and Spanish passports so he cannot leave Spain as well as an obligation to appear before the court on a weekly basis or whenever summoned.

The court also imposed a restraining order barring Alves from coming within 3,300 feet of the victim.

Brazil star Richarlison urges every player to be open to therapy and shares his mental health journey

Tottenham Hotspur and Brazil forward Richarlison said players must rise above the stigma and seek psychological help for mental health issues, ahead of Saturday's international friendly against England.

The 26-year-old, who is set to earn his 50th cap for Brazil in friendly matches against England and Spain, opened up about how therapy helped him find his rhythm again.

Catarina Macario bags first Chelsea assist as she eyes USWNT return and Olympic roster spot

Chelsea and United States women’s national team forward Catarina Macario returned from an ACL injury this month and has already bagged two goals and an assist for her club.

Macario, who had been out injured since summer 2022, made her long-awaited Chelsea debut on March 3 in the FA Women’s Super League, scoring a late goal. She then found the back of the net again with the winner vs. Everton on March 10.

On Tuesday she provided her first assist for her new club as Chelsea defeated Ajax 3-0 in the Women’s Champions League.

U.S. to host El Clásico, Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man United and Milan this summer

Soccer fans in the United States are getting spoiled this summer. Not only will the Copa América be hosted in the States, but some of the world’s biggest clubs have announced summer tours in the USA.

Top teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan will all play games stateside this summer.

The friendlies will take place at the end of July and start of August meaning there won’t be any overlap with the Copa América or Euros. Both international tournaments conclude on July 14.

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