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Harry Kane England
Football

“We just didn’t quite keep the same intensity and pressure” : Harry Kane explains reason behind loss against Spain

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“We just didn’t quite keep the same intensity and pressure” : Harry Kane explains reason behind loss against Spain England failed at the final hurdle once again, as they were defeated by Spain in the finals of the 2024 Euros. The Three Lions lost 2-1 to the eventual champions, courtesy of a brilliant late goal from Mikel Oyarzabal. Harry Kane was devastated after another final loss, and explained the reason behind England’s defeat to Spain. Nico Williams gave Spain the lead just moments after the restart in the second half. However, Cole Palmer scored a brilliant long range goal from outside the box to level the scores. Spain’s substitute Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain in front once again in the final five minutes of the match. Harry Kane believes that England could not maintain the same level of intensity after they scored the equalizer. He stated that the Three Lions could not keep the pressure on Spain, as there were a lot of tired legs out on the field in the final. “We just didn’t quite keep the same intensity and pressure (after scoring) or keep the ball well enough. It is the last stage of the tournament, and there are a lot of tired legs and a tired mentality there. We just struggled and then got caught with the ball in behind. It is down to big moments — we had a big moment at the end where they cleared one off the line, it could have been different, but for now it is really disappointing,” Kane was quoted by Goal.com as saying. “It’s an opportunity missed” : Harry Kane on Euro finals defeat Harry Kane stated that it was a big opportunity missed for England once again. The Three Lions have been defeated in the finals of the Euro for two consecutive editions, as they fell to a defeat to Italy in 2021. Harry Kane added that the team wanted to win the Euros for manager Gareth Southgate, who could step down from managerial duties. England have not played their best football, but held their nerves when it mattered the most at the Euros. However, that was not the case to be in the finals, as Spain were a level above everyone else involved in the tournament. “It’s an opportunity missed. It’s not easy to get to these finals. It takes unbelievable resilience and character to get to where we are but ultimately you take the opportunity when it comes and we haven’t done it again. It’s extremely painful, it’s going to hurt for a long, long time. It’s disappointing that we couldn’t win it for Gareth. We wanted so badly to win it for him,” Kane added. Also Read: “I just have a feeling about Mainoo and the final”: Wayne Rooney predicts England midfielder to score against Spain

Roberto Carballes Baena
Tennis

ATP Bastad Open: Roberto Carballes Baena vs Roman Safiullin Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction for 2024 Swedish Open

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ATP Bastad Open: Roberto Carballes Baena vs Roman Safiullin Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction for 2024 Swedish Open Roberto Carballes Baena and Roman Safiullin will lock horns against each other in the first round of the ATP Bastad Open. The former is ranked 64th in the world, whereas, the Russian is ranked 44th in the world. ATP Bastad Open: Roberto Carballes Baena vs Roman Safiullin Preview Roberto Carballes Baena comes into the tournament on the back of a spectacular week. The Spaniard claimed a Challenger Event title on the clay surface, defeating Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets in the finals. He did not enjoy a great season on grass courts, as he was defeated in the first round of Wimbledon by Alexander Zverev. Nevertheless, the Spaniard loves to play on clay courts, which is also his strongest surface. He did well at the Barcelona Open earlier this year, where he reached the last 16, eventually losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas. On the other hand, Roman Safiullin had a pretty decent campaign at Wimbledon, which saw him reach the third round. The Russian knocked out the 26th seed Francisco Cerundolo in the first round in five sets. Roman Safiullin is not among the best players on clay courts, given that his strengths lie on the faster courts. The Russian was defeated in the first round of the French Open, losing to Dusan Lajovic in five sets. ATP Bastad Open: Roberto Carballes Baena vs Roman Safiullin Head-to-Head Both players have never played against each other. This will be their first ever meeting on an surface. ATP Bastad Open: Roberto Carballes Baena vs Roman Safiullin Prediction Both players are more than capable of winning this encounter. Hence, this is expected to be a very close encounter. Roberto Carballes Baena has the slight edge here given his performance over the last week, and his prowess on clay courts. The Spaniard prefers playing on this surface, as he is likely to prevail in longer rallies. However, Roman Safiullin could very much take the game to the Spaniard, given his ability to make less unforced errors. Prediction: Roberto Carballes Baena to win in three sets

Tennis

“Does Djokovic have enough left in the tank to get one more Slam?” Nick Kyrgios shares his opinion after Wimbledon final

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“Does Djokovic have enough left in the tank to get one more Slam?” Nick Kyrgios shares his opinion after Wimbledon final Novak Djokovic was defeated in the finals of the 2024 Wimbledon, as Carlos Alcaraz prevailed once again. The Spaniard defeated the seven-time Wimbledon champion in straight sets to claim his fourth Grand Slam title. For the second consecutive year, Carlos Alcaraz has defeated the Serbian in the finals, however this time it was quite a comfortable victory. Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios shared his opinion on Novak Djokovic’s future after his Wimbledon final loss. The former world number one has had quite a torrid year on the tour, as he is yet to win a single title so far. Novak Djokovic had a surgery just two weeks before Wimbledon, and there were several question marks over his participation at Wimbledon this year. Nick Kyrgios reiterated that the Serbian was not quite at his physical best during the tournament due to his recent surgery. “Let’s not forget, Djokovic playing this event, he did not have to play it. Physically he is not 100% but he decided to play it and he has said time and time again how important this event is to him,” said Kyrgios, as quoted by Eurosport. “He threw everything at Carlos in the third set” : Nick Kyrgios on Novak Djokovic Nick Kyrgios believes that Novak Djokovic threw everything at Carlos Alcaraz in the third set, however, it was not enough to stop the Spaniard. Nick Kyrgios stated that only time will tell if Novak Djokovic has at least one more Grand Slam title left in him. Nick Kyrgios stated that Carlos Alcaraz has been clearly dominating the circuit, claiming the French Open and the Wimbledon in a span of just over a month. In such a case, it would be very difficult to upstage the 21-year-old Spaniard on any surface. “He threw everything at Carlos in the third set and he just kept coming up with answers time and time again. Me and Tim (Henman) have had this conversation, it is a conversation all tennis fans need to have, is there one more Slam left for Djokovic on the calendar?,” said Kyrgios. “With the come up of Alcaraz, and obviously two times in a row beating him in the final, does Djokovic have enough left in the tank to get one more Slam?,” he added. Novak Djokovic will take a week’s break, and return to action at the Paris Olympics later this month. The Serbian is chasing an elusive Singles gold medal in what could be his final opportunity to do so. Also Read: “History is on the line” : Novak Djokovic on levelling Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles

Kobbie Mainoo
Football

“I just have a feeling about Mainoo and the final”: Wayne Rooney predicts England midfielder to score against Spain

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“I just have a feeling about Mainoo and the final”: Wayne Rooney predicts England midfielder to score against Spain England are all set to face Spain in the finals of the 2024 Euros. This will be their toughest test of the tournament so far, as Spain have had an unbeaten run into the finals. Former England captain Wayne Rooney has backed Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to score in the finals against Spain. The 19-year-old midfielder has been revelation for Manchester United and England this year. He even score in the finals of the FA Cup in May, which helped the Red Devils beat Manchester City. Hence, Wayne Rooney believes that the midfielder could be the difference maker in the finals against Spain. Wayne Rooney believes that the Spanish defenders will be well prepared for the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, which would open a lot of space for Kobbie Mainoo to sneak in to the box and score a goal. “I just have a feeling about Mainoo and the final,” Rooney said in his column for The Times. “That he is going to score and prove decisive. If you think of him in the tournament, he has got into good positions going forward and I think Spain will do their homework and close off space for Harry Kane, Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham. But that will leave space for a midfielder arriving late, and that Mainoo will get one from a cut-back,” he added. Wayne Rooney heaps praise on Kobbie Mainoo’s maturity Wayne Rooney has heaped praise on Kobbie Mainoo’s incredible level of maturity at such a tender age. The English youngster is playing his first ever major International tournament, and has established himself as a regular in the starting eleven as the tournament has gone on. “His maturity is so impressive.The other youngsters — Williams, Yamal, Bellingham, Foden — all play in attacking positions whereas Mainoo, at 19, is excelling in one that requires enormous discipline and game understanding,” Rooney added. Apart from his defensive abilities and playing good forward passes, the youngster also has a knack of scoring goals. Wayne Rooney went on to add that the Spanish prodigy Nico Williams will also be regarded as one of the best talents in the world. “Williams will also, very soon, surely be regarded as one of the world’s best. We need players to replace Lionel Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] at the top of the tree and Williams, Mainoo, Foden, Bellingham, Yamal — alongside Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland — are the ones you hope and expect to go and do that.” Spain have been brilliant in the tournament so far, and start as the certain favorites against England. The 2010 World Champions defeated the hosts in the quarterfinals, which was followed by a comeback victory over France in the last four clash. Also Read: “They would be rightly favorites for what they have done this tournament” : Gareth Southgate says ‘Spain’ favorites to win Euros

Longest match in US Open history
Tennis

“History is on the line” : Novak Djokovic on levelling Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles

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“History is on the line” : Novak Djokovic on levelling Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles Novak Djokovic is all set to face Carlos Alcaraz in the finals of Wimbledon on Sunday. This will be a rematch of the finals from las year, where the Spaniard prevailed in an epic five set battles. Both players have been in tremendous touch through the two weeks, with Novak Djokovic just dropping one set. Novak Djokovic could level Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles with his victory over Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday. The Serbian currently holds seven Grand Slam titles on this surface, and stated that he is well aware of the significance this match holds. Moreover, Novak Djokovic added that he could also claim his 25th Grand Slam title, as he has an opportunity to steer clear of Rafael Nadal who sits at 22 Major titles. “Obviously I’m aware that Roger holds eight Wimbledon (titles). I hold seven. History is on the line. Also, the 25th potential Grand Slam,” Djokovic said, as quoted by Eurosport. “Of course, it serves as a great motivation, but at the same time, it’s also a lot of pressure and expectation.” “Every time I step out on the court now, even though I’m 37 and competing with 21-year-olds, I still expect myself to win most of the matches, and people expect me to win, whatever, 99% of the matches that I play,” he added. “Wimbledon just extracts the best of me” : Novak Djokovic Novak Djokovic admitted that he has had one of the worst starts to his season. The Serbian has failed to win a single tournament so far, and has also lost his world number on ranking to Jannik Sinner. However, he remains optimistic, and stated that Wimbledon often brings out the best in him. He gave an example of his poor start to the season in 2018, where he lost in the early rounds at the Australian Open and the French Open. However, he came back to win Wimbledon, and also went to win US Open that year, and reclaimed his world number one ranking in 2019. “At Wimbledon, historically, there have been seasons where I wasn’t maybe playing at a desired level, but then I would win a Wimbledon title and then things would change,” said Djokovic. “For example, that was the case in 2018 when I had elbow surgery earlier in the year, dropped my rankings out of the top 20, losing in the fourth round of the Australian Open, I think it was the quarters of Roland-Garros, and just not playing the tennis that I want to play.“ “Then I won Wimbledon and then the US Open and then later on became No. 1 very soon. Wimbledon just extracts the best of me and motivates me to really always show up and perform the best I can,” added the Serb. Novak Djokovic ended Lorenzo Musetti’s campaign at Wimbledon in the semifinals, defeating him in straight sets. The Serbian is also well-rested given that he received a walkover in the quarterfinals, and made light work of Holger Rune in the last 16. Also Read: “For all the people who tried to disrespect me” : Novak Djokovic hits out at fans, and says they cannot touch him with their hostility

Harry Kane
Football

“I’d swap everything I’ve done in my career to have a special night and a win tomorrow evening” : Harry Kane ahead of Euro final clash against Spain

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“I’d swap everything I’ve done in my career to have a special night and a win tomorrow evening” : Harry Kane ahead of Euro final clash against Spain England will face Spain in the finals of the 2024 Euros on Sunday. The Three Lions have had a dramatic campaign this time around, coming back from a goal down in each of their three knockout matches so far. However, they face their toughest challenge on Sunday, as they take on the best side of the tournament, Spain in the finals. England’s top goal-scorer in the tournament Harry Kane stated that he could probably have the greatest moment in his career so far if he wins the title on Sunday. The England skipper has never won a title in his career, and he stated that he is extra motivated to change the past. The Bayern Munich striker added that he had swap any number of personal accolades for England to win the finals against Spain. The Three Lions defeated the Netherlands in the finals, courtesy of an added time winner from super sub Ollie Watkins. England’s captain didn’t mince his words when asked what a win tomorrow would mean for him. “It’s no secret I haven’t won a team trophy and every year that goes by, I’m more motivated to change that,” said Kane in his pre-match press conference, as quoted by Sky Sports. “Tomorrow night, I have the chance to win one of the biggest you could ever win and make history with my nation.  No question I’d swap everything I’ve done in my career to have a special night and a win tomorrow evening.“ “I don’t have fear of what might happen because I’ve been through everything” : Harry Kane Harry Kane has urged his side to be fearless in the finals. He stated that England have not been afraid of losing in the tournament, which has helped them progress further. The English skipper added that he was excited for tomorrow’s final in a great stadium in Berlin. “Tomorrow, I don’t have fear of what might happen because I’ve been through everything. I want the players to feel that fearlessness, I want them to be the best version of themselves because whatever happens, we’re so strong as a group and we support each other,” said Kane. “I said earlier in the tournament, if we’re not afraid to lose, it gives us a better chance of winning. That’s very important for us. I’m personally excited for tomorrow, to play in a brilliant stadium… we’re looking forward to this last step now.” England will be playing their second successive Euro finals, as they were defeated by Italy in the finals in 2021. Gareth Southgate and his team will be determined to bury the ghosts of the 2021 finals. Their victory over the Netherlands over the past week also means that England will be playing their first competitive final outside their home country. Spain have been absolutely ruthless in the tournament so far, having beaten the likes of Italy and Croatia in the group stages. The 2008 and 2012 Euro champions knocked out the hosts Germany in the quarterfinals, which was followed by a win over France in the semifinals. Also Read: “They would be rightly favorites for what they have done this tournament” : Gareth Southgate says ‘Spain’ favorites to win Euros

Football

“They would be rightly favorites for what they have done this tournament” : Gareth Southgate says ‘Spain’ favorites to win Euros

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“They would be rightly favorites for what they have done this tournament” : Gareth Southgate says ‘Spain’ favorites to win Euros Gareth Southgate has stated the Spain are the favorites to win the Euros, ahead of their clash with England in the finals on Sunday evening. The Three Lions defeated the Netherlands 2-1, courtesy of an added time winner by Ollie Watkins. Spain have been the most consistent side of the tournament so far, beating reigning champions Italy in the group stages. They also defeated hosts Germany in the quarterfinals, before knocking out 2016 runners-up France in the semifinals. England manager Gareth Southgate acknowledges the challenge they will be up against in the finals. He stated that the Three Lions will have to play a perfect match to defeat Spain, who have been the best side in the tournament so far. “They are a bloody good side. Let’s pitch it right. We have got to be perfect to win this game and we will have to find everything that we have got from within us,” said Southgate, as quoted by Goal. Gareth Southgate says England need to focus on recovery ahead of finals England have had a very nervy campaign this time, as they have come back from a goal down in all of their three knockout matches so far. Jude Bellingham’s equalizer deep into added time against Slovakia helped England reach the quarterfinals. England have now reached two successive Euro finals, as they were defeated by Italy in the finals in the last edition. Gareth Southgate stated that their focus should be on recovery for the finals, as Spain have an extra day to prepare themselves. Spain defeated France in Munich on Tuesday evening, as they would have an extra day’s rest ahead of the all-important finals. Gareth Southgate’s substitutions have been on point at the Euros, as his changes have often played a part in England’s progression in the competition. “They would be rightly favorites for what they have done this tournament. They have been the best team. They have got a day longer and in the last three finals, maybe more, it has been quite significant so we have got to get our recovery spot on. Tactically we will have to be perfect as they are such a good side,” said Southgate. Also Read: “I took this job to try and improve English football” : Gareth Southgate wants to create history after reaching Euro semifinals

Is Novak Djokovic playing Laver Cup?
Tennis

“For all the people who tried to disrespect me” : Novak Djokovic hits out at fans, and says they cannot touch him with their hostility

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“For all the people who tried to disrespect me” : Novak Djokovic hits out at fans, and says they cannot touch him with their hostility Novak Djokovic advanced into the quarterfinals of Wimbledon once again, as he defeated Holger Rune in straight straights in the last 16. The Serbian had an explosive on court interview, as he hit out at fans after his victory. Fans on Centre Court were cheering on for Holger Rune throughout the match, whilst booing Novak Djokovic. This did not sit well with the former world number one, as he stated had a message for people who disrespected him. It was quite a hostile on court interview from the Serb, as he was very displeased with the crowd’s behavior throughout the match. He believes that cheering for a player is fine, but disrespecting the other is not. “For all the people that were respectful, a good night. For all the people who tried to disrespect me… a GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD ngiht”. “I know they are cheering from Rune, but that’s just an excuse for also boo me,” said Djokovic. Novak Djokovic lashes out at fans after being booed in last 16 victory Novak Djokovic had another message for the fans, as he stated that he has played in more hostile environments than this. The Serbian added that he does not accept such behavior, having been on the tour for over 20 years now. “I dont’ accept it. I’ve been on the tour for more than 20 years. I know all the tricks. It’s fine, I focus on the people that have respect and paid the tickets to come and watch (…) I’ve played in much more hostile environments, trust me. You can’t touch me”. Novak Djokovic will now face Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. The Australian has been having a brilliant season, as he outclassed Arthur Fils in four sets in the last 16 clash. Novak Djokovic has grown in confidence as the tournament has progressed, and continues to remain the favorite to claim the title here. Novak Djokovic produced his best performance of the Championships so far against a tricky opponent in the form of Holger Rune. He was not broken even once on his serve in the match, whereas, he broke his opponent on four occasions. Also Read: “I actually flew out early on Tuesday to be there” : Roger Federer on missing Andy Murray’s farewell

Carlos Sainz
Formula 1

“We have lost two or three months of performance” : Carlos Sainz left frustrated after Ferrari revert to Imola car

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“We have lost two or three months of performance” : Carlos Sainz left frustrated after Ferrari revert to Imola car Things have looked quite ordinary for Ferrari in the triple-header, as they managed to claim just one podium finish via Carlos Sainz in Austria. Charles Leclerc has failed to score points in two of the last three races, as Ferrari were forced to revert to their car which they used at the Imola GP. Carlos Sainz stated that this change has meant that Ferrari have lost over two or three months of car performance. The Italian team brought in gradual upgrades from Barcelona, however, they started encountering bouncing issues. To solve the issue, Ferrari decided to take off its upgrades, and go back to their Imola GP version. This meant that they lost considerable amount of race pace as compared to their rivals, who have all brought in upgrades. “It is clearly not good enough. We have basically the same car as in Imola and since Imola everyone has upgraded, probably added two tenths to the car and we have had to revert,” said Sainz to Motorsport. “We have lost two or three months of performance gain in the wind tunnel or performance we could have added in these three months, so clearly we haven’t taken the right calls recently.I feel like today was at least back-to-basics, back to a car which was in Imola and we just need to upgrade it from here. But it is clear that our rivals are a good step ahead of us,” he added. “I think we did the maximum” : Carlos Sainz on British GP Carlos Sainz stated that he managed to extract the maximum out of his car at the British GP. He believes that the strategy was spot on from his team, as he could have caught up on the podium if Ferrari was a little faster. Carlos Sainz also revealed that he loved driving in wet conditions, as he was chasing the front pack rather comfortably. The Spaniard finished P5 in an eventful race, whilst also grabbing a point for the fastest lap. This is in contrast to his teammate Charles Leclerc who had another horrible weekend, as he finished outside the points. The Monaco based driver was put on intermediate tyres when it was mildly drizzling, which impacted his performance, and cost him a lot of time. “I think we did the maximum. Especially in the middle of the race when it was slicks-on-wet, I managed to catch the podium positions by six or seven seconds in those conditions that I always enjoy,” said Sainz. “Honestly, all the calls were pretty much spot on, all the tyres, all the radio calls. It was just a shame we were not faster because I feel like we would have been 100% in the fight for the podium or the win. But [fifth] and a bonus point at the end with the fastest lap, so we need to be happy,” he added. Also Read: “We are just really slow at the moment” : Charles Leclerc on another disappointing qualifying

Football

“I took this job to try and improve English football” : Gareth Southgate wants to create history after reaching Euro semifinals

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“I took this job to try and improve English football” : Gareth Southgate wants to create history after reaching Euro semifinals England escape another scare in the quarterfinals, as they defeated Switzerland on penalties to reach the last four. The Three Lions fell behind in the second half, however, Bukayo Saka’s exquisite finish leveled the scores. England held their nerves in the penalty shootout, as they will now face the Netherlands for a place in their second consecutive Euro finals. England manager Gareth Southgate has faced a lot of criticism over the past couple of weeks for the brand of football his team have played. Labelled as ‘boring’ football, Gareth Southgate and his team have been under tremendous pressure during the tournament. This is the third major semifinal England have reached under Gareth Southgate. He stated that he decided to manage the team back in the last decade to improve the state of English football. “Every now and then surely there has to be some enjoyment in this job,” said the England manager. “I love the players and sharing that moment with them. I can’t deny that when it’s [the criticism] as personal as it has been in the last few weeks on a human level, that’s quite difficult,” Southgate said, as quoted by the BBC.  “I took this job to try and improve English football, to give us nights like this. We continue to give people fantastic memories. We will keep enjoying this journey,” said Southgate. England hang on to reach second consecutive Euro semifinals Gareth Southgate wants to create history, as he wants his team to become the first English side to reach a major final outside their home, and win the country’s first ever Euros. The Three Lions reached the finals of the Euros last time around, where they were defeated on penalties by Italy. “Now we want to deliver one more thing – we have never been to a final outside England, never won a Euros, so there are two bits of history we would love to create,” he said. Gareth Southgate also stated that his side has the resilience to thrive under pressure, as has been demonstrated by the likes of some European nations over the past couple of decades. “We haven’t always got it right but in general we have shown the resilience that teams that win tournaments have had for years – Italy, France, Spain… it is not all pure football, it is other attributes they have had,” he added. The Netherlands defeated Turkey in a thrilling quarterfinal clash, as they came back from behind to knock out the underdogs. England will face the Dutch for a place in the finals, as France and Spain contest in the first semifinal on Tuesday evening. Also Read: “I’m six feet off the ground and it’s like Ronaldo!” : Jude Bellingham on his bicycle kick against Slovakia

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