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Ukraine Stun Slovakia with Late Winner in Euro 2024 Thriller

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In a pulsating encounter at the Dusseldorf Arena, Ukraine snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Slovakia in their Euro 2024 Group C opener. The Ukrainians left it late, scoring the winner in the 88th minute to send their fans into raptures.

Slovakia started brightly, with their attacking trio of Haraslin, Duda, and Suslov causing problems for the Ukrainian defense. Their pressure paid off in the 35th minute when midfielder Juraj Kucka headed home a corner to give Slovakia a deserved lead. Slovakia’s initial dominance was characterized by their sharp, incisive play and a relentless pressing game that kept Ukraine on the back foot.

Ukraine struggled to find their footing in the first half but came out with renewed purpose after the break. Their persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when striker Roman Yaremchuk expertly finished a well-worked move to level the scores. This goal was the result of Ukraine’s tactical adjustments and increased tempo, which finally broke through Slovakia’s resilient defense.

The game seemed destined for a draw, but Ukraine had other plans. In the 88th minute, substitute midfielder Mykola Shaparenko popped up with a stunning winner, curling a shot into the top corner to send the Ukrainian bench into delirium. Shaparenko’s goal was a moment of sheer brilliance, highlighting his technical prowess and composure under pressure.

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The win marks a dream start for Ukraine in Euro 2024, while Slovakia will rue their inability to hold on for a point. The defeat leaves them with an uphill task in a group that also includes powerhouses France and the Netherlands. Ukraine’s resilience and tactical nous were on full display, setting a positive tone for their campaign.

Ukraine’s next match against France promises to be a mouthwatering clash, as they seek to build on their momentum. Meanwhile, Slovakia will seek redemption against the Netherlands, aiming to bounce back from this setback. Both teams will need to bring their A-game to advance in this highly competitive group.

Euro 2024 continues to deliver exciting and unpredictable football, with Ukraine’s late winner against Slovakia being a prime example. Fans can look forward to more thrilling action as the tournament progresses, with each match bringing new twists and turns. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage of this spectacular event.

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Osimhen’s brace fires Galatasaray to Turkish cup glory

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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen delivered a sensational performance, scoring twice to lead Galatasaray to a commanding 3-0 victory over Trabzonspor in the Turkish Cup final at Gaziantep Stadium.

The win secured Galatasaray’s 19th Turkish Cup title and their first since 2019.

Osimhen has been instrumental throughout Galatasaray’s cup run, bagging a brace in their 2-1 quarter-final win over Fenerbahçe and adding a goal and assist in the 5-1 semi-final rout of Konyaspor.

Facing a determined Trabzonspor side, last year’s runners-up, Galatasaray struck early through Baris Alper Yilmaz, who finished off a precise cutback from Yunus Akgün in the 5th minute.

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Osimhen took center stage in the second half. He powered through a defender to double the lead, then capped a swift counter-attack with his second goal, his 35th of the season, putting the result beyond doubt.

The match also saw Osimhen face off against compatriot Anthony Nwakaeme, who was hoping to inspire Trabzonspor to glory on his return.

This triumph marks Osimhen’s first trophy with Galatasaray and the fourth of his career, adding to his U-17 World Cup, U-23 AFCON (both in 2015), and Serie A (2023) titles.

His 35-goal haul also sets a new record, surpassing Mario Jardel’s 24-year milestone to become the highest-scoring foreign player in a single season for Galatasaray.

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Flying Eagles beat Senegal, advance to U-20 AFCON semifinals

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Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, have secured a place in the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations U-20 tournament and qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Senegal.

The tightly contested knockout stage encounter ended goalless after regular and extra time, with both teams unable to find the back of the net.

Ultimately, it was Nigeria who triumphed 3–1 in the penalty shootout.

The match, held in the knockout stage of the continental youth championship, saw the two sides locked in a stalemate throughout regulation and extra time.

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Despite numerous attempts from both sides, neither team could break the deadlock, leading to a penalty decider.

Nigeria converted three of their spot-kicks, while Senegal managed only one, allowing the Flying Eagles to clinch the win and progress to the last four of the competition.

The result not only sends Nigeria into the semifinals of the U-20 AFCON but also confirms their place in the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup.

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Brazil appoints Carlo Ancelotti as national team coach

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Veteran Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti has been officially appointed as the new head coach of Brazil’s national football team, according to reports by sports journalist David Ornstein. The 65-year-old will take over the role on May 26, immediately after overseeing his final match with Real Madrid against Real Sociedad in La Liga.

Ancelotti’s appointment marks a historic moment as he becomes the first foreigner to manage Brazil’s senior men’s team. Ornstein confirmed that all agreements have been finalized and contracts signed, with the transition negotiated amicably between Ancelotti, Real Madrid, and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The deal was led by Diego Fernandes on behalf of the CBF.

One of the most decorated coaches in football history, Ancelotti will be tasked with leading Brazil through their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, aiming for a record-extending sixth World Cup title when the tournament kicks off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Athletic previously reported that Ancelotti had agreed to take charge through the 2026 World Cup. He will succeed Dorival Júnior, who was dismissed in March after 14 months at the helm.

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Ancelotti’s debut on the Brazil touchline is expected on June 6, in a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador.

Since returning to Real Madrid in 2021, Ancelotti has added two La Liga titles and a Champions League trophy to his illustrious resume, which includes eight major European finals. However, recent performances by Madrid have been underwhelming, including a Champions League quarter-final exit to Arsenal, a Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona, and trailing Hansi Flick’s side by seven points in La Liga with three games to go.

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