New York, July 17 (IANS) Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes Monday’s FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain represents a symbolic passing of the torch, with Lionel Messi carrying the legacy of the club’s golden generation and Lamine Yamal emerging as the face of its future. Speaking ahead of the title clash at MetLife Stadium, Laporta said Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy will once again be in the global spotlight, with Messi captaining Argentina while Spain boasts a squad pac…
Latest Dani Olmo News & Updates
New Delhi, July 16 (IANS) Former England striker Robbie Fowler believes Spain’s hopes of lifting the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy will hinge on how effectively they restrict Lionel Messi’s influence, saying La Roja must deny the Argentine captain time and space rather than focus solely on man-marking him.Fowler said England’s semifinal performance offered valuable lessons on how to limit the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, particularly during the opening stages of the match.”England, for a large po…
Arlington, July 15 (IANS) Kylian Mbappe lifted his shirt over his face and buried his head in his hands. Moments later he gazed into the middle distance while being consoled by France manager Didier Deschamps. This is not how the script was meant to go for France.Les Bleus, one of the title favourites, had entered the game unbeaten, having conceded just two goals in six matches. The tournament was supposed to provide a fitting farewell for Deschamps and a crowning moment in Mbappe’s career, conf…
Arlington, July 15 (IANS) Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said his team had reached their peak at the perfect moment and recaptured the spirit of the 2010 edition after a 2-0 win sent La Roja into its first FIFA World Cup final since lifting the trophy 16 years ago. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty in the 22nd minute, and Pedro Porro added a second just before the hour mark as Spain subdued one of the tournament favourites in Dallas.”We started almost four years ago with an idea and we’ve bee…
Los Angeles, July 11 (IANS) Spain teenager Lamine Yamal has turned up the heat ahead of Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup semi-final against France, declaring that Didier Deschamps’ side should be the ones fearing Spain as the European champions prepare for another heavyweight showdown with Kylian Mbappe’s team.Yamal made bold comments after playing a key role in Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium. This victory set up an exciting match against France in Dallas on July 14. Fresh from another Playe…
Atlanta, June 22 (IANS) Lamine Yamal starred on his return to the starting lineup as Spain rediscovered their attacking rhythm with a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in their Group H FIFA World Cup 2026 clash on Sunday, while Mikel Oyarzabal answered his critics with a clinical brace.After a frustrating 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opener, Spain were transformed in Atlanta with Yamal, the 18-year-old creating the chances and Oyarzabal providing the finish, and Spain were home and d…
New Delhi, May 25 (IANS) The Spanish national football team on Monday unveiled a 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, and despite fitness concerns, the young talent Lamine Yamal has been included.The coach Luis de la Fuente has chosen a balanced team for the World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada from June 11. The coach had high expectations leading the Spanish national football team to the UEFA Euro 2024 title.Lamine Yamal, who plays for FC Barcelona, is e…
Madrid, May 21 (IANS) Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said that he has already decided on the 26 players who will form his squad for this summer’s World Cup.De la Fuente will name his squad on Monday after the last round of matches in La Liga, and in an interview with former Spain player Mario Suarez, he admitted the “squad is already decided and the approach and strategy are too.”He admitted it was “possible” he could include players who haven’t played for Spain before and “three” goalkeepers, wh…
Barcelona, April 15 (IANS) FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta launches a scathing attack on referee Clement Turpin following his side’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinal elimination against Atletico Madrid.Despite securing a 2-1 win on the night, Barcelona exits the competition with a 3-2 aggregate defeat, with Laporta attributing part of the loss to what he describes as poor officiating during Tuesday’s clash at the Metropolitano Stadium.“I congratulate Atletico Madrid on reaching the s…
Madrid, April 9 (IANS) Goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth gave Atletico Madrid a 2-0 win away to Barcelona on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal.The result puts Atletico in firm control of the tie and marks a sharp reversal from Barcelona’s 2-1 win in La Liga between the sides just days earlier, with Diego Simeone’s team surviving early pressure before capitalizing on a numerical advantage throughout the second half, reports Xinhua.Barcelona started br…