Sport
First Olympic Medals Up For Grabs Despite Rain Disruptions
Heavy rain disrupts the first day of medal action at the Olympics, focusing on sports after a spectacular but soggy opening ceremony. The wet weather affected numerous events, including skateboarding and tennis.
Heavy rain disrupted the first full day of medal action at the Olympics on Saturday, with attention shifting to sports after a spectacular but soggy opening ceremony. Fourteen gold medals were scheduled to be awarded, starting with the mixed-team 10-meter air rifle finals at 10:30 am local time (0830 GMT).
However, the count swiftly reduced to 13 as the wet weather, which deluged Friday night’s audacious opening ceremony along the River Seine, continued to cause issues.
The men’s street skateboarding competition, planned for the Place de la Concorde in Paris’s historic heart, was postponed until Monday due to overnight rain. The specter of disruption also loomed over the opening rounds of tennis at Roland Garros, where only two of the 12 courts have roofs.
Torrential rain lashed participants and spectators during Friday’s amphibious opening ceremony. Around 7,000 athletes paraded along the Seine in an armada of boats before a show-stopping finale, which climaxed with a glittering light show at the Eiffel Tower and a performance from singer Celine Dion.
The ceremony received broadly favorable reviews, with France’s center-right Le Figaro daily describing it as “full of surprises but often disjointed.”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) apologized for a mistake during the ceremony, where South Korea’s athletes were incorrectly introduced as North Korean. “We deeply apologize for the mistake that occurred when introducing the South Korean team during the broadcast of the opening ceremony,” the IOC said on its official Korean-language X account.
Swimming, badminton, rowing, cycling, hockey, and basketball started alongside the surfing competition, held nearly 16,000 kilometers away on the French Pacific island of Tahiti. Swimming took center stage at the La Defense Arena for the women’s 400m freestyle — one of the most anticipated events involving three swimmers who have held the world record.
Australia’s defending champion Ariarne Titmus was the favorite after clocking the second-fastest time ever last month, just behind her own 3min 55.38sec world best. She stunned US rival Katie Ledecky in an electric Tokyo final three years ago, with the American aiming for revenge.
Canadian teenage sensation Summer McIntosh, also a former world record holder, completed the hotly favored trio.
Other gold medals on offer in the pool included the men’s 400m freestyle and the men’s and women’s 4x100m freestyle relays.
Reigning French Open champions Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz were among the top draws on the first day of action on the clay courts of Roland Garros, weather permitting. Swiatek, the women’s world number one, faced Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu, while Alcaraz was set to play against Lebanese world number 275 Hady Habib.
The biggest focus, however, was on the men’s doubles, with Alcaraz teaming up with 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal in a Spanish dream pairing.
Chinese shooters Huang Yuting and Sheng Lihao started as favorites for the first gold of the Games after a dominant victory at last year’s world championships in Baku. Medals were also on offer early Saturday in the diving pool, with the women’s synchronized 3m springboard final.
Another Chinese pairing, Chang Yani and Chen Yiwen, were favorites to strike gold.
The first cycling medals of the games were decided with the men’s and women’s individual time trials on a challenging 32.4-kilometer course. French rugby fans flocked to the Stade de France to see if Antoine Dupont could lead the host nation to gold in rugby sevens.
France had to overcome South Africa in Saturday’s semi-finals to reach the gold medal match against the winner of the other last-four clash between holders Fiji and Australia.
Source: ChannelsTv
Last Updated on July 28, 2024 by news
UCL: Why Dortmund Beat Barcelona – Flick Breaks Down the Shocking Defeat
Published on April 16, 2025 | pelumi
When it comes to UEFA Champions League drama, few matches deliver like a quarter-final clash. On Tuesday night, Barcelona suffered a 3-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the second leg, leaving many fans shocked—even though they still advanced to the semi-finals with a 5-3 aggregate win. So, what really went wrong?
Let’s hear it straight from the source—Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick.
Barcelona vs Dortmund: What Went Down in the Second Leg
In case you missed it, Serhou Guirassy stole the spotlight with a brilliant hat-trick that gave Dortmund a deserved win on their home turf.
But thanks to their 4-0 victory in the first leg at Camp Nou, Barcelona had just enough cushion to advance.
Hansi Flick’s Reaction: “We Didn’t Play Our Best”
After the match, Hansi Flick didn’t sugarcoat things. He admitted his team wasn’t at their usual high level and praised Dortmund for making life tough.
“We are in the semi-finals,” Flick told reporters. “Two games were judged on this and we deserve to be in the next round. They have a great team and made life very difficult for us.”
While clearly disappointed with the loss, Flick focused on the bigger picture—the fact that Barcelona is still alive in the tournament.
Credit Where It’s Due: Dortmund’s Strong Performance
Flick also made a point to highlight just how well Dortmund played.
“We didn’t play at our best today, but that was also down to Dortmund, who did really well,” he added.
It’s clear that the German coach respects the fight his former Bundesliga rivals brought to the pitch.
Barcelona Marches On: One Step Closer to the Final
Despite the setback, Flick remains confident in his squad’s trajectory.
“What the team has achieved in recent weeks is phenomenal,” he continued. “We are now one step further, but we are still a long way from the end.”
With a semi-final spot locked in, the dream of lifting the Champions League trophy is very much alive.
What’s Next for Barcelona in the Champions League?
With the Champions League semi-finals now on the horizon, Barcelona fans will be eager to see how the team bounces back. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether this squad has what it takes to go all the way.
Key Takeaways:
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Barcelona lost 3-1 to Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the UCL quarter-finals.
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Despite the defeat, Barcelona advanced with a 5-3 aggregate win.
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Hansi Flick admitted his side wasn’t at their best but praised Dortmund’s performance.
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Flick is proud of the team’s recent form and is focused on the next challenge.
FAQs About Barcelona vs Dortmund in the UCL
What was the aggregate score between Barcelona and Dortmund?
Barcelona progressed with a 5-3 aggregate, despite losing the second leg 3-1.
Who scored a hat-trick for Dortmund?
Serhou Guirassy netted all three goals for Borussia Dortmund in the second leg.
What did Hansi Flick say after the match?
Flick acknowledged that Barcelona didn’t play well and credited Dortmund for their performance, while also expressing pride in advancing to the semi-finals.
Conclusion: All Eyes on the Semi-Finals
Barcelona may have stumbled in Dortmund, but they’re still standing tall. Flick’s honest reflection, coupled with a realistic view of the road ahead, shows a team that knows what it takes to go deep in Europe. The Champions League semi-finals are next—and you can bet Barcelona will be ready.
Stay tuned as we follow their journey every step of the way!
Reference Links:
Last Updated on April 16, 2025 by news
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that three key attackers will return to the squad for their Premier League showdown against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.
The Blues are locked in a tight battle for a Champions League spot this season, with Maresca’s side struggling in recent weeks. Chelsea has suffered three defeats in their last five league matches.
Aside from a 4-0 victory over relegation-bound Southampton, Chelsea has netted only six goals in their last eight games across all competitions. Injuries have forced Maresca to deploy winger Pedro Neto as a makeshift center-forward.
However, the international break has come at the perfect time for Chelsea, with the return of Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Nicolas Jackson just in time for their crucial match against Tottenham.
“Cole is back, he’s okay. He’s better. Noni is better. Nico is better. They are all good,” Maresca said during his pre-match press conference.
Reference: DailyPostNg
Last Updated on April 2, 2025 by news
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is in a race against time to recover for Galatasaray’s upcoming Istanbul derby against Besiktas.
Osimhen was substituted during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe on Tuesday after suffering a muscle injury. Galatasaray are set to face Besiktas at the Tupras Stadium in Istanbul on Saturday.
The 26-year-old, currently on loan from Serie A side Napoli, has been in sensational form for Galatasaray, netting 20 goals in 22 league games this season. He’s been particularly prolific recently, scoring eight goals in his last five league outings for Okan Buruk’s team.
Galatasaray head into the match with momentum, having won their last three encounters against Besiktas. The Yellow and Reds lead the league table with 71 points from 27 matches, a commanding 27 points ahead of Besiktas, who sit in fourth place.
Reference: DailyPostNg
Last Updated on March 28, 2025 by news
UCL: Why Dortmund Beat Barcelona – Flick Breaks Down the Shocking Defeat
EPL: Maresca Confirms Injury Boost for Chelsea Ahead of Tottenham Clash
Turkey: Osimhen Faces Fitness Race for Galatasaray’s Clash with Besiktas
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Kelly Shealy
January 28, 2025 at 7:06 am
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