International Football
TEAMMATE SIDES WITH US WOMEN CAPTAIN IN WAR WITH DONALD TRUMP
As the war of attrition rages on between US President Donald Trump and the skipper of the United States’ Women National Team, Megan Rapinoe who has vowed never to sing the national anthem or honour invitation to the White House if the president should host the team in the event of winning the World Cup, a teammate, Ali Krieger has taken side with the fellow footballer.
Both Rapinoe and Donald Trump have been attacking each other on twitter.
United States defender, Ali Krieger has criticised the country’s President Donald Trump after he expressed forthright views about her team mate Megan Rapinoe.
President Trump responded to comments made by Rapinoe to football magazine Eight by Eight in January, which were released as part of their Women’s World Cup edition in May.
RELATED STORIES: https://www.sportsvillagesquare.com/2019/06/14/france-2019-us-skipper-rapinoe-rebels-against-american-anthem/
“I’m not going to the f*****g White House,” Rapinoe was quoted as saying, after being asked whether she was excited to go to the White House should the US team win the Women’s World Cup.
“No, I’m not going to the White House.
“We’re not gonna be invited, I doubt it.”
The comments drew criticism from President Trump, who released a series of tweets criticizing Rapinoe.
He claimed the Californian should “win first” before talking about an invite to the White House, before adding what he would invite the team regardless of whether they win the tournament or not.
President Trump also claimed Rapinoe should not “disrespect” the country and the American flag.
“I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job,” he tweeted.
“We haven’t yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose.
“Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team.
“Be proud of the Flag that you wear.
“The USA is doing GREAT.”
Rapinoe has opted not to sing the national anthem at the Women’s World Cup in protest at a decision by US Soccer to ban players from kneeling during the anthem.
The decision was taken after she knelt during a game a month after American football player Colin Kaepernick had knelt to highlight police brutality and racism.
Rapinoe is also among 28 players suing the US Soccer in an effort to secure equal pay with the men’s national team.
The 33-year-old’s team mate Krieger leapt to her defence after President Trump’s tweets.
“In regards to the ‘President’s’ tweet today, I know women who you cannot control or grope anger you, but I stand by (Rapinoe) & will sit this one out as well,” Krieger wrote.
“I don’t support this administration nor their fight against LGBTQ+ citizens, immigrants & our most vulnerable.”
The dispute comes prior to the US team’s quarter-final match against the host nation France tomorrow at the Women’s World Cup.
The defending champions are the only non-European side in the last eight of the competition.
Rapinoe scored both goals from the penalty spot in the US’s 2-1 last-16 victory over Spain.
International Football
Former Chelsea manager, Pochettino takes over US men’s team
Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been named new coach of the United States men’s team, U.S. Soccer announced on Tuesday.
Pochettino, who parted ways with Premier League side Chelsea in May after one season in charge, will take the reins of the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.
The Argentine, a former Paris St Germain and Tottenham Hotspur manager, said his decision to join U.S. soccer was not just about football, but about the journey the country was on and he could not pass up the opportunity.
“The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here – those are the things that inspired me,” he said in a statement.
“I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we’re going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of.”
U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker said Pochettino was a “serial winner with a deep passion for developing players”.
“His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad. We are thrilled to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage.”
The U.S. have been without a permanent coach since a humiliating early exit from the Copa America on home soil in July led to the sacking of Gregg Berhalter after his second stint as head coach.
The 51-year-old boss was first appointed in 2018 and led the Americans to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup, but just weeks later found himself embroiled in a bitter public row with one of the team’s brightest emerging talents, Gio Reyna.
U.S. Soccer’s search for a new coach when Berhalter’s contract expired at the end of 2022 included names such as Canada coach Jesse Marsch, but they ultimately rehired Berhalter in June last year with the full support of the players.
However, it proved unsuccessful as the U.S. failed to progress beyond the group stages of the Copa America after a shock 2-1 defeat to Panama and a crushing 1-0 loss to Uruguay.
Pochettino will take over after Mikey Varas, who has been appointed interim coach, oversaw friendlies against Canada last Saturday and New Zealand on Tuesday.
The U.S. drew 1-1 with New Zealand in Cincinnati after Christian Pulisic’s goal was cancelled out by Ben Waine’s late equaliser.
The U.S. will next play friendlies against Panama on Oct. 12 and Mexico three days later.
-Reuters
International Football
BREAKING – Video: Osimhen accepts to join Galatasaray
At last, Nigeria’s striker Victor Osimhen is out of the limbo. He has accepted to join Galatasaray on loan.
He is now asking for a release clause at Napoli to become €75m instead of €130m
He also wants a break clause for January in case top clubs approach him over move.
The final points are being discussed. He has been videoed celebrating with the Turkey club’s fans.
International Football
Uruguay striker Suarez to play last international match on Friday
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez announced his international retirement on Monday, ending a 17-year career with his national team as their top scorer with 69 goals.
The 37-year-old, who has 142 caps for his country, made his international debut in 2007 and was key in the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup and won the Copa America a year later.
“Friday will be my last match with my country’s national team,” an emotional Suarez told a press conference.
“The fact that is my decision to retire and that I’m not retired because of injuries or that they stop calling me for one thing or another, that gives me a lot of comfort, it helps me individually.
“It’s difficult but it gives me peace of mind that until the last game I have given my all, and that flame has not been extinguished little by little,” the striker added.
Uruguay take on Paraguay at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo on Friday in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup before facing Venezuela four days later.
Suarez scored the stoppage-time goal against Canada that secured third place at the Copa America in July and the striker added that one of his aims was to show he could continue to contribute to the national team.
“My dream was for my children to see me win something important with the national team … that last goal was very nice for them and even though it wasn’t a trophy to take home, it was very nice for them,” he said.
“I wanted to show people again that I can continue to contribute to the national team and, well, I had the Copa America and yes, I could have done it (retired) perfectly after that, but having analysed the situation, I want to do it with my people, in my stadium.
“I want my children to live this experience. Saying goodbye with the people here is something that I don’t know if many have done.”
Suarez has already said Inter Miami will be his last club after joining the Major League Soccer side last year to reunite with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
-Reuters
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