Canada hit back to win, knock Ireland out

Published

2 months ago

July 26, 2023

Canada hit back to win, knock Ireland out

Canada came from behind to beat Republic of Ireland 2-1 at Perth Rectangular Stadium in Australia, to eliminate Vera Pauw’s side from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Wednesday.

Katie McCabe had given Ireland an early lead by scoring her country’s first Women’s World Cup goal.

But Canada turned it around through an own goal from Megan Connolly and second-half finish from Adriana Leon.

Ireland went in front in stunning fashion with the fastest goal of the tournament so far in the fourth minute.

This was when McCabe’s corner from the right curled over Canada goalkeeper, Kailen Sheridan and inside the far post.

Canada came close to equalise on the half-hour mark when Vanessa Gilles lifted her attempt over the bar from close range.

They leveled in the fifth minute of added time when Julia Grosso’s cross from the left took a deflection off Connolly to take the ball beyond Courtney Brosnan.

Ireland goalkeeper, Brosnan produced a smart save from Jordyn Huitema early in the second half.

But Canada went in front in the 53rd minute after Leon controlled substitute Sophie Schmidt’s pass into the box and slid home her finish.

Pauw’s team battled in search of an equaliser but their first Women’s World Cup appearance will end in a group-stage exit.

McCabe, Ireland goalscorer and Player of the Match expressed mixed feelings about the result, adding that even though she was happy to have scored, she was heartbroken the team lost.

“It’s bittersweet. It’s nice to score and get us off to a good start but it’s results that matter in this game, at this level and in these type of tournaments.

“I’m heartbroken for the girls and I felt we deserved something from the game. To captain these girls is an absolute honour and an absolute privilege.

“I’m so proud of each and every single one of them, we’ve done so much to get here and it’s about pushing on now,” she said.

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16th INAC: Indian instructor educates Nigerians on benefits of Yoga

Published

2 weeks ago

September 8, 2023

Desmond Ukafor

The Indian High Commission in Nigeria on Friday in Abuja urged Nigerians to embrace Yoga as a means of exercise for their overall well-being..

Diptiranjan Mohanty, Teacher of Indian Culture, High Commission of India in Abuja, gave the advice during the 16th International Arts and Craft Expo (INAC).

Mohanty, who demonstrated the exercise , said that Yoga is an aspect of Indian culture known to reduce stress, anxiety as well as improve brain function.
He said that practicing Yoga also improves cardiovascular function, quality of sleep, bone health and reduces inflammation.

“Yoga is part of our culture, we want our Nigerian friends and people across the globe to practise it as a lifestyle.
“It improves body flexibility and balance.

“Yoga is known to harmonise the mind, body and soul, and it is a method to detoxify theo body and make a healthy mind and a happy soul,” he said.

Mohanty said that Nigerians who were interested in learning how to practice yoga could attend free classes for the execise at the Indian High Commission in Abuja.

According to him, this is held Monday to Friday, from 4.00p.m. to 7.00p.
He said that India was at the expo to showcase its arts and crafts like Saree fabric, Masala Chai (indian tea), locally prepared to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol.

In the course of the expo, delegates from Taraba, Kaduna, Borno, Katsina, Ogun and Rivers states presented colourful dance performances.

Ogun and Rivers as well as Cuba presented cuisines peculiar to their culture, which delegates from other nations savoured.

Sport

UEFA to raise payments for clubs not in European competition

Published

2 weeks ago

September 7, 2023

Fellow Press

Clubs that fail to qualify for UEFA’s competitions are set to receive a greater share of revenue from the European governing body from next season.
The arrangement is under a new distribution model announced on Wednesday by UEFA.
UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) signed a renewed working agreement until 2030 which will “bolster long-term stability and sustainable growth in European club football,” the governing body said in a statement.

The change will be effective from the start of the 2024-25 season, coinciding with a new format in UEFA’s Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.

Under the new model for the 2024-2027 cycle, seven per cent of the revenue UEFA earns from the three competitions will be distributed to clubs not competing in them, up from four per cent.

The European Leagues Association, which represents professional soccer leagues in Europe, said the change would result in 308 million euros ($330.02 million) being shared among non-participating clubs, up from the current 175 million euros.

“Today’s announcement … will help all clubs across Europe to safeguard their competitiveness on and off the pitch while keeping investing in youth and talent development,” it said in a statement.

UEFA said further details of the new system would be unveiled at a later date.