Category: Sport News

PALMA, Spain: Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was disappointed with his defensive display in a 1-1 draw at Mallorca in La Liga’s opening game.

Ancelotti said his players lost focus after taking the lead through Rodrygo in the 13th minute but were conceded by Vedat Muriqi’s header in the second half.

“Today I’m not happy. I think we should have done better. We need to focus more, work as a team.

“It’s not a fitness problem, it’s a mental problem. I don’t want to make excuses. We have to do better and show the right attitude.

“A lot can be learned from this game, it’s a game that clearly shows where our problems are,” Ancelotti said.

Ancelotti said he wanted his defense to be more disciplined in a system that puts four attacking players such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham up front.

“We started well, leading the game and had chances to add a goal, but in the second half we lost our balance.

“We probably lost because there was no balance. It was not a good game. We focused on attack and balance in defense was very important.

“We struggled to win the ball, press the opposition when we lose the ball. When it comes to defence, it’s about the commitment of the whole team.

“Equilibrium will only exist if the players think the same thing. When we need to win the ball, we have to think about it together.

“It’s a problem for everyone, not just strikers, midfielders or defenders. It’s a problem for teams that don’t understand this is an important aspect of the game,” he said.

Now a multi-million dollar internet business, broadcasting football over the internet via a live online stream is more popular than ever before.

Advances in technology have contributed to the growth of the free football streams industry and football prediction fans now have a range of websites to choose from.

With so many places to watch football for free, competition is fierce but StreamEast is one of the biggest websites around, following in the footsteps of Sportlemon and other pioneer streaming pages.

Many football streaming websites offer a mobile live stream service now, with many users now preferring to watch football for free on the move rather than accessing a desktop stream.

On some occasions, it is just not possible to watch a major sports betting event via the more traditional means of television and watching online sport on the internet is the only option.

Many football streaming websites, including Totalsportek and Ronaldo7, will ask for users to register or pay a monthly subscription service. Others are free, providing the website can function through advertising.

Some social networks have also stared to get involved with the online football streaming industry, with the chance to watch live sport through Facebook and Twitter.

One of the main problems encountered when watching live sport online is location, with many events limited to certain regions.

LIVERPOOL: A contract has not been offered to captain Virgil van Dijk as he enters his final season at Anfield.

Liverpool put in a convincing performance when they beat Sevilla 4-1 at Anfield – with Luis Diaz scoring twice, and Diogo Jota and teenager Trey Nyoni also finding the target – for a fourth win in four games for Arne Slot’s side.

Van Dijk was named for the first time under Slot’s management after the Dutchman returned from a three-week leave.

Asked about the new contract, Van Dijk said: “There are no changes at the moment.”

It is a worrying issue for Liverpool and the new sporting director, Richarcd Hughes, is yet to sign a player in the current transfer window.

Van Dijk, who wants to assess the situation under Slot before deciding on his future, is satisfied with the new regime.

“So far it looks good. We have a lot to do on the training pitch – tactically and physically and ensuring our fitness.

“Small things are very important to improve our performance and I think that’s what we all want. We need to show that desire – so far it looks good,” said Van Dijk.

WOLFBSBURG: Dutch forward Memphis Depay said his team had identified the cause of their poor performance in the first round of Euro 2024 and were ready to begin the challenge in the knockout stages.

The Netherlands did a ‘post mortem’ after losing in the last action of the group at the hands of Austria in Berlin.

The result dropped them to third place in the group and leads them to face Romania in the last 16 in Munich at midnight tomorrow.

“This tournament has only just started,” said Depay commenting on the knock-out competition which began on Saturday and saw Germany and Switzerland advance.

“We have to make sure that we learn from mistakes. We have discussions and criticize each other.

“It’s normal if there’s tension if the result isn’t what you want. But it’s over.

“The players are now in high spirits and we can’t wait to start the challenge in the knockout rounds.”

Depay played 90 minutes for the first time this season against Austria after suffering injury problems with Atletico Madrid.

In that match, he also scored a goal but it was not enough to deny Austria a 3-2 victory.

“It has to be better, but I was satisfied in my last match. I won my fight, even if I didn’t get many balls.

“I believe it will improve after this,” said Depay.

Before the match, Depay received a lot of criticism following his lackluster performance but the coach, Ronald Koeman still put his faith in the player and listed him in the starting line-up.

“I want to repay the coach’s trust. Of course it is important for you to receive the support of the individual who chose you to be in the starting line-up,” said Depay.

Asked how many goals a striker needs at the Euros, Depay said: “It’s not about numbers. If you score one goal in the final, it will be the most important goal of your career.”