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Forbes
30 minutes ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Juventus Impress In FIFA World Club Cup Opener
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 18: Alberto Costa of Juventus during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G ... More match between Al Ain FC and Juventus FC at Audi Field on June 18, 2025 in Washington, United States. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images) Juventus will look to keep their momentum going in FIFA's World Club Cup after the 5-0 trashing of Al Ain on Wednesday. Two goals a piece from Francisco Conceicao and Randal Kolo Muani and a long-range rocket from Kenan Yildiz secured three points as The Old Lady kicked off their tournament in style. The win puts the Serie A side top of Group G on goal difference, and now a test against Moroccan side Wydad AC awaits on Sunday evening. For Igor Tudor, who has been confirmed as the club's new boss for the tournament, next season and beyond after signing a new extension until the summer of 2027, the win represented a good start to the tournament, but he isn't getting overly excited. 'We're heading in the right direction; there's always room to improve, but we're on the right path,' Tudor said. 'There's a desire to grow, and over time, the pieces come together,' he added. Tudor will have no doubt been pleased with the performances of Conceicao and Yildiz, both of whom have been repositioned behind Kolo Muani as No10s since the departure of Thiago Motta. While Motta preferred to keep them on the left and right of a three-man attacking unit, Tudor has brought them closer to the centre of the pitch, feeding the French striker while also chipping in with goals of their own. Conceicao, especially, has impressed Tudor, to the extent that Juve are now willing to keep the Portuguese talent on a permanent basis. The 22-year-old could cost Juventus some $33m from Porto, but his grit, versatility and ability to beat opposing players could be a vital ingredient for Tudor next season. On a season-long loan from Porto, Juve will negotiate with the club in order to keep the player. Another standout player in the win over Al Ain was Alberto Costa at right-back. Signed from Portuguese outfit Guimaraes in the January transfer window, Costa barely got a look in under former boss Thiago Motta, but is now getting some game time under Tudor. And Tudor singled the player out for praise. 'Alberto finished the season strongly with two important matches,' Tudor remarked. 'I always like to reward those who perform well. Everyone is important, and they will be from now until the end of the tournament.' Of course, it's still very early days under Tudor, and despite a good end to the season in which he managed to get Juve over the line and secure Champions League football, the pressure will be on the former Bianconeri defender to improve. Tudor has requested several signings to reinforce the squad, and a new striker is thought to be one of them. Dusan Vlahovic is thought to be on his way out the door after another poor season. However given his hefty salary, that might be easier said than done. Napoli's Victor Osimhen is believed to be a target, but much will depend on whether they can shift Vlahovic. A central defender is also a priority as Bremer continues his rehabilitation back to full fitness. Juve will also likely listen to offers in order to balance the books, with the likes of Vlahovic, Douglas Luiz, Lloyd Kelly and Nico Gonzalez all potentially surplus to requirements.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
U.S. Soccer Star Dishes On 'Weird' Oval Office Moment With Donald Trump
U.S. Men's National Soccer Team star Timothy Weah has opened up about what he described as the 'weird' experience of standing behind Donald Trump in the Oval Office while the president fielded questions on the Iran-Israel war and attacked the idea of transgender women competing in women's sports. Weah was at the White House with his Juventus teammates on Wednesday as part of a promotional event for the FIFA Club World Cup, ahead of the Italian side's 5-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates' Al-Ain FC. Advertisement Trump invited questions from reporters about the game and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will host alongside Mexico and Canada. But the Juventus players stood uncomfortably behind POTUS as he instead answered queries about the more pressing political questions of the day. Weah, the son of former Liberian soccer star-turned-former president George Weah, later told reporters that the players had been made to attend the event. 'They told us that we have to go and I had no choice but to go,' he explained, reported The Athletic. 'I was caught by surprise, honestly. It was a bit weird,' he added. 'When he started talking about the politics with Iran and everything, it's kind of like, I just want to play football, man.' Related...
Forbes
a day ago
- Sport
- Forbes
How Juventus Started FIFA Club World Cup With 5-0 Win Over Al Ain
Randal Kolo Muani scores his second goal against Al Ain FC (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus ... More FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images) Having waited until Wednesday evening for their first appearance in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Juventus made up for lost time as they notched a huge 5-0 win over Al Ain in Washington DC. The 2024 AFC Champions League winners were completely overwhelmed by the Bianconeri, who had an eventful day in the build up to this Group G encounter at Audi Field. Indeed, prior to facing Al Ain, Juve players, staff and club officials had visited the White House as guests of President Trump, an experience US international Tim Weah later described as 'a bit weird.' After that it was on to business, Juve boss Igor Tudor – who last week signed a contract extension – naming a strong starting XI as he looked to start the competition with a victory. Yet it would be their opponents who carved out the first scoring opportunity, Al Ain's early pressing leading to a 9th-minute chance for Facundo Zabala that was saved by Michele Di Gregorio. Just two minutes later, full-back Alberto Costa delivered a pin point cross at the other end, Randal Kolo Muani heading home to give Juve the lead. The Bianconeri dominated the game from that point on, going two goals ahead after some neat skill and a fine finish from Francisco Conceicao. Another well-taken goal soon followed as Kenan Yildiz controlled a ball from Khephren Thuram before firing beyond the helpless Rui Patricio with a superbly struck effort, Kolo Muani adding a fourth just before half time. The break seemed to fire some life into Al-Ain, Ramy Rabia seeing a goal disallowed before Di Gregorio sprung to life with a wonderful save to deny Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba from close range. Juve quickly reestablished their dominance despite a flurry of substitutions that broke the flow of the game, Conceicao bagging his second to push the scoreline out to 5-0. Kolo Muani almost secured a hat trick before former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz saw a good effort rebound off the post. Speaking after the game, the Juve boss was happy with what he had seen, but admitted that he will be demanding much more from his squad as they progress in this expanded version of the Club World Cup. 'Al-Ain pushed at the beginning, but we responded in the right way,' Tudor told reporters. 'It's a good result and a good start that gives us confidence. We were good at managing the tempo of the game, also because it was hot. 'We want to go as far as possible in the competition, we are happy with this start.' 'We can still improve significantly in terms of defensive positioning; we need to concede less on counterattacks, but I liked the courage we showed to go forward and score,' he continued. 'We're heading in the right direction; there's always room to improve, but we're on the right path. There's a desire to grow, and over time, the pieces come together.' Juventus will look to do just that before their next outing, with a few days to prepare for Sunday's encounter with Moroccan side Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
UAE's Al Ain ready for Juventus challenge at Club World Cup
Al Ain captain Khalid Eisa and star striker Soufiane Rahimi are confident of putting up a big fight ahead of the UAE club's opening match against Italian giants Juventus at the Fifa World Cup clash in Washington DC on Thursday (5 am UAE Time). The Boss will draw inspiration from their 2024 AFC Champions League triumph when they lock horns with two-time European champions Juventus as well as Premier League giants Manchester City (June 22) before finishing their Group G campaign against Moroccan club Wydad (June 26). 'We are participating as the champions of the AFC Champions League 2024, we are also representing our nation, as well as a big football club like Al Ain,' Eisa, the veteran goalkeeper, said. 'We have full respect for every competing team, but we are now concentrating on ourselves, we are also concentrating on the team's readiness on the mental and physical levels. 'We also wish to send a clear message to the fans of our team everywhere they are: 'We came here to honour you, as well as to represent the badge of Al Ain football club as it should be'.' For Al Ain to have a chance of competing against the big clubs, Rahimi, the hero of their triumphant AFC Champions League campaign last year, needs to produce his top form. Rahimi is a prolific striker who also became the first player to score eight goals in a single Olympic Games, achieving this feat last year in Paris when he guided Morocco to a bronze medal finish. While Al Ain struggled for consistency in the 2024-2025 season, managing just a fifth-place finish in the UAE Pro League, Rahimi has remained a big threat in front of the goal for rival teams, scoring 14 goals in 23 matches across competitions. The 29-year-old is now itching to show his class in the Club World Cup. 'You need to believe in your abilities. Thankfully, I'm one of those players who does believe in their abilities, and I want to keep the same aspiration and level of focus that brought me success in the Champions League and at the Olympics,' he said. 'Hopefully (at the Club World Cup) I'll be one of the tournament's top scorers or one of the players who makes an impact. I always say that nothing's impossible in football.' It may not seem possible for either Al Ain or Wydad to advance to the knockout stages from a group headlined by Man City and Juventus, but Rahimi is undeterred by the challenge. 'They're huge teams. Each one of us wants to give our best and make the whole world notice,' he said. 'I want to give my all and I'll make the world watch us. Facing big teams takes away any hesitation and removes all obstacles. These matches, as we said earlier, make men, and are played with passion and heart. Thank God, we're playing against big teams that will make us perform well, God willing."
See - Sada Elbalad
3 days ago
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
2025 FIFA CWC Guide: All You Need to Know About Group G
Rana Atef On June 15, the highly anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off in the USA. This edition is the first one to include a 32-team. The opening game was between Egypt's Al Ahly and USA's Inter Miami. SEE News will introduce you to readers with various articles and facts about the tournament, which is running between June 15 and July 13. This feature introduces all you need to know about the tournament's Groups G. Group G features Manchester City from England, Wydad AC from Morocco, Al Ain FC from the UAE, and Juventus FC from Italy. Manchester City The reigning Premier League champions and 2023 UEFA Champions League winners, Manchester City come into the tournament as one of the top contenders. Known for their possession-based style and tactical brilliance under Pep Guardiola, City are expected to dominate Group G. Top players include Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush, and Phil Foden, all capable of dismantling any defense with their precision, power, and creativity. Wydad AC One of Africa's most successful clubs, Wydad AC are a consistent force in the CAF Champions League. Their physicality, pressing, and homegrown talents make them a formidable opponent even against the European giants. Top players include Yahya Jabrane, Ayoub El Amloud, and Jalal Daoudi, who provide leadership and attacking thrust in key moments. Al Ain FC Representing the UAE, Al Ain FC are former AFC Champions League winners and have a rich history in Asian football. Known for their technical approach and structured defense, they can be a tricky team to break down. Top players include Soufiane Rahimi, Kodjo Laba, and Erik, who bring pace and flair to the front line and will aim to capitalize on counter-attacking chances. Juventus FC Returning to the global stage, Juventus bring experience, defensive grit, and a rich legacy from Italian football. Their blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents makes them serious contenders to advance. Top players include Dusan Vlahović, Federico Chiesa, and Manuel Locatelli, who provide a mix of creativity, finishing power, and midfield control. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
