DOCSLIB.ORG

© MAILMAN 2018 Red Card 2018

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
© MAILMAN 2018 Red Card 2018 RED CARD 2018 CHINA DIGITAL FOOTBALL AWARDS © MAILMAN 2018 Red Card 2018 Foreword Welcome to Red Card 2018: China Digital Football Awards. teams have recognised this fact and we have seen several Since 2012, the report has developed alongside China's permanent ofces opened in China this year including Real fast-moving sports industry into the leading analysis on Madrid, FC Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, and VfL Wolfsburg. European football's China digital performance. The emergence of new platforms has also been a key So as to reflect the amount that China’s digital landscape has development. In 2016, live streaming was China’s hottest changed over the last 7 years, we have reimagined the trend. Following a number of trials and new regulations, it is report for 2018. Alongside the traditional rankings of the now beginning to find its place through ecommerce most popular team, player, and league online in China, there applications and increased access to clubs. 2017 saw the are now additional awards which allow the report to turn of community-based sports apps which grew in both recognise outstanding performance in 5 core areas. The popularity and standing. Platforms such as Dongquidi now report is now better placed to educate teams and ofer challenger clubs a chance to gain a foothold in the organisations on what it takes to produce a successful digital Chinese market by interacting directly with their core fans in strategy for China. By going deeper into the key areas that a less crowded space. lead to digital success, we are able to provide deeper insight into Chinese fan preferences and the pitfalls that Another important shift came in the broadcasting landscape should be avoided. where, for the first time, the majority of Chinese fans began to show a willingness to pay for content. The wait for this The headline awards were assessed by Mailman’s traditional change to occur saw some of China’s biggest broadcasting metrics and all 5 of the new awards have been judged by a platforms sustain huge losses. The leading digital platforms, panel of industry experts, another first for the Red Card. including Tencent and PPTV, are now working to refine their packages to match the market. Whilst access to top-level Once again, 2017 has been a busy year for China’s sports sporting content is still significantly cheaper in China than in industry. Although there were fewer headlines, it was a the West, this marks a big step in the maturation of the period of consolidation which has lead to a more Chinese sports industry. professionalised industry moving into 2018. At the core has been consumer behaviour and their approach to digital We hope that you enjoy Red Card 2018 and look forward to platforms. Their increasing selectiveness in the content that monitoring another year as China continues its rise to they consume on both Weibo and WeChat shows that the becoming the biggest sports industry in the world. days of overloading netizens with branded content are numbered. This trend further emphasises the importance of a complete digital strategy for China. Several European © MAILMAN 2018 Welcome to Red Card 2018: China Digital Football Awards. teams have recognised this fact and we have seen several Since 2012, the report has developed alongside China's permanent ofces opened in China this year including Real fast-moving sports industry into the leading analysis on Madrid, FC Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, and VfL Wolfsburg. European football's China digital performance. The emergence of new platforms has also been a key So as to reflect the amount that China’s digital landscape has development. In 2016, live streaming was China’s hottest changed over the last 7 years, we have reimagined the trend. Following a number of trials and new regulations, it is report for 2018. Alongside the traditional rankings of the now beginning to find its place through ecommerce most popular team, player, and league online in China, there applications and increased access to clubs. 2017 saw the are now additional awards which allow the report to turn of community-based sports apps which grew in both recognise outstanding performance in 5 core areas. The popularity and standing. Platforms such as Dongquidi now report is now better placed to educate teams and ofer challenger clubs a chance to gain a foothold in the organisations on what it takes to produce a successful digital Chinese market by interacting directly with their core fans in strategy for China. By going deeper into the key areas that a less crowded space. lead to digital success, we are able to provide deeper insight into Chinese fan preferences and the pitfalls that Another important shift came in the broadcasting landscape should be avoided. where, for the first time, the majority of Chinese fans began to show a willingness to pay for content. The wait for this The headline awards were assessed by Mailman’s traditional change to occur saw some of China’s biggest broadcasting metrics and all 5 of the new awards have been judged by a platforms sustain huge losses. The leading digital platforms, panel of industry experts, another first for the Red Card. including Tencent and PPTV, are now working to refine their packages to match the market. Whilst access to top-level Once again, 2017 has been a busy year for China’s sports sporting content is still significantly cheaper in China than in industry. Although there were fewer headlines, it was a the West, this marks a big step in the maturation of the period of consolidation which has lead to a more Chinese sports industry. professionalised industry moving into 2018. At the core has been consumer behaviour and their approach to digital We hope that you enjoy Red Card 2018 and look forward to platforms. Their increasing selectiveness in the content that monitoring another year as China continues its rise to they consume on both Weibo and WeChat shows that the becoming the biggest sports industry in the world. days of overloading netizens with branded content are numbered. This trend further emphasises the importance of a complete digital strategy for China. Several European Red Card 2018 Panel Introduction Andrew Collins Zhang Zhe Yu Hang CEO Senior Operations Director Advisor to the Chairman Mailman Group Weibo Sports DDMC Sports Group Since acquiring Mailman in 2007, Zhang Zhe is responsible for the Yu Hang is in charge of overall Andrew has transformed the business operations, strategy, and UX operations at DDMC Sports and into a globally recognised consultancy. management of various departments responsible for the strategy of the entire Mailman has become the fastest within Weibo, including Weibo Hot Spot, sports department. His previous roles growing sports marketing and Weibo Sports, Weibo Fitness, Weibo include COO at LeSports, Director of innovation group with investments E-gaming, and Dancing. Partnerships at Sina Sports. He is also across technology, media and content. an experienced keynote speaker. Zeng Gang Richard Young Executive VP of Media Division Managing Director Suning Sports NFL China With huge experience in the sports, During Richard’s illustrious career in entertainment, and culture industries, Asia, he has been responsible for Mr. Gang has worked on large-scale launching China’s first nationwide HD sports event operations, popular sports sports cable channel, founded The content and sports merchandising. He Young Company, and is now became Executive VP of the Suning responsible for the NFL China’s Sports Media Division in 2016. day-to-day operations and strategy. © MAILMAN 2018 Red Card 2018 The Winners Number One Number One Number One Club Online Player Online League Online in China in China in China Manchester Lionel Bundesliga United Messi Best Best Best Best Best Live Use of Sponsor Online Tour Stream Technology Activation Campaign Campaign Borussia FC Bayern Arsenal Bundesliga FC Bayern Dortmund © MAILMAN 2018 Red Card 2018 Manchester United is the Their WeChat Red Devil The club interacted with Manchester most followed club on both selfie creator activated Luhan, one of China’s Weibo and WeChat 80,000 people biggest celebrities, to create United’s the second most engaged 2017 post of any club in 2017 The club’s WeChat gained 3x Manchester United’s Europa The biannual ‘#ILoveUnited’ more reads than the 2nd League win was the most event is the biggest ofine No. most popular club account, read European football club sponsorship event in China Club Online1 Real Madrid WeChat article of all time by a football club “With over 107m followers, China is one of Manchester United’s most important markets in China and we have a long history of innovation and fan engagement in the region. Through data analysis, geo-specific content creation and on-the-ground activities, we continue to be the most followed football club on China's major social media platforms: Sina Weibo and WeChat. We are honoured to receive the Red Card award for the second consecutive year Manchester and we are excited about the ongoing opportunities to innovate and build our brand, allowing our fans in China to interact with the club and our products.” United Phil Lynch, CEO of Media, Manchester United 2. 3. 4. 5. Real FC Arsenal Liverpool Madrid Bayern © MAILMAN 2018 Red Card 2018 European Clubs in China Real Madrid 2017 Takeaways Champions League Victory 2017 saw a 50% increase in new European football clubs predicted to be worth well in excess of $1.5 billion by 2020. Manchester United’s online on Weibo, but a much smaller increase of 10% Esports ofer clubs access to huge numbers of new, engaged Interaction with Lu Han launching on WeChat. This platform has still seen the large consumers through a variety of methods including majority of football clubs struggle to reach their ambitious investment into teams, establishing academies, utilising targets.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • P19 Olpy 2 Layout 1
    MONDAY, MARCH 27, 2017 SPORTS Cahill urges calm ahead of Australia’s crunch UAE qualifier SYDNEY: Tim Cahill remains confident home to the United Arab Emirates two and drawn six of their matches so qualifier in 56 matches dating back to them and that’s life. “(But the home that Australia will qualify for next year’s tomorrow. The UAE are just a point adrift far, and have a formidable home record. 1981, a 1-0 defeat to China in a dead record) means nothing. All that matters World Cup in Russia despite a run of four of their Sydney hosts heading into the “We went months and months with- rubber nine years ago, a record that fills is this week.” Cahill scored the winner off straight draws that has seen the side fall encounter and a win for the visitors out winning a game before we lifted the the former Millwall and Everton player the bench in the reverse fixture in Abu three points behind the leaders in their would see them leapfrog Australia and 2015 Asian Cup,” Cahill told reporters. with plenty of belief. Dhabi last September and he has no final round group. move into the third place spot that “I understand the process a bit better “The way we play and the damage issues with the likely prospect of starting Australia are on 10 points from six offers a route to the finals via two playoff than some people. I’m a lot more edu- we’ve caused teams in the past... we’re next week’s fixture among Ange matches, three behind Saudi Arabia and rounds.
    [Show full text]
  • Champions Inside and out Champions Inside
    No. 175 CHAMPIONS INSIDE AND OUT No.175 • March 2018 No.175 Portugal win Futsal EURO 2018 NATIONS THE TECHNICIAN INTERVIEW LEAGUE The language quandary David Gill, UEFA treasurer Everything to play for in the dressing room and vice-president www.uefafoundation.org EDITORIAL REAPING THE REWARDS OF OUR SHARED SUCCESS he global attention generated by the and to bring to fruition all those initiatives they UEFA Nations League draw in Lausanne have always longed for and needed. T in January was a welcome reminder that EURO prize money has also been increased national team football is stronger than ever. substantially. We have decided to make more The moves we have made together in recent funds available to more teams per round and to years to centralise national team football and apply significantly higher financial rewards for to rejuvenate it with a new competition have the performances on the pitch. Again, these started to pay off as it becomes increasingly additional funds will go to our member popular with fans and broadcasters across associations, enabling them to invest in the globe. grassroots, education and development Popularity of our competitions is important projects in their territories. for their livelihood, and generating further Following on from the increase in the amount revenues is as well, but it is what UEFA does available for distribution in the UEFA Women’s with those additional funds that can truly make Champions League, I am also pleased to a difference to the protection, promotion and announce that the funds allocated to the development of football in Europe.
    [Show full text]
  • CHINA AIMS to SLAY DRAGONS the Same Momentum­Killing Stop­ Pages That Infuriate Aficionados of the NBA, NHL and NFL
    12 Wednesday, March 21, 2018 SPORTS CHINA DAILY HONG KONG EDITION Time to show FIFA a red card t’s bad enough that soccer is already the only major sport that produces “highlight” reels showing what almost Ihappened during 90 minutes of non­action. Now FIFA, in its infinite wisdom, has ordained that video assistant referee technology (VAR) will be used at this summer’s World Cup finals in Russia, further stultifying a game that’s desperately in need of more pace. FIFA president Gianni Infantino sugar­coated last week’s announce­ ment in Zurich, saying all the right things about building “a more transparent and fairer sport” and giving the living, breathing game officials “much­ needed help” — but it was a hollow endorsement. The landmark decision to use VAR Murray at the World Cup Greig came two weeks aft­ er FIFA’s rules panel voted to write video technology into the laws of soccer, and Infanti­ no has pledged improved commu­ nication with officials and fans to make the system work. World Cup referees will be empowered to call on VAR to review and overturn “clear and From left: Wales’ Gareth Bale, Uruguay duo Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, and China hotshot Wu Lei are some of the big stars expected to light up the second edition of the China Cup International obvious errors,” as well as “serious Football Championship, which opens on Thursday in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. REUTERS AND XINHUA missed incidents” involving goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken SOCCER identity on sanctions. Sounds good in theory, right? But in the real world, it sucks.
    [Show full text]
  • List of Players
    2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ List of Players Team # Pos. FIFA Popular Name Birth Date Shirt Name Club Height Weight Argentina 1 GK GUZMAN Nahuel 10.02.1986 GUZMÁN Tigres UANL (MEX) 192 90 Argentina 2 DF MERCADO Gabriel 18.03.1987 MERCADO Sevilla FC (ESP) 181 81 Argentina 3 DF TAGLIAFICO Nicolas 31.08.1992 TAGLIAFICO AFC Ajax (NED) 169 65 Argentina 4 DF ANSALDI Cristian 20.09.1986 ANSALDI Torino FC (ITA) 181 73 Argentina 5 MF BIGLIA Lucas 30.01.1986 BIGLIA AC Milan (ITA) 175 73 Argentina 6 DF FAZIO Federico 17.03.1987 FAZIO AS Roma (ITA) 199 85 Argentina 7 MF BANEGA Ever 29.06.1988 BANEGA Sevilla FC (ESP) 175 73 Argentina 8 DF ACUNA Marcos 28.10.1991 ACUÑA Sporting CP (POR) 172 77 Argentina 9 FW HIGUAIN Gonzalo 10.12.1987 HIGUAÍN Juventus FC (ITA) 184 75 Argentina 10 FW MESSI Lionel 24.06.1987 MESSI FC Barcelona (ESP) 170 72 Argentina 11 MF DI MARIA Angel 14.02.1988 DI MARÍA Paris Saint-Germain FC (FRA) 178 75 Argentina 12 GK ARMANI Franco 16.10.1986 ARMANI CA River Plate (ARG) 189 85 Argentina 13 MF MEZA Maximiliano 15.12.1992 MEZA CA Independiente (ARG) 180 76 Argentina 14 DF MASCHERANO Javier 08.06.1984 MASCHERANO Hebei China Fortune FC (CHN) 174 73 Argentina 15 MF LANZINI Manuel 15.02.1993 LANZINI West Ham United FC (ENG) 167 66 Argentina 16 DF ROJO Marcos 20.03.1990 ROJO Manchester United FC (ENG) 189 82 Argentina 17 DF OTAMENDI Nicolas 12.02.1988 OTAMENDI Manchester City FC (ENG) 181 81 Argentina 18 DF SALVIO Eduardo 13.07.1990 SALVIO SL Benfica (POR) 167 69 Argentina 19 FW AGUERO Sergio 02.06.1988 AGÜERO Manchester City FC (ENG) 172 74 Argentina 20 MF LO CELSO Giovani 09.04.1996 LO CELSO Paris Saint-Germain FC (FRA) 177 75 Argentina 21 FW DYBALA Paulo 15.11.1993 DYBALA Juventus FC (ITA) 177 73 Argentina 22 MF PAVON Cristian 21.01.1996 PAVÓN CA Boca Juniors (ARG) 169 65 Argentina 23 GK CABALLERO Wilfredo 28.09.1981 CABALLERO Chelsea FC (ENG) 186 80 1 of 32 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ List of Players Team # Pos.
    [Show full text]
  • Some Officials Say It's Time to Rethink The
    24 Tuesday, March 27, 2018 SPORTS CHINA DAILY HONG KONG EDITION SOCCER ICE HOCKEY Red Star Back to the drawing board women China Cup humbling should serve winning as stimulus for game’s development respect By SHI FUTIAN in Nanning, Guangxi [email protected] By SUN XIAOCHEN Team China’s chastening China [email protected] Cup experience has been a rude We cannot let the awakening for the domestic game. Falling just short of the cham­ The curtain closed on the tourna­ defeat be in vain. Chi­ pionship in the world’s top wom­ ment on Monday, with the host fall­ en’s hockey league bodes well for ing to a second defeat, 4­1 to the nese soccer should Kunlun Red Star’s ambition to Czech Republic as Fan Xiaodong’s build a competitive national fifth­minute opener was canceled adhere to its reform team to represent China at the out by second­half goals from Tomas 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Kalas, Patrik Schick, Michal plan. While building Red Star, an expansion entry in Krmencik and Pavel Kaderabek at the seven­team Canadian Wom­ Guangxi Sports Center. the system, we should en’s Hockey League, ended its China fell to an even more hum­ focus on increasing miracle journey on Monday, los­ bling 6­0 loss to Wales in Thursday’s ing 2­1 to the Markham Thunder semifinal as Gareth Bale struck after the soccer population in overtime in the one­off cham­ just two minutes and by halttime pionship final at Ricoh Coliseum the match was essentially over.
    [Show full text]
  • List of Players
    2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ List of Players Team # Pos. FIFA Popular Name Birth Date Shirt Name Club Height Weight Argentina 1 GK GUZMAN Nahuel 10.02.1986 GUZMÁN Tigres UANL (MEX) 192 90 Argentina 2 DF MERCADO Gabriel 18.03.1987 MERCADO Sevilla FC (ESP) 181 81 Argentina 3 DF TAGLIAFICO Nicolas 31.08.1992 TAGLIAFICO AFC Ajax (NED) 169 65 Argentina 4 DF ANSALDI Cristian 20.09.1986 ANSALDI Torino FC (ITA) 181 73 Argentina 5 MF BIGLIA Lucas 30.01.1986 BIGLIA AC Milan (ITA) 175 73 Argentina 6 DF FAZIO Federico 17.03.1987 FAZIO AS Roma (ITA) 199 85 Argentina 7 MF BANEGA Ever 29.06.1988 BANEGA Sevilla FC (ESP) 175 73 Argentina 8 DF ACUNA Marcos 28.10.1991 ACUÑA Sporting CP (POR) 172 77 Argentina 9 FW HIGUAIN Gonzalo 10.12.1987 HIGUAÍN Juventus FC (ITA) 184 75 Argentina 10 FW MESSI Lionel 24.06.1987 MESSI FC Barcelona (ESP) 170 72 Argentina 11 MF DI MARIA Angel 14.02.1988 DI MARÍA Paris Saint-Germain FC (FRA) 178 75 Argentina 12 GK ARMANI Franco 16.10.1986 ARMANI CA River Plate (ARG) 189 85 Argentina 13 MF MEZA Maximiliano 15.12.1992 MEZA CA Independiente (ARG) 180 76 Argentina 14 DF MASCHERANO Javier 08.06.1984 MASCHERANO Hebei China Fortune FC (CHN) 174 73 Argentina 15 MF LANZINI Manuel 15.02.1993 LANZINI West Ham United FC (ENG) 167 66 Argentina 16 DF ROJO Marcos 20.03.1990 ROJO Manchester United FC (ENG) 189 82 Argentina 17 DF OTAMENDI Nicolas 12.02.1988 OTAMENDI Manchester City FC (ENG) 181 81 Argentina 18 DF SALVIO Eduardo 13.07.1990 SALVIO SL Benfica (POR) 167 69 Argentina 19 FW AGUERO Sergio 02.06.1988 AGÜERO Manchester City FC (ENG) 172 74 Argentina 20 MF LO CELSO Giovani 09.04.1996 LO CELSO Paris Saint-Germain FC (FRA) 177 75 Argentina 21 FW DYBALA Paulo 15.11.1993 DYBALA Juventus FC (ITA) 177 73 Argentina 22 MF PAVON Cristian 21.01.1996 PAVÓN CA Boca Juniors (ARG) 169 65 Argentina 23 GK CABALLERO Wilfredo 28.09.1981 CABALLERO Chelsea FC (ENG) 186 80 1 of 32 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ List of Players Team # Pos.
    [Show full text]
  • Is China the New Land of Football?
    Is China the new land of football? Bachelor Project submitted for the Bachelor of Science HES in International Business Management by Nicolas SLIWOWSKI Bachelor Project Advisor: Mr Nicolas DEPETRIS CHAUVIN, HES Professor Geneva, 22nd June 2017 Haute école de gestion de Genève (HEG-GE) International Business Management Declaration This Bachelor Project is submitted as part of the final examination requirements of the Haute école de gestion de Genève, for the Bachelor of Science HES-SO in International Business Management. The student accepts the terms of the confidentiality agreement if one has been signed. The use of any conclusions or recommendations made in the Bachelor Project, with no prejudice to their value, engages neither the responsibility of the author, nor the adviser to the Bachelor Project, nor the jury members nor the HEG. “I attest that I have personally accomplished this work without using any sources other than those cited in the bibliography. Furthermore, I have sent the final version of this document for analysis by the plagiarism detection software URKUND using the address supplied by my adviser”. nd Geneva, 22 June 2017 Nicolas SLIWOWSKI Is China the new land of football? Nicolas Sliwowski i Acknowledgements First of all, I would like to thank my parents, family and friends for their support during the elaboration of this Bachelor Project. I wish also to express my sincere thanks to Mr Nicolas DEPETRIS CHAUVIN, Professor at the Haute école de gestion de Genève, for his contributions of time and invaluable advice for this Bachelor Project. I am very grateful to Mr Cameron WILSON, founding editor of Wild East Football, Mr Simon CHADWICK, Professor of Sports Enterprise & Co-Director of Centre for Sports Business at Salford University Manchester, and Mr Amanuel ABATE, independent consultant who has worked several times with the UEFA, for agreeing to answer my questions regarding the topic of my Bachelor Project.
    [Show full text]
  • Kuwaittimes 16-1-2018 .Qxp Layout 1
    RABI ALTHANI 29, 1439 AH TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2018 Max 21º 32 Pages Min 06º 150 Fils Established 1961 ISSUE NO: 17432 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net Health minister operates Trump denies he’s a racist Lebanon bans Spielberg film CoCo goes bananas as US 3 on girl to implant cochlea 6 as Americans honor King 28 and Israeli adventurer biopic 16 players slip at Aussie Open Panel votes to refer scores of health officials to prosecution MPs vow to grill Assembly minister over false info By B Izzak tary and top officials at the foreign medical treatment The committee also recommended referring a former by opposition MP Adel Al-Damkhi in the grilling, which department to the public prosecution and the anti-cor- undersecretary, a former director of nursing services and will be submitted only after the grilling against the minis- KUWAIT: A probe committee investigating alleged ruption authority. former directors of companies that signed contracts with ter of social affairs and labor is completed. He said that corruption and financial and administrative violations at Regarding alleged violations at health offices abroad, the ministry between 2013 and 2017 to the public prose- Khorafi submitted a proposal signed by a former defense the health ministry yesterday approved recommenda- the committee called for referring a former health ministry cution and the anti-corruption authority for investigation. minister, which is against the constitution, adding he will tions to refer former health ministers and a large num- undersecretary, top officials and officials at the Frankfurt It also called for referring a former minister and former write to the prime minister to dismiss the minister.
    [Show full text]
  • Djokovic Downs Delbonis
    TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2019 16 Djokovic downs Delbonis the Serbian was able to hold firm to set up an intriguing match Djokovic passes and take the opener. with Kyle Edmund in the last • The world number one was 16 after the British number one Delbonis test to reach getting incredibly frustrated , impressively saw off Canadian Miami fourth round he received a warning for rac- Milos Raonic 6-4 6-4. quet abuse and was furious for In the women’s draw, Simona Simona Halep allowing a 3-1 lead to slip in the Halep kept alive hopes of re - and• Venus Williams second, yet credit to Delbonis gaining the world number one who stayed calm and served out ranking Sunday, beating Polona advance in Miami confidently to force a decider, Hercog 5-7, 7-6 (7/1), 6-2 to reach something which looked beyond the last 16 where she will play AFP | Miami him midway through the open- Venus Williams. ing set. Halep, 27, lost her place at the ovak Djokovic remains He couldn’t keep the pressure top of the rankings following on course for a record on, however, and when Djokovic Naomi Osaka’s triumph at the Nseventh Miami Open ti- managed to get 3-1 ahead, this Australian Open earlier this year. tle, but the world number one time there was no way back for But with the Japanese falter- admitted to a loss of focus in a the 28 year-old from Azul who ing here on Saturday, Halep can 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 victory over spirited rightly received an ovation from return to the position she last Federico Delbonis which booked the center court crowd for his held at the end of 2018 if she his place in the last 16.
    [Show full text]
  • P27 Layout 1
    Established 1961 27 Sports Wednesday, July 4, 2018 SNIPPETS Determined Uruguay ready to spoil French World Cup party France’s strongest points are attackers, Griezmann and Mbappe NIZHNIY NOVGOROD: Streetwise and tough yet with a razor-sharp edge, Uruguay have moved serenely into the World Cup quarter-finals, side- stepping the chaos that has swamped former win- ners Argentina, Germany and Spain. Uruguay have shown in Russia they are extremely difficult to beat yet sometimes under- whelming-factors you could have predicted from them before the World Cup. A low-key start and an 89th-minute winner that gave them a forget- table 1-0 win over an Egypt side missing Mohamed Salah has now given way to real hope they can win their third World Cup. With a defence built around the central pairing of Jose Gimenez and the vastly experienced 32- year-old Diego Godin-they also play together at Atletico Madrid-Uruguay have won all four games in Russia, conceding a solitary goal. They are also the only side to have beaten Russia, overwhelming them 3-0 in the group stage in what appeared to be a reality check for the host nation before they went on to stun Spain in the last 16. Uruguay extinguished Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on a thrilling night in Sochi to reach the quarter-finals, with Edinson Cavani scoring two brilliant goals. Next up the grizzly, experienced World Cup campaigners take on a young France- NIZHNY NOVGOROD: Uruguay’s players attend a training session at the Sport Centre Borsky in Nizhny including the exciting Kylian Mbappe and Novgorod yesterday, during the Russia 2018 World Cup football tournament.
    [Show full text]
  • Neymar Faces Trial in Spain Over Barcelona Transfer
    6/4/2018 Neymar faces trial in Spain over Barcelona transfer Neymar faces trial over Barca transfer 574d - Sam Marsden KAZAK… V AZERB… 1 X 2 Gamble Responsibly 18+ 4/1 2/1 5/6 Bet Now World Cup squads: Who made the cut? 2h - ESPN staff World Cup 2018 team posters 3d - ESPN staff Neymar faces trial in Spain over England look to sign off in style vs.Barcelona Costa transfer Rica @ £ 1h - Derek Bilton Why big clubs covet Pulisic's potential 3d - Raphael Honigstein Sam Marsden 7 Nov, 2016 World Cup will struggle to match level of UCL 6d - Michael Cox @ £ http://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/2991686/neymar-faces-trial-in-spain-over-barcelona-transfer?src=com 1/14 6/4/2018 Neymar faces trial in Spain over Barcelona transfer Neymar reacts vs. Valencia Getty Images A Spanish judge has opened the way for Brazil star Neymar and his father to stand trial on corruption charges relating to his 2013 move to Barcelona from Santos. Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his predecessor Sandro Rosell are also set to stand trial after Brazilian investment group DIS -- which owned 40 percent of Neymar's sporting rights when he completed his transfer -- complained that they had received less money than they should have done because part of the fee was concealed. Prosecutors now have 10 days to formalise their request for a trial after Monday's ruling, made at Spain's National Court by judge Jose de la Mata. Later on Monday, Barcelona said they will appeal against the ruling.
    [Show full text]
  • P15 2 Layout 1
    Established 1961 15 Sports Tuesday, January 16, 2018 Suarez fires Barcelona nine clear in Sociedad fightback Messi overtakes Gerd Muller with 366th La Liga strike MADRID: Luis Suarez stole the show with a brace and an Juanmi burst through the away side’s distracted back- assist as Barcelona fought back from two goals down to line to meet Sergio Canales’ excellent through ball, and the win 4-2 at Real Sociedad on Sunday and restore their Spaniard saw his shot deflected off Sergi Roberto and nine-point lead at the top of La Liga. creep inside Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s near post. Suarez struck in the 50th and 71st minutes, his first a Suarez burst into life as the first half came to a close delightful chip from just inside the area, after laying on and gave the Catalans hope with a fine low cross that Paulinho six minutes before the break to start the come- Paulinho just had to guide home to pull a goal back. The back from first-half goals from Sociedad’s Willian Jose and Uruguayan then scored a sensational equaliser in the 50th Juanmi. minute, striding towards Messi’s pass and clipping a loop- A stunning Lionel Messi free-kick five minutes from ing shot over Sociedad stopper Geronimo Rulli, before time completed the comeback, which puts Ernesto putting his side into the lead 21 minutes later. Valverde’s side on 51 points, well ahead of second-placed Rulli’s long clearance was fired back with a powerful Atletico Madrid, 1-0 win- shot by Thomas ners at Eibar on Saturday.
    [Show full text]