DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Spain and Man City's Rodri enjoying the best of times
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

On Sunday he is expected to be key again, this time for Spain as they take on Croatia to decide the Nations League champions in Rotterdam. But I'm more focused on the team overall, what matters is winning trophies as a team, that's what I've always wanted." DEMANDING SEASON"We have a big game tomorrow after a very long season for me which has been very demanding. "I think it would be brilliant to win a trophy for Spain for the first time in a long while and take Spain to the top. It would be very important not just in terms of winning, but also in terms of forging a winning future.

Persons: Rodri, ” Rodri, I’ve, I've, I'm, Mark Gleeson, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Manchester City, City, Inter Milan, Nations League, Spain, France, Thomson Locations: ROTTERDAM, Spain, Istanbul, Croatia, Rotterdam, Italy, Manchester City, Cape Town

☆ Croatia's experience might provide edge in final, Perisic says
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

ROTTERDAM, June 17 (Reuters) - Croatia’s experience might prove key when they go up against a youthful Spain in Sunday’s Nations League final in the Netherlands, midfielder Ivan Perisic said on the eve of the game. Yes, we do have more experience than they do, having been runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and then third in Qatar. We had a great experience from Russia and from Qatar. “We had a great World Cup in Qatar, where we were a team that have played great matches and put together great results. He's one of our greatest strengths.”The highly rated 21-year-old pulled out of the Nations League finals because of injury.

Persons: Ivan Perisic, “, we're, ” Perisic, Zlatko Dalic, Josko, I'm, Dalic, Mark Gleeson, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Sunday’s Nations League, Croatia, Nations League, Feyenoord, Spanish, Italy, Thomson Locations: ROTTERDAM, Spain, Netherlands, Rotterdam, Wednesday’s, Qatar, Russia, ” Spain, Enschede, Croatia

☆ Trio of cup final appearances a boost for Italy, says Mancini
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

I think they were very unfortunate because none of the three deserved to lose their respective finals," Mancini told a press conference on Wednesday. And in the Under-20 World Cup, Italy made it to the final and we shouldn't play that down. Italy face Spain on Thursday in their Nations League semi-final in the Dutch city of Enschede. "We have reached the Nations League finals for the second time and it's a good achievement, especially because we played the group stage with several youngsters,” added Mancini. On potential team selection, Mancini said: “Ciro Immobile had several injuries after the last Euros.

Persons: Roberto Mancini, " Mancini, ”, Mancini, “, “ Ciro, Nicolo Zaniolo, Federico Chiesa, Mark Gleeson, Toby Davis Organizations: week’s Nations League, Inter Milan, Manchester City, Champions League, AS Roma, Sevilla, Europa League, Fiorentina, West Ham United, Europa Conference League, Nations League, Thomson Locations: ENSCHEDE, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Dutch, Enschede, Cape Town

☆ Croatia reach Nations League final after knocking out hosts Netherlands
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

ROTTERDAM, June 14 (Reuters) - Croatia scored twice in extra time to beat the Netherlands 4-2 in their Nations League semi-final in Rotterdam on Wednesday and advance to Sunday’s decider. Donyell Malen handed the hosts a 34th-minute lead before Andrej Kramaric equalised from the penalty spot 10 minutes into the second half. Cody Gakpo set it up by winning possession and five passes later, Mats Wieffer teed up an unmarked Malen to fire home. The Netherlands now have to play in the third-place playoff game against Thursday’s losers in Enschede on Sunday. Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Bruno Petkovic, Luka Modric, Donyell Malen, Andrej Kramaric, Mario Pasalic, Noa Lang, Netherlands ’, Cody Gakpo, Mats Wieffer teed, Modric, Luka Ivanusec, Lang, Petkovic, Mark Gleeson, Toby Davis Organizations: Croatia, Nations League, Feyenoord, Thomson Locations: ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Rotterdam, Croatia, Italy, Spain, Enschede, Qatar, Gakpo, Pasalic, Cape Town

☆ Kolisi's World Cup in the balance after SA Rugby confirm surgery
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

CAPE TOWN, May 3 (Reuters) - South African Rugby confirmed on Wednesday that Springboks captain Siya Kolisi underwent knee surgery last week and said it is unclear if he will be fit for this year's Rugby World Cup. "Mampane said it was too early to make any reliable forecasts on when Kolisi may be able to return to play." SA Rugby and Kolisi's club had remained tight-lipped about his condition over the last 10 days. Kolisi, one of the most respected figures in the game, is due to move to French club Racing 92 after the World Cup, which runs from Sept. 8-Oct. 28. South Africa, who name their final 33-man squad on Aug. 8, begin their title defence against Scotland in Marseille on Sept. 10.

☆ Bids for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations offer path for comprise over 2025 hosts
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CAPE TOWN, April 27 (Reuters) - Algeria head a list of four bids to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations, which the Confederation of African Football announced on Thursday, but Morocco are a surprise omission suggesting a compromise over the 2025 edition has been struck. A statement said CAF had received bids from Algeria, Botswana, Egypt and a joint candidacy from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda for the 2027 tournament after the expiry of the deadline for declarations of interest. CAF have repeatedly delayed deciding who will replace Guinea as the 2025 hosts. Algeria and Morocco are the top two contenders for 2025 but choosing between the two neighbours has become a political dilemma for CAF, sources have told Reuters. The two North African neighbours have an adversarial relationship, with diplomatic ties suspended, and winning the rights to host the 2025 Cup of Nations would be a matter of national pride and a public relations triumph.

☆ Thirty years on, Zambia mourns national team killed in plane crash
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The bulk of the team were experienced internationals, fancied to emerge top of their final round qualifying group and secure a first-ever World Cup final appearance at the 1994 tournament in the United States. Engine failure after takeoff from Libreville caused the plane to crash into the sea, killing all on board including the coaches, support staff and crew. A year after the crash, the team were surprise finalists at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, losing 2-1 to Nigeria. Twenty years after the disaster, Zambia finally won the African title - in Gabon, site of the crash. Just days before the final, players threw flowers into the sea at the beach where the bodies had washed up.

☆ Wolves earn vital points in battle against drop
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Victory put Wolves nine points clear of the bottom three places, joining Palace on 37 points and ended Hodgson’s run of three wins and a draw since returning to Palace in the wake of Patrick Vieira’s sacking last month. But it was largely a nervy night for the fans as Palace threatened to fight their way back into the game and dominated many of the exchanges. But Lokonga was firmly on his feet when he struck a point-blank shot on target five minutes before halftime, only to see the effort saved by diving Wolves keeper Jose Sa. Neves hit the resultant spot kick into the corner of the net to wrap up the win. Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Clare FallonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Ajax in danger of missing out on Champions League football
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - Champions League - Group A - Rangers v Ajax Amsterdam - Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - November 1, 2022 Ajax Amsterdam fans with flares and banners in the stands before the match Action Images via Reuters/Lee SmithApril 24 (Reuters) - Ajax Amsterdam are in danger of finishing outside the top two in the Dutch league for the first time in 13 seasons and missing out on the Champions League next season as they struggle to build a new team in the wake of record sales last year. However, after a 3-0 drubbing from PSV Eindhoven on Sunday, Ajax have dropped to third with four league matches left to play. It could get worse as their next league clash on May 6 is home to AZ, who lie two points behind them in fourth place. Now it is their arch rivals Feyenoord who are on course to win the league, needing five points from their final four matches. They have 73 points with PSV second on 65 and Ajax on 62, facing having to play in the Europa League next season after 13 successive season of competing in the Champions League.

☆ Beer thrown from stands halts another Dutch league clash
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AMSTERDAM, April 23 (Reuters) - Beer thrown from the crowd caused a 15-minute stoppage to the match before PSV Eindhoven secured a 3-0 home win over Ajax Amsterdam in the Dutch league on Sunday in another incident involving objects thrown from the crowd. A similar incident on Saturday caused the abandonment of the league match between second-from-bottom Groningen and NEC Nijmegen. But while Saturday’s game was called off after a plastic beaker of beer struck the linesman, Sunday’s match was only halted temporarily because the beer thrown did not land on anyone on the field. Dutch football has been grappling with abuse from the stands and the throwing of objects. They also decided that if an object is thrown from the terraces but misses, play will be temporarily stopped with the players sent to the dressing rooms.

☆ South Africa move to brink of World Cup qualification
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-02 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

JOHANNESBURG, April 2 (Reuters) - Aiden Markram scored a superb century and Sisanda Magala claimed five wickets to lead South Africa to a 146-run win over the Netherlands in a one-day international on Sunday and move them to the brink of World Cup qualification. Markram plundered 175 runs off 126 balls as South Africa, put into bat, scored 370-8 off their 50 overs before Magala took his first five-wicket haul to help dismiss the Dutch for 224. The win lifted South Africa into eighth place in the World Cup Super League standings, from where they can now automatically qualify for the World Cup in October. The Netherlands bowling attack started brightly, dismissing South Africa’s openers cheaply but then came in for a peppering, eventually going at a rate of 7.4 per over. Already qualified for the tournament from Oct. 5-Nov. 19 are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, Pakistan and hosts India.

☆ South Africa chase down record T20 target to beat Windies
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Opener Quinton de Kock hit a first T20 century as South Africa scored 259-4 after being set an imposing target of 13 runs per over to win the match. Johnson Charles had led the West Indies to 258-5, a new record T20 total at the Pretoria test venue, after they had been put into bat and amassed a formidable total. South Africa began at blistering pace in reply and by scoring 150 without loss off the first 10 overs set another T20 record. I've been looking for a T20 century for a while and to do it at my home ground was something special," said De Kock. South Africa tied the three-match T20 series with the final game at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

☆ Windies skipper smashes his side to T20 win over South Africa
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Cricket - First Twenty20 - South Africa v West Indies - SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium, Centurion, South Africa - March 25, 2023 South Africa's Anrich Nortje and Aiden Markram after the match REUTERS/Siphiwe SibekoPRETORIA, March 25 (Reuters) - West Indies captain Rovman Powell smashed a quickfire 43 not out to propel his side to a three wicket victory over South Africa in a rain reduced Twenty20 international clash on Saturday. Powell’s knock came off only 18 balls as the West Indies reached their target of 132 with three balls to spare to go 1-0 up in the three-match series. The game was reduced to 11 overs each with South Africa scoring 131-8 and then the tourists replying with 132-7. After a two-hour delay, Powell put South Africa into bat in damp conditions and got immediate returns as key batsmen Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw departed cheaply. West Indies went on the attack from the start of their innings, scoring 17 runs off their opening four balls before South Africa snagged Kyle Mayers with the next delivery.

☆ Chelsea beat Bournemouth to return to winning ways
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Chelsea ended a run of five league matches without a victory and moved up one place in the league standings to eighth. Bournemouth have now lost four of their past five league games and remain in 14th place on 16 points. The quick movement of the ball was characteristic of the home side's approach as they overwhelmed Bournemouth in all departments. Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers made several good saves too -- from Sterling on the stroke of halftime and Mount after the break. It's a step forward for us as a team," said Chelsea manager Graham Potter, who will feel some pressure off his shoulders.

☆ Morocco change the mood for African football with exploits in Qatar
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Morocco’s exciting run to a first-ever World Cup semi-final will inject a new energy in African football and hold out hope for the continent’s teams when they return in larger numbers in four years’ time. African football had been in a crisis of confidence after the last World Cup in Russia, when none of the five teams made it out of the group phase, but that has now all changed with the performance of Walid Regragui’s team in Qatar. "I think we've given a good image of Morocco and a good image of African football and that was also important for us, because we were representing our country and our continent." It is a trophy Morocco have won only once, in 1976, despite often being among the favourites. Morocco will also expect to be back at the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2026 when Africa has nine places, and a possible further 10th via a playoff.

☆ FIFA to re-think 2026 format as they face spoiling winning recipe
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Preview, Doha, Qatar - November 18, 2022 The FIFA World Cup logo on the Corniche Promenade is pictured ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 REUTERS/Fabrizio BenschDOHA, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Having just delivered the most exciting group stage ever seen at a World Cup, with a tried and tested format that keeps hundreds of millions of fans enthralled, FIFA now faces the prospect of ripping it all up. The 2026 format has the 48 teams reduced to 32 after the group phase and then the tournament becomes a knockout affair. The 32-team World Cup in Qatar has a total of 64, completed in 29 days, and, for now, the 2026 finals will be 80 games over 32 days. More matches, however, would mean more television rights money and as the World Cup brings in some 90% of FIFA's revenue, its leaders will be tempted. The World Cup in Qatar has earned $7,5-billion in rights and sponsorship revenue, one billion more than for 2018 finals in Russia, FIFA said last month.

☆ France stand firm to overpower gallant Morocco
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"There's emotion, there's pride, there's going to be a final step, we've been together with the players for a month, it's never easy, there's happiness so far," said coach Didier Deschamps. France found themselves in an absorbing battle as Morocco showed them no deference and made many chances of their own, coming close to an equaliser. The world champions’ defence had to scramble several times, including a late goalline clearance and Morocco struck the post with a spectacular bicycle effort. France swept forward and converted their first chance through Hernandez to put their opponents on the back foot. NO FAIRYTALEWhile there was to be no fairytale continuation of their unprecedented run to the last four, Morocco exited with their heads held high.

☆ Injured Morocco midfielder joins squad for World Cup encouragement
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

DOHA, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Morocco midfielder Amine Harit, originally chosen to play at the World Cup but injured one week before the start of the tournament, arrived in Qatar on Monday to be with the team for their semi-final against France on Wednesday. Harit, 25, was welcomed by team mates, several of whom posted pictures with him on social media. Morocco’s captain Romain Saiss posted a photo on Instagram featuring him and Harit, writing: "Finally among us … May God heal you … This adventure is also yours." Harit suffered a serious cruciate ligament sprain in his left knee playing for Olympique de Marseille against Monaco in Ligue 1 on Nov. 13,days before he was due to depart to the World Cup. "As you can imagine, beyond the physical pain, it's hard to see the World Cup dream fly by a few hours before being able to live it," Harit said on Twitter following his injury.

☆ Morocco rewrite Africa's World Cup history
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Cameroon upset holders Argentina in the opening match of the 1990 World Cup in Italy and went on to the quarter-finals while Senegal did the same to France when they began the defence of their title in 2002. Of the 160 matches played by African sides at the World Cup, only 37 have been won for a success rate below 25%. Most of Africa was still under colonial rule when the World Cup resumed after the Second World War but as countries gained independence, so CAF membership increased and Africa began to flex some muscle. HANDBALLThat achievement held out the promise that Africa would not take long to produce a World Cup winner, but only Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010 were able to make the last eight. It got even worse in Russia in 2018 when no African teams made it to the last 16, sparking serious reflection about the direction of the game on the continent.

☆ France favourites but Morocco eye another knockout punch
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The match against former colonial power France will take on an added edge. Morocco's exploits in Qatar have provided an outlet for marginalised migrant communities in France, who have been out on the streets celebrating their wins. After finishing top of a group that also included Croatia, Belgium and Canada, Morocco then knocked off the fancied Spaniards and Portuguese to reach the semis. France are expected to attack, Morocco resist. When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa and I think we are the Rocky of this World Cup.

☆ Morocco's foreign-born contingent deliver in Qatar
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Moroccans are one of the largest migrant populations in Europe, estimated at some five million, and have close ties with the country. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has talent scouts dotted around Europe and move quickly when there is a potential clash of loyalties. Dutch-born Hakim Ziyech had talks with both the Moroccans and Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman about which country he would commit his international future to before deciding on Morocco. But there are doubters about the policy, who feel this assiduous courting of overseas-born players retards opportunity for home-born footballers. "Today we have shown that every Moroccan is Moroccan.

☆ Dutch exit with tactics thrown out the window and purists upset
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

But it fell well short on Friday as they went behind 2-0 to Argentina in the second half at the Lusail Stadium. Van Gaal had to abandon all niceties and throw on two imposing centre forwards, looking to find them in a 'hit and hope' fashion. Winning at all costs, even if ugly, had been Van Gaal's mantra through the tournament, but left many Dutch purists upset. Never short on self-confidence, Van Gaal brushed aside the critics with an insistence he knew best. But there will be an overriding feeling that he got it wrong and that the young Dutch side did not play to their strengths.

☆ Morocco write World Cup history as they reach semi-finals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Morocco had already taken the scalps of Belgium and Spain in this tournament but the win over Portugal is of much greater significance. But the supply quickly dried up thereafter as Morocco closed the passing lanes and frustrated the Portuguese attackers. Joao Felix had two more half chances in the first half but Morocco gained in confidence and found a sudden spring in their step, frequently breaking on the counter attack. Bruno Fernandes hit over the top of the crossbar five minutes later as Portugal threw more into attack and Morocco began to sit deeper. Leaving the World Cup always hurts."

☆ Spain coach Luis Enrique departs after World Cup exit
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

DOHA, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Spain coach Luis Enrique has left his job after the country's elimination in the last-16 at the World Cup, the Spanish football federation said on Twitter on Thursday. Spain were beaten on penalties by Morocco after a goalless draw on Tuesday in an upset result after failing to turn their dominance in the game into a victory. The 52-year-old coach said after the match that he was to blame for the defeat. Enrique, who was first appointed Spain coach in 2018, had a contract until the end of the year. Repoting by Mark Gleeson, editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Messi's World Cup chase takes centre stage in quarter-final clash
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Dec 7 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi's hopes of winning an elusive World Cup will come up against the tactical scheming of veteran coach Louis van Gaal as Argentina face the Netherlands in Friday’s quarter-final at Lusail. Messi can expect little in the way of sympathy from the 71-year-old Van Gaal, who is determined to give the Dutch their first World Cup title after runners-up finishes in 1974, 1978 and 2010. Messi can expect vocal support from Argentine fans in Qatar, who are set to vastly outnumber their orange-clad Dutch counterparts. On the losing side against Germany in the 2014 final, where Argentina failed to add to World Cup triumphs in 1978 and 1986, Messi was grateful for the support. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is still sweating on the fitness of Angel di Maria, who missed the Australia game due to a left thigh injury but returned to training on Tuesday.

Search resuls for: "Mark Gleeson"

25 mentions found