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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool (C) celebrates scoring his teams third goal with teammates Alexis Mac Allister (L) and Ryan Gravenberch (R) during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City FC at Anfield on December 26, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Source: https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/international/english-premier-league/premier-league-report-liverpool-v-leicester-city-26-december-2024-20241226

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An unfortunate incident occurred yesterday during the Christmas festivities and celebrations and the innocent victim, in this case, was a young man who dreamed of being a professional goalkeeper in his native country

A bullet cut short the dreams of Geral Froste, who lost his life on Wednesday, December 25, when he was just 14 years old

Young footballer loses his life in Christmas altercation

Uruguayan football went into mourning during the last days of 2024, after 14-year-old Montevideo City Torque footballer Geral Froste was shot dead in the middle of Christmas celebrations

According to the news program ‘Telenoche‘, Geral was the victim of a gunshot wound when he tried to intervene in a fight involving his mother in the Nuevo Ellauri sector of Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay

The bullet struck the young archer in the chest and abdomen, and he immediately lost his life, despite his father’s efforts to revive him and take him to a medical center for treatment

Uruguayan football in mourning after the murder of Geral Froste

The death of the teenager caused a great impact in the Uruguayan professional soccer scene and in the South American nation, where his own club expressed itself through a heartfelt publication on its official social networks

We deeply regret the passing of Geral Froste, the club’s U14 goalkeeper. We stand by his family, friends and teammates at this time of sadness for all of us. Goodbye, Geral

Montevideo City Torque

This tragedy adds to another unfortunate event whose outcome was also the death of a footballer. Just four months ago, another tragic episode for Uruguayan soccer occurred during a Copa Libertadores match. On August 27, Juan Izquierdo, who was 27 years old, suffered a cardiac arrhythmia when his club, Nacional de Montevideo, faced Sao Paulo in Brazil.

Source: https://www.marca.com/en/football/2024/12/26/676dcf74ca474146708b4571.html

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A recent viral TikTok challenge organized by the Brooklyn Nets has reignited the debate surrounding the greatest footballer of all time (GOAT). Ronaldinho, the Brazilian soccer legend, participated in the challenge, revealing his choice for the top spot in football history: Pelé.

The challenge itself generated significant interest on social media and has sparked further discussion amongst fans regarding who the greatest footballer of all time actually is. The simple challenge itself has generated a significant amount of engagement and attention.

In the video, Ronaldinho remained silent until he heard the name of the player he considers the greatest. Several soccer players greats were mentioned, including Zinedine Zidane, Neymar, Ronaldo, Franz Beckenbauer, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldinho maintained his composure until the name “Pelé” was mentioned. At this point, he broke his silence, confirming his choice with a characteristic smile. His characteristic smile only added to the intrigue and emotional resonance of the moment. The selection of names included players from different eras and nationalities, designed to test the criteria by which the greatest footballer of all time is identified.

A surprising omission: Messi’s absence from Ronaldinho’s choice

The omission of Lionel Messi from Ronaldinho’s selection surprised many. The two players shared a close relationship during their time together at FC Barcelona, leading many to expect Messi to be Ronaldinho’s choice. However, Ronaldinho’s decision to honor Pelé, the three-time World Cup winner and Brazilian icon, highlights the subjective nature of such debates.

The close relationship between Ronaldinho and Messi makes this decision even more surprising. This choice suggests that for Ronaldinho, Pelé’s legacy remains unmatched.

Ronaldinho’s choice has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with fans debating the merits of his decision. Many expected Messi to be chosen, given the close bond the two players shared during their three seasons together at Barcelona. However, Ronaldinho made it clear that his admiration for Pelé’s legacy remains unsurpassed. The challenge itself created a great deal of engagement across social media and provided a platform for fans to express their opinions and engage in discussion.

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Source: https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ronaldinhos-surprise-choice-for-the-greatest-soccer-player-in-history-its-not-messi/

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Fernandes saw red for the third time this season early in the second half for a second bookable offence. Wolves took full advantage to make it two wins in two games under new boss Vitor Pereira.

Matheus Cunha’s goal direct from a corner opened the scoring before he teed up Hwang Hee-chan with virtually the last kick of the game. United, who slipped to 14th, have won just twice in seven Premier League games since Ruben Amorim took charge last month and were insipid in attack even before Fernandes’ dismissal.

Victory was enough to lift Wolves out of the relegation zone at the expense of Leicester, who visit leaders Liverpool later. The optimism that greeted Amorim’s early days in charge already seems a distant memory as the Portuguese has been left in no doubt over the scale of the task he faces to turn around a fallen giant.

Amorim reacted to a 3-0 humbling at home to Bournemouth on Sunday by making just two changes. Leny Yoro came into the defence, while Rasmus Hojlund replaced Joshua Zirkzee up front. The Dane, though, struggled to make any impact as Cunha showed the value of a forward in form.

Wolves look set to lose their top scorer to suspension over a FA charge for misconduct for a clash with an Ipswich member of staff after a 2-1 defeat earlier this month that cost Gary O’Neil his job.

December 26, 2024

Only Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer and Alexander Isak have scored more goals in the Premier League this season than the Brazilian international. United, by contrast, were let down by their talisman.

Fernandes was walking a tightrope from a first-half booking when he recklessly dived in on his Portuguese international teammate Nelson Semedo two minutes into the second period. Even the normally argumentative Fernandes had few complaints when referee Tony Harrington brandished a second yellow and a red.

The 30-year-old’s first red card of the campaign against Tottenham was overturned on appeal before he was also dismissed in a 3-3 draw at Porto in the Europa League. Wolves almost immediately made the man advantage count when Semedo squared for Jorgen Strand Larsen to tap in.

The Norwegian, though, had strayed offside before making contact with the cross. United’s frailties from set-pieces have been routinely exposed since Amorim succeeded Erik ten Hag.

For the fifth consecutive Premier League game they conceded from either a corner or free-kick in what proved to be the decisive goal. Cunha’s in-swinging delivery flew in at the far post with United goalkeeper Andre Onana sandwiched between two Wolves players and the Cameroonian’s pleas for a foul fell on deaf ears.

Wolves’ nervousness allowed United to press for an equaliser in the closing stages. But a Harry Maguire header that floated into the arms of Jose Sa was the closest the 10-man Red Devils came to redemption on another sobering night for Amorim.

Hwang rubbed salt into United wounds deep into stoppage time after he and Cunha were left with just Onana to beat between them.

December 26, 2024

Source: https://www.besoccer.com/new/man-utd-fall-to-wolves-as-fernandes-sees-red-1342418

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Via Vosloo thrashed Ngozi FC (wearing blue soccer kit) by 4-2, in the matches played at Vosloorus Ground D. Photo by Happy Mnguni

INSPIRING soccer stars are showcasing their talents in soccer tournaments played in and around Ekurhuleni.

These games are a special treat for the fans, who spend time watching kasi flava football on the dusty grounds of Duduza, Vosloorus, Kwa-Thema, and Katlehong.

The players displayed their skills with every remarkable passage of play, including tsamayas, vula vala, showboating skills, and countless backheels.

The delighted fans whistled, cheered, and applauded the exciting talent, appreciating what they call pure kasi football at its best.

On Thursday, 26 December, most of the tournaments hosted knockout matches.

Lebo Matshaba of Metro Stars tussles with Springs Highlanders defender Thabiso Moselle during the match played at Entokozweni Sports Ground in Kwa-Thema. Photo by Happy Mnguni

Soccer fans came in numbers to watch soccer games at Entokozweni Sports Ground in Kwa-Thema. Photo by Happy Mnguni

Bishop Israel Makamu the presenter of Rea Tsotella on Moja Love and his children were among the soccer spectators at the Somhlola Ground in Katlehong, in Ekurhuleni. Photo by Happy Mnguni

In Duduza, Italian 2 Touch, Atchaar Boys, Vurvai FC, and FC Bayern have qualified for the last eight of the Diski Nine-Nine Festive Games.

The four teams defeated their opponents in the matches played at the Blue Gumview Grounds in Duduza, Ekurhuleni.

Atchaar Boys beat Wattville 2-0, the defending champions Vurvai FC won 5-4 on penalties against Zwezwe Nation, Italian 2 Touch defeated Youth Life 2-1, while Bayern thrashed Snack is a Snack FC 3-1.

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In Vosloorus, in the Elkasico Festive Games’ last 16, Super 10 beat Spruitview XI 3-1 and Via Vosloo thrashed Ngozi FC 4-2 in the matches played at Vosloorus D Ground.

Ama 2k FC player Sandile Tshabalala displayed showboating skills while Jozi Express FC player Brian Madanire is watching during the match played at Somhlolo Ground in Katehong, Ekurhuleni. Photo by Happy Mnguni

Italian 2 Touch FC player (wearing white) tussling with Youth Life Player during the Diski Nine-Nine Festive Games played at the Blue Gumview Grounds in Duduza, Ekurhuleni on Thursday, 26 December. Photo by Happy Mnguni

In Kwa-Thema, Metro Stars thrashed Springs Highlanders 3-0, Izinyosi FC beat Underdogs 4-1, Afro FC beat Atchaar Boys 1-0, and By Fire by Force FC beat Lophalagezipho FC 3-2.

The winning teams have qualified to play in the Nomdayi Festive Games last eight. The matches were played at Entokozweni Sports Ground in Kwa-Thema.

At Somhlolo Ground in Katlehong, in the I Makamo Festive Games, Ama 2k FC played to a 1-all draw with Jozi Express FC, Ruby FC beat Man City 1-0, Ayeza Amazi walloped Ayeye FC 3-1, and Mountain Robbers beat Maputo FC 3-1.

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Source: https://www.snl24.com/dailysun/news/enjoy-kasi-soccer-talent-at-ekurhulenis-festive-football-tournaments-20241226

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Boca Juniors, thronged the neighborhood, waving flags, playing trumpets, and chanting in unison. The streets and sidewalks radiating out of the team’s stadium — one of the most venerated in Argentina — became a blur of yellow and dark blue, the team’s colors.

The euphoria on display was a reminder that in this country of World Cup champions — like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona — no other cultural institution can bring people together the way soccer can. That’s true even during difficult times.

Having just finished his first year in office, far-right President Javier Milei has enacted ambitious fiscal reforms and spending cuts. Those measures successfully tamed runaway inflation, but they came at a cost. Unemployment is up and GDP is down. And Argentina recently tallied its highest poverty rate in more than 20 years.

Those troubles were not top-of-mind for soccer fanatic Andres Escobar, who drove 250 miles to attend the gathering in La Boca.

“This is a party,” he said. “This is part of the folklore of Boca.”

On game days, fans like Escobar rally in the street for hours and then head toward the team’s home stadium, which doubles as an iconic Buenos Aires monument. It’s called La Bombonera, or the “box of chocolates.”

Painted blue and yellow, the Bombonera isn’t modern or glitzy. It’s not even the city’s biggest stadium. But this 84-year-old structure has built a legacy as the liveliest place to watch soccer. Its unique architecture has something to do with it. The stands are dizzyingly steep, which allows fans to pack in close to the action.

Many people in Argentina say soccer is the country’s national religion. If that were true, then the Bombonera would be its Holy See. It helps that the stadium was, for a long time, the professional home of soccer legend Maradona.

Maradona passed away in 2020, but there are shrines in his honor across the country.

In adjacent balconies facing the Bombonera, a life-sized replica of the revered soccer star stands next to that of another famous Argentine: Pope Francis.

Pablo Lisotto covers Boca Juniors for Argentina’s biggest newspaper, La Nacion.

In his view, attending a game at the Bombonera is a near-religious experience. Fans get so excited, jumping and cheering, that they shake the stands. 

Tickets can be very expensive. “But it’s worth every cent,” Lisotto said.

Perhaps no one embodies the devotion of the fans inside the Bombonera better than Carlos Arnaiz. A 72-year-old accountant, Arnaiz first watched a Boca game in the stadium in 1968. Since then, he has missed only a couple of the more than 1,000 games held at the Bombonera.

“It’s like Sunday mass,” he said. “The Bombonera is a mystical place. It’s a temple. To miss a Boca game, for me, it’s sacrilegious. It’s a stain on my resume as a fan.”

During games, Arnaiz doesn’t just sit back and watch. Instead, he belts out pro-Boca chants. His singing has earned him a nickname: the tenor of the Bombonera.

So, can sporting fandom be compared to a religious faith? Rebecca Alpert, a professor of religion at Temple University, said the answer is yes.

“It gives us what I call the three B’s. It’s a place to believe, it’s a way to behave and it’s a way to belong. And if you think about religion functioning that way, then sport absolutely, for many people, functions as a religion in their lives.”

For diehard fans like those in Argentina and elsewhere, stadiums can hold extraordinary meaning.

“I watch people walk into baseball parks and just have this experience of feeling like they are in a place where they experience transcendence,” Alpert said. “They speak of the beauty of the place and the meaning of the place.”

Sport is like religion in another important way, Alpert said. Both institutions give people a space where they can come together and commune with one another.

Back outside the Bombonera, Boca fans said that love for their team transcends class, politics and generations. 

“We don’t treat people differently here,” Boca fan Manuel Alfaro said. “We all have the same jersey. We’re all blue and yellow.”

Whenever he gets to witness a win at the stadium, Alfaro said he feels like he’s floating for at least a week afterward.

Arnaiz, the tenor of the Bombonera, said he feels drained. Happy, but drained. 

“The emotions are too intense.”

Source: https://admin.theworld.org/stories/2024/12/26/this-aging-buenos-aires-stadium-continues-to-be-the-undisputed-temple-of-soccer

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