7.14 PM Hello again and welcome to our live blog of the King’s Cup, with Viet Nam taking on Curacao in the final in Buriram, Thailand. We’re 45 minutes away from kick-off and we’ll be bringing you coverage through the entire 90 minutes and penalties if required, but while you’re waiting checking out our match preview article from today’s paper: https://vietnamnews.vn/sports/521038/viet-nam-eye-kings-cup-crown.html So join myself Peter Cowan, Ha Be, Hoang Quick and Paul Kennedy and we’ll see if Viet Nam can lift the King’s Cup trophy! It all comes down to this moment, Saturday June 8, when Vietnam take on Curaçao in the King's Cup final. Log on to vietnamnews.vn from 7pm for our live blog coverage. … [Read more...] about King’s Cup final: Vietnam vs Curaçao
Calder cup final
Vietnam coach: Winning King’s Cup final not priority
"For Vietnam, the real final of this tournament occurred two days ago against Thailand," Park Hang-seo said at the pre-match press conference. "The two countries have a long rivalry and luckily we got a good result. The King’s Cup is an old tournament and Curacao is a strong team. As the coach, I want the team to play well and win the title if possible." Nevertheless he stressed that the title is not the ultimate goal for Vietnam. "We had many injury cases after the game against Thailand. Some players will return immediately after this tournament to their clubs for V. League games. "Clubs like Becamex Binh Duong and Hanoi FC also have to compete in the AFC Cup. So my duty is to keep them fit, and in their current state I won’t risk playing injured players in the final though I know people want us to win the title." Curacao are the strongest team in the tournament. They are the highest ranked of four teams at 82nd and their squad is also the most valuable at $21.5 million. … [Read more...] about Vietnam coach: Winning King’s Cup final not priority
Neuer to make cup final return for Bayern
Bayern Munich's goalkeeper and captain Manuel Neuer will play in this weekend's German Cup final against RB Leipzig, coach Niko Kovac revealed on Friday (May 24). Niko Kovac (L) revealed on Friday that captain Manuel Neuer (R) will be fit for Saturday's German Cup final. (Photo: AFP/John MacDougall) Neuer, 33, has been out injured since mid-April after sustaining a calf injury in a Bundesliga game against Fortuna Duesseldorf. The Bayern number one had hoped to return to the first team two weeks ago, but was still out of action when Bayern wrapped up the league title in Munich last weekend. Kovac, though, said on Friday that his captain would be back on the pitch at the Berlin Olympic Stadium on Saturday evening. "Manuel will play tomorrow, because he is our captain and has played well this season," said the Bayern coach. Neuer said that the cup final in Berlin was always "something special". "The coach knows that I have missed the last few weeks, but we have played some … [Read more...] about Neuer to make cup final return for Bayern
Man City win League Cup final marked by Chelsea keeper controversy
LONDON: Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri insisted goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's refusal to be substituted was a "misunderstanding" even if the Spaniard should have showed more respect towards his boss as Manchester City retained the League Cup on penalties. Manchester City's player celebrate after winning the English League Cup final football match against Chelsea. (Source: AP Photo/Alastair Grant) The Italian tried to replace the world's most expensive goalkeeper with Willy Caballero towards the end of a cagey 120 minutes that ended 0-0. Kepa had received treatment for an injury in the final stages and Sarri said he believed he was suffering from cramp until later informed otherwise by the club doctor. "It was a big misunderstanding because I understood he had cramp so I didn't want the goalkeeper to go to penalties in that physical condition," said Sarri. "I realised the situation after only three or four minutes when the doctor came to the bench." City goalkeeper Ederson … [Read more...] about Man City win League Cup final marked by Chelsea keeper controversy
Qatar reach Asian Cup final despite sandal-throwing UAE fans
Qatar reach Asian Cup final despite sandal-throwing UAE fansThe Saigon Times Daily Qatar's Hamid Ismaeil celebrates scoring their fourth goal with team mates at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates January 29, 2019 – PHOTO: REUTERS ABU DHABI (REUTERS) - Qatar defied sandal-throwing local fans to storm into the Asian Cup final for the first time with a 4-0 win over hosts United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, setting up a decider against Japan in Abu Dhabi on Friday. Boualem Khoukhi's early strike and an eighth goal of the tournament from striker Almoez Ali gave Qatar a 2-0 halftime lead with Hassan Al-Haydos and Hamid Ismail completing the rout in the last 10 minutes. The UAE had been hoping to reach the Asian Cup final for the second time, but instead look likely to face sanctions after Ali was pelted with footwear as he celebrated his goal and the last two goalscorers were also the target of missiles. "I think the players were aware that it was going … [Read more...] about Qatar reach Asian Cup final despite sandal-throwing UAE fans
World Cup: France eye World Cup final but Belgium have Henry factor
World Cup favourites France are targeting the final in Russia two decades after their 1998 triumph with one of their greatest players, Thierry Henry, plotting their downfall from the dugout of opponents Belgium. Belgium assistant coach Thierry Henry is plotting the downfall of France in the World Cup semi-finals AFP/FRANCK FIFE The European neighbours meet in Tuesday's (Jul 8) first semi-final in Saint Petersburg for the right to play England or Croatia in Sunday's showpiece in Moscow. Former Arsenal and Barcelona forward Henry, who was part of the squad that won the World Cup on home soil 20 years ago, is now alongside Belgium coach Roberto Martinez and eyeing the chinks in France's armour. "It will be bizarre to have him up against us," said France striker Olivier Giroud. "He is a living legend of French football. "He has given so much to the France team and we have got a lot of respect for what he has done. But we're not thinking about it too much, we're going to be … [Read more...] about World Cup: France eye World Cup final but Belgium have Henry factor
World Cup final in Vietnam: advertising rates on national broadcaster skyrocket
The Television Advertising and Services Center (TVAd) of national broadcaster VTV has upped the ad fees for halftime airtime during the final match of World Cup 2018 by 60 percent. Businesses will have to pay VND800 million ($35,020) per 30 seconds to advertise on the VTV6 and VTV2 channels during halftime of the 2018 World Cup final match and the time between the end of the match and beginning of the closing ceremony. Another option for these periods is a 10 seconds pack for VND400 million ($17,475). Enterprises can save VND50 million for each pack if they choose to advertise their product or service during the halftime commentary. On June 11, VTV had announced halftime advertising rates for the final at VND500 million ($21,854) for 30 seconds. Just a fortnight later, it has jacked up the price by VND300 million. The current price is a record for an advertisement during World Cup final on VTV. The last World Cup in 2014 saw enterprises paying $15,297 for 30 seconds on air. “The … [Read more...] about World Cup final in Vietnam: advertising rates on national broadcaster skyrocket
World Cup final in Vietnam: halftime airtime prices skyrocket
The Television Advertising and Services Center (TVAd) of national broadcaster VTV has upped the ad fees for halftime airtime during the final match of World Cup 2018 by 60 percent. Businesses will have to pay VND800 million ($35,020) per 30 seconds to advertise on the VTV6 and VTV2 channels during halftime of the 2018 World Cup final match and the time between the end of the match and beginning of the closing ceremony. Another option for these periods is a 10 seconds pack for VND400 million ($17,475). Enterprises can save VND50 million for each pack if they choose to advertise their product or service during the halftime commentary. On June 11, VTV had announced halftime advertising rates for the final at VND500 million ($21, 854) for 30 seconds. Just a fortnight later, it has jacked up the price by VND300 million. The current price is a record for an advertisement during World Cup final on VTV. The last World Cup in 2014 saw enterprises paying $15, 297 for 30 seconds on air. … [Read more...] about World Cup final in Vietnam: halftime airtime prices skyrocket
He has spoken: Beckham tips England versus Argentina World Cup final
Former captain David Beckham has tipped England to play Lionel Messi's Argentina in the World Cup final, reflecting rising optimism about the Three Lions' chances after a positive start in Russia. David Beckham played three World Cups with England. (File photo: AFP/Fred Dufour) Beckham was speaking at a promotional event in China after England beat Tunisia 2-1 in their opening game, boosting their chances of reaching the knockout rounds. England have long stuttered on the big stage and they last reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2006, when Beckham was captain. Their only World Cup final was way back in 1966, when they beat Germany at Wembley. "I believe Argentina will play against England in the final," Beckham predicted at an event to promote China's largest collegiate football league. "I think obviously my choice would be England to win the competition, but that's me being biased and passionate about my country," he added. But the former Manchester United and Real … [Read more...] about He has spoken: Beckham tips England versus Argentina World Cup final
Chelsea face Man Utd in FA Cup final as Giroud sinks Saints
Chelsea's Spanish striker Alvaro Morata (centre) celebrates scoring his team's second goal against Southampton during the English FA Cup semi-final football match. (Glyn KIRK/AFP) Giroud has made a habit of scoring against Southampton and the France forward was their nemesis in a one-sided semi-final. Opting to select Giroud instead of Alvaro Morata proved a shrewd move by Chelsea manager Antonio Conte as the former Arsenal star produced a tremendous piece of skill to break the deadlock early in the second half. Giroud has feasted on Southampton this season, scoring twice to spark Chelsea's 3-2 win last weekend and also netting a late equaliser against them for Arsenal in December. His fourth goal for Chelsea since his January signing was followed by a late header from substitute Morata, setting up a heavyweight final against United at Wembley on May 19. That will be Chelsea's last chance to win major silverware at the end of a troubled season. "The most important thing is to reach … [Read more...] about Chelsea face Man Utd in FA Cup final as Giroud sinks Saints