Washington, July 11 (IANS) The USA have sacked head coach Gregg Berhalter following their Copa America group-stage exit.

The 50-year-old rejoined the men’s national football team in 2023 for a second spell, having led USA to the last-16 of the 2022 World Cup, but defeats to Panama and Uruguay on home soil have brought an end to 14-match tenure.

“Gregg Berhalter has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, effective immediately,” US Soccer Federation said in a statement.

U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker will lead and has launched a search for Berhalter’s replacement.

“We are deeply grateful to Gregg for his commitment the past five years to the Men’s National Team and to U.S. Soccer. Gregg has earned the respect of everyone within our organization and has played a pivotal role in bringing together a young team and moving the program forward. We wish Gregg all the best in his future endeavors, and we know he will find success in his next coaching position,” said Crocker.

Berhalter compiled a 44 wins, 17 losses and 13 draws record in 74 matches as USMNT head coach and 29 wins, 9 losses and 7 draws record in official competitions during his tenure, leading the USMNT to a successful 2022 World Cup qualification campaign.

“Our immediate focus is on finding a coach who can maximize our potential as we continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, and we have already begun our search process,” Crocker added.

Berhalte’s first stint as head coach ended in 2022 with an investigation into his past conduct. He was four years into the role when he admitted kicking his wife when they were teenagers.

In 2022, he became the first former national team player to coach the US at a World Cup, leading the youngest team on the field in the tournament to a second-place finish in Group B with five points after draws against Wales and England and a win against Iran, before falling to the Netherlands in the Round of 16.

Under his guidance, the USMNT won the 2021 Gold Cup and two Concacaf Nations League titles.

–IANS

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Harare, July 11 (IANS) Zimbabwe Cricket announced that the second edition of the Zim Afro T10 tournament will commence on September 21, with the final scheduled for September 29 in Harare.

The dates for the player draft and the fixtures will be announced soon, Zimbabwe Cricket said.

The T10 tournament, which is the first of its kind in Africa, will see all the games being played at the iconic Harare Sports Club, much like the inaugural season. In the first year, Zim Afro T10 rewrote the history books as it became the first tournament to be played under floodlights at Harare Sports Club.

Speaking ahead of the second edition, Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said: “We are delighted to be opening our doors again for the Zim Afro T10 tournament.

“The first season was nothing short of a festival and a celebration of the sport for us, and we expect more of that this year as well. The high standards of cricket in the T10 league have definitely helped us in our white-ball game and I am sure it will continue to make a big, positive impact on our ecosystem,” he added.

Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk, T Ten Global Sports Founder and Chairman, said “We can’t wait for the second chapter of the cricketing extravaganza in Zimbabwe to kick off. After a fabulous inaugural season, we have a duty to ensure that the cricket on display is of the highest quality, so that the fans get their due and the cricketing family of the country also benefits from the Zim Afro T10. We are delighted to be back and we promise to entertain and impress everyone in Zimbabwe, and light up the evenings at the Harare Sports Club.”

–IANS

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New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) Gautam Adani, the Chairman of Adani Group, was in awe of Spain’s teenage football sensation Lamine Yamal as the 16-year-old winger etched his name in the history books by becoming the youngest scorer in Euro’s history.

During the Euro 2024 semifinal against France when Spain were trailing 0-1, Yamal drew level with a glorious curling finish to become the youngest goalscorer in the history of the continental tournament.

Yamal picked up a loose ball more than 25 metres from the goal to score an equaliser for his side from a difficult position. With a drop of the shoulder, he steals space from Adrien Rabiot before unleashing his wondrous strike, sending the ball arcing into the top-right corner of Mike Maignan’s goal. The xG (a statistical measurement of the quality of goalscoring chances) of the shot was just 0.023.

“The world of soccer stood still at 20:16 yesterday. Logic defying magic goal from 20 yards by the 16 year old Lamine Yamal. Coincidence? Maybe. Talent? Undeniable!” Gautam Adani posted on X.

“What an inspiring story for all youngsters – humble and difficult beginnings, talks to his mother daily, carries school textbooks with him and yet this teenage sensation has made history, becoming the youngest ever to play – and score – for both FC Barcelona and Spain.

“Congratulations to @FCBarcelona for scouting out Yamal at six years of age! Amazing. The power of youth is blazing bright! Congrats to Spain and Yamal! Bring it on, #EURO2024,” the post further read.

Yamal, who turns 17 on Saturday, has already been marked by significant achievements with Barcelona. Having won La Liga with the club in the 2022-23 season, the striker is now on the brink of winning his second major trophy and his first with the Spanish national team.

He will be in action against England in the Euro 2024 final at Olympiastadion Berlin on Monday.

–IANS

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New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn lauded Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as India’s head coach and said his aggression and game awareness on the field will be beneficial for the Men in Blue.

BCCI announced Gambhir as head coach of the Indian team after the departure of Rahul Dravid. India clinched the T20 World Cup title to end the 11-year-long ICC trophy drought in his last assignment.

“I’m a big fan of Gautam Gambhir. I love his aggression. He’s one of the few Indians I ever played against who came back at you, and I like that. I think he’s going to take that into the dressing room with guys like Virat and some of the other senior players who might not play as big a part anymore. I’m not too sure,” Steyn told Star Sports.

“Not just in India, but in world cricket, we need guys who are a little bit more aggressive and play the game a little bit harder. We all seem to play in the leagues against each other, and we become quite friendly and friends. I like the way that he’s fierce on the field but a gentleman off the field. He’s also streetwise, a very smart cricketer, and has a great cricket brain. So I think from that point of view, he’s going to be fantastic for them too,” he added.

Former Proteas all-rounder Jacques Kallis also remains confident in Gambhir’s ability to excel in the job with his aggressive nature.

“It’s great to see Gautam getting into the coaching side of things. He’s got a really good cricket brain. He’ll bring some fire and loves playing the game aggressively. I think he’ll bring that added touch, and the guys will certainly learn a lot from him. He’s got a lot to add and will bring significant value to that Indian side. I wish him all the best—not too much against us, but I’m sure he’ll do a fantastic job,” Kallis said.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi added, “I think it’s a big opportunity, and we need to see how he makes the most of it. I have seen his interviews, and he talks positively and is very straightforward.”

Gambhir will join the Indian side for the Sri Lanka tour, where India will play three T20Is and as many ODIs against Sri Lanka, starting on July 27.

–IANS

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New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) Indian hockey team senior midfielder Manpreet Singh is excited to represent the country in his fourth Olympics in Paris, a remarkable achievement that puts him alongside the legendary Dhanraj Pillay.

Set to play in his fourth Olympics, Manpreet expressed his excitement and pride, saying, “Playing in my fourth Olympics is a dream come true and a milestone that fills me with immense pride. It is a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering support from my family, coaches, and teammates. To follow in the footsteps of a legend like Dhanraj Pillay, who has been an inspiration for countless players including myself, is an honour beyond words.”

“I am excited to give my all for India in Paris, representing not just the team but the hopes and dreams of millions of fans back home. Our team is ready to show the world the spirit and strength of Indian hockey. We have prepared rigorously, and we are determined to perform at our best, bringing honour to our country and making our countrymen proud,” he added.

Manpreet made his senior team debut in 2011. Since then, the dynamic midfielder has amassed an impressive 370 caps and scored 27 goals, showcasing his skill and consistency on the field. His journey with the national team includes participation in three previous Olympic Games: the 2012 London Olympics, the 2016 Rio Olympics, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he led the team to a historic Bronze medal under his captaincy to mark India’s first Olympic hockey medal in 41 years.

Also, speaking about the team’s mindset and expectations for the Paris Olympics and if there will be any pressure to match the Tokyo Olympics’ performance, Manpreet asserted, “There is no pressure on us; instead, we are looking forward to enjoying our performance in every match. We must not underestimate any team, regardless of their ranking. Each team will bring their best to the field, and so will we.

“Our focus is on fulfilling our responsibilities and supporting each other as a cohesive unit. We believe that by concentrating on our game and maintaining our composure, we can achieve great results. It’s all about playing with passion and determination, without letting pressure hinder our performance.”

Notably, the Indian men’s hockey team on Monday departed for Mike Horn’s base in Switzerland, where they will undergo a three-day training period designed to instil mental toughness. Following this, the Harmanpreet Singh-led team will move to the Netherlands for a series of practice matches before arriving in Paris on July 20.

India are placed in Pool B for the Paris 2024 Olympics, alongside defending Champions Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland.

To advance to the Quarter-Finals, the team must secure a top-four finish in their pool. Pool A features the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, South Africa, and host nation France, setting the stage for a highly competitive 12-team men’s hockey tournament.

–IANS

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