Sport
Cody Gakpo on course for Euro 2024 Golden Boot
The 2024 European Championships in Germany has been a spectacular footballing event, with the biggest and best teams from across the continent doing battle in some spectacular contests.
Whilst the likes of holders Italy and highly fancied Belgium have already been eliminated and pre-tournament favourites England and France requiring plenty of luck to sneak through to the quarter finals, it has been a tournament packed with drama.
With the tournament having reached the quarter final stage, there are plenty of sides in the hunt for Euro 2024 glory with many football betting sites and there are plenty of options out there for punters and bookmakers alike, with some superb sports betting bonus offers on the market for Euro 2024 currently.
Another side that have been through the mill at the tournament is the Netherlands, a team that were seen as one of the dark horses in the competition from the outset and despite some tetchy moments, they have progressed to the last 8.
An opening last gasp win over Poland was backed up by a turgid draw with France and a pain-staking loss to Austria, results that left the Dutch finishing 3rd in Group D and with plenty of work to do if they are to go all the way at Euro 2024.
Next up was a potentially tricky tie against Romania, a game that the Dutch comfortably prevailed from and the goal threat of Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, a man who always steps up for his country and who finds himself in the conversation for the Euro 2024 Golden Boot.
Glorious Gakpo
The impact Cody Gakpo has had on this Dutch side at Euro 2024 has been huge, with plenty of reds fans hugely enthralled by the performances he has been putting in for Holland at this tournament.
Playing on the left and cutting in on his right foot is a new role for Gakpo under Ronald Koeman for the Dutch national team but it maybe something incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot looks to employ, as he seeks to get the best out of a player that has yet to develop a sense of consistency at Anfield.
Cody Gakpo has been the talisman for the Netherlands so far at Euro 2024, scoring the opening goal against Poland, before backing that up with further goals against Austria in the group stages and against Romania in the last 16.
3 goals in 4 games has propelled him firmly into Golden Boot contention and how Liverpool would love to have a fully fit and confident Gakpo this summer, before he returns to Anfield for a big season ahead in 2024/25.
Dutch Dream
The Netherlands last won a major tournament back in 1988 and their long wait for silverware is only three games away at Euro 2024.
Next up for Koeman, Gakpo and co. is a tricky looking tie against Turkiye, one of the best supported sides in the tournament and if they win that, the likes of England or Switzerland will be waiting for them in the semi-finals.
Despite the collective opinion that the Netherlands haven’t hit anywhere near top gear in Euro 2024, they have progressed through to the quarter finals relatively seamlessly and they will believe that if their performances improve, they could have the tools to go all the way and end their 36 year wait for a major tournament victory.
Golden Boot glory
With each of the sides left in the competition all having played 4 games each, the goal tallies across the competition from some players have been hugely impressive.
Cody Gakpo is joined at the top of the tree by German wonderkid Jamal Musiala, a player that has set the tournament alight thus far and who will be looking to propel his home nation to glory here at Euro 2024.
Elsewhere, big names such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Kai Havertz have all netted twice in the tournament and with their presence in the Golden Boot race noted, it could be an epic battle for individual honours here in Germany.
If the Netherlands are to go all the way however, it would be a huge achievement for Cody Gakpo and his Liverpool team mates Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch, who will be buoyed when they return to club life ahead of next season.
News
West Wales Graded Badminton Competition debuts in Pembrokeshire
THIS weekend, Pembrokeshire welcomed elite badminton players from across Wales to the first-ever West Wales Graded competition. Hosted by Haverfordwest Badminton Club, the event showcased over 100 players vying for ranking points at the impressive Pembrokeshire Sports Village.
The graded competition is a series of 4 tournaments across held across Wales in which Badminton Wales, the national governing body of badminton, pick the best players to compete in the annual Four Nations Graded International against England, Scotland and Ireland.
Badminton Wales Huw John, who has played badminton for over 50 years and a former All England Masters singles champion described the event as “Truly fantastic, a super tournament. It was wonderful to see some new faces taking part and what a lovely place Pembrokeshire is to come and visit. The event has been a credit to your club.”
Huw currently trains young and upcoming badminton talents like Miya Pan and Janis Leung and it was no surprise to him that both players reached the Women’s singles final, with Miya eventually taking the crown.
The standout performer of the day in the men’s E/F grade competitions was Jamie Noble, who achieved a remarkable treble by winning the men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Jamie, a 24-year-old from Flintshire, North Wales, shared his excitement:
“This is the first time I’ve won all three events at a single competition, and it feels good — quite surreal, to be honest. I’m exhausted though, and my legs are still hurting 48 hours later! I really enjoyed the day; it was a great event with a good standard of play, and I had some tough but fun games.”
Jamie has been playing badminton since the age of 7 but has faced challenges this year due to injuries. The West Wales Graded competition marked his return to competitive play after over two months. Jamie’s talent became evident at age 11 when he received one-on-one coaching from Luke Tanner, a coach based in North Wales. Now, he plays twice, sometimes three times a week, and encourages others to take up the sport, citing its fun nature and fitness benefits.
The club expressed their gratitude for the crucial funding provided by Valero, without which the competition would not have been possible. Stephen Thornton, Valero’s Manager of Public Affairs, commented: “Hosting this event is a fantastic achievement for Haverfordwest Badminton Club and for the sport in the county. Valero’s ethos is all about promoting inclusivity and excellence, and this event encapsulates both.”
Following the success of the competition, Badminton Wales has revealed that it is very likely they will return to Pembrokeshire in 2025.
Sport
Football rivalries: Matches you can’t miss
Football rivalries are the heart and soul of the sport, encapsulating passion, history, and intense competition. These matches are more than just games; they are epic battles that capture the imagination of fans worldwide. In this article, we explore some of the most historic and intense football rivalries, delve into the backgrounds of the teams involved, and briefly touch on how betting odds reflect these fierce contests.
Exploration of Historic and Intense Football Rivalries
Football rivalries often stem from geographical proximity, historical events, or long-standing competitions. These rivalries generate immense anticipation and are marked by memorable moments, high stakes, and passionate fan bases. Here are a few iconic rivalries that you can’t miss:
1. El Clásico: FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
El Clásico is arguably the most famous football rivalry in the world, pitting two of Spain’s biggest clubs against each other. The rivalry extends beyond the pitch, symbolizing the political and cultural tensions between Catalonia (Barcelona) and the Spanish state (Madrid).
- Historic Moments: From Johan Cruyff’s 5-0 victory at the Bernabéu to Lionel Messi’s last-minute winner in 2017, El Clásico has seen countless legendary moments.
- Current Stars: The rivalry continues to be a showcase of world-class talent, with stars like Karim Benzema and Pedri making their mark.
2. The Old Firm Derby: Celtic vs. Rangers
The Old Firm Derby is a historic rivalry between Glasgow’s two biggest clubs, Celtic and Rangers. This rivalry is deeply rooted in the social, religious, and political fabric of Scotland.
- Historic Moments: The fierce competition has led to unforgettable matches, such as the 1989 New Year’s Day clash where Rangers triumphed 5-1.
- Fan Culture: The atmosphere at an Old Firm Derby is electric, with fans from both sides creating an intense environment.
3. The Manchester Derby: Manchester United vs. Manchester City
The Manchester Derby has grown in significance over the years, especially with Manchester City’s rise to prominence. The rivalry between the Red Devils and the Sky Blues divides the city of Manchester.
- Historic Moments: The 2012 title-deciding match where City’s Sergio Agüero scored in the dying seconds to win the Premier League is a standout.
- Current Dynamics: With both clubs consistently competing for top honours, the derby is always a high-stakes affair.
Background on the Teams and Their Histories
Understanding the histories of these teams adds depth to the rivalries. Here’s a closer look at the backgrounds of the teams involved in some of the biggest football rivalries:
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid
- FC Barcelona: Founded in 1899, Barcelona has a rich history of success and a commitment to its Catalan identity. Known for their attacking style and famous La Masia academy, Barcelona has produced legends like Messi and Xavi.
- Real Madrid: Established in 1902, Real Madrid is synonymous with European success, having won the Champions League more times than any other club. The Galácticos era under Florentino Pérez brought global superstars to the Bernabéu.
Celtic and Rangers
- Celtic: Founded in 1887, Celtic has a storied history of domestic and European success, including their famous 1967 European Cup win. The club is known for its large Irish Catholic support base.
- Rangers: Established in 1872, Rangers have a rich history with numerous Scottish league titles. The club traditionally draws support from the Protestant community in Scotland.
Manchester United and Manchester City
- Manchester United: Formed in 1878 as Newton Heath, Manchester United has grown into one of the world’s most popular and successful football clubs. The Sir Alex Ferguson era brought unprecedented success with numerous Premier League titles and Champions League victories.
- Manchester City: Founded in 1880, Manchester City has seen a dramatic rise in the last decade, fuelled by significant investment. Their recent success includes multiple Premier League titles and a growing presence in European competitions.
Brief Mention of Betting Odds and How They Reflect the Rivalry
Football betting markets often reflect the intensity and unpredictability of these rivalries. Betting odds can fluctuate significantly based on team form, player injuries, and historical performance in derby matches. For instance, in an El Clásico match, the odds might slightly favour the home team, but the unpredictable nature of the rivalry means there are always opportunities for bettors.
In the Manchester Derby, betting odds might reflect Manchester City’s recent dominance, but Manchester United’s historical resilience in big matches can influence the market. Similarly, Old Firm Derby odds often consider the fiercely competitive nature of the match, making it a challenging but potentially rewarding market for bettors.
Conclusion
Football rivalries like El Clásico, the Old Firm Derby, and the Manchester Derby are much more than just games; they are historic events that bring together communities, ignite passions, and create lasting memories. The rich histories of the teams involved add depth to these rivalries, making each match a must-watch event. Understanding these dynamics not only enhances your appreciation of the sport but can also provide valuable insights if you choose to bet on football. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual observer, these rivalries offer some of the most exciting and memorable moments in football.
Sport
Carew edges out Cresselly in thrilling encounter
IN a nail-biting finish this week (Jun 26), Carew Cricket Club emerged victorious over Cresselly Cricket Club by a slender margin of 7 runs in a closely contested match played at Kilgetty. This encounter, filled with intense moments and standout performances, kept the spectators on the edge of their seats.
Batting first, Carew set a target of 158 for 9 in their allotted overs. The innings saw valuable contributions from Shaun Whitfield (31), Brian Hall (30), and Rhys Davies (16). However, the standout performance came from Luke Hicks, who blasted a quickfire 42 off just 15 balls, providing the much-needed impetus towards the end. The Cresselly bowlers shared the spoils, with Tom Murphy and Christian Phillips both claiming 2 wickets for 22 and 23 runs respectively. Dan James (2-23), Tom Arthur (2-45), and Charlie Arthur (1-38) also made significant inroads.
In reply, Cresselly put up a valiant effort, but ultimately fell short, finishing at 151 for 4. Morgan Lewis played a magnificent innings, remaining unbeaten on 75, while Alex Bayley also shone with an undefeated 55. Despite their heroics, the disciplined bowling from Carew, especially Joel Rhead who conceded just 7 runs in his 4 overs while taking a wicket, proved crucial. Iori Hicks (1-24), Shaun Whitfield (1-36), and Rhys Davies (1-34) each chipped in with a wicket to ensure a tight finish.
The match was officiated by umpires Rob Bellerby and Dave Bonner, with scoring duties carried out by Julie Davies, Cerys Jenkins, and Phoenix Phillips.
This thrilling win for Carew underscores their resilience and sets them up as formidable contenders as the season progresses. Fans will undoubtedly look forward to more such exhilarating performances.
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