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Leicester City’s sporting achievements and its commitment to local communities were honoured on Monday with the presentation of major civic honours at King Power Stadium.

An historic day on Filbert Way, which began with the unveiling of a statue in tribute to beloved late Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, culminated in a civic reception hosting distinguished guests from Leicester City Council and prominent figures from across the city.

Following a vote by City Councillors this year, the Honorary Freedom of the City was conferred upon the Club, marking Leicester City’s wide-reaching, positive impact on the city of Leicester, while Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and his late father, Vichai, were also decorated by the city.

Proceedings began in King Power Stadium’s Walkers Hall with the inaugural City of Leicester Award being presented to Leicester City Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and, posthumously, to his father Vichai, by Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Deepak Bajaj.

City Councillors gave their unanimous backing to the introduction of the new civic honour – and to making Vichai and Aiyawatt its first recipients – in February. The City of Leicester Award will recognise individuals whose outstanding achievements have had a positive and wide-reaching impact on the city, and who have been a source of inspiration to its residents.

Accepting the inaugural City of Leicester Award, Aiyawatt said: “From the moment we arrived in Leicester 12 years ago, we felt the support of this city. Its people have been with us during the best of times and during the most difficult of times. It has forged a bond between us that can never be broken.

LCFC Awarded Prestigious Civic Honours At King Power Stadium

“My father believed in the people of Leicester. He gave his heart to them because he saw the strength of this city when its people came together and how we could all help each other. It makes me so proud, that we continue to come together to fulfil that vision in his name.

“I will, with all my strength, continue to do my best for Leicester and its people, to remain deserving of this prestigious award that has been given to me and my late father.”

Between his arrival in Leicester in August 2010 and his untimely passing eight years later, Vichai gifted in excess of £4M in personal donations to people in need in Leicester. That work continues today through the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation.

Away from that enormous philanthropic effort, the Foxes also embarked on their greatest-ever era, investing in world-leading facilities, restoring the Club’s status in the Premier League and eventually even lifting the most famous divisional title in football despite colossal odds.

In 2019, Khun Top succeeded his much-loved father as Chairman at Leicester City and has overseen another vintage era for Foxes supporters. 

The Club’s recent growth, leading to consecutive campaigns in European football and a maiden FA Cup triumph in 2021, has also involved several significant infrastructural developments. Through the development of LCFC Women, the Club introduced professional women’s football to the city in 2020, securing promotion to the top division, the FA Women’s Super League, in the team’s first season.

Such achievements and commitment to the Leicester community were formally acknowledged by Leicester City Council on Monday, through the conferring of the Honorary Freedom of the City on the Club.

Presented following the reading of oaths by City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby and Leicester City Chief Executive Susan Whelan, Honorary Freedom of the City is the highest civic honour the council can bestow and recognises the contribution that recipients have made to the City of Leicester. Past recipients include Leicester City’s own Gary Lineker and Alan ‘The Birch’ Birchenall, along with David and Richard Attenborough.

Susan went on to receive the Illuminated Certificate of Admission and Casket from the Lord Mayor, after signing the Roll, on behalf of the Club.

Leicester City Chief Executive Susan Whelan said: “The Club’s proud representation of Leicester pre-dates all of us in this room today, and while our recent achievements have clearly been significant in bringing distinction and pride to the city, those triumphs are built on foundations placed deep in the heart of Leicester by generations before us. We accept this honour today on behalf of every player, member of staff and supporter that has fought for the honour of our Club, and therefore our city, in Leicester City’s 138-year history.

“Of course, the most recent chapters in the Leicester City story would not have been possible without Vichai, Aiyawatt and the Srivaddhanaprabha family, who have brought a vision to this Club and this city few thought would be possible, and an unwavering devotion to its realisation.”

Leicester City’s sporting success and community spirit were celebrated during the reception by the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Deepak Bajaj, upon presenting the two major honours.

Councillor Deepak Bajaj said: “We are immensely proud of Leicester City’s achievements both on and off the pitch and are delighted to recognise their achievements today by presenting them with the Freedom of the City of Leicester. This openly acknowledges the contributions by all the Club’s players, trainers, coaches and support staff from their very beginnings, right up to today. We also wanted to recognise the significant support and commitment from former Chairman, Vichai and the continued investment in both the club and the local community by his son and current Chairman, Aiyawatt and we are extremely pleased to honour them as the first recipients of the City of Leicester Award. Sport brings people together in many positive ways and the contributions made by the Srivaddhanaprabha family have very much strengthened our thriving and diverse community here in Leicester.”

Published : April 05, 2022

By : THE NATION

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Bayern Munich played 17 seconds of Saturday’s 4-1 win over Freiburg with 12 men on the pitch, causing widespread controversy.

Adelicate substitution mistake is keeping German football busy.

While the outcome most likely won’t affect Bayern Munich on its way to winning its 10th consecutive Bundesliga title this season, fundamental questions arise about the consistency of rule application.

The case goes beyond the question that a 12th player on the pitch for 17 seconds can make a difference.

Bayern played its league match against Freiburg with one additional player after Kingsley Coman failed to leave the pitch.

A mistake from Bayern team manager Kathleen Kruger triggered the turmoil, after she presented the wrong shirt number.

The French midfielder played as No. 29 until the summer of 2021. Since the 2021-22 season, he has been wearing the No. 11 jersey. Coman didn’t react as Kruger inadvertently held up No. 29.

Neither the fourth official, the referee nor the VAR stopped the game, with action only taken after Freiburg’s Nico Schlotterbeck pointed out the mistake.

While Bayern most likely won’t miss out on the title, the tricky case might affect the race for the Champions League spots with only six games remaining.

Coman (2nd L) vies with Rasmus Kristensen (1st L) of FC Salzburg during their UEFA Champions League match on March 8, 2022. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)

Niklas Sule and Marcel Sabitzer both came on in the 86th minute, but only Corentin Tolisso came off. Bayern enjoyed a 3-1 lead at the time.

According to Bundesliga rules, Bayern might face a penalty such a 2-0 win being awarded to Freiburg. Aside from a moral issue, many see a chain of mistakes, including the referees having caused the turmoil.

Fans, officials, and players meanwhile debate about leaving the case to fair play, as the result seemed beyond doubt. Sabitzer scored Bayern’s fourth goal of the match in the sixth minute of injury time.

League rules suggest that Freiburg would need to lodge a formal complaint in order for Bayern to be punished.

“I expect that we will not have to appeal anything. We abide by these rules and that is all I will say about it,” said Freiburg coach Christian Streich.

Freiburg sporting director Jochen Saier announced that he would investigate the club’s options. Freiburg has until Monday to issue a complaint.

“From the point of fair play, there was nothing that speaks against it having been a fair game,” said Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Former Bayern and Liverpool player Dietmar Hamann blamed Bayern for the mistake.

“It doesn’t play a role if it was for 17 seconds or five minutes. It’s about the integrity of the league,” said Hamann, adding that “everyone should be treated the same.”

Freiburg, meanwhile, finds itself in an uncomfortable situation. While a formal complaint might be justified according to the rules, many could see them as sore losers.

Serge Gnabry (L) celebrates scoring with his Bayern Munich teammates Thomas Muller (C) and Coman during their Champions League win over FC Salzburg on March 8, 2022. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
 

Published : April 05, 2022

By : Xinhua

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Tigermania returned to Augusta National in full force on Monday as a cagey Tiger Woods kept the golf world guessing on whether he will be in the Masters field.

The Woods watch moved into overdrive as hordes of spectators flooded into Augusta National to catch a glimpse of the 15-time major winner who has kept fans in suspense, saying on Sunday his Masters participation will be a “game-time decision.”

While Woods gave nothing away on Monday, fans will not have to wait much longer to know his decision with the 46-year-old scheduled to hold a news conference on Tuesday along with the publishing of Thursday’s first round tee times.

After two years of COVID-19 restrictions that limited the number of spectators allowed onto the grounds, the galleries were back and so was the unmistakable Augusta National buzz amplified by the sight of Woods working the fairways.

The car crash that 14 months ago had threatened to take Woods’ right leg and left him in hospital for three weeks and then confined to a hospital-type bed at home for three months seemed a distant misfortune on a picture perfect Monday.

Tigermania sweeps Augusta as Woods keeps Masters guessing

Playing nine holes during an afternoon practice alongside good friends Fred Couples and Justin Thomas, a relaxed Woods did not have the look of a man struggling to make a decision.

Rather he had the self-assured air of someone who had made up his mind to be on the first tee come Thursday.

While Woods was tight-lipped, one of his playing partners is certain of what will happen on Thursday.

“I hope everything keeps going Tuesday and Wednesday and I’m sure he’s going to tee it up Thursday,” said Couples. “It’s not shocking because he’s the greatest player to ever play.”

“If he can walk around here in 72 holes, he’ll contend. He’s too good.”

Tigermania sweeps Augusta as Woods keeps Masters guessing

Woods has always maintained that he enters every event with the mindset to win it and his fellow golfers say not even coming back from a career threatening injury has changed that approach.

“What’s impressive is Tiger won’t play here unless he thinks he can win,” said three-time major winner Padraig Harrington. “He’s not coming to wave at the crowds.”

“He’s coming to try and win the tournament.”

“It looks like he’ll tee it up, and if he does, he feels like he can win, and that’s impressive.”

FIRST TOURNAMENT

If Woods, who was noticeably limping at the end of nine holes, does commit to play it would be his first official tournament since defending his title at the 2020 Masters, played in November due to COVID-19.

As delighted as Woods clearly is to be back playing, the excitement on Monday was surpassed by the fans.

Woods won the last of his five Green Jackets in 2019.

On Monday they lined the entire length of the fairways and were packed 10 to 15 deep around the greens, a smiling Woods soaking up the attention as the cheers echoed through the Georgia pines.

“It’s history,” one fan screamed to another, as calls of “Go Tiger, Go Tiger” followed him.

His rivals are also not writing off Woods’ participation or even him winning a sixth Green Jacket.

“I’ve learned long ago never doubt the guy,” said Australian Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters champion. “It’s exciting that there’s the possibility he’s going to play this week.”

“I really hope he does. I think no matter what it would just be epic.”

Tigermania sweeps Augusta as Woods keeps Masters guessing

Published : April 05, 2022

By : Reuters

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Thaiticketmajor says strict Covid-19 controls will be imposed for the match between Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool in Bangkok. Ticket buyers need proof of vaccination while antigen test (ATK) screening will be deployed at the stadium.

The match will be a stiff test of Thailand’s ability to control the spread of Covid-19 as the country transitions to more relaxed endemic conditions.

Tickets for the “The Match: Bangkok Century Cup 2022” at Rajamangala Stadium on July 12 were still available on Monday.

Many sections of the ground are sold out amid high demand after ticket sales opened on Saturday.

However, controversy has erupted over the price of seats for the match in Bangkok.

The website “This Is Anfield” complains that tickets for the pre-season clash – which range in price from 5,000 baht to 25,000 baht – are more expensive than for the Champions League Final.

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It reports that the majority of seats seem to be within the “silver” band, which is priced at 20,000 baht per ticket.

The price of the cheapest seats for Premier League matches this season average 1,300 baht, according to Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper.

Thaiticketmajor issued the following 10 conditions for ticket purchases on its website:

1. Every spectator must register to confirm that they have received the Covid-19 vaccine.
2. Event organiser Fresh Air Festival will check Covid-19 test results and vaccination history of all spectators.
3. All spectators will be screened via temperature scanners and the Thaichana app on entry to the match.
4. Any spectator with symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever of 37.5℃-plus, or showing a positive test result will not be permitted to enter the stadium and will receive no refund.
5. Any spectator who tests positive will be escorted out of the stadium immediately according to the emergency plan and not receive a refund.
6. Spectators must wear masks covering their noses and mouths while washing hands with alcohol gel or spray regularly.
7. Alcohol gel dispensers will be provided all around the venue.
8. Bottles, bottle caps, or any other items must not be thrown onto the pitch.
9. Spectators are only permitted to wear authentic Manchester United or Liverpool replica shirts.
10. Avoid carrying bag into stadium to prevent overcrowding at security checks.

On Monday, tickets were still available at between 15,000 and 22,000 baht.

Stadium gates will open on July 12 at 4pm before the kick-off at 8pm.

Published : April 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

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Controversy has erupted over the high price of tickets to watch the clash between Manchester United and Liverpool in Bangkok.

Tickets for the July 12 exhibition match at Rajamangala Stadium are priced from 5,000 baht to 25,000 baht – higher than prices for last year’s UEFA Champions League final at 2,600-22,200 baht.

The two Premier League giants are visiting Bangkok as part of their first pre-season tour since 2019, before the pandemic.

The July match will also be Thai fans’ first opportunity to see Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp’s management while Manchester United will likely arrive with a new head coach.

There are no guarantees of which players will be involved, but the organiser has confirmed that both clubs will field first-team players.

Tickets are being sold via Thaiticketmajor in seven price bands, starting from 5,000 baht in category 5 to 25,000 baht for the “platinum” seats.

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However, most seats are within the “silver” band priced at 20,000 baht.

The minimum monthly wage in Bangkok is less than 10,000 baht.

The prices appear even more expensive when compared to tickets for the UEFA Champions League final.

UEFA’s cheapest tickets for last year’s final cost 2,600 baht (category 4). The price of the most expensive tickets was 22,200 baht (category 1).

Meanwhile, a Liverpool adult season ticket costs from £685 to £869 (30,150-38,230 baht) while a Manchester United season ticket costs £532 to £950 (23,400-41,800 baht).

Unsurprisingly, some Thai fans have complained that they cannot afford the high prices being charged to watch the two Premier League giants in Bangkok.

On Monday, seats were still available in the more expensive sections, especially tickets priced at 20,000 baht, but cheaper categories had sold out.

Published : April 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

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Olympic taekwondo gold medallist Panipak “Tennis” Wongpattanakit on Sunday won the gold at the Spanish Open 2022 in Alicante.

It was Panipak’s first competitive outing in the women’s 53kg class. She had won the gold medal in the 2020 Summer Olympics in the women’s 49kg.

She pipped Spaniard Laura Rodriguez 2-0 with a scores of 8-7 and 2-1.

Her compatriot Phannapa Harnsujin won the silver medal in the women’s 57kg competition, losing the final to Hatice İlgün from Turkey 2-3 with scores of 7-3, 2-7, 2-14.

Another Thai, Sasikarn Tongchan, had to settle for the bronze in the women’s 62kg class after she lost to Sarah Chaari from Belgium 2-3 with scores of 3-2, 2-6, 2-6.

The competition, which began on April 1, used the “round system” in the best-of-three format.

Published : April 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

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Somkiat Chantra roared to his second consecutive podium finish in the Moto2 World Championship at Termas de Rio Hondo in Argentina on Monday morning (Thai time).

The Thai motorcycle racer started from 7th place on the grid but showed superb form to overtake all but one of the bikes ahead of him and grab second place at the chequered flag.

The 23-year-old racer from IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Kalex moved into the lead at the halfway stage of the race before he finally had to settle for second behind Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team Kalex).

A graduate of the “Honda Race to the Dream” project, Somkiat has shown outstanding prowess on the bike during his fourth season in Moto2.

Two weeks ago, he made history by becoming the first Thai to win a motorcycle grand prix when he took the chequered flag at Mandalika, Indonesia.

On Monday, he was only 1.538 seconds from achieving back-to-back victories.

The result means that Somkiat has finished on the podium at both races he has started this year, after missing the season-opener in Qatar due to a heavy fall earlier in the weekend. It also moves him into third in the Moto2 Riders World Championship standings, with 18 races left in the 21-circuit season.

Taking the podium, Somkiat said: “My first thought after this second position was to thank my team. The bike today was perfect, allowing me to fight with the top guys. Vietti was speedy and he managed the tyres very well. I was on the limit, and this second position was the maximum for me today.”

Published : April 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

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List of countries that have qualified for the 32-team World Cup in Qatar this year

The draw for FIFA’s 2022 Men’s World Cup took place in Doha, Qatar, and while the immediate chatter on Friday was about the individual games next November—mark your calendars for England vs. the U.S. the day after Thanksgiving—the sports business world is taking note of a different sort of matchup: the stark contrast between the 2022 Qatar World Cup and the 2026 version to be held in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

AFRICA

Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia.

ASIA

Iran, Japan, South Korea, Qatar (as hosts), Saudi Arabia.

The United Arab Emirates will face Australia in a playoff in June, with the winner taking on Peru for another berth in Qatar.

EUROPE

Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland.

Wales will play Scotland or Ukraine to decide the final qualifier from Europe.

NORTH, CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN

Canada, Mexico, United States.

Costa Rica will face New Zealand in a playoff for a spot in Qatar.

OCEANIA

New Zealand won the Oceania qualifying tournament to claim the region’s place in the intercontinental playoff.

SOUTH AMERICA

Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay.

Peru finished fifth and will play the UAE or Australia for a spot in Qatar.

Published : April 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

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Tickets for the upcoming exhibition match between Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool in Bangkok were almost sold out on Saturday, just hours after going on sale, the match organiser said.

“The Match: Bangkok Century Cup 2022” is scheduled at Rajamangala Stadium in the capital on July 12. Both clubs have vowed to send their main squads for the pre-season clash in Thailand.

“Tickets went on sale at 10am today (April 2) via the Thai Ticket Major website. After two hours the priciest tickets [25,000 baht] for Platinum seats closest to the pitch were all sold out,” said Vinij Lertratanachai, CEO of match organiser Fresh Air Festival.

“The three cheapest ticket categories priced 5,000 baht, 7,000 baht and 12,000 baht are all sold out too. These seats are either far away from the pitch or located behind the goals at either end.”

This leaves only three categories of tickets still available, priced 15,000, 20,000 and 22,000 baht. Fresh Air Festival said fans better hurry if they want to bag a seat for the game.

Former Premier League players Andy Cole, representing Manchester Utd, and Phil Babb representing Liverpool joined a press conference for the match at Siam Paragon on Friday.

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Published : April 02, 2022

By : THE NATION

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The draw for the eight groups of the 2022 FIFA World Cup produced some intriguing match-ups in Doha on Friday. The World Cup will kick off in Qatar on November 21 as 32 teams battle to qualify from the following groups:

• Group A: Qatar (hosts), Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
• Group B: England, Iran, United States, Wales/Scotland/Ukraine
• Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
• Group D: France, United Arab Emirates/Australia/Peru, Denmark, Tunisia
• Group E Spain, Costa Rica/New Zealand, Germany, Japan
• Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
• Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
• Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea

The top two teams in each group will advance to the last-16 knockout stage.

The Netherlands were drawn in Group A alongside hosts Qatar, Ecuador and Senegal.

“Those are opponents we know nothing about. At least, I don’t and I assume our analysts don’t either so they have a lot of work to do in the coming period, Netherlands’ manager Louis van Gaal said.

“In 2014 we ended up in the toughest group, with world champions Spain, Chile, which was the number three in South America at the time, and Australia’s fighting team.

“The duel with Australia [a 3-2 Dutch win] ended up being our most difficult match. Compared to then, this draw is more favourable, even if this time we have to play against the champions of Africa.”

England will go up against Iran, United States, and Wales, Scotland or Ukraine in Group B.

The US and Iran “are teams we’ve not played for a while and the third is an unknown but throws up a possible British derby,” England coach Gareth Southgate told the BBC.

“In this situation, all of our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, so when that tie is played out is irrelevant really.

“For us, we’re [playing] on day one so it’s quite clear now what our programme looks like with the end of the Premier League season and getting out here as quickly as possible.

Argentina were drawn against Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in Group C.

“We’re good and I believe in us. We can’t complain [about the draw] but neither can we be content,” Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni told Argentine TV.

“Mexico is a rival we know, Poland got through beating Sweden [in the playoffs] and Saudi Arabia ran a very good qualifying campaign. We respect all our rivals, it’s a difficult group.

“I say to people, be calm and enjoy the World Cup. I hope it ends with Argentina in the final.”

France will take on Denmark, Tunisia and the UAE, Australia or Peru in Group D.

“It could have been easier or harder,” France’s coach Didier Deschamps said.

“We know Denmark well and we will get to know each other even better with our matches in the Nations League in June and September.”

Spain face Germany, Japan and Costa Rica or New Zealand in Group E.

“It’s a strong group if you take into consideration Germany but we are on top of the group because of our merits, the work we have being doing in recent years,” said Spain’s coach Luis Enrique.

“As for the rest of the group, I don’t know much, I won’t lie to you – almost nothing. Now is the moment to take the time to study them and continue thinking and trusting in what we are as a team.

“We’re not going to change how we play whether it’s the World Cup or a friendly or the Euros. Our style is very clear … and it will be very difficult to play against us. This is the message I have to give. We respect our opponents, anyone can beat us but we can beat anyone too.”

Belgium face a tough test against Canada, Morocco and Croatia in Group F.

“It’s a really challenging draw,” Belgium’s coach Roberto Marinez said. “It’s good that we play a little bit later in the tournament … so our preparation could be a little bit longer. A really tough draw for different reasons but fantastic teams to look forward to.

“We obviously have a connection with Morocco in the national team. We had players like Marouane [Fellaini] and Nacer [Chadli] who have roots in that country.

“Canada played a strong qualifier, so that also promises to be a good match. Croatia we know well, they didn’t become runners-up [at the 2018 World Cup] in Russia for nothing.”

Brazil also have a potentially tough draw against Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon in Group G.

“It is neither [the group of] death nor life, every group has a degree of difficulty. Portugal have Uruguay, South Korea, Ghana,” said Brazil’s coach Tite, adding that he joked with Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic about the similarity of the group from 2018.

“Everything is the same [as the group in 2018]. All that was missing was Costa Rica.

“Serbia and Switzerland eliminated Portugal and Italy [from automatic qualification as group leaders]. Also, the Cameroon team is very strong in Africa.”

Portugal, with 37-year-old Ronaldo almost certainly playing in his final World Cup, face the possible “group of death” featuring Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea.

“It’s like the glass half-full and half-empty,” said Portugal coach Fernando Santos of their Group H draw. “If we looked at the previous World Cup, Uruguay would be the favourites. If we look at the ranking, Portugal will be the favourites.

“We must not forget Ghana and South Korea, who have strong players. [South Korea’s Portuguese coach] Paulo [Bento] has done a very good job for South Korean football.”

Published : April 02, 2022

By : THE NATION