Tag Archives: Wembley Stadium

Casemiro Helps Lead Manchester United Past Newcastle United to Claim Carabao Cup

Posted on by
Reply

Casemiro is celebrating new hardware…

The 31-year-old Brazilian professional footballer helped Manchester United end their six-year wait for silverware as they beat Newcastle United 2-0 to win the Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.Helps

CasemiroUnited last won a major trophy in their 2017 Europa League campaign, but looked comfortable in their display against Eddie Howe‘s side as Casemiro’s header and a Marcus Rashford goal gave Newcastle too much to overcome in their first League Cup final appearance since 1976.

“It has been an amazing period, first trophy of the season, but we want more — it is not enough for this club, we want more and we need more because our standards demand more,” Bruno Fernandes said. “For me it was about winning trophies and finally we did it. I am satisfied but I want more. I want much more.”

There was little in the way of clear-cut chances in a frantic beginning, but United opened the scoring on 33 minutes with the first of two quickfire goals as stalwart midfielder Casemiro sent half of Wembley into pandemonium. Luke Shaw delivered a stooping ball in from a wide free kick and the Brazil international expertly glanced a header into the far corner. He was deemed to have been played marginally onside after a VAR check.

With the momentum in their favor, United doubled their lead six minutes later as Newcastle defender Botman guided Rashford’s effort into his own goal. Wout Weghorst burst forward and played Rashford in behind. The 25-year-old’s shot from a narrow angle was diverted up and over the stretching Loris Karius by Botman as United tightened their grip on the trophy.

The goal was initially ruled an own goal on Botman, but later on Sunday it was credited to Rashford, marking the England international’s first goal in a final in his seventh time playing in one.

Weghorst threatened again in first-half stoppage time with a well-struck effort from distance, but Karius — who made his first start since February 2021 — was equal to it.

Newcastle returned in the second half with an improved yet toothless performance, with Joelinton coming closest but having his shot well-blocked by Lisandro Martinez, as United comfortably saw out the victory.

“No complaints with how we played, obviously the scoreline doesn’t say that, and that’s where football can be cruel,” Newcastle manager Howe said. “I’m sorry we couldn’t deliver for the fans today.”

Newcastle’s fans, who had created a sea of black and white with give-away plastic flags at the stadium’s west side during the closing minutes, drifted away before the trophy presentation. The club has now lost each of their past nine matches at Wembley, a run that began in the 1974 FA Cup final.

By contrast, Man United‘s fans were in full voice as Bruno Fernandes raised the trophy, which they hope will be the first of many under Erik ten Hag.

United have enjoyed an improved season in their first term under the former Ajax manager. They’re third in the Premier League table and still in the Europa League draw. Ten Hag is the first manager at Old Trafford to win silverware since Jose Mourinho.

Peralta Leads Mexico to Its First Soccer Gold at the London Games

Posted on by
Reply

London Olympics 2012

With his performance in the men’s soccer final at the 2012 Olympic Games, Oribe Peralta will undoubtedly receive a hero’s welcome when he returns to Mexico.

Following his impressive play in the semifinal match against Japan, the 28-year-old Mexican footballer had what could be called the game of his life. Peralta scored a mere 29 seconds into the final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday and added another goal in the second half in Mexico’s upset win over Brazil 2-1 at the London Games.

Mexico's Oribe Peralta

With the win, Mexico claims its first-ever Olympic gold medal in men’s soccer since the country started competing in the sport at the Olympics in 1928. Mexico’s previous best performance was at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, when the team came in fourth place after losing the bronze medal game to Japan.

Peralta gave Mexico the early lead after Brazil’s Rafael tried to make a backward pass. Mexico midfielder Javier Aquino intercepted the ball, sending it forward to Peralta just outside the area. With no defenders near him, he calmly sent his shot into the left corner.

Mexico's Oribe Peralta

Peralta’s score was the fastest Olympic goal since the 1976 Olympics Games in Montreal, when football’s governing body began keeping records of the competition, according to FIFA.

Peralta’s second goal came off a firm header from near the penalty spot after a free kick cross by Marco Fabian.

Mexico's Oribe Peralta

“I don’t know if this was the best match of my career, but what I do know is that this is the most important because I am here today with a gold medal,” Peralta said. “I dreamed about this moment. It is one of those things you don’t get to live every day.”

The shocked Brazilian team appeared to be shaken by the early goal and struggled to create scoring opportunities throughout the game. Hulk scored the team’s only goal with a low shot from inside the area in the first minute of injury time.

Mexico's Olympic Soccer Team

Brazil had been trying to win its first Olympic gold—the only significant trophy the five-time World Cup champions haven’t won in soccer.

It was the team’s first Olympic final in men’s football since the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, when the team had to settle for silver. Brazil also lost the final four years earlier at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.