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Tokyo 2020: Spain Outclass Ivory Coast 5-2 To Reach Semi Finals

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Spain ended a 21-year wait to reach the men’s Olympic soccer semi-finals as substitute Rafa Mir scored a hat-trick to secure a 5-2 victory over Ivory Coast in extra time on Saturday.

Winger Max Gradel appeared to have secured Ivory Coast’s place in the final four when he made it 2-1 with a stoppage time strike, only for Mir to score almost immediately at the other end and force extra time.

Ivory Coast’s fate was sealed when defender Eric Bailly, who scored their opening goal inside 10 minutes, turned from hero to villain as he conceded a penalty with a bizarre handball inside the box.

Mikel Oyarzabal slotted the ball home from the spot in the 98th minute before Mir added two more goals past an exhausted Ivory Coast defence to put the result beyond doubt.

Dare brokers peace after Tokyo protest
Victory ensures Spain return to the semi-finals for the first time since claiming silver at the 2000 Sydney Games.

Spain, the last European team to win a men’s soccer Olympic gold in 1992, will face the winner of the quarter-final between hosts Japan and New Zealand.

(Reuters/NAN)

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Liverpool hero in multi-million legal fight with brother to avoid bankruptcy

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Steve Finnan is reportedly on the brink of bankruptcy after the fallout from a failed property business and a protracted legal battle with his brother, Sean.

The former Liverpool defender, who won the Champions League in 2005 and made 684 appearances across clubs including Fulham, Espanyol, Portsmouth, and five years at Anfield, entered business with Sean after retiring from football.

The venture, however, collapsed, prompting Finnan to sue his brother around 2016 over concerns about the business’s management.

A High Court eventually awarded Finnan £4 million in 2018, but Sean Finnan was declared bankrupt a year later without paying. Since then, Steve has remained liable for legal costs and unpaid bills, leaving his financial future uncertain.

Finnan’s struggles led him to auction personal memorabilia in 2020, including his 2005 Champions League medal and signed shirts.

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Arsenal fear Gabriel could be out until 2026 after thigh injury

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Arsenal appear set for an extended spell without key centre-back and dressing-room leader Gabriel, a major blow given his importance to Mikel Arteta’s side in recent seasons.

The Brazilian has been central to the Gunners’ defensive resilience and remains a constant threat from set pieces.

Gabriel was forced off an hour into Brazil’s 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium and subsequently withdrew from the squad, prompting immediate concern.

According to The Athletic, further tests on his right thigh are planned, but early fears suggest he could miss up to two months, ruling him out for the rest of the calendar year.

He joins an injury list already featuring Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus.

Despite setbacks, Arsenal have still climbed to the top of the Premier League table, opening a four-point gap over Manchester City.

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Atalanta drop Lookman price as Spurs, Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray circle

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Atalanta management are weighing up what to do with Ademola Lookman in January.

After seeing offers of €50m turned down for him over the summer, Lookman went public over his frustrations. The Nigeria striker has since struggled this season, which has coincided with La Dea’s slide down the table and the sacking of Ivan Juric.

La Gazzetta dello Sport says Atalanta management hope Lookman responds positively to new coach Raffaele Palladino, but if his current form continues then selling in January hasn’t been ruled out.

Watching developments are Atletico Madrid and Tottenham, which both tried for Lookman over the offseason.

However, Galatasaray are regarded as favourites and have already tabled a contract offer worth €9m-a-year to Lookman’s agents ahead of the winter market.

Crucially, Atalanta wll slash their asking price from the €50m valuation.

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