United News of Bangladesh

Carlos Alcaraz's ability to hit any type of shot, from any position on the court, on any surface, keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Keeps other players guessing, too. Alcaraz delights in all of that — he loves putting on a show just as much as he enjoys knowing he makes the guys on the other side of the net uncomfortable — and figures it can only help him in the Wimbledon semifinals against Daniil Medvedev on Friday. It's beneficial, Alcaraz said, that opponents need to focus on whether he'll be “able to be back (in) the point or ... able to hit an unbelievable shot.” “For me,” he said, “it’s great that they're thinking about it.” Alcaraz, the No. 3 seed, is seeking a second consecutive trophy at the All England Club and fourth Grand Slam title overall. His triumph last month at the French Open made him, at 21, the youngest man to collect a major trophy on hard, grass and clay courts. Medvedev, who is seeded No. 5 and defeated No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals, won the 2021 U.S. Open but is just 1-5 in major finals. The other match Friday will be No. 2 Novak Djokovic, who has won seven of his men's-record 24 Slam championships at Wimbledon, against No. 25 Lorenzo Musetti, making his debut in a major semifinal. “Against him, you are probably more stressed, because he’s probably the best player ever — or one of the best players ever,” said the 22-year-old Musetti, who beat Taylor Fritz in five sets on Wednesday, while Djokovic got the day off because his foe, Alex de Minaur, withdrew with an injured hip. “You walk on court with a different mentality,” said Musetti, whose 1-5 record against Djokovic includes a five-set loss at this year's French Open that ended at after 3 a.m. “If I play in a certain way, I could have my shot in the next round.” Alcaraz vs. Medvedev is a rematch from last year's semifinals, when Alcaraz won in straight sets before getting past Djokovic in the final. It also offers a contrast between a talented attacker (Alcaraz) and a consummate defender (Medvedev). “The most difficult thing about facing Daniil, or the most special thing about him, is he can reach every ball,” Alcaraz said. “Well, he is like a wall. Every ball bounces back.” Asked what Alcaraz's best quality is, Medvedev began this way: “To be honest, everything.” That sounds like an exaggeration. Might not be. “That’s where it’s tough to play against him, because you know whatever shot you hit, he can hit a winner from there. So you try to make his life difficult. You try to hit the shot as good as you can. Maybe he goes for it and he cannot make it,” said Medvedev, who has won just two of their previous six encounters. “Carlos can do whatever, from any position,” Medvedev said, “and that’s not easy to play against.” Tommy Paul, the 12th-seeded American who lost to Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, put something else on the lengthy list of the Spaniard's attributes. “He moves unbelievably well. He’s probably the quickest player. It’s very hard to get the ball by him,” Paul said. “Grass suits him. He moves incredible on the grass. It’s not easy to change direction the way that he does. He stays pretty low. Yeah, I mean, it’s not easy.” And then, in a nod to the sort of highlight-reel material Alcaraz regularly produces, Paul added: “Half of the job when you’re out there is not to let him win one of those crazy points — because when he does, he kind of gets on a roll.”

Bangladesh will start their campaign in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-20 Championship' 2024, taking on Sri Lanka on August 20 at 4:00 pm local time at the Dashrath Stadium in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu. The six-nation regional youth soccer meet will kick-off on August 18 at the Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu, with hosts Nepal taking on Sri Lanka in the opening match at 4:00 pm local time. Bangladesh, which was put in a three-team Group A with Sri Lanka and hosts Nepal, will play Nepal on August 22 at 4:00 pm local time in their remaining group match. Defending champions India, which was placed in Group B with Bhutan and the Maldives, will play their first match on August 19 at the same time and venue. After the group matches, the top two teams from each group will play in the semifinals at the same venue. Group A champions will face Group B runners-up in the first semifinal on August 25 at 5:30 pm local time, while Group B champions will meet Group A runners-up in the second semifinal on August 26 at the same time. The final match will be held on August 28 at the same time and venue.

Former Indian batting legend and head coach of the Indian World Cup-winning cricket team, Rahul Dravid, has declined to accept an extra bonus in recognition of his contributions to India’s recent T20 World Cup victory. Dravid insisted that he could not accept a larger bonus than his colleagues, whose efforts he deemed equal to his own. Each of India’s coaching staff, including bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, fielding coach T Dilip, and batting coach Vikram Rathore, was awarded 2.5 crore rupees for their contributions to India’s T20 World Cup success. In addition to this amount, Dravid was offered an extra 2.5 crore rupees, which he refused to accept. Dravid’s act of fairness has garnered widespread praise on social media and among the cricketing community. Former cricketer and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu applauded Dravid with his signature oratory, stating, “The fragrance comes from his character, not a perfume.” Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle also praised Dravid on social media, writing, “In a world where 'come-look-at-me' is a disease and paid PR is an acceptable way of life, Rahul Dravid makes humility look cool. It is what we must aspire for in our profession; to achieve greatness and let it rest simply upon us.” According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), all members of India’s T20 World Cup 2024 winning squad, including Dravid, were to receive 5 crore rupees each from the 125 crore rupees prize money. The support staff, including the bowling, batting, and fielding coaches, were to receive 2.5 crore rupees each, while the selectors and traveling members of the squad were to receive 1 crore rupees each.    

Gregg Berhalter was fired 10 months into his second stint as U.S. men’s soccer coach, leaving the Americans searching for a leader less than two years before they host the World Cup. Berhalter was dismissed Wednesday, nine days after his team’s first-round exit from the Copa America flamed doubts he was the right person to remain in charge. “The Copa America result is extremely disappointing and I take full responsibility for our performance,” Berhalter said in a statement. “Our approach and process was always focused on the 2026 World Cup and I remain confident that this group will be one of the great stories in 2026.” After opening the Copa America with a 2-0 win over Bolivia, the U.S. lost to Panama 2-1 while playing most of the match a man short due to Tim Weah’s ejection, then were eliminated with a 2-1 defeat to Uruguay. The U.S. had seven wins, six losses and one draw in his second stint, leaving his overall record at 44 wins, 17 losses and 13 draws. Sporting director Matt Crocker rehired Berhalter and also will make the recommendation on his replacement. The team next plays in September friendlies against Canada and New Zealand. USSF spokesman Neil Buethe would not make Crocker available to answer questions from The Associated Press. “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 said in a statement. USSF president Cindy Parlow Cone also issued a statement. She did not immediately respond to a text message seeking additional comment. Jürgen Klopp, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Marcelo Bielsa are among those being speculated about as candidates to replace Berhalter, along with Jesse Marsch, Hugo Pérez, Pellegrino Matarazzo, David Wagner, Steve Cherundolo, Jim Curtain, Massimiliano Allegri and Mauricio Pochettino. Salary could be an issue. Berhalter earned $2,291,136 in 2022, including $900,000 in bonuses for the Americans qualifying for the World Cup and reaching the second round. A top-level men’s coach could put pressure on the USSF to increase the salary of newly hired women’s coach Emma Hayes. Just 23 months remain before the World Cup comes to the United States for the second time and the Americans play their opener at Inglewood, California, on June 12, 2026. The only competitive matches with the full player pool before then likely will be in the CONCACAF Nations League. Berhalter, who turns 51 on Aug. 1, was the first American to coach the national team after playing for the team at a World Cup. He was hired to coach the U.S. in December 2018 after stints with Sweden’s Hammarby (2011-13) and Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew (2013-18). “I want to thank the U.S. Soccer Federation for entrusting me to lead this team for the past five years,” Berhalter said. “Representing our country is a tremendous honor and I am proud of the identity we have built on and off the field. It was very gratifying watching this team improve over the years and I remain grateful for the lifetime bonds created with our players, coaches, and staff members.” He led the U.S. to titles in the CONCACAF Nations League in 2021 and 2024, and to another with a B team in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup. His players strongly supported Berhalter, saying he fostered a culture that bound the group. That support led to Crocker rehiring Berhalter 5 1/2 months after his initial contract expired amid an investigation of a decades-old domestic violence allegation that was brought to the USSF’s attention by the Reyna family, upset that Berhalter limited Gio Reyna’s playing time at the World Cup. A law firm retained by the USSF said there was no legal obstacle to bringing Berhalter back. Berhalter’s detractors cited lack of success against teams outside the region and struggles on the road against Central American rivals. The U.S. gained the region’s final automatic World Cup berth on goal difference, and it had the second-youngest team at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The U.S. wasted a second-half lead in a 1-1 draw with Wales, tied England 0-0 and defeated Iran 1-0 to reach the knockout stage, where the Americans played poorly in a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands. Players exhibited a lack of discipline: Defender Sergiño Dest got a red card last November at Trinidad and Tobago for arguing with a referee and Weah was ejected from the Panama match for punching an opponent on the head. “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,” Crocker said in his statement. U.S. coaches have not fared well in a second cycle. Bruce Arena led the team to a quarterfinal appearance in 2002, its best since 1930, then failed to advance past the group stage in 2006. Bob Bradley’s team reached the second round in 2010, earning him a four-year contract extension only for the USSF to fire him 11 months later after the Americans wasted a two-goal lead and lost to Mexico in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final. Jurgen Klinsmann replaced him and led the team to the second round of the 2014 World Cup, then was fired after opening the final round of 2018 qualifying with a 2-1 home loss to Mexico and a 4-0 defeat at Costa Rica. Arena returned and the U.S. lost at Trinidad and Tobago on the final day of qualifying, ending a run of seven straight World Cup appearances. While the new coach inherits players such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams who have thrived with European clubs, goalkeepers Matt Turner and Ethan Horvath and Reyna have failed to gain playing time with first-tier teams.

England is into another European Championship final after its latest dramatic, come-from-behind win that even took King Charles III on a roller coaster ride. Ollie Watkins, who came on for captain Harry Kane in a bold call by England coach Gareth Southgate, scored in the first minute of stoppage time to earn England a 2-1 win over the Netherlands on Wednesday and a shot at Spain in the title match. In the knockout stage at Euro 2024, England has scored a stoppage-time equalizer through Jude Bellingham before edging past Slovakia in the last 16 and needed a penalty-shootout to see off Switzerland in the quarterfinals. The English are keeping their supporters back home on the edge of their seats as the men’s team moves closer to a first title since the 1966 World Cup — and that includes its monarch. “If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated!” the king said in a congratulatory message soon after the game in Dortmund. He had only made one previous appearance at Euro 2024 — as a substitute in the group game against Denmark — so it was a surprise when he was introduced by Southgate in the 80th minute in England’s biggest match so far. The gamble paid off. Fed by another substitute in Cole Palmer, Watkins took a touch with his back to goal just inside the area and, from a tight angle, smashed a fierce shot into the bottom corner. “Unbelievable — I’ve been waiting for that moment for weeks,” said Watkins, the Aston Villa striker who was the fourth-equal top scorer in the Premier League last season. “It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to where I am today. I got the opportunity and took it with both hands.” It was painful for Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman. BFF U-18 Football: Abahani maintain all-win run beating holders Bashundhara Kings 2-1 “I had a feeling toward the end of the match that maybe we could score,” Koeman said, “and for sure in extra time I’d have put money on us.” England will play Lamine Yamal and Spain in Sunday’s final in Berlin. It will be the nation’s first title match on foreign soil, having won the World Cup in 1966 and lost to Italy in the Euro 2020 final — both times at Wembley Stadium. “It’s going to be unbelievably tough – a really difficult game,” Kane said of the title match, with Spain widely regarded as the best team at the tournament. “One more game to make history.” The sea of orange in the giant South Stand at Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion fell silent for the first time after Watkins’ late goal. It housed the most vocal of the Dutch supporters who dominated the city center before marching in their thousands to the stadium ahead of the game. Police reported three separate clashes between fans from both countries in the city. It gave the occasion the feeling of a home match for the Dutch and England was up against it even more after the 21-year-old Xavi Simons became the second youngest scorer for the Netherlands at a Euros. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder dispossessed Declan Rice about 40 meters (yards) out, drove forward and unleashed a shot into the far corner from outside the area. Compared to the 16-year-old Yamal, Spain’s new superstar, Simons is a soccer veteran but this was another case of a young player shining on the big stage at the Euros. Kane has had plenty of big moments at major tournaments and he had another when he slotted home a penalty after Denzel Dumfries’ outstretched leg made contact with Kane’s foot as the England striker attempted a shot. Messi’s 109th goal leads defending champion Argentina over Canada 2-0 and into Copa America final Kane became the sixth player to be on three goals for the tournament. An open first half, which saw Dumfries and England’s Phil Foden hit the goal frame, made way for a tight and tense second half that had a huge two-minute spell when Bukayo Saka had a goal disallowed before Kane and Foden were taken off. It might rank as Southgate’s best call in his eight-year England tenure. And that the goal was set up by Palmer, who entered as a substitute the same time as Watkins, will have have made it even sweeter. “We are giving people some amazing nights ... but we are not finished,” Southgate said.

Didier Deschamps is staying on as France coach after being praised by the head of the country's soccer federation for leading the team “in the best possible way” at the European Championship. France lost 2-1 to Spain in the semifinals on Tuesday, ending an underwhelming tournament for Kylian Mbappé and his teammates. However, in an interview with French daily L'Equipe on Wednesday, Philippe Diallo said Deschamps fulfilled the objectives set before the tournament — reaching the semifinals — and will carry on as coach. Deschamps, who took the job after Euro 2012, has a deal through 2026. “I don’t see any reason to question his contract," Diallo said. "The results of the past speak in his favor and the objectives have been achieved. Didier will continue his mission.” “The balance is generally positive insofar as the objective set for the semifinal has been achieved." France was widely criticized for its pragmatic style of play at Euro 2024, with Randal Kolo Muani's header against Spain the team's first and only goal from open play by a France player all tournament. Under Deschamps, France has won the World Cup in 2018, reached the final of that tournament in 2022 and also lost in the European Championship final in 2016.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) high-performance unit is embarking on an extended tour of Australia, featuring two four-day matches, two one-dayers, and six T20 matches. The tour commences with the first four-day match on July 19th and concludes with a T20 match against the Big Bash League team Perth Scorchers on August 17th. BCB uncertain about Mushtaq Ahmed's role as long-term spin bowling coach If the Bangladesh HP team advances to the final of the T20 tournament, which involves nine teams, including Bangladesh HP, the tour will extend to August 18th. Bangladesh will face Pakistan Shaheens in both four-day matches and will play against Pakistan Shaheens and the Northern Territory team in the one-dayers. Bangladesh’s Pakistan tour for two Tests finalized The first four-day match starts on July 19th, followed by the second on July 26th. The one-dayers are scheduled for August 1st and 6th. Bangladesh's T20 matches will take place on August 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17, with the semi-finals and final on August 18. Naimur Rahman, the chairman of BCB's HP committee, highlighted the tour as a valuable development opportunity for the players. “This is a big opportunity for our players. Some players from the national team will be playing alongside players from HP. This is because our tour to Australia in 2027 will also be held in Darwin. It's a good opportunity for them to prepare,” he said. “Often, we see our new players or debutants playing in unfamiliar environments for the first time. We want to avoid that.” Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan in same ICC Champions Trophy group: reports The HP team includes 25 players, some of them, like Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Aiff Hossain, Shamim Hossain, and Abu Hider, have played for the Bangladesh national team. Players in All Three Teams: Parvez Hossain Emon, Ariful Islam, Rakibul Hasan, Mukidul Islam, Ripon Mondol, and Maruf Mridha. Player in Four Day and One Day Teams Only: Sk Peavez Rahman Jibon. Players in One Day and T20 Teams Only: Tanzid Hasan, Jisan Alam, Aiff Hossain (captain of one-day team), Shamim Hossain, Akbar Ali (captain of T20 team, vice-captain of one-day team), Wasi Siddique, Abu Haider Rony, and Mahfusur Rahman Rabbi (vice-captain of T20 team). Players Only in the Four-Day Team: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy (Captain), Amite Hasan, Sahadat Hossain Dipu (Vice Captain), Mahidul Islam Ankon, Aich Mollah, Rezaur Rahman Raja, and Hasan Murad. Player Only in T20 Team: Allis Islam

India captain Shubman Gill regained his form with a half-century as the tourists beat Zimbabwe by 23 runs Wednesday in the third Twenty20. Gill scored 66 runs off 49 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, as India notched up 182-4 in 20 overs. Ruturaj Gaikwad also scored 49 off 28 balls. In reply, Zimbabwe finished with 159-6 as off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar took 3-15 in four overs. Dion Myers top scored for the hosts with 65 not out off 49 balls, including seven fours and a six. India leads the five-match series 2-1. It won the second T20 by 100 runs, after losing the first by 13 runs. The final two T20s will be played on Saturday and Sunday.

Dhaka Abahani Limited maintained their all-win record in the BFF Under-18 Football League' 2023–24, upsetting holders Bashundhara Kings by 2-1 goals at the Armed Police Battalion ground in Dhaka's Uttara on Wednesday. This was the fifth consecutive victory for the sky-blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani in the league after beating Fortis FC 2-0, Sheikh Jamal DC 2-1, Brothers Union 2-0, and Rahmathanj MFS 4-1, while it was the second defeat for the Kings in their fifth tie. After a barren first half in the day's match, Abdullah Noman Dipu put Abahani ahead in the 47th minute (1-0), while Yeasin Arafat Sifat doubled the Abahani margin in the 56th minute (2-0). Abu Sayed netted the lone goal for the Kings in the 79th minute (2-1). In the day's other match, Rahmatganj MFS upset Dhaka Mohammedan SC, beating them by a 1-0 goal at the practice ground of Bashundhara Kings Arena on Wednesday afternoon. Sadek scored the match decider for Rahmatganj MFS in the 10th minute (1-0). In the day's other match, Fortis FC beat Sheikh Russel KC by a 1-0 goal at the Mohammadpur Physical Education College ground here on Wednesday. Swe Mong Sing Marma scored the match winning goal for Fortis FC in the 83rd minute (1-0).

James Anderson will get to bowl on the first day of his 188th and final test after England won the toss and chose to field first against the West Indies in the series opener at Lord's on Wednesday. Anderson, the most prolific fast bowler in test history with 700 wickets, was due to bowl the first over at the Pavilion End under what looked like being a morning of gray skies and a slight breeze at the home of cricket. Both teams were announced ahead of the match. England gave test debuts to pacer Gus Atkinson and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. For the West Indies, allrounder and former captain Jason Holder was recalled along with fellow fast bowler Jayden Seales. Opening batter Mikyle Louis will become the first man from St. Kitts and Nevis to play a test. There will be plenty of focus on another fast bowler in Shamar Joseph, who starred against Australia in his first ever test series earlier this year.