United News of Bangladesh

Guatemala pulled off a major upset to book their spot in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals, edging out Canada 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw on Sunday. José Morales scored the decisive penalty that sealed Guatemala's place in the last four for the first time since 1996. Ranked 106th by FIFA, Guatemala will now face the United States in St. Louis on Wednesday, while Mexico will take on Honduras in the other semifinal in Santa Clara, California. The tournament final is scheduled for July 6 in Houston. The thrilling seven-round shootout capped off an intense and hard-fought contest that stood out as one of the tournament's most entertaining clashes. A strong turnout of Guatemalan fans in blue and white packed U.S. Bank Stadium, turning the atmosphere into one resembling a sold-out NFL game inside the Minnesota Vikings' home arena. Canada, ranked 30th, took the lead in the 30th minute when Jonathan David converted from the penalty spot. However, their hopes suffered a major blow when forward Jacob Sheffelburg received his second yellow card during first-half stoppage time for an aerial challenge that floored Guatemala’s Stheven Robles, leaving Canada to play the second half with 10 men. Guatemala capitalized on the advantage, controlling 58% of possession and outshooting Canada 11-5. They found the equalizer in the 69th minute when Rubio Rubín headed home a pinpoint cross from Oscar Santis. Vega ends drought as Mexico defeats Saudi Arabia in Gold Cup Santis had earlier missed an opportunity in the 53rd minute, firing over the bar from just outside the box after a bouncing ball fell to his feet. Despite playing with a man down, Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, an MLS All-Star for Minnesota United, made two key saves during regulation to keep his side in contention. The penalty shootout brought more drama, as Guatemala's José Pinto missed over the bar and Kenderson Navarro saved Cyle Larin’s effort to open the sixth round. Canada’s Luc Rollet then struck the crossbar, burying his face in his shirt in frustration, before Morales calmly slotted home the winning penalty as St. Clair dived the wrong way. Alonso hopes Mbappé returns for Club World Cup Canada, who topped their group with two wins and a draw, has now exited at the quarterfinal stage in four of the last five Gold Cup editions. Source: Agency 

Bangladesh Women’s football team tasted their maiden victory in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers with a massive 7-0 victory over higher-ranked Bahrain in the opening Group C match at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on Sunday evening. This is the first win for Bangladesh women’s team in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers after five consecutive defeats in the last two editions, conceding 25 goals. Bangladesh clearly dominated the first half with a 5-0 lead. In the day's one-sided match, Shamsunnahar Junior put Bangladesh ahead in the 10th minute (1-0), Ritu Porna Chakma doubled the margin in the 16th minute (2-0), while Kohati Kisku scored the third goal for Bangladesh in the 40th minute (3-0). Experienced forward Tohura Khatun scored two more goals in quick succession in the 2nd and 4th minutes of added time at the end of the first half, giving Bangladesh a clear 5-0 advantage over their 36th-ranked Bahrain. Rawan Al Ali of Bahrain further increased Bangladesh’s lead by scoring an own goal in the 60th minute (6-0), while substitute Munki Akhter sealed the victory with the 7th goal in the 74th minute (7-0). Bahrain women’s team looked helpless against their Bangladesh opponents throughout the match. Bangladesh’s team was motivated by recent draws against stronger, higher-ranked Lebanon and Indonesia in a tri-nation tournament in Lebanon. Bangladesh made three substitutions in the 66th minute, bringing on Sagorika, Munki Akhter, and Shaheeda Akhter Ripa, replacing Shamsunnahar Jr, Monika Chakma, and Swapna Rani. In the day's other Group C match, hosts Myanmar defeated Turkmenistan 8-0 to top the group. Bangladesh Women’s team, which clinched the SAFF Women’s title for the second consecutive time, has been placed in Group C of the Asian tournament along with higher-ranked Myanmar, Bahrain, and Turkmenistan. In remaining Group C matches, Bangladesh will face hosts Myanmar on July 2 at 3:30 pm (BST) and Turkmenistan on July 5 at 6:30 pm (BST), both at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon. The champion of the four-team Group C will earn the right to play in the final round of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia next year.

Bangladesh Women’s Football team take a comfortable 5-0:goals lead against upper ranked Bahrain in their opening Group C matc of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia’ 2026 Qualifiers at the Myanmar capital Yangon  Sunday (June 20).evening. Shamsunnahar put Bangladesh ahead  ahead in the 10th (1-0) while Ritu Porna Chakma doubled the Bangladesh margin in the 16th minute (2-0) Kohati Kisku scored the 3rd goal  for Bangladesh in the 40th  minute (3-0) while experienced forward Tohura Khatun scored two goals in a twinkling of an eye in the 2nd and 4th minutes on the additional time to go for breather with a comfortable  5-0 lead.

Alexis Vega ended his 19-match international goal drought as defending champions Mexico defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals on Saturday night. With the win, Mexico secured a spot in the semifinals, where they will face Honduras on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California. Honduras advanced earlier in the day after edging Panama in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Vega, 27, scored Mexico’s opening goal in the 49th minute. After a well-placed pass from Raúl Jimenez, Vega found space to shoot. His initial attempt was stopped by Saudi goalkeeper Nawaf Alaquidi, but Vega quickly reacted, collecting the rebound and slotting the ball through Alaquidi's legs to give Mexico the lead. Although Vega was initially flagged offside, a video review confirmed the goal, putting Mexico ahead 1-0. The goal marked Vega's first for the national team since 2022, while also ending Mexico’s scoring drought of 166 minutes, following a scoreless draw against Costa Rica in their final group-stage match. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre praised the team’s performance, particularly in the second half. “It was an A-plus,” Aguirre said. “We’re heading in the right direction going into the semifinals.” Mexico extended their lead in the 81st minute with an own goal from Saudi defender Abdullah Madu. Mateo Chavez delivered a cross intended for Roberto Alvarado, who missed the ball, but it deflected off Madu and into the net, securing a 2-0 victory for El Tri. AFC Women' s Asian Cup: Bangladesh team hold first training session in Yangon on Thursday despite rain Saudi Arabia managed to frustrate Mexico for much of the first half with a physical, defensive display. Tensions flared just before halftime, as Saudi Arabia's Ali Majrashi and Mexico's Jesús Gallardo exchanged shoves and both received yellow cards. Gallardo will miss the semifinal against Honduras due to accumulation of yellow cards in the tournament. Sixteen-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora made his international debut for Mexico, playing 72 minutes and impressing with his performance. Mora is now the youngest player ever to feature for the Mexican national team. “He doesn’t have any limits right now,” Aguirre said. “He has room to grow … and is eager to learn.” Mexico has now reached the knockout stage of the Gold Cup for the 18th consecutive time. Saudi Arabia, participating in their first Gold Cup as an invited team, advanced to the quarterfinals after a win over Haiti, a loss to the United States, and a draw with Trinidad and Tobago. El Tri is now two wins away from a record 10th Gold Cup title. The United States has won the tournament seven times, while Canada has claimed the title once. Saudi Arabia has never defeated Mexico in international competition, with six losses and one draw to date.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso still can't say whether Kylian Mbappé will be available to play in the next round of the Club World Cup after missing all three group games. Mbappé was hospitalized last week with acute gastroenteritis and has not played a minute of the tournament so far. Despite being back in training, he was not even named as a substitute for Thursday's 3-0 win against RB Salzburg. "I don’t want to be optimistic and get ahead of myself, but we need him because he’s a top player, one of the best in the world. We hope he’s back soon,” Alonso said when asked about Mbappé's availability for the round of 16 games against Juventus on Tuesday. Mbappé is one of the biggest stars at the expanded Club World Cup being staged in the United States and his absence has been a blow to a tournament FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants to become one of the biggest events in the sport. Infantino managed to get Lionel Messi into the tournament when Inter Miami was granted entry despite not winning the MLS Cup and encouraged teams to try to sign Cristiano Ronaldo during a specially created transfer window before the first game kicked off this month. Mbappé, along with Messi and Erling Haaland, is one of the top attractions, but his headlines have been limited to off-field issues. Inter Milan advances at Club World Cup with 2-0 win over River Plate As well as his illness, he also made the news this week when it emerged he had filed a moral harassment case against former club Paris Saint-Germain. He unhappy with the way he was treated by this year's Champions League winner when he was sidelined after his decision not to extend his contract with the club in 2023. Mbappé is also at odds with PSG, arguing he is owed 55 million euros ($61 million) in unpaid wages. None of this is helping Madrid's bid to become the first team to lift the new Club World Cup and the golden trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co. The 26-year-old Mbappe was Madrid’s top scorer last season, with 43 goals in 56 appearances. He had been following specific medical treatment to recover from gastroenteritis, Madrid said, but has missed two games since being discharged from hospital. “We need him and we want him back as soon as possible and in the best possible condition," Alonso said.

Manchester City topped Group G of the Club World Cup with a commanding 5-2 victory over Juventus on Thursday at Camping World Stadium. City took a 2-1 lead in the 26th minute when Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while trying to intercept a pass at close range. From there, the Premier League champions took full control. Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Savinho all found the net in the second half, extending the lead to 5-1. Haaland’s strike also marked the 300th goal of his professional career. City’s midfield star Rodri, last year’s Ballon d'Or winner, returned to the starting lineup for the first time since undergoing knee ligament surgery in September. He was substituted off in the 66th minute. Earlier, Jeremy Doku opened the scoring for Manchester City in the ninth minute, but Juventus quickly responded with an equalizer from Teun Koopmeiners just two minutes later. Dusan Vlahovic added a late goal in the 84th minute for Juventus, who secured second place in the group. Key MomentJuventus managed to pull one back late in the game when Vlahovic got in behind the defence and slotted the ball home. AFC Women' s Asian Cup: Bangladesh team hold first training session in Yangon on Thursday despite rain What’s NextManchester City will face the Group H runner-up on June 30 in Orlando, while Juventus are set to play the Group H winner on July 1 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Reactions"Manchester City are a top-quality side. It’s tough to play against them, and we struggled today. We have to accept that," said Juventus coach Igor Tudor. "I'm really satisfied with the performance. We’ll try to keep up this momentum as long as possible," said Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Defending SAFF Women’s champions Bangladesh team, now in Yangon to play the Group C matches of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, conducted their first practice session on Thursday despite the rainy weather in the Myanmar capital. Two times SAFF Women's champions Bangladesh made their first training session Thursday morning from 7 am to 9 am at the training field 1 in Yangon. The team, which reached Myanmar Wednesday morning, made a light stretching session at team hotel gymnasium in Yangon on the day due to rain. Bangladesh team completed first training session satisfactorily despite of the rainy weather in Yangon All players of Bangladesh team are fully fit, and in sound health with good spirit. The Bangladesh coaching staff appeared satisfied with the team's energy and focus during training. The Bangladeshi players are gradually adopting with the local condition and maintaining a strong mindset ahead of the AFC Asian Cup matches, said a BFF media release on Thursday. The Group C matches of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers will be held at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon from June 29 to July 5.  Inter Milan advances at Club World Cup with 2-0 win over River Plate Bangladesh has been placed in Group C of the Asian tournament along with hosts Myanmar, Bahrain and Turkmenistan. In Group C matches, Bangladesh will face Bahrain on June 29, Myanmar on July 2, and Turkmenistan on July 5, all at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon. The champion team of the four-team Group C will earn the rights to play in the final round of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup to be held in Australia next year Members of Bangladesh women's team are: Rupna Chakma, Sheuly Azim, Shamsunnahar Sr, Shamsinnahar Jr, Monika Chakma, Ritu Porna Chakma, Maria Manda, Tohura Khatun, Afeida Khandakar (Captain), Sagorika, Shaheda Akhter Ripa, Nilufa Yesmin. Munki Akter, Swapna Rani, Khohati Kishku, Sourovi Akhand Preeti, Sultana, Shorna Rani, Mily Akter, Joynob Bibi Rita, Halima Akhter, Nabiran Khatun and Umhela Marma.

Francesco Pio Esposito scored in the 72nd minute and Alessandro Bastoni added an insurance goal in stoppage time to lead Inter Milan to a 2-0 win over River Plate on Wednesday night and into the second round of the Club World Cup. Esposito’s goal came just six minutes after River Plate’s Lucas Martínez Quarta was shown a red card after taking out the legs of Henrikh Mkhitaryan on a breakaway and preventing a clean shot on goal. Just two minutes before the red card, River Plate came close to taking the lead when Manuel Lanzini found Facundo Colidio in the box with a cross, but Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer made the save. Bastoni's goal in front of more than 45,000 fans came on a left-footed shot from outside the box in the 93rd minute, reports AP. FIFA probes alleged racial abuse of Real Madrid's Rüdiger at Club World Cup Inter Milan finished atop Group E with seven points, two more than Monterrey, which finished second in the group following a 4-0 victory over Urawa Red Diamonds on Wednesday night. River Plate finished in third with four points and Urawa Red Diamonds finished in last, going 0-3. Key Moment Esposito, a 19-year-old striker, notched his first career goal for Inter Milan after assisting on the squad’s winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Urawa Red Diamonds on Saturday. Takeaways Inter Milan plays Fluminense — one of four Brazilian clubs to advance to the round of 16 — on Monday in Charlotte, North Carolina. Monterrey plays Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday 1 at Atlanta. What They Said “Well, it was a very intense game. Very well balanced, especially in the half time, but then we were playing better. For sure it was a great team, great fans and I respect all of them,” Esposito through a translator. “I’m happy because he played a great game and joined a very difficult and real game and was up to the challenge,” Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu said through a translator.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) will organise a three-day trail  for the Bangladesh-origin 52 expatriate footballers of 14 to 27 years age groups at the National Stadium in Dhaka on June 28 - 30. This programme is part of BFF broader strategy to engage overseas Bangladeshi players in the various Bangladesh team's. The details of the trail programme, first of its kind in the country's football history,  was  disclosed by BFF vice president cum Chairman of the Development Committe Md Nasser Shahrear Zahedee at a press conference at Raowa Club in the capital on Wednesday. The BFF official said that the players are attending trail at their own expense and the federation will provide jerseys, shorts, and socks only.. The registration deadline is set for June.27. The trail programme, named "BFF Next Global Star" participated by 52 booters of 14 countries will be conducted by a performance Evaluation Panel where National team head coach Javier Cabrera will act as an observer throughout the programme. AFC Women's Asian Cup: Bangladesh team reaches Myanmar Participating players hail from the,United Kingdom (20 players), the United States (14), Sweden (5), Canada (2) and one each from Finland, Belgium, Wales, Italy, Malaysia, Estonia, Spain, Australia, Ireland, and Austria. The coaching panel comprises BFF Technical Director Saifur Bari Titu, Saeed Hasan Kanan, AKM Maruful Haque, Zulfiqar Mahmud Mintu, Mahbub Hossain Roxy,  Golam Rabbani Choton and Alfaz Ahmed. Daily sessions will be split into two groups, and on the final day, a friendly match will be arranged among the participants  BFF EC member Iqbal Hossain, Golam Gaus, Manjurul Karim, Kamrul Hasan Milton, Satyajit Das Rupu, Sayeed Hasan Kanon and BFF Technical Director Saifur Bari Titu were also present at the press conference.

Two-time SAFF Women’s champions Bangladesh team reached  Myanmar on Wednesday morning to play the Group C matches of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers to be held in the capital Yangon.  Bangladesh team which left Dhaka Wednesday early hours at 2:45 am by a Thai Airways flight, landed the Myanmar capital Yangon at 10:45 am by a connecting flight via Bangkok and they checked in at Novotel Yangon Max Hotel around 1 pm local time. After taking lunch, Bangladesh Women's team made light stretching session at team hotel gymnasium to refresh and recover from long journey from Dhaka to Yangon via Bangkok. Bangladeshi players are in sound health and are taking rest in the remaining period of the  first day. Despite of long journey, Bangladesh team looked fresh and every one in good health and eager to begin preparations for the upcoming matches  The Group C matches of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers will be held at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon from June 29 to July 5 Bangladesh has been placed in Group C of the Asian tournament along with hosts Myanmar, Bahrain and Turkmenistan. AFC Asian Cup: Bangladesh Women’s team leave for Myanmar early Wednesday In Group C matches, Bangladesh will face Bahrain on June 29, Myanmar on July 2, and Turkmenistan on July 5, all at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon. The champion team of the four-team Group C will earn the rights to play in the Women’s Asia Cup to be held in Australia next year As a part of their preparations for the AFC Women's Asia Cup Qualifiers, Bangladesh women's team made very good practices in Tri-nation Football Tournament in Lebanon playing 2-2 draw with upper ranked and hosts Jordan and played goalless draw with Indonesia. Bangladesh team announced here on Tuesday making three changes in the previous line up that toured Jordan Goalkeepers Meghla Rani, Ferdoushi Akter and midfielder Shanti Mardi were dropped the from team while custodians Shorna Rani, Mily Akter and defender Nilufa Yesmin returned to the team.       Members of Myanmar bound Bangladesh women's team are: Rupna Chakma, Sheuly Azim, Shamsunnahar Sr, Shamsinnahar Jr, Monika Chakma, Ritu Porna Chakma, Maria Manda, Tohura Khatun, Afeida Khandakar (Captain), Sagorika, Shaheda Akhter Ripa, Nilufa Yesmin. Munki Akter, Swapna Rani, Khohati Kishku, Sourovi Akhand Preeti, Sultana, Shorna Rani, Mily Akter, Joynob Bibi Rita, Halima Akhter, Nabiran Khatun and Umhela Marma.