Brazilian football legend Marta, in her last Olympics, set up a goal for Brazil in their opening match against Nigeria, showcasing her brilliance even in her final tournament. The 38-year-old, known as ‘Queen Marta’, is the highest goal scorer in Brazilian history and has decided to retire after the Games. Her legacy as a global icon and inspiration for generations of female footballers is secured.
The Olympic Games in Paris officially begin on Friday, July 26th, but the competition has already started. Brazil’s Women’s Football team will kick off their Olympic journey on Thursday, July 25th, facing off against Nigeria.
Jamshedpur FC has secured the services of Spanish midfielder Javier Hernandez, a seasoned campaigner in Indian football known for his creative playmaking and attacking prowess. Hernandez brings a wealth of experience and trophy-laden history to the Men of Steel, aiming to contribute significantly to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
UEFA has penalized seven national football federations with a total of €230,000 in fines for racist and discriminatory behavior by fans during the Euro 2024 tournament. The incidents, largely involving fans from Balkan nations, included anti-Serbia chants, firework displays, and throwing objects onto the field. Croatia received the largest fine, while Albania, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Austria also faced sanctions.
France opened their Olympic men’s football campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over the United States, while Japan and Iraq secured wins in Group D and Group B respectively. The Dominican Republic made their Olympic debut with a scoreless draw against Egypt.
Israeli defender Roy Revivo’s appeal against a two-game FIFA ban was rejected, meaning he will miss Israel’s opening Olympic match against Mali. The ban stems from a red card received in a UEFA qualifying match, despite the Olympics being organized by FIFA.
The Paris Olympics, set to take place from July 26 to August 11, will feature 32 sports, including new additions like breaking, skateboarding, surfing, and sports climbing. While the official opening ceremony is on July 26, the Games will start early with football, rugby sevens, and handball matches on July 24 and 25.
Argentina’s Olympic football campaign got off to a chaotic start with a 2-1 loss to Morocco in the opening match. A pitch invasion disrupted the game, and a late Argentine equalizer was controversially ruled out after a VAR review. Lionel Messi expressed his disbelief at the events on Instagram.
The Paris Olympics will feature VAR and SAOT technology across all 58 football matches, ensuring accurate and transparent officiating. This technological implementation builds upon the debut of VAR at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football legend, has opted out of the Paris Olympics to focus on the Copa America. He explained his decision, citing his age and the desire to prioritize his club commitments.
