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Ismael Saibari scores in second minute to lift Morocco over Scotland 1-0 at the World Cup

Ismael Saibari scores in second minute to lift Morocco over Scotland 1-0 at the World Cup

It took Ismael Saibari only 21 minutes to score a goal for Morocco in his World Cup debut.Barely a minute was enough time for him to get on the scoreboard in his second outing.Saibari drilled a shot into the top corner of the net a mere 72 seconds into Friday's 1-0 win over Scotland at Gillette Stadium, keeping alive Morocco's chances of advancing to its second straight World Cup knockout round.We wanted three points and we got them, Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said.Morocco's ball movement caught Scotland on its heels at the very start.Saibari slipped behind two Scotland defenders and Brahim Diaz dropped the ball over the top to him. The 25-year-old forward gathered and blasted it into the top left corner, well outside the reach of goalkeeper Angus Gunn.Morocco, which reached the semifinals at the last World Cup in Qatar, drew 1-1 with Brazil in its Group C opener with Saibari scoring the lone goal. Scotland, which hasn't gotten out of the group stage in its eight previous World Cup appearances, beat Haiti 1-0 in its first match.Scotland was outshot 12-6 on Friday, struggling to get clear looks against Morocco's defense.The negative result didn't affect Scotland coach Steve Clarke's confidence in his team.We gave them a game, Clarke said. We're sure we can compete at this level.Morocco nearly scored another in the 52nd minute when a header by Bilal El Khannouss off Achraf Hakimi's corner kick was battled down by Gunn.Scotland had a chance in first-half stoppage time when Andy Robertson sent a cross at John McGinn, who couldn't get a foot on it near the back post.As Scotland pressed for an equalizing goal in the closing minutes, Morocco had a pair of good chances to add to their lead, but both missed the target.I thought the performance didn't match the result, if I'm honest, Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson said. We took the game to them. So there are positives from both games that certainly we can take into this last game.Scotland will face Brazil in its final Group C match on Wednesday in Miami Gardens, Florida. Morocco will take on Haiti at the same time in Atlanta.

4 hours ago
Matheus Cunha scores 2 goals as Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 in World Cup

Matheus Cunha scores 2 goals as Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 in World Cup

Matheus Cunha struck the back of the net and struck a pose, bringing scoring - and a dash of surfing - to the World Cup stage for Brazil.Vinícius Júnior scored and assisted on one of Cunha's two goals as five-time champion Brazil eliminated Haiti from the World Cup with a 3-0 victory on Friday night.To be at a World Cup, to imagine that, it can be so wonderful, Cunha said. It's a dream fulfilled.Haiti, the Western Hemisphere's poorest nation that qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, became the first team guaranteed not to reach the knockout round of the expanded 48-team tournament. Meanwhile, the Seleção got the decisive performance they needed.It was what I expected from this match, coach Carlo Ancelotti said.Ancelotti also said Neymar is expected to return from a right calf injury and play for Brazil next week against Scotland in its final group match. Neymar, Brazil's career scoring leader with 79 goals, missed the first two games.Brazil got plenty of scoring punch from Cunha on Friday.The Manchester United standout got the start and showed with every surf-and-slide goal celebration why he should have been in the starting lineup in Brazil's listless 1-1 draw against Morocco. Ancelotti made the surprising decision in the opener to instead insert Cunha as a late substitute.Cunha thrilled the Brazilian fans who made up the bulk of the 68,324 spectators at Lincoln Financial Field when he tapped in a rebound for his first career World Cup goal. He then sent a left-footed strike into the upper left corner for a 2-0 lead in the first half against the overmatched Haitians.Brazil forward Raphinha, who was subbed out with an injury in the first half, had an early goal disallowed on an offside call that only temporarily muted the yellow-clad Seleção fans in an otherwise festive atmosphere at the home of the two-time Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles - whose cheerleaders did their part to rally the crowd.Haitian fans danced and sang Grenadye Alaso (Grenadiers to the Attack), the traditional battle cry of the national team. Brazilians chanted back with reminders that their country is a five-time World Cup champion and the home of the king of soccer: A thousand goals, a thousand goals, a thousand goals, a thousand goals, a thousand goals! Only Pelé, only Pelé!Cunha added to the frivolity in Philadelphia, home to nearly 6,000 Brazilian immigrants, when he flashed his familiar surfing celebration.Vinícius, whose 32nd-minute goal helped Brazil earn the draw against Morocco, helped Brazil get on the board when his shot was stopped by goalkeeper Johny Placide and Cunha was there to slam home the rebound to make it 1-0. Cunha extended both arms as if trying to catch some tasty waves and was mobbed his teammates.Vinícius slid a pass through the defense to find Cunha and he powered one high into the net that Placide never had a chance to stop to make it 2-0. Cunha slid on his stomach on the Kentucky bluegrass and mimicked a swimming motion that all but put Haiti in the drink - and validated the Brazilians' fans decision not to tempt fate and dress the Rocky statue outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art in team gear.Vinícius closed the half with a goal and that was enough to keep Brazil - seeking its first World Cup title since 2002 - happy before it closes Group C play with Neymar expected in the lineup against Scotland on Wednesday in Miami Gardens, Florida.He's a very important player; he's my idol, Vinícius said. He always gave me tons of support. And we just hope he can play the next game and help us win the World Cup.Brazil kept pace with Morocco atop the group, with Scotland one point behind.Our first game was totally different because we had the pressure of being our first one, Vinícius said. Everyone was feeling lighter today and the field was also in a better condition, so we were able to do our soccer.For Haiti, just making the World Cup for the first time in 52 years was a satisfying accomplishment.What was positive was that we didn't give up, coach Sébastien Migné said. The morale was there for the second half. They showed that they deserved to be here at the World Cup. Unfortunately, today we played against Brazil. There was too much of a gap.

4 hours ago
US beat Australia 2-0 to advance to World Cup knockout round

US beat Australia 2-0 to advance to World Cup knockout round

Christian Pulisic's injury absence didn't hurt the Americans one bit.The U.S. national soccer team found a way to advance to the knockout round without the injured forward on the field, beating Australia 2-0 Friday for its second straight victory at the largest World Cup in history.C.P. is a fantastic player - the quality and the leadership that he gives us, said Folarin Balogun, who scored two goals in the 4-1 victory over Paraguay on June 12. We didn't have him today, but I think you saw we're still capable to go out there and get a result and put up a performance.Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan and has 33 goals in 87 international appearances, missed Friday's match because of a calf injury.To play without a superstar like Pulisic could have derailed previous American teams in World Cup play. But much has changed since the last time they served as World Cup hosts in 1994, when they advanced by being one of the best third-place teams. They then lost to eventual champion Brazil in their next match, which was in the round of 16.At this year's 48-team tournament, the U.S. has won consecutive games for the first time at a World Cup since 1930. The Americans have scored six goals, one off their record for most in a single World Cup, and received contributions throughout their roster.Alex Freeman, the youngest player on the team at 21 and son of Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman, gave the Americans a 2-0 lead in the 43rd minute off a set piece. Freeman headed in a deflected shot by Sergiño Dest for his first career World Cup goal. The goal was confirmed after a video review.(He) is doing a fantastic job, coach Mauricio Pochettino said of Freeman. The evolution is massive. He's so humble. He wants to learn. He always listens. He's a player that you really enjoy being with him. Not only coaching, but being with him.The U.S. took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute after a run down the left sideline by Balogun.He directed a centering pass towards striker Ricardo Pepi, who started in place of Pulisic. The ball never reached Pepi, deflecting off Australia defender Cameron Burgess and into the Socceroos' net for an own-goal.I want to be dangerous, I want to create opportunities, Balogun said. It might not always be myself that scores, but if I can force an error that gives us the lead, then for me it's like a goal as well. It was a special start to the game to give us the momentum.The Americans did not score again after halftime, but the manner with which they so thoroughly dominated Australia in the opening 45 minutes left a lasting impression on Socceroos coach Tony Popovic.It did not surprise us because their quality is clear, Popovic said. Their power is clear. Their athleticism is clear. They are not surprising in what they did.Expectations will only increase for the U.S. as they rack up more victories and momentum builds around the team. The way the Americans have started the tournament in dominant fashion has not changed Pochettino's perception of the team and what it is capable of, though.I think it's much better when you show good performances and win the games, Pochettino said. I think that makes it easier, everything. But, at the same time, it's (important) to keep believing.Still, the U.S. learned it can get out of the group stage without Pulisic. And, they have the roster to make a deep run in the tournament.We know how vital Christian is to the team and how much he can contribute in the game, Freeman said. For us it was, we have Ricardo Pepi, who came in and had an amazing game. I think that just shows how (good) our roster is.

4 hours ago

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At Brussels summit, Abela calls on EU cohesion funds to reflect every member state’s realities

At Brussels summit, Abela calls on EU cohesion funds to reflect every member state’s realities

Prime Minister Robert Abela has reaffirmed Malta’s strong commitment to the European Union’s cohesion policy during discussions on the bloc’s next long-term budget at the European Council Summit in Brussels, the Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement.Addressing fellow EU leaders, Abela stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced approach that reflects the realities and challenges faced by all Member States as negotiations continue on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, commonly referred to as the EU’s long-term budget.Abela underlined that cohesion policy remains a key driver of progress and development across the European Union, including efforts to strengthen the bloc’s competitiveness. He argued that fiscal sovereignty should remain the responsibility of individual Member States and said the future budget must reflect citizens’ aspirations while supporting credible and realistic reforms aligned with national interests.The issue was also discussed during a meeting of the “Friends of Cohesion” group, which brings together sixteen countries advocating for a strong cohesion policy within the EU.Competitiveness featured prominently on the European Council’s agenda, with Abela describing it as essential for Europe’s future prosperity. He highlighted the need to improve accessibility within the Single Market and warned against Europe becoming inward-looking. Abela called for stronger cooperation with strategic partners, particularly at a time of growing global challenges, and emphasised the need to strike a balance between free trade and economic security.EU leaders also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran. During the discussion, Abela described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as unacceptable, reiterating the importance of humanitarian access and the protection of civilians in line with international law.On Ukraine, the Abela said coordination and dialogue must remain central to efforts aimed at ending the war, while safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.Separately, Abela participated in a migration coordination meeting involving fourteen other EU Member States and the European Commission. Participants noted significant progress achieved through the group’s cooperation, including key developments at EU level such as the adoption of the revised Return Regulation and broader advances within the Council of Europe, including the Chișinău Declaration.Abela said the progress achieved must now be backed by coordinated and accelerated implementation. He also called for deeper cooperation in multilateral forums and stronger partnerships with countries of origin and transit to address migration challenges more effectively.

17 hours ago
Abela calls on EU cohesion funds to reflect every member state’s realities at Brussels summit

Abela calls on EU cohesion funds to reflect every member state’s realities at Brussels summit

Prime Minister Robert Abela has reaffirmed Malta’s strong commitment to the European Union’s cohesion policy during discussions on the bloc’s next long-term budget at the European Council Summit in Brussels, the Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement.Addressing fellow EU leaders, Abela stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced approach that reflects the realities and challenges faced by all Member States as negotiations continue on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, commonly referred to as the EU’s long-term budget.Abela underlined that cohesion policy remains a key driver of progress and development across the European Union, including efforts to strengthen the bloc’s competitiveness. He argued that fiscal sovereignty should remain the responsibility of individual Member States and said the future budget must reflect citizens’ aspirations while supporting credible and realistic reforms aligned with national interests.The issue was also discussed during a meeting of the “Friends of Cohesion” group, which brings together sixteen countries advocating for a strong cohesion policy within the EU.Competitiveness featured prominently on the European Council’s agenda, with Abela describing it as essential for Europe’s future prosperity. He highlighted the need to improve accessibility within the Single Market and warned against Europe becoming inward-looking. Abela called for stronger cooperation with strategic partners, particularly at a time of growing global challenges, and emphasised the need to strike a balance between free trade and economic security.EU leaders also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran. During the discussion, Abela described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as unacceptable, reiterating the importance of humanitarian access and the protection of civilians in line with international law.On Ukraine, the Abela said coordination and dialogue must remain central to efforts aimed at ending the war, while safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.Separately, Abela participated in a migration coordination meeting involving fourteen other EU Member States and the European Commission. Participants noted significant progress achieved through the group’s cooperation, including key developments at EU level such as the adoption of the revised Return Regulation and broader advances within the Council of Europe, including the Chișinău Declaration.Abela said the progress achieved must now be backed by coordinated and accelerated implementation. He also called for deeper cooperation in multilateral forums and stronger partnerships with countries of origin and transit to address migration challenges more effectively.

17 hours ago
65 new recruits join the Armed Forces of Malta

65 new recruits join the Armed Forces of Malta

65 new recruits of the Armed Forces of Malta officially completed their training during a Passing Out Parade held at the Armed Forces of Malta Barracks in Luqa, on Thursday. During the ceremony, the 65 recruits, including 8 women, were officially enlisted as Gunners within the Armed Forces of Malta. The parade was attended by the Minister for Home Affairs and Security, Glenn Bedingfield, the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, Brigadier Clinton O’Neill, senior AFM officers, distinguished guests, as well as the families and friends of the new Gunners.In his address, Minister Bedingfield stated that serving the country is the highest honour and privilege. He emphasised that the parade held a dual significance, as it marked not only the recruits’ first Passing Out Parade but also his first such occasion in his capacity as Minister for Home Affairs and Security.“For you, this moment marks the end of an intensive period of training and the beginning of a career dedicated to serving our country. For me, it is an honour that my first visit to these Barracks is for this occasion involving new recruits – you are the future of our Armed Forces,” said the Minister.A total of 191 applicants applied, of whom 87 successfully passed the selection process. Of these, 84 began their training in January, while 65 recruits successfully completed an intensive course lasting approximately 22 weeks.Throughout this period, the recruits received comprehensive training in a number of areas essential to military service, including intensive physical training, ceremonial drill, the safe handling of service weapons, fieldcraft, field exercises, first aid, map reading, communication procedures and military knowledge. This training was conducted at various Armed Forces of Malta facilities.The Minister also thanked the instructors and all Armed Forces of Malta officers for their dedication in training the recruits and for passing on their knowledge, values and experience to the new generation of soldiers.He further underlined the growing importance of the Armed Forces of Malta’s role in maritime surveillance, border security, search and rescue operations, emergency assistance and contributions to national security.“The uniform you wear carries with it great responsibility, but also a great privilege: that of serving Malta and the Maltese people. On behalf of the Government of Malta and the Maltese people, I thank you for choosing to serve your country,” said Minister Glenn Bedingfield.For his part, the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, Brigadier Clinton O’Neill, said: “Over the past months, you have undergone intensive training that continuously tested your physical capabilities and mental resilience. You entered as individuals, where you were taught how to work together, and today we see you standing united as a squad.”

17 hours ago
Three rescued from cave following sea rescue operation at Gnejna

Three rescued from cave following sea rescue operation at Gnejna

Three individuals were safely rescued on Friday afternoon after becoming stranded at Ta' Marija Cave in Gnejna following a trekking expedition, according to the Civil Protection Department (CPD).The CPD said in a Facebook post that it was alerted to the situation after the three persons found themselves unable to return from the coastal cave area and required assistance.A coordinated rescue operation was immediately launched involving the CPD and the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM). Rescue teams from Fire Stations 3, 5, 7 and 8 were deployed to the scene to locate and assist the stranded individuals.Following the operation, all three persons were successfully found and brought safely back to land. No injuries were reported.The Civil Protection Malta extends its appreciation to all responding entities for their swift coordination, professionalism, and assistance throughout the operation, the department said.

18 hours ago
‘I want to know the facts’ – minister says after prisoner found with internet-connected laptop

‘I want to know the facts’ – minister says after prisoner found with internet-connected laptop

Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield says he wants to know the facts as an internal inquiry was launched after prison authorities discovered that an inmate had been using a laptop connected to the internet from inside prison.In a video statement issued on Friday, Bedingfield confirmed that a prisoner had been found using a laptop irregularly within his cell, prompting an immediate investigation.While the minister did not identify the inmate, multiple sources confirmed that the laptop was seized from the cell of Adrian Agius, known as Ta' Maksar, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of lawyer Carmel Chircop.Bedingfield explained that the laptop had not been smuggled into prison. Rather, the inmate had been granted permission to use the device in May 2024, subject to strict conditions, including a prohibition on internet access.However, we now know that the laptop was used irregularly as it was connected to the internet, the minister said.He praised prison officials for uncovering the breach, noting that the inmate was caught because prison staff carried out their duties diligently.The prisoner was caught because prison officials did their job, Bedingfield said, thanking officers for acting swiftly to confiscate the device.The minister stressed that anyone found to have breached prison regulations must be held accountable.Whoever broke the rules must be punished and investigated. I want to know the facts, he said.An internal inquiry, led by Judge Emeritus Antonio Mizzi, has been tasked with establishing the circumstances surrounding the case. Mizzi has been given 30 days to submit his findings and recommendations to the minister.Once the inquiry is closed, nothing will stop me from taking decisions or ensuring that every executive authority takes the actions needed, Bedingfield added.A separate investigation is also being conducted by prison authorities.According to prison regulations, inmates who are authorised to use laptops for educational purposes must obtain the devices from outside the prison. Before use, authorities inspect and clean the hardware and physically seal all ports to prevent unauthorised data transfers or internet access.Inmates are strictly prohibited from accessing the internet.The breach came to light following a random search carried out last week. During the inspection, officials discovered that the security seals placed on Agius' laptop had been broken, exposing at least one data port and allowing the device to connect to the internet.The findings have raised questions about how prison security measures were circumvented and whether existing controls are sufficiently robust to prevent similar breaches in the future.

18 hours ago
Trio remanded in custody over €18,000 Gżira apartment heist and knife-point robbery

Trio remanded in custody over €18,000 Gżira apartment heist and knife-point robbery

Three men have been remanded in custody after being charged with a high-value apartment burglary in Gżira, with one of the co-accused additionally facing charges for a knife-point robbery on a delivery driver.Fanuel Medhanie, 20, Paul Michael Kavanagh, 48, and Alexander Antony Gia Whiteford, 43, all pleaded not guilty to the charges. Kavanagh is linked to a hold-up at a jewellery shop back in 2010, stealing 100,000 worth of jewellery, while Whiteford, holding a 55-page criminal record is facing charges of defrauding a woman by obtaining money through false pretences the amount of 167,000. While Kavanagh and Whiteford are facing charges of aggravated theft, Medhanie is facing separate charges of aggravated theft whereby violence was used, as well as detaining the person against their own well. The trio, also facing charges of recidivism and breach of bail conditions, pleaded not guilty to the charges. No request for bail was made during their arraignment.The court heard that between 10 June and 11 June a residence in Gżira was broken into. The homeowners immediately reported the incident to the police, reporting that various luxury items, including high-end handbags, perfumes, and electronics valued at approximately 18,000 had been stolen.Investigators reviewing CCTV footage from the area managed to establish that three individuals were involved in the heist. However, a major breakthrough in identifying the suspects came nearly a week later following a separate, violent crime.On 17 June, a man was targeted in a knife-point robbery, also in Gżira. The victim was threatened with a blade and robbed of 180 in cash. When police analysed CCTV footage, they recognised the perpetrator as one of the three men involved in the 18,000 apartment burglary.The next day, patrolling officers spotted Medhanie sleeping on a bench inside the Gżira public garden and immediately placed him under arrest. Later that same day, police tracked down and arrested the remaining two accomplices, who were already familiar to police through previous criminal reports.The prosecution noted that none of the three men cooperated with the police during their interrogation.Given the gravity of the offences, their criminal records, and the lack of a fixed address, the defence made no request for bail. The court ordered that all three men be held in custody at the Corradino Correctional Facility as the compilation of evidence begins.Legal aid lawyer Silvan Pulis represented two of the accused, while lawyer Ishmael Psaila appeared for Whiteford. The prosecution was led by Inspectors Stephen Gulia and Christina Delia, together with AG lawyer Krista Spiteri Lucas.Magistrate Marseanne Farrugia presided over the arraignment.

19 hours ago
Tajani cancels US trip as Meloni slams Trump's claim she 'begged' for a photo with him

Tajani cancels US trip as Meloni slams Trump's claim she 'begged' for a photo with him

The Italian government closed ranks on Friday to slam U.S. President Donald Trump over his claim that Premier Giorgia Meloni had begged for a photo with him during the recent G7 summit, a pushback that suggested the longtime U.S. ally had had enough of Trump's boasting.Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani abruptly cancelled a planned trip to the United States this weekend, calling Trump's claims serious and offensive toward Meloni and all of Italy.Meloni for her part posted a video calling Trump's claims completely fabricated. She concluded: Italy and I do not beg.Trump had made the comments in an interview broadcast Friday morning on the La7 network. The La7 correspondent had asked Trump about Ukraine, but Trump raised Meloni and the conversation turned to their meeting, caught on video, during the just-concluded G7 meeting in Evian-les-Bains, France. Meloni and Trump were filmed speaking at several points, including alone on a small sofa.According to La7, Trump said Meloni had begged him for a photo-op. Trump said he wasn't obliged to do it but that he felt sorry for her and agreed, La7 said. The broadcaster has a dubbed version of the conversation online, not the original English audio.In her video, Meloni said she was responding to Trump's claims because certain things deserve an immediate response.Donald Trump's statements are completely fabricated. I am frankly stunned, she said. I don't know why the president of the United States behaves this way toward his own allies. After all, this isn't the first time this has happened.It was an apparent reference to an interview Trump gave to Italian daily Corriere della Sera in April in which he criticized Meloni's refusal to back the U.S.-Israel war in Iran. Meloni didn't respond publicly at the time.By Friday, it appeared she had had enough of his boasts and broadsides.I can only say that it's a shame he doesn't show the same resolve toward the enemies of the West, toward the enemies of the United States - toward leaders with whom he, on the other hand, is much more accommodating, Meloni said Friday. But there's one thing he must remember: Italy and I do not beg.Meloni had initially sought to build on longstanding strong U.S.-Italian ties when Trump began his second mandate, and had positioned herself as a bridge between Washington and the European Union. She was the lone EU head of state to attend his inauguration.But relations have frayed over the U.S. war in Iran, which Meloni has said was illegal, and Trump's position on Ukraine, which Italy strongly supports. Trump's tariffs and strong U.S. support of Israel over its war in Gaza have been other points of contention.By Friday afternoon, solidarity with Meloni had poured in from across the government and political spectrum, and included a call from President Sergio Mattarella, Italy's widely respected head of state.Whoever attacks @GiorgiaMeloni attacks all of us, posted Transport Minister Matteo Salvini.Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said he didn't believe Meloni would ever beg someone for a photo, not even under threat.I can, however, imagine how much it cost her to set aside what Trump had said weeks ago, to serve the interests of Italy, of Europe, and of the West, Crosetto posted on X. Jokes of this kind do no good to anyone: neither to the USA, nor to Italy, nor to the alliance.Tajani had been due to travel to the U.S. as early as Sunday to take part in an Italy-U.S. business forum in Miami during which he was to have meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to a U.S. State Department announcement of the meeting.

19 hours ago