BRAVE AMZAR TAKES BIG CHALLENGE WITH ZVIJEZDA

Inspired by Luqman Hakim's move to KV Kortrijk, Mohammad Rafieq Al-Amzar Zulkifeli has agreed to join Zvijezda Gradacac in Bosnia Herzegovina. When not many footballers in Malaysia are willing to get out of their comfort zone, the 18 years-old player from Petaling Jaya made the biggest decision in his football career.

At a very young age, Amzar took up a big challenge to play with club far away from his home. The move may not yet be a dream move, but his confidence makes him one of the bravest player from his country. Leaving his family at his tender age is a huge sacrifice in pursuit of his football dream. The experience and knowledge he will gain are simply more valuable than the money he can earn in local leagues.

Zvijezda is football club based in Gradacac. Founded in 1922, the club are currently in the First League of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH). Zvijezda best moment came in 2015-16 season where they finished second in the league.

Playing in a striker position, Amzar made headlines in 2020 when he was selected to join TH Global Football Fantasia Camp at Real Madrid. The Selangor born player developed his football talent at Seberang Temerloh Sports School in Pahang. Some of his previous achievements include 1MCC Under-14 champions (2016) and KPM League Sumbangsih Cup (2017).

According to his father Zulkifeli, it will not be so tough for Amzar to live far from his family because the player is used to hostels life. He rated his son as a hardworking player on and off the field. If Amzar can display good performances at Zvijezda, he believes that a better deal will be on Amzar's table.

3-5-2 FOOTBALL

ITALY DEFEAT ENGLAND IN EURO FINAL

Euphoria erupts in the streets of Rome immediately after the victory. Roberto Mancini boys became men as they came back from the shock concede and claim a 3-2 victory over England at Wembley.

Luke Shaw's goal inside the opening two minutes gave England a lead, which looked like it would hold onto all night. But a goalmouth scramble midway through the second half allowed Leonardo Bonucci to poke home an equalizer for Italy.

It was a similar story in the first additional 15 minutes, though England did briefly force their way back into the game in the second period, albeit without either side creating anything to reward the crowd for their waves of noise. So it went to penalties, where England’s young guns failed and Italy took the championship. It is the Azzurri's first major title in 15 years since they won the World Cup over France.

TIGERS SUPER SPORTS

Gianlucci Donnarumma saved from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after Marcus Rashford hit the post, as Federico Bernardeschi, Leonardo Bonucci and Domenico Berardi all scored for the Italians. The giant goalkeeper made his debut with AC Milan at 16 years old. He made his first Italy start at 17 and already Euro2020 Player of the tournament at 22. Donnarumma is a prodigy and Italy keep churning out the best goalkeepers over the decades.

The journey towards this glory started in November 2017, Italy failed to qualify for the world Cup for the first time since 1958. In May 2018, Italian FA appointed Mancini. The Azzurris have not lost a single game in all 34 matches including the win the Euro 2020 last night.

Cristiano Ronaldo finished the tournament’s joint top goal scorer along with Czech Republic’s forward Patrick Schick. England remained without a trophy since the 1966 World Cup victory.

By: Faiz Hakim | Photo: EURO 2020 / Getty

ARGENTINA WIN COPA AMERICA AT MARACANA

Lionel Messi finally able to secure his first international medal with Argentina to his collection of La Liga, Champions League, World Club Cup, Ballon d’Or and more. Clearly he is in tears, succumbed to the atmosphere finally realizing the dreams have come true at last.

Argentina have also won their first major title in 28 years on Saturday when an Angel Di Maria goal gave them a 1-0 win over Brazil and a record-equalling 15th Copa America. The victory also means they draw level with Uruguay as the all-time leading winners.

Di Maria, starting for just the second time in the Copa, justified his selection by scoring the opener in the 22nd minute in the first half. Argentina managed to defend even when Brazil piled on the pressure in an exciting second half but even with five strikers on the field they could not get an equaliser against an Argentine defence protected by the outstanding Rodrigo De Paul.

Messi finished the tournament’s joint top goalscorer with four goals and was elected joint best player along with Neymar. The historic game was played at the legendary Maracana Stadium, Rio De Janerio. A true footballing temple where the best Brazilian legends have won many great titles here. The Argentinian nicknamed this stadium Maracanazo.

"This is a very big title," said Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni who last won a major Champion at U20 World Cup in Malaysia in 1997 along with Pablo Aimar and Walter Samuel which are also in his Argentinian coaching staffs. This win extended their sequence of undefeated matches to 20 under Scaloni.

Amidst all the Copa America celebration, it is hard not to mention the one and only Diego Armando Maradona. So sad that he was not able to be here to see Argentina lift this Cup. He is surely looking from above, proud of his countrymen especially Messi.

Argentina won this for him too!

By: Faiz Hakim

Photo: Copa America/AFP

SUFI SUPER YACHTS

ARGENTINA BEAT COLOMBIA IN COPA AMERICA SEMIFINALS

Argentina reached the Copa America final after they beat Colombia 3-2 in penalty shootouts. The semifinal match in Brasilia ended 1-1 after ninety minutes. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was the hero for Argentina as he saved three shots.

Argentina took early advantage when Lautaro Martinez fired into the net from Lionel Messi's pass in the 7th minute. The match was so intense as ten yellow cards were shown by the referees. Both sides had almost the same amount of opportunities and possessions. Colombia's equaliser came in the 61st minute when Luis Diaz scored from a tight angle to complete a surprise counter attack.

In the shootouts, Martinez saved Colombia's spot kicks by Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona. Messi, Leandro Paredes and Martinez scored from the spot to send Argentina for the title decider against Brazil. Argentina are now unbeaten in 19 games are set for the final showdown at the Maracana on Saturday.

Photo: Copa America/AFP

ASIA SPORTS CHANNEL

BRAZIL IS A MATCH AWAY FROM 10TH COPA AMERICA TITLE

Defending champions Brazil beat Peru 1-0 in the Copa America semifinals at Estádio Nilton Santos in Rio. Lucas Paqueta scored the winner in the 35th minute to secure his team spot in the Copa America final.

The semifinal was a repeat of the last final, two years ago, when a Brazil team shorn of the injured Neymar also triumphed on home soil. The Selecao dominated the first half but Peru gave the home side some nervous moments after the break. In the 36th minute, Neymar produced his magic to set up for Paqueta to score the only goal. Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was the busiest player throughout the match as he saved many attempts by Brazil. 

Brazil will play the winner of another semifinals clash between Argentina and Colombia. They have now gone 13 games unbeaten in all competitions, and eyeing for the 10th Copa America title.

3-5-2 FOOTBALL