Italy Beat Portugal To Win U19 European Championship

Jul 17 2023

Italy emerged victorious yesterday evening, beating Portugal with a single score in the U19 European Championship Final at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium.

With a goal by Fiorentina star Michael Kayode earning the victory for the Azzurrini, the Italians had plenty of other opportunities to up the score but did not manage to do so.

This did not stop the team from celebrating their well deserved victory, going on to lift the prestigious trophy and celebrate on the Maltese football pitch.

The prestigious Under-19 EURO finals took place between the 3rd and 16th of July and saw teams like Iceland, Greece, Norway, Spain, Poland and, of course, Portugal and Italy bring their talent to Malta.

This was of course an opportunity to strengthen Malta’s position in sports tourism, with the National Stadium, Centenary Stadium, Tony Bezzina Stadium and Gozo Stadium in Xewkija all used for these matches.

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20 Maltese CPD Officials To Help In Greece With Forest Fires

Jul 17 2023

20 Civil Protection Department officers left Malta for Greece to help authorities manage the raging forest fires caused by the heatwaves hitting various countries.

Prior to their leaving Malta, Minister for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality Byron Camilleri met with the officers at the Malta International Airport.

This aid comes a few months after the same department assisted Turkey by sending 32 officials to help deal with the earthquake catastrophe.

The Minister highlighted how this is the first time the department is sending a contingent to provide assistance with fire extinguishing. This was only possible, he said, due to the officers’ professional training and the investment that went into the CPD.

General Director for the CPD, Peter Paul Coleiro, said that, from the beginning of this year, Greece experienced 5,200 wildfires, with 1250 acres being destroyed.

A process of pre-positioning, whereby officers are already on site to manage the situation, was taken on by the European Union to deal with such calamities.

The officials are expected to remain in Greece until the end of July through a European mechanism for Civil Protection. Meanwhile, 230 officials will continue to operate normally in Malta.

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Malta U15 National Team Write History At European Championships

Jul 16 2023

The under-15 waterpolo national team has achieved something truly remarkable at the European Championships, securing a historic top 10 finish and rewriting the country’s history books in international waterpolo. Led by Jonathan Valletta and Ryan Coleiro, this young and talented squad has displayed exceptional skill and determination, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.

The journey for the Maltese youngsters has been nothing short of sensational. Despite starting the tournament on the wrong foot due to travel delays and a lack of sleep, they demonstrated unwavering character and determination throughout. The team’s captain, Sam Engerer, overcame illness to play a pivotal role in their success. This display of resilience set the tone for their historic campaign.

“Our initial goal was to make it to the top 16, but once we saw the possibility of winning the group, we started to believe in a top 12 ranking. We are now top 10, something never achieved before in Maltese waterpolo,” expressed a delighted Valletta.

This remarkable achievement is even more impressive considering the team’s lack of depth in key positions. Valletta acknowledged the challenges they faced but praised the commitment and dedication of his players. Their unity and selflessness have been instrumental in their success.

Valletta highlighted the importance of financial investment and support for the future of waterpolo in Malta. While the ASA (Aquatic Sports Association) and clubs have made significant investments, the limited pool space and training time hinder their progress compared to top European nations. Valletta called on the government to further support the sport, as it has the potential to elevate Malta’s reputation in the elite waterpolo community.

Looking ahead to the play-off against Germany, Valletta acknowledged the difficulty of the task but expressed the team’s determination to finish the tournament on a high note. The players are driven by a strong winning mentality and will leave everything on the pitch.

The progress made by the under-15 team, as well as the under-17 and under-20 age groups, is a testament to the investment and support from clubs and the ASA.

Congratulations to the under-15 waterpolo national team! You have made the nation proud.

PhotoSource: ASA

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Lionel Messi Has Officially Been Presented As An Inter Miami Signing

Jul 16 2023

Hold onto your seats, football fans, because the possibly greatest player in the world has embarked on a groundbreaking new chapter in his illustrious career. Lionel Messi, the Argentine forward and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, has officially joined American MLS side Inter Miami on a deal that will keep him with the team until 2025.

The news comes after Messi bid farewell to French champions Paris St-Germain at the end of the 2022-23 season, leaving fans around the globe in anticipation of his next move. In a statement, the 36-year-old expressed his excitement about joining Inter Miami and the prospect of playing in the United States.

The signing of Messi by Inter Miami is a dream come true for co-owner David Beckham, who himself made a significant impact on American soccer during his time with LA Galaxy. Beckham couldn’t contain his excitement, stating, “Today that dream came true. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s calibre is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person, and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community.”

This move marks a milestone for Messi, who has never played for a club outside of Europe. He expressed his eagerness to contribute to the growth and success of Inter Miami, referring to the opportunity as a fantastic one.

The upcoming Leagues Cup match against LIGA MX side Cruz Azul on 21 July will be Messi’s debut for Inter Miami, and fans are eagerly awaiting the moment when he takes to the pitch in the club’s iconic colors. The MLS commissioner, Don Garber, expressed his joy at having the world’s greatest player join the league, stating, “We have no doubt that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a league of choice for the best players in the game.”

Messi’s extraordinary achievements and talents continue to make waves, and he is in contention to win another Ballon d’Or this year after his triumphant World Cup campaign with Argentina. With 32 goals in 75 games for PSG last season, Messi’s impeccable skill and game-changing abilities are set to leave a lasting impact on the MLS and inspire a new generation of footballers in North America.

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