iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
“It has been a privilege to witness and contribute to the growth of both Dubai and the golf industry here,” said McMurdo as he reflected on his time at Dubai's famous Resort Golf Course
KT APPDOWNLOAD
Euro 2020 penalty abuse forgotten, Saka is toast of England
Bukayo Saka, who faced racial abuse after his failed effort from the penalty spot led to England's Euro 2020 final defeat, was the hero on Saturday night
England forward Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring in the penalty shootout against Switzerland. — AFP
Subjected to racist insults after missing the decisive penalty of England's shootout defeat in the Euro 2020 final, Bukayo Saka buried that nightmare on Saturday with a superb individual goal and spot-kick success against Switzerland.
"To come back from something like that was really difficult. I used that to make me stronger. Today I took the chance and I'm happy," said England's man-of-the-match.
Only 19 during that infamous shootout loss to Italy at Wembley, Saka's confidence could have been shattered by the invective he and other Black players received online.
But he recovered quickly - helped by coach Gareth Southgate's support, a massive groundswell of public affection, and a backlash against the abusers - and continued to show fine form for Arsenal in the Premier League and for England.
Now Saka is a popular figure and, at age 22, almost a veteran of the national team, with 38 appearances and 12 goals.
Saturday's game may have been the most special of them all.
Saka first hit a glorious curling equaliser when England were 1-0 down in their quarter-final against the Swiss and on their way out of the tournament. Then, when the game finished at 1-1 after extra time, he was one of England's five successful penalty-takers in the 5-3 shootout victory.
The total focus on his face as he stepped up for England's third penalty gave way to a massive smile as the ball nestled into the corner.
"Last time we took a penalty shootout at the Euros, you all know what happened. I'm so proud of everyone how we got over the line," he said.
"I felt that we dominated the whole game, that the chance (for a goal) will come. And it did come and I was the one that took it, so I'm proud of myself for that."
Coach Southgate, whose consolation of Saka at the last Euros was one of the abiding images of the tournament and remains a painful sight for England fans, said he could not be prouder of his young charge.
"He is so brave. He's one of our best. So we were never in any question that he was going to take one (a penalty). But we all know what he went through. And to deliver as he did."
England's footballing history is littered with painful shootout failures, but Saka said he felt calm in the moment.
"You fail once but I'm the sort of guy who wants to put myself in the position again. I know there's a lot of nervous people watching, like my family, but I kept my cool and scored my penalty," he said.
In the semifinal on Wednesday, England will face the Netherlands. Three-time champions Spain will take on 2022 World Cup runners-up France in the first semifinal on Tuesday.
ALSO READ:
More news from Sports
The second season will see six teams vying for the honours in London after the inaugural season was won by Triveni Continental Kings in Dubai last year
The champion of this week's tournament will earn invites to both The Masters and The Open
His strategy involves investing in modern amenities, expanding instructional programs, and highlighting the course's unique features in Dubai's competitive golf landscape
Rory McIlroy will be joined by several stars including UAE-based Tommy Fleetwood at the Old Course at St Andrews, Scotland
A 32-year-old Dubai Golden Visa Awardee, Stalter has three professional wins including the 2020 Euram Bank Open and two Challenge Tour titles
There will also be a live music concert alongside the thrilling Padel action
Anis Akbar, who has already achieved podium finishes, reveals how he deals with hostile drivers on track