News

Mexico, USA Struggle In Pre-Gold Cup Friendlies

The Gold Cup kicks off next Saturday at the SoFi Stadium with the tournament providing the last real competitive chance for the already qualified hosts – Canada, Mexico and USA – to test their 2026 World Cup preparations. At the weekend there were mixed fortunes for all three in pre-Gold Cup friendlies against European opposition.

Canada were the only team to win with a 2-0 victory over Ukraine, while Mexico last to Switzerland 2-0 and the USA threw away a lead against Turkey to go down 2-1.

The US men’s team under Mauricio Pochettino have now had three losses in a row.

Having lost without seeming to put up much of a fight in their Nations Leagues semi-final and third place play-offs against Panama and Canada in March, a new look and reshaped team (they are missing seven players due to Club World Cup and ‘rest-required’ reasons) started fast against the Turks.

Houston Dynamo’s Jack McGlynn scored a spectacular first-minute curler to give the US the lead, but it was thrown away by two calamitous defensive errors.

First, Johnny Cardoso hit a scrambled defensive pass directly into Arda Güler, with the Real Madrid youngster only having to tap the ball past Matt Freese for a 24th-minute equalizer.

Three minutes later, a poor clearance from Miles Robinson gave the ball to Kerem Aktürkoğlu who buried from close range to make it 2-1.

Turkey were then content to sit back and absorb the very little penetration the US could muster. Pochettino has a lot of work to do with a team that is struggling to find an identity or cutting edge under his leadership.

Mexican defence stands off

Mexico, who at the current Gold Cup Champions and who won their first Nations League in March, faced a good Swiss team who had control from the start. Not known for their high scoring ability, the Swiss put four past the Mexicans.

Switzerland took the lead in the 20th minute when Ricardo Rodriguez sent a deep pass to Breel Embolo, who fired past goalkeeper Raul Rangel.

Santaigo Gimenez brought Mexico level with a 51st minute header but the Swiss restored their advantage 13 minutes later with Zeki Amdouni side-footing home from close range.

Dan Ndoye made it 3-1 firing home from a tight angle.Angel Sepulveda pulled on back but as Mexico looked for an equaliser, the Swiss hit them on the break with Rieder providing the finish with a chip from the edge of the box.

Mexico next face Turkey on Tuesday in North Carolina while Switzerland face the USA in Nashville.

In contrast Canada looked like a team with a purpose with a 4-2 win over Ukraine in a friendly match at BMO Field, Toronto, on Saturday. Jonathan David starred with a brace.

Canada confident

Jesse Marsch’s side got off to a good start when David put them in front when he followed in to tap home after his header from a Tajon Buchanan cross was parried out by .

Buchanan was causing the Ukraine defence plenty of problems with his speed and a whipped in cross was perfectly glanced home by David or his and Canada’s second.

Jesse Marsch expects his teams to press high and hard, and from a turnover Promise David went clear to score first international goal to make it 3-0 in the 31st minute.

The chances continued to arrive after the break and substitute Jayden Nelson struck the post as Canada looked to put the game completely beyond the Ukrainians.

The fourth goal came in the 81st minute when Luc De Fougerolles headed goalwards and Buchanan turned it home.

Ukraine got some consolation late on with a goal from Illia Zabarnyi and Oleksandr Zinchenko penalty.

Part of a mini-tournament dubbed the Canadian Shield, it also features New Zealand and the Ivory Coast. Canada face the Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

Mexico open their Gold cup defence on June 14 in the SoFi Stadium against Dominican Republic, the USA start the following day in PayPark, San Jose, against Trinidad and Tobago, whilst Canada begin June 17 against Honduras in BC Place, Vancouver.

Insideworldfootball.com

Post Views: 190

Local News

Beckham Joins Bellingham & Trent to Unveil Retro Gunmetal Adidas Predator Mania

David Beckham Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold posing with the gunmetal adidas Predator Mania boots

Beckham Links Up With The New Generation

Adidas just pulled off the ultimate fusion of eras — pairing Real Madrid legend David Beckham with modern-day stars Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold to unveil the new throwback Predator Mania Gunmetal.

The visual alone is powerful:
Beckham, the man who helped define the Predator legacy, standing alongside the players shaping a new generation at the Santiago Bernabéu.

It’s nostalgia meeting modern football culture in the cleanest way possible.

How Beckham & Zidane Made The Predator A Cultural Icon

In the 2000s, football boots had personalities — and none louder than the Predator.

Thanks to players like:

David Beckham
Zinedine Zidane
Steven Gerrard

…the Predator brand became more than footwear — it became a symbol of confidence, control, and creativity.

Beckham’s signature whip-your-free-kick technique and the unforgettable fold-over tongue made Predator Mania one of the most legendary boots ever created.

And now in 2025, it’s back — reborn with purpose.

A Historic Gunmetal Colourway Returns

The 2025 Predator Mania comes in a stunning Gunmetal grey, blending early-2000s nostalgia with fresh modern flair.

Adidas describes it as:

“Metallic, polished and aggressive”
Featuring crisp white Three Stripes
And the iconic red fold-over tongue — embroidered and unapologetically bold

Beckham famously wore this colourway during his early Real Madrid days.
It quickly became a cult favourite, often called “one of the most photogenic boots of its era.”

Now it’s back — and it looks better than ever.

Engineered For Today’s Game

While the look is faithful, adidas didn’t simply remake the past — they improved it.

The 2025 Predator Mania is crafted in the historic Scheinfeld factory in Germany, the birthplace of many legendary Predator lines.

Key enhancements include:

Upgraded comfort
Subtle structural refinement
Increased responsiveness
Modern fit for today’s style of play

In short:
Old-school swagger meets high-performance engineering.

Back On The Bernabéu Grass

The revival feels even more fitting because two current Real Madrid stars — Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold — will bring the Gunmetal Mania back to the Santiago Bernabéu pitch.

From Beckham’s free-kick artistry to Bellingham’s midfield dominance and Trent’s laser passing…
the Predator legacy remains in elite company.

Adidas couldn’t have scripted a better generational handover.

Want To Advertise With Us?

📩 sales@ventolitemarketing.com

Post Views: 40

News

Galatasaray Vs Samsunspor: Can Cimbom Break Samsunspor’s Unbeaten Run In A Heated Super Lig Clash?

Galatasaray players celebrating a goal ahead of their match against Samsunspor.

Galatasaray Vs Samsunspor Match Preview

The Turkish Super Lig title race is heating up, and Friday’s clash between Galatasaray and Samsunspor carries huge implications for both ends of the table. Cimbom remain top, but their recent dip in form has opened the door for rivals — and Samsunspor are arriving in Istanbul with confidence and a 14-game unbeaten streak.

This matchup promises intensity, tactics, and a battle of resilience versus home dominance.

Galatasaray Searching For Lost Spark

Galatasaray head into this fixture frustrated after conceding a 95th-minute equaliser in the derby against Fenerbahce — a result that denied them a chance to go four points clear.

Their early-season sharpness has faded:

9 wins in their first 10 games
Only 1 win in their last 4
Three matches without scoring during Victor Osimhen’s absence

The Nigerian striker’s return instantly improves their attack, but Okan Buruk’s side still need to rediscover the fluid, cohesive football that put them top of the table.

Samsunspor’s Incredible Unbeaten Run

Samsunspor enter the match in fantastic form:

Unbeaten in 14 across all competitions (7W, 7D)
10 straight games unbeaten in the league
A habit of rising to big games — drawing against Besiktas, Fenerbahce, and Trabzonspor

However, three consecutive draws — including a late 1-1 against Alanyaspor — show they sometimes struggle to finish opponents off.

Thomas Reis’s men sit 5th with 25 points, but defeat could drop them down the table. Still, their discipline and structure make them one of the most difficult teams to break down this season.

Head-to-Head: A Fixture Dominated By Galatasaray

History heavily favours the hosts:

Galatasaray have won the last eight meetings
Samsunspor’s last victory over Cimbom feels like a lifetime ago
Recent games have been high scoring and entertaining

With form and past meetings combined, Galatasaray remain favourites — but Samsunspor’s current resilience cannot be ignored.

Team News

Galatasaray

Out injured:

Ismail Jakobs
Wilfried Singo

Suspended (betting scandal):

Eren Elmali
Metehan Baltaci

Osimhen is fit but still regaining full sharpness.

Samsunspor

Long-term absentees:

Olivier Ntcham
Ebrima Ceesay
Bedirhan Cetin
Tanguy Coulibaly
Afonso Sousa

Also missing:

Lubomir Satka (injured)
Celil Yuksel (betting scandal)
Joe Mendes (red card suspension)

Probable Lineups

Galatasaray:

Cakir; Sanchez, Bardakci, Lemina, Karatas; Torreira, Sara; Sane, Gundogan, Yilmaz; Osimhen

Samsunspor:

Kocuk; Yavru, Borevkovic, Van Drongelen, Tomasson; Makoumbou; Musaba, Aydin, Holse, Kilinic; Ndiaye

Want To Advertise With Us?

📩 sales@ventolitemarketing.com
Sports Market International — One of the best sports blogs delivering premium sports insights, trends, and market stories.

Post Views: 90

AFCON 2025

Ben Iroha Says Super Eagles Squad Has Depth And Quality Ahead Of AFCON 2025

Nigeria’s Super Eagles players training ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Gabon

Former Super Eagles star Ben Iroha believes Nigeria has the depth, quality, and experience needed to compete for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title — as long as the right decisions are made.

Speaking from his base in Texas, the 1994 AFCON champion reacted to the 54-man provisional squad released by Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle, describing it as a strong foundation for a title-winning team.

“The Talent And Quality Are There” — Iroha

Although he emphasized that the real test comes when the list is trimmed to 23 players, Iroha said the current roster reflects Nigeria’s impressive global football presence.

“Nigeria is very rich in talent production. Apart from one or two NPFL players, the rest are in top leagues across Europe. The talent, quality and experience are there,”
Iroha told Completesports.com.

He noted that the squad’s strength lies not just in big names, but in the blend of competition, versatility, and international exposure among the players.

Hard Work And Proper Planning Will Decide Everything

According to Iroha, Nigeria’s path to a fourth AFCON crown depends on more than raw ability.

He stressed the importance of:

Hard work
Organisation
Tactical discipline
Proper preparation

“With proper preparation and the right selection, this team has what it takes to deliver the AFCON title in Morocco.”

Iroha also acknowledged that Nigerian fans will accept nothing less than the trophy, especially after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He believes the renewed energy shown late in the qualifiers is a sign of what the team can achieve if they maintain — or surpass — that level at AFCON.

Nigeria Chasing A Fourth AFCON Title

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on 21 December 2025 in Morocco, with the final set for 18 January 2026.

Nigeria’s three previous AFCON triumphs came in:

1980
1994
2013

With expectations sky-high and a hungry squad available, Coach Eric Chelle will be aiming to write his name in history by guiding the Super Eagles to AFCON glory once again.

Want To Advertise With Us?
Email: sales@ventolitemarketing.com

Sports Market International — One of Africa’s Fastest-Rising Sports Blogs for Football News, Insights, and Sports Market Analysis.

Post Views: 74