China: 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup Champions

Navi Mumbai: China PR came from two goals down to defeat Korea Republic 3-2 in a pulsating AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022™ final at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

Korea Republic looked to be cruising to their first crown after taking a 2-0 lead at half-time but China PR fought back after the break through goals from Tang Jiali, Zhang Linyan and Xiao Yuyi - who netted the winner deep into added time to seal her side a record-extending ninth title. 

China PR head coach Shui Qingxia hailed her players’ performance in capturing their historic ninth title.

“This is the most critical moment for China PR women’s football,” said Shui. “Despite trailing 2-0 my players showed determination to fight back. I like to thank all the players for winning the title but they also won it for themselves.”

Korea Republic head coach Colin Bell was proud of his players despite missing out on their first title.

"I'm proud of the players, I told them that after the match," said Bell. "We need to keep improving and not let this defeat diminish our spirit. We're bitterly disappointed. We need to be stronger mentally. The penalty against us, took our concentration away."

China PR entered the final chasing their first title since 2006 against a Korea Republic side who had never laid their hands on the coveted trophy.

China PR, unbeaten in seven previous meetings with Korea Republic, started the game brightly and had the first look at goal within seconds when Wu Chengshu played the ball to Tang Jiali just above the area, but the midfielder’s effort was easily dealt with by Korea Republic goalkeeper Kim Jung-mi.

China PR continued to press with Zhang Xin trying from 35 yards out while Wang Shuang saw her effort in the 10th minute saved by Kim.

Korea Republic began to see more of the ball as the half progressed and were rewarded with their first look at goal in the 27th minute, with Lee Geum-min breaking into the box before sending a cross to Choe Yu-Ri to score the 100th goal of the tournament.

With Korea Republic in the ascendancy, China PR survived a scare at the half-hour mark, goalkeeper Zhou Yu pulling off a point-blank save to deny Lim Seon-Joo’s header off a free-kick.

China PR, however, suffered more woe in the closing stages of the first half when a VAR review saw Korea Republic awarded a penalty for Yao Lingwei’s handball, with Ji So-yun converting from the spot. 

China PR head coach Shui sent on Xiao Yuyi and Zhang Rui at the start of the second half to force their way back into the game but Korea Republic gave them little room to operate in the early stages.

China PR, however, received a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty for Lee Young-ju’s handball, with Tang Jiali netting from the spot in the 68th minute.

Boosted by the goal, China PR began to dictate play and drew level four minutes later thanks to some poor defending by Korea Republic. 

Goalscorer Tang did well to beat two Korea Republic defenders before sending a delightful cross into the six-yard-box for an unmarked Zhang Linyan to nod home the equaliser. 

Korea Republic could have then won it at the death with Zhou Yu pulling off a one handed save before defender Wang Xiaoxue blocked Son Hwa-Yeon’s effort.

Having escaped, China PR broke Korea Republic's hearts in added time with Xiao Yuyi stunningly finishing off Wang Shanshan’s pass as a record-extending ninth title was sealed. 

Senegal: 2022 Africa Cup Of Nations Champions

After having waited a long time in its history, Senegal also spent a lot of time on the lawn of the Olembé stadium in Yaoundé (Cameroon) to win its first continental title (4-2)

Senegal dominated without scoring a goal with a penalty missed by Sadio Mané in the 4th minute of play, Saliou Ciss having been brought down in the penalty area of ​​Egypt.

Sadio Mané shoots in force on the Egyptian goalkeeper Gabaski.

Despite this missed penalty, Senegal continues its pressure and Ismaila Sarr after getting rid of the left back, center for anyone in the axis of the goal. Three times, in the 12th, 18th and 23rd minute.

The only Egyptian opportunity is the work of Mohamed Salah who, after having a cold in the Senegalese defense, takes a shot angle. It's deflected by Edouard Mendy for a corner.

Senegal continued to dominate but remain powerless when it comes to making the final move.

As in the first period, the Pharaohs had their chance with Marwan Mehany alone in the Senegalese penalty area, headed over the crossbar in the 73rd minute.

At 0-0 after the end of regulation time, the South African referee, Victor Gomes sent the players back to overtime.

During the first period of extra time, two Senegalese chances, Bamba Dieng put a header deflected for a corner by the Egyptian goalkeeper in the 110th minute.

On the corner, Abdou Diallo alone sees his ball from the head fly in the sky of Yaoundé.

Bamba Dieng lights up again, the Egyptian goalkeeper for a corner.

On an Egyptian collective movement, Mahmoud Aladin returns the favor, Edouard Mendy works to deflect for a corner.

After 120 minutes of play, it will be the penalty shootout, an exercise which the Pharaohs succeeded twice against Côte d'Ivoire (eighth final) and Cameroon (semi-final) were won by the Pharaohs.

Finally, it is Senegal who wins 4-2, Bouna Sarr being the only one to miss his exercise with the Lions. Sadio Mané, who missed his penalty for a corner, is one of those who scored. 

On the side of the Pharaohs Mohamed Abdel Meneam and Mohanad Ahmed Abdelmoneim missed theirs.

Apocryphal

The dream I had was apocryphal. My neighbors were dousing the flames that were burning other neighbors' houses, and I was riding with my sister on scooters, heading to Staples Center to watch an Los Angeles Avengers arena football game. It was a hot day. We were talking about the possibility of going to a few Los Angeles Galaxy games at Home Depot Center, but my sister did not want to sit with the Riot Squad section, because it as too expensive for her, so I decided, how about going to any games at the Home Depot Track, to which she agreed, because they were cheaper, and there was a beer garden.

The reason I say this was apocryphal was when I woke from my dream, I learned from the BBC that David Beckham had signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy. He will be joining the team in August.

ReToBA: Return To Baltic Avenue

In the words of the legendary Tupac Amaru Shakur, today was a good day. With USC bouncing back over Michigan, Long Beach State and UNLV going on a tear in men’s hoops, Bob Knight passing Dean Smith on New Year’s Day, Boise boosting the WAC’s credibility with an OT win over those Okies from Norman, and the Anaheim Ducks are still the best team in the NHL so far, it was not ust a god day, it as a great day. Oh, I almost forgot, the San Diego Chargers wrapped up home field advantage throughout the playoffs, save for the Super Bowl, of course (which will be hosted in Miami).

So now, I’ve returned home from North Las Vegas to my official home in West Long Beach, via an overnight stopover at our house in Murrieta. The Murrieta house, which my sister owns, does not have internet capability yet. I hope that on my next visit that inconvenience will be fixed.

I was rudely welcomed when my software detected a couple more Trojan horses on my desktop. I’m going to have to give it a restart, update and scan.

Props to the local boys from Hawaii

Let me give my Christmas shoutout to the people of Hawaii.

First off, I want to extend my congratulations to the University of Hawaii football team for bouncing back to win the 2006 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl over Arizona State. That was a sensational performance and this puts the 2006 team as the best since 92. Hawaii, you bloody beauty!

Secondly, June Jones. I have placed you at the top of my favorite football coaches at the college level. Now you are one of the greats. You are now the winningest head football coach in Hawaii in the modern era, passing Dick Tomey, whose Spartans won last night, by the way. Let's see if you can solve the mystery against Boise next year.

Finally, Colt Brennan. Man oh man. Words can't describe how important you are not only to Manoa, but to the state of Hawai'i. You decided to change your life the day Coach Jones opened the door for you, and you took advantage of it. Where you go from here is up to you, but I advise you: make the right decision that you will be happy with in the long run. And also, you have made the Mission Football Conference, and especially Mark McElroy and the Gauchos of Saddleback College, very proud to have seen an alumnus break Klingler's record.

And to the staff of the Honolulu Advertiser, the Star-Bulletin, KKEA 1420 AM, and everyone who follows the Warrior football team, you are the best. Keep it up, and keep believing. Enjoy the holiday, enjoy life, and let's do it all over again next year.GO WARRIORS! Aloha to you all.