Football: FOOTBALL AROUND THE WORLD
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Netherlands
Dani, the Portuguese forward who played nine games for West Ham last season, is remembered at Upton Park more for his fondness for London's nightclubs than his playing prowess. Yesterday, though, the 20-year-old was the toast of Amsterdam after his spectacular goal helped Ajax reach the European Cup semi-finals.
Dani crashed a superb long-range shot into the top corner of the Atletico Madrid net to give Ajax a 2-1 lead in extra time of the second leg of Wednesday's quarter-final. The Dutch champions won 3-2 to secure a 4- 3 aggregate win, and Amsterdam's Telegraaf newspaper declared: "What a sensation! What a spectacle! Ajax played what was perhaps the most spell- binding game in their history."
Ajax were doubtless pleased to give Jesus Gil y Gil, Atletico's president, a taste of defeat. Before the first leg in the , he had said about Ajax: "You see them warming up, five blacks there, four there, three more on the field - it looked like the Congo to me." His comments led to Ajax board members boycotting a lunch with Atletico officials prior to the second leg.
Russia
Anatoli Davidov, 43, became the oldest player to appear in the Russian Premier League when he turned out in last weekend's season opener for Zenit St Petersburg. On Monday his son Dimitri, 22, came on as a last- minute substitute in their next game - the first time a father and son had played together in Russia's top division.
Spain
Valencia's Brazilian striker, Leandro, has promised to change his goal celebration after protests from opponents. His routine? Going down on all fours and cocking his leg like a dog. "I will change animal," said Leandro, who has also treated fans to an imitation of a bat, the symbol of his club.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments