Sports
Hungary Coach Szalai Stable After Collapsing During Nations League Match
Hungary’s coach Adam Szalai has reassured fans that he is “doing well” after collapsing during his team’s Nations League match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Saturday. The alarming incident occurred just seven minutes into the game, prompting a 13-minute pause as medical personnel rushed to assist the 36-year-old coach.
Szalai, who retired as a player in 2023 after earning 86 international caps, received immediate attention on the bench where a makeshift medical tent was set up. He was then carried out on a stretcher and taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Captain Dominik Szoboszlai, visibly shaken, was seen in tears on the pitch as concern spread among players and fans.
“Thanks for the lots of messages, I’m doing well,” Szalai later shared in a Facebook post, bringing relief to many who had been anxiously awaiting updates. The Hungarian Football Association confirmed that Szalai was “stable and conscious” following the incident.
The match resumed after Szalai’s departure, and the Netherlands soon gained momentum. A VAR review led to a penalty in the 21st minute, which Ajax striker Wout Weghorst converted to put the hosts ahead. Weghorst’s celebratory slide toward the corner flag drew criticism for perceived insensitivity given the circumstances.
Reflecting on the incident, Weghorst stated, “I never thought for a moment that this could come across as unpleasant. In retrospect, you think, ‘would it have been more respectful to cheer less exuberantly?’ Let it be clear that his life is more important than my goal. I hope I don’t have to explain that to anyone.”
The Dutch team captain, Virgil van Dijk, defended Weghorst’s celebration, remarking, “I didn’t think the celebration was exaggerated at all. Hungary made the choice to continue playing. Then you get on with playing the match.”
The Netherlands went on to secure a 4-0 victory, a result that advanced them to the Nations League quarter-finals. Despite the win, Szalai’s health and recovery remained at the forefront of post-match discussions, with well-wishes pouring in from the football community.
The knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League is set to deliver high-stakes encounters, with Chelsea drawn against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
Meanwhile, Manchester City will meet Real Madrid in what marks the fifth consecutive season the two sides have faced off in the competition’s knockout rounds.
Despite six Premier League teams reaching the last 16, there will be no all-English ties. League leaders Arsenal are set to take on Bayer Leverkusen, while Newcastle United face Barcelona.
Elsewhere, Liverpool have been paired with Galatasaray, and Tottenham Hotspur will go up against Atlético Madrid.
The first-leg matches are scheduled for 10 and 11 March, with return fixtures set for 17 and 18 March.
Chelsea’s meeting with PSG revives memories of last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final, where the Blues secured a 3-0 victory over the European champions in New Jersey.
Manchester City, Newcastle and Liverpool have all already faced their respective opponents during the league phase this season, adding familiarity to the upcoming contests.
Looking ahead in the bracket, a successful run could see Newcastle and Tottenham meet in the quarter-finals, while Chelsea may face Liverpool should both sides advance.
The competition will culminate at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest on Saturday, 30 May, where Europe’s next champions will be crowned.
The timing of the Africa Cup of Nations played a decisive role in why Manchester United opted not to pursue Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, according to former first-team coach Benni McCarthy.
Osimhen had emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards after netting 26 league goals during the 2022–23 season, powering Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
McCarthy, who was part of the Old Trafford coaching setup under then manager Erik ten Hag, revealed he had been involved in striker recruitment discussions and viewed Osimhen as an ideal fit for the club.
However, the biennial scheduling of the Africa Cup of Nations — which often overlaps with the European club season — ultimately proved a significant obstacle.
Despite Osimhen initially topping the shortlist, concerns about his absence during international duty led United to explore alternative options.
The club instead moved to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for £72m in August 2023. The Danish forward went on to score 26 goals in 95 appearances before joining Napoli on loan last September.
Meanwhile, Osimhen’s career continued its upward trajectory. He was crowned African Footballer of the Year in 2023 and later joined Galatasaray on loan in September 2024, before completing a permanent move to the Turkish side last July.
Legal proceedings are steadily progressing in Nigeria following the tragic road accident that left British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua injured late last year.
The driver involved in the fatal crash has now appeared before a magistrates’ court in Ogun State, marking another step forward in the judicial process as authorities continue working toward clarity and accountability.
The accident occurred on 29 December along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, a major route in south-west Nigeria. Joshua sustained injuries in the collision and received medical treatment before being discharged from hospital just two days later, highlighting a positive turn in his personal recovery.
Tragically, members of his training team — personal trainer Latif Ayodele and strength coach Sina Ghami — lost their lives when their vehicle collided with a stationary lorry near Lagos.
The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, who was behind the wheel at the time of the incident, faces multiple charges including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, operating a vehicle without due care, and driving without a valid licence.
At Wednesday’s hearing, the 46-year-old made his second court appearance. Prosecutors informed the court that additional time is required to finalise evidence preparation, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure a thorough and transparent legal process.
The court subsequently adjourned proceedings until 13 March, allowing all parties time to prepare as the case continues to move forward.
Kayode has not yet entered a plea.
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