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European Hopes Narrow as Portugal Advance to Semi-Finals in Seychelles

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in Sports. No Comments on European Hopes Narrow as Portugal Advance to Semi-Finals in Seychelles

The quarter-finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025™ offered a mixed picture for European nations. While Portugal progressed to the semi-finals after a tense and high-scoring match against Japan, both Spain and Italy were eliminated, ending their campaigns earlier than hoped.


Portugal remain the sole European representative in the semi-finals, following a closely fought 7-6 win over Japan. The match featured moments of high intensity and tactical depth, with Portugal relying on its core of experienced players to manage the flow of play. Jordan and Bê Martins were instrumental once again, combining effectively in attack and offering leadership during critical stages. While Japan pushed them to the limit, Portugal’s ability to maintain composure in the final period proved decisive.


Having won the world title twice before, Portugal’s presence in the final four underscores their continued prominence on the global stage. Their balance of technical skill, discipline, and familiarity with high-pressure fixtures remains a key asset as they prepare for the next round.


Spain, who had shown flashes of promise in the group stage, were unable to match Brazil’s pace and power in their quarter-final encounter. The 6-0 defeat was the most decisive result of the round and marked a disappointing end to a campaign that had raised expectations. Spain struggled to create clear chances and were quickly forced onto the back foot by a Brazilian side that pressed high and moved the ball with speed and confidence.


The Spanish defence found itself overwhelmed, and with limited time in possession, La Roja were unable to impose their game plan. Despite the scoreline, the experience gained in this edition will serve the Spanish squad as they continue building towards future competitions.
Italy’s quarter-final clash against Senegal was a more balanced affair, with the European side narrowly losing 4-3 in a contest that remained open until the closing stages. Italy showed tactical discipline, maintaining a compact defensive shape and looking to exploit space on the counter-attack. Their game plan yielded periods of control, but Senegal’s efficiency on set pieces and clinical finishing tipped the scales.


The Italian side depart Seychelles with credit, having shown maturity and a clearer tactical identity. While the result was disappointing, there were positive signs for the future, particularly in terms of squad cohesion and adaptability.


Portugal now turn their attention to a semi-final showdown against Brazil, scheduled for Saturday, 10 May. The fixture promises a compelling clash of styles, with Europe’s last standing nation facing the defending champions. Portugal’s ability to maintain structure and absorb pressure will be tested against a Brazilian side known for its creative play and scoring power.


While only one European team remains, the continent’s overall performance in Seychelles demonstrates the growing depth and competitiveness of beach soccer programmes. Spain and Italy, though ultimately eliminated, displayed improvements in team organisation, player development, and strategic planning.


Portugal’s presence in the semi-finals offers a continued European challenge at the highest level. As the Games reach their conclusion, SportEurope will continue to follow the continent’s remaining contender in the hope that Europe might once again contest a world title.

Raffaeli Triumphs at European Cup in Baku

Written by EOC on . Posted in EOC, Summer Sports. No Comments on Raffaeli Triumphs at European Cup in Baku

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Italy’s Sofia Raffaeli clinched the Cross Battle title at the European Cup held in Baku. The event, which showcased some of the continent’s finest gymnasts, saw Raffaeli excel in her routines, demonstrating both technical precision and artistic flair.

Raffaeli’s performance was characterised by her fluid movements and innovative choreography, which captivated both the judges and the audience. Competing against a strong field of athletes, she managed to stand out through her ability to blend strength with grace, earning high scores across multiple apparatus.

© CONI – Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano

The Cross Battle format added an exciting twist to the competition, with gymnasts facing off in head-to-head challenges. This format not only tested their individual skills but also their ability to perform under pressure. Raffaeli navigated these challenges with poise, showcasing her extensive training and preparation.

Throughout the event, the atmosphere in Baku was electric, as fans rallied behind their favourite gymnasts. Raffaeli’s accomplishment adds to her growing list of achievements, further solidifying her reputation as one of the leading figures in European gymnastics.

 

As the competition concluded, Raffaeli expressed her gratitude for the support she received and highlighted the importance of events like these in fostering camaraderie among athletes.

Looking ahead, Raffaeli and her fellow competitors will continue to prepare for upcoming challenges, with eyes set on future competitions where they hope to further demonstrate their skills and passion for the sport.

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The Final Countdown: Five Days to EYOF Bakuriani 2025 Start

Written by Carmen on . Posted in Bakuriani 2025, EOC, EYOF, Sports, Winter Sports. No Comments on The Final Countdown: Five Days to EYOF Bakuriani 2025 Start

The stunning Georgian ski resort of Bakuriani is ready to welcome Europe’s finest young athletes as it plays host to the 2025 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF). Taking place from the 9th to the 16th of February, this prestigious event will see approximately 2,000 competitors, aged 14 to 18, from 48 European nations, competing across eight thrilling winter sports disciplines.

The festival’s sporting events will be staged across three key locations:

  • Bakuriani – The heart of the festival, hosting alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding.
  • Tbilisi – Ice hockey will be played at the Leader Arena in the Georgian capital.
  • Batumi – The Black Sea coastal city will showcase figure skating and short track speed skating at the newly developed Batumi Ice Arena.

The Girl’s Ice Hockey competition is going to be the first event to go live at the Festival, with preliminary games starting next Thursday, February 6th, in Tbilisi. Sweden, Finland, and Czechia are expected to be strong contenders for medals in the Girl’s competition. Meanwhile, Switzerland, Czechia, and Latvia are the teams to keep an eye on in the Boy’s event.

Athletes to Watch

Several promising young athletes are set to compete in Bakuriani 2025, each bringing remarkable talent and ambition to the event. For example, Zak Carrik Smiz (GBR), an exceptional apline skier. At the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games, Zak made history by becoming the first British skier to win a gold medal in an Olympic alpine skiing event. He achieved this milestone in the men’s combined event, where, after placing 27th in the Super-G, he delivered an extraordinary slalom run that propelled him to the top of the podium. In addition to his success in the combined event, Zak further showcased his talent by securing another gold medal in the men’s slalom event at the same Games, solidifying his position as one of Britain’s most promising young skiers.

A Stage for Future Champions

As the opening ceremony draws near, excitement is building among athletes, officials, and sports enthusiasts alike. The Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 promises not only to be a spectacular showcase of young talent but also a demonstration of Georgia’s rising stature in global winter sports.

Stay tuned for an unforgettable week of athletic excellence, camaraderie, and inspiring moments in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains.

The 2025 European Figure Skating Championships: A Showcase of Talent in Tallin

Written by Carmen on . Posted in EOC, Sin categoría, Sports, Winter Sports. No Comments on The 2025 European Figure Skating Championships: A Showcase of Talent in Tallin

The 2025 European Figure Skating Championships are set to take place in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn, from January 28 to February 2, 2025. This marks a historic moment for the city, as it hosts the prestigious competition for the first time ever. The event will be held at the Tondiraba Ice Hall, a state-of-the-art venue known for its modern facilities and exceptional acoustics.

As the skating community gathers in Tallinn, excitement is building both among athletes and fans alike. The championship will showcase some of the world’s best figure skaters, competing for coveted medals in multiple categories, including Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Pairs, and Ice Dance.

Tallinn’s selection as the host city for this year’s championships is a significant milestone for Estonian figure skating. The city is buzzing with excitement, as fans are eager to witness top-tier performances from the world’s leading athletes. The Tondiraba Ice Hall, which will serve as the event’s main venue, offers a perfect backdrop for the competition, providing an atmosphere that is both intimate and thrilling.

Tallinn is hosting the 2025 European Figure Skating Championships for the second time. The city previously hosted the event in 2015, marking the first time Estonia had the honor of welcoming the European Championships.

Exciting Competitions Ahead

As the 2025 European Figure Skating Championships get underway, the competition promises to be fierce. Top skaters from all over Europe are set to compete for gold, silver, and bronze in their respective categories. The Men’s and Women’s Singles events are expected to be particularly thrilling, with fierce rivalries between established stars and rising talents.

The Pairs competition will showcase stunning synchrony, athleticism, and grace, as duos from across Europe demonstrate their technical skill and artistic expression. Meanwhile, the Ice Dance competition will be a true display of artistry, with couples bringing their passion and creativity to the ice in a highly anticipated battle for the gold medal.

A Platform for Future Olympic Stars

Beyond the European titles up for grabs, the 2025 Championships are also a key opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills as they prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. For many skaters, this competition serves as a critical stepping stone on their journey toward Olympic glory. The European Championships are known for providing a platform for skaters to prove their readiness for the highest level of international competition.

As the skaters take to the ice in Tallinn, the 2025 European Figure Skating Championships promise to be a celebration of the sport, bringing together fans and athletes in an unforgettable showcase of talent and artistry.

Photo:OIS/IOC

Ilona Plecháčová: Biathlon’s Brightest Young Talent

Written by Carmen on . Posted in EOC, EYOF, Sports, Winter Sports. No Comments on Ilona Plecháčová: Biathlon’s Brightest Young Talent

Ilona Plecháčová, born on 26 December 2006, is promptly emerging as one of the brightest talents in the world of biathlon. Representing the Czech Republic, this young athlete has already carved out an impressive career, capturing the attention of sports enthusiasts and competitors alike. At just 18 years old, Plecháčová exemplifies determination, precision, and a knack for excelling under pressure.

Growing up in the picturesque landscapes of the Czech Republic, Ilona was introduced to winter sports at an early age. Her initial foray into skiing and shooting soon blossomed into a full-fledged passion for biathlon.

2024 marked a milestone year in Plecháčová’s career. During the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea, she made history by winning the first biathlon gold medal for the Czech Republic. Competing in the individual event, her flawless shooting and consistent skiing ensured her place at the top of the podium. This historic victory not only highlighted her talent but also underscored her potential to dominate in senior-level competitions.

Her success continued later that year at the Junior Cup held in Jakuszyce, Poland. Competing in the women’s sprint event, Plecháčová secured a commanding victory, showcasing her impeccable shooting accuracy and tactical prowess on the course. With a perfect score in shooting, she demonstrated the mental fortitude and focus required to excel in this demanding sport.

Plecháčová’s performance statistics further solidify her reputation as a formidable athlete. According to data from the International Biathlon Union (IBU), she achieved a remarkable 96% accuracy in prone shooting and 70% in standing shooting during the 2024/2025 season. Her skiing efficiency, averaging +9.6 seconds per kilometre compared to the fastest competitors, reflects her technical expertise and physical conditioning.

Beyond her athletic prowess, Ilona Plecháčová is quickly becoming a role model for young athletes in her home country and beyond. Her dedication to the sport, combined with her humility and work ethic, resonates with fans and aspiring biathletes. By breaking records and overcoming challenges, she inspires others to pursue their dreams with the same passion and commitment.

Looking Ahead

As she transitions from youth to senior competitions, Plecháčová’s future in biathlon looks exceptionally promising. With the 2025 World Championships and future Olympic Games on the horizon, she stands poised to further cement her legacy. The biathlon community eagerly awaits her next performances, anticipating more record-breaking moments from this extraordinary athlete.

Ilona Plecháčová is not just a rising star in biathlon; she is a testament to what can be achieved with talent, hard work, and unyielding determination. As she continues her journey, the world will undoubtedly be watching closely, cheering her on every step of the way.

Croatia, Denmark, and Norway to host the 2025 Men´s Handball World Championship

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From 14 January to 2 February, the world’s 32 best men’s handball teams will compete to claim the 2025 World Championship. For the first time, this prestigious tournament will be hosted by three countries, with matches taking place across five venues in five host cities: Zagreb, Varaždin, Poreč, Bærum, and Herning. Denmark, not only a host nation but also the reigning triple world champion, enters the competition aiming to defend their titles from 2019, 2021, and 2023.

In the preliminary round, the 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four. The top three teams from each group will progress to the main round, while those that do not qualify will compete in the President’s Cup to determine positions 25 to 32. During the main round, the remaining teams will be organised into four groups of six. The top two teams from each group in the main round will qualify for the quarter-finals. The gold and bronze medal matches are scheduled for 2 February in Oslo, Norway.

After the opening days of the tournament, Germany, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Egypt are leading their respective groups. However, two groups have yet to play their first matches.

Guinea made history on Wednesday, 15 January, as they played their first-ever match in an IHF Men’s World Championship. The favourites for the title include Denmark, who are seeking their fourth consecutive championship, as well as France, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.

Photo credit: IHF.

Flora Tabanelli: the Italian promise of freestyle skiing

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The leader of the Women´s Park & Pipe overall standings in the World Cup this season is Flora Tabanelli, an Italian freestyle skier who has rapidly risen to prominence in the disciplines of Slopestyle and Big Air. Born in Bologna in 2007, Flora moved to Trentino at a young age to start pursuing a snowboarding career before focusing on freestyle skiing. She receives mentorship and support from Italian sports legend Alberto Tomba.

In January 2025, Flora claimed her first World Cup victory by winning the Women´s Freeski Big Air event in Kreischberg, Austria. This victory was preceded by a second-place finish in the Freeski Big Air World Cup in Klagenfurt, Austria, just one week earlier, earning enough points to top the overall standings in the competition.

In 2023, at the Junior World Championships in Cardrona, New Zealand, Flora won gold in Big Air and Silver in Slopestyle. Later that year, she achieved her firs World Cup podium, finishing third in the Big Air event in Beijing. At the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games, Flora returned home with tow gold medals in both Slopestyle and Big Air, further demonstrating her potential as a leading talent in freestyle skiing.

As Flora continues to make history, her focus remains firmly on the road ahead. With Milano-Cortina 2026 on the horizon, the world eagerly awaits to see what she will achieve next in her already outstanding career.

OISPHOTO/IOC

Daniel Tschofenig: A New Champion in the Four Hills Tournament of Ski Jumping

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A Rising Star in Ski Jumping

Daniel Tschofenig, born on March 28, 2002, in Austria, has rapidly ascended the ranks in the world of ski jumping. Known for his remarkable talent and dedication, Tschofenig has achieved numerous milestones in his career. He became the first ski jumper born in the 21st century to stand on a World Cup podium, win a competition, and triumph in the prestigious Four Hills Tournament. His journey in ski jumping began at a young age, and he has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the slopes.


Daniel competed in the 2019 Winter EYOF in Sarajevo and East Sarajevo, and more recently in the 2023 European Games in Krakow-Malopolska, where he contributed to Austria’s success in ski jumping by winning two gold medals.

Tschofenig leading the podium in Bischofshofen (Reichert/NordicFocus, fis-ski.com)

The Four Hills Championship Victory

Daniel Tschofenig’s victory in the 2024/25 Four Hills Tournament marked a significant milestone for Austrian ski jumping. The tournament, held annually across four venues in Germany and Austria, is one of the most prestigious events in the sport. Tschofenig’s triumph ended a 10-year wait for an Austrian winner, making his victory even more special for his home country.


The final leg of the tournament took place in Bischofshofen, Austria, where Tschofenig delivered a stunning performance. After three events, he was in third place, trailing behind his compatriots Stefan Kraft and Jan Hoerl. However, Tschofenig’s spectacular second-round jump of 140 meters earned him 159.0 points, propelling him from fifth to first place with a combined score of 308.6 points.


A Historic Achievement


This victory is not only a personal triumph for Daniel, but also a historic achievement for Austrian ski jumping. It is only the third time in the 73-year history of the Four Hills Tournament that Austria has achieved a clean sweep of the podium. This victory positions Tschofenig and his teammates as strong contenders for future competitions, including the 2025 World Championships and the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.


In his own words, Tschofenig expressed his disbelief and joy at winning the tournament: “It is freaking unbelievable! I really don’t know what to say. The competition came and I just knew what I needed to do”. His determination and skill have undoubtedly made him a rising star in the world of ski jumping.


Upcoming Competitions


Following his triumph in the Four Hills Tournament, Daniel Tschofenig is set to compete in several key events. The next major competition for him is the Bergiselspringen in Innsbruck, Austria, which is part of the ongoing 2025 Vierschanzentournee. This event is crucial as it traditionally influences the outcomes for the overall competition. Additionally, Tschofenig will be preparing for the 2025 World Championships and the 2026 Olympic Games, where he aims to continue his impressive performances and bring more glory to Austrian ski jumping.