France's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their second goal against Portugal at the Puskas Arena, Budapest. Reuters
France's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their second goal against Portugal at the Puskas Arena, Budapest. Reuters
France's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their second goal against Portugal at the Puskas Arena, Budapest. Reuters
France's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their second goal against Portugal at the Puskas Arena, Budapest. Reuters

Football

Euro 2020: Karim Benzema ready for more after ending France goal drought

Round of 16 clash against Switzerland another opportunity to add to his tally

Associated Press

June 24, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

After ending a nearly six-year wait for an international goal, Karim Benzema could score again as soon as Monday.

Read More

Euro 2020: England v Germany an historic but one-sided rivalry

France will face Switzerland in the round of 16 at the European Championship and the striker may relish that contest for a couple of reasons.

Benzema might play more freely after scoring both goals in the 2-2 draw against Portugal on Wednesday, taking a huge weight off his back. They were his first goals for Les Bleus since October 2015.

“Everyone was waiting for this,” the Real Madrid forward said. “The pressure is different than when you’re playing for your club.”

He might also feel confident because it was against the Swiss that he produced his previous best performance for France in a 5-2 win at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

He scored with an opportunist finish, set up a goal for Moussa Sissoko, and had a superb curling strike disallowed because it crossed the line just after referee Bjorn Kuipers blew the final whistle.

Euro 2020 Portugal v France player ratings

PORTUGAL RATINGS: Rui Patricio - 7, Made an absolutely superb double save to deny Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann, while he also pulled off a decent stop to deny Kylian Mbappe. AFP
PORTUGAL RATINGS: Rui Patricio - 7, Made an absolutely superb double save to deny Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann, while he also pulled off a decent stop to deny Kylian Mbappe. AFP
Nelson Semedo - 6, Made some very good runs forward and was resolute defensively. However, he gave away France’s penalty for a foul on Mbappe and was forced off with a late injury. EPA
Nelson Semedo - 6, Made some very good runs forward and was resolute defensively. However, he gave away France’s penalty for a foul on Mbappe and was forced off with a late injury. EPA
Pepe - 7, Showed good leadership in some difficult situations and defended well throughout the game. EPA
Pepe - 7, Showed good leadership in some difficult situations and defended well throughout the game. EPA
Ruben Dias - 6, Put in a solid display for large periods of the game but played Benzema onside and lost him for France’s second of the game. Reuters
Ruben Dias - 6, Put in a solid display for large periods of the game but played Benzema onside and lost him for France’s second of the game. Reuters
Raphael Guerreiro - 7, Was strong defensively, with France often opting to attack down the opposite side to him until Kingsley Coman came on. AFP
Raphael Guerreiro - 7, Was strong defensively, with France often opting to attack down the opposite side to him until Kingsley Coman came on. AFP
Joao Moutinho - 6, His ball in from a free kick delivery led to Hugo Lloris taking out Danilo Pereira, but his shooting from range was off. EPA
Joao Moutinho - 6, His ball in from a free kick delivery led to Hugo Lloris taking out Danilo Pereira, but his shooting from range was off. EPA
Danilo Pereira - 7, Won the first penalty with a brave header and showed composure and control throughout whether he was on or off the ball. EPA
Danilo Pereira - 7, Won the first penalty with a brave header and showed composure and control throughout whether he was on or off the ball. EPA
Renato Sanches - 9, This was the midfielder’s first start of the tournament, but it surely won’t be his last. He made his presence known from the very beginning and was busy in his performance, while also showing plenty of quality. EPA
Renato Sanches - 9, This was the midfielder’s first start of the tournament, but it surely won’t be his last. He made his presence known from the very beginning and was busy in his performance, while also showing plenty of quality. EPA
Bernardo Silva - 7, Showed real intelligence in his play, linked up with Semedo well and undoubtedly got the better of Lucas Hernandez throughout the first half. Had a quieter second half but still did well. AFP
Bernardo Silva - 7, Showed real intelligence in his play, linked up with Semedo well and undoubtedly got the better of Lucas Hernandez throughout the first half. Had a quieter second half but still did well. AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo - 9, Had never previously scored against France but made no mistake from the penalty spot and he became the top scoring European player at major tournaments with his first. The ball from Portugal’s talisman won their second penalty and he scored that just as confidently to become the joint-highest international scorer. Reuters
Cristiano Ronaldo - 9, Had never previously scored against France but made no mistake from the penalty spot and he became the top scoring European player at major tournaments with his first. The ball from Portugal’s talisman won their second penalty and he scored that just as confidently to become the joint-highest international scorer. Reuters
Diogo Jota - 5, Struggled to get into the game throughout and didn’t show much of a threat at all, looking off the pace at times. AFP
Diogo Jota - 5, Struggled to get into the game throughout and didn’t show much of a threat at all, looking off the pace at times. AFP
SUB: Joao Palhinha (Danilo HT) - 7, Made some very nice switches and put a shift in defensively to help his team earn a point. AFP
SUB: Joao Palhinha (Danilo HT) - 7, Made some very nice switches and put a shift in defensively to help his team earn a point. AFP
SUB: Bruno Fernandes (Silva 72’) – N/R, Showed plenty of composure and came close to carving out chances for Ronaldo and Jota. Slowed the game down when he could. EPA
SUB: Bruno Fernandes (Silva 72’) – N/R, Showed plenty of composure and came close to carving out chances for Ronaldo and Jota. Slowed the game down when he could. EPA
SUB: Ruben Neves (Moutinho 73’) – N/R, Made a good header to deny a possible goalscoring chance and showed discipline. AFP
SUB: Ruben Neves (Moutinho 73’) – N/R, Made a good header to deny a possible goalscoring chance and showed discipline. AFP
SUB: Diogo Dalot (Semedo 79’) – N/R, Was thrown in at the deep end with this being his international debut but performed well. AFP
SUB: Diogo Dalot (Semedo 79’) – N/R, Was thrown in at the deep end with this being his international debut but performed well. AFP
SUB: Sergio Oliveira (Sanches 87’) – N/R, Showed plenty of desire to help his team get the result needed. AFP
SUB: Sergio Oliveira (Sanches 87’) – N/R, Showed plenty of desire to help his team get the result needed. AFP
FRANCE RATINGS: Hugo Lloris - 4, Punched Danilo in the face to concede the penalty and get a booking, while he didn’t make any outstanding saves. AFP
FRANCE RATINGS: Hugo Lloris - 4, Punched Danilo in the face to concede the penalty and get a booking, while he didn’t make any outstanding saves. AFP
Jules Kounde - 5, Was solid defensively for large periods but gave away a penalty for handball. Made the odd foray forward with inconsistent end product. Reuters
Jules Kounde - 5, Was solid defensively for large periods but gave away a penalty for handball. Made the odd foray forward with inconsistent end product. Reuters
Raphael Varane - 6, Got away with the strange decision to make a header that fell at Ronaldo’s feet and looked awkward at times. EPA
Raphael Varane - 6, Got away with the strange decision to make a header that fell at Ronaldo’s feet and looked awkward at times. EPA
Presnel Kimpembe - 7, Made some good interventions in important positions, including one when Semedo could have got behind. Booked for a foul on Ronaldo. AFP
Presnel Kimpembe - 7, Made some good interventions in important positions, including one when Semedo could have got behind. Booked for a foul on Ronaldo. AFP
Lucas Hernandez - 4, Struggled to deal with Silva so much that he was taken off at half time and was booked for holding onto him. AFP
Lucas Hernandez - 4, Struggled to deal with Silva so much that he was taken off at half time and was booked for holding onto him. AFP
Corentin Tolisso - 5, Couldn’t really make his mark on the game and some of his passing was off when some extra quality could have carved out a goalscoring chance. AFP
Corentin Tolisso - 5, Couldn’t really make his mark on the game and some of his passing was off when some extra quality could have carved out a goalscoring chance. AFP
N’Golo Kante - 7, Was his usual busy self as he helped to win the ball back, while also showing moments of quality on the ball. AFP
N’Golo Kante - 7, Was his usual busy self as he helped to win the ball back, while also showing moments of quality on the ball. AFP
Paul Pogba - 9, Some of his passing was simply outstanding. The midfielder played an incredible pass through to Mbappe that deserved a finish, while another clipped ball to the same man won France’s penalty. He then put a pinpoint pass through for Benzema to score France’s second. AFP
Paul Pogba - 9, Some of his passing was simply outstanding. The midfielder played an incredible pass through to Mbappe that deserved a finish, while another clipped ball to the same man won France’s penalty. He then put a pinpoint pass through for Benzema to score France’s second. AFP
Antoine Griezmann - 6, Put in some brilliant defensive work, but was booked for a tackle on Danilo. He was inconsistent when it came to his attacking play. AFP
Antoine Griezmann - 6, Put in some brilliant defensive work, but was booked for a tackle on Danilo. He was inconsistent when it came to his attacking play. AFP
Karim Benzema - 9, Had missed his last three penalties for France but sent Patricio the wrong way this time around. Then went on to score a second after latching onto Pogba’s pass. EPA
Karim Benzema - 9, Had missed his last three penalties for France but sent Patricio the wrong way this time around. Then went on to score a second after latching onto Pogba’s pass. EPA
Kylian Mbappe - 7, His runs in behind caused problems for the Portugal defence with one winning the penalty, but his finishing wasn’t the best. EPA
Kylian Mbappe - 7, His runs in behind caused problems for the Portugal defence with one winning the penalty, but his finishing wasn’t the best. EPA
SUB Lucas Digne (Hernandez HT) – N/R, Lasted just five minutes before going down with a muscle injury that forced him off. Reuters
SUB Lucas Digne (Hernandez HT) – N/R, Lasted just five minutes before going down with a muscle injury that forced him off. Reuters
SUB: Adrien Rabiot (Digne 52’) - 7, Showed quality with the ball at his feet, got forward well and also displayed his defensive abilities. Reuters
SUB: Adrien Rabiot (Digne 52’) - 7, Showed quality with the ball at his feet, got forward well and also displayed his defensive abilities. Reuters
SUB: Kingsley Coman (Tolisso 66’) - 7, Good link up play with his teammates and created a great opening for Griezmann, even if it was wasted. Reuters
SUB: Kingsley Coman (Tolisso 66’) - 7, Good link up play with his teammates and created a great opening for Griezmann, even if it was wasted. Reuters
SUB: Moussa Sissoko (Griezman 87’) – N/R, Didn’t have too much to do as the game dramatically slowed down towards the end. AFP
SUB: Moussa Sissoko (Griezman 87’) – N/R, Didn’t have too much to do as the game dramatically slowed down towards the end. AFP

Brazilian fans in Salvador warmed to his flamboyant style and he was the No. 1 striker for coach Didier Deschamps. Antoine Griezmann was emerging on the international scene and Olivier Giroud was behind Benzema in the hierarchy.

The following year, Benzema’s international career was in freefall after a fallout with Deschamps.

It cost Benzema a place at Euro 2016, where France lost to Portugal in the final. Then, he watched from his television as France won the 2018 World Cup.

A change of heart from Deschamps saw Benzema surprisingly recalled just before Euro 2020 and, after a frustrating performance last Saturday against Hungary, he was at his classy best against Portugal.

“Those goals were important for Karim,” Deschamps said. “But he never stopped believing in himself and I’ve never stopped believing in him.”

Benzema’s tally of 29 goals in 86 international appearances seems a bit low for a player of such technical ability. However, there is far more to his game than goals. He is an unselfish forward who creates space for others, a mixture of finisher, playmaker and provider.

Former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo is Real Madrid’s record all-time leading scorer with 450 goals and credited Benzema’s role in achieving that during the nine years they played together. Their bond was evident when they walked off the field on Wednesday with their arms around each other.

Benzema has come into his own at Madrid since Ronaldo joined Juventus in 2018.

He has moved up to fifth overall on Madrid’s list of scorers with 279 goals and is tied for fourth highest in the Champions League with 71.

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
While you're here

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Tickets

Tickets for the 2019 Asian Cup are available online, via www.asiancup2019.com

UAE%20medallists%20at%20Asian%20Games%202023
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE v Ireland

1st ODI, UAE win by 6 wickets

2nd ODI, January 12

3rd ODI, January 14

4th ODI, January 16

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The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
New schools in Dubai
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RESULT

Bayern Munich 0 AC Milan 4
Milan: Kessie (14'), Cutrone (25', 43'), Calhanoglu (85')

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SERIE A FIXTURES

Friday (UAE kick-off times)

Sassuolo v Bologna (11.45pm)

Saturday

Brescia v Torino (6pm)

Inter Milan v Verona (9pm)

Napoli v Genoa (11.45pm)

Sunday

Cagliari v Verona (3.30pm)

Udinese v SPAL (6pm)

Sampdoria v Atalanta (6pm)

Lazio v Lecce (6pm)

Parma v Roma (9pm)

Juventus v Milan (11.45pm)

 

Asia Cup Qualifier

Final
UAE v Hong Kong

TV:
Live on OSN Cricket HD. Coverage starts at 5.30am

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Saturday
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur (3.30pm)
Burnley v Huddersfield Town (7pm)
Everton v Bournemouth (7pm)
Manchester City v Crystal Palace (7pm)
Southampton v Manchester United (7pm)
Stoke City v Chelsea (7pm)
Swansea City v Watford (7pm)
Leicester City v Liverpool (8.30pm)

Sunday
Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United (7pm)

Monday
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion (11pm)

Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership

Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.

Zones

A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full

Australia (15-1): Israel Folau; Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Kurtley Beale, Marika Koroibete; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; David Pocock, Michael Hooper (capt), Lukhan Tui; Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda; Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson.

Replacements: Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Pete Samu, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Jack Maddocks.

Company Fact Box

Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The squad traveling to Brazil:

Faisal Al Ketbi, Ibrahim Al Hosani, Khalfan Humaid Balhol, Khalifa Saeed Al Suwaidi, Mubarak Basharhil, Obaid Salem Al Nuaimi, Saeed Juma Al Mazrouei, Saoud Abdulla Al Hammadi, Taleb Al Kirbi, Yahia Mansour Al Hammadi, Zayed Al Kaabi, Zayed Saif Al Mansoori, Saaid Haj Hamdou, Hamad Saeed Al Nuaimi. Coaches Roberto Lima and Alex Paz.

While you're here
THE SPECS

Engine: 3.6-litre V6

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 285bhp

Torque: 353Nm

Price: TBA

On sale: Q2, 2020

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if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes. 

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes. 

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

'The worst thing you can eat'

Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.

Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines: 

Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.

Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.

Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.

Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.

Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

While you're here
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

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How to help

Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200

Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

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Score

New Zealand 266 for 9 in 50 overs
Pakistan 219 all out in 47.2 overs 

New Zealand win by 47 runs

New Zealand lead three-match ODI series 1-0

Next match: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, Friday

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%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenationalnews.com%2Ftravel%2F2023%2F01%2F12%2Fwhat-does-it-take-to-be-cabin-crew-at-one-of-the-worlds-best-airlines-in-2023%2F%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EEtihad%20Airways%20%3C%2Fa%3Eflies%20daily%20to%20the%20Maldives%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi.%20The%20journey%20takes%20four%20hours%20and%20return%20fares%20start%20from%20Dh3%2C995.%20Opt%20for%20the%203am%20flight%20and%20you%E2%80%99ll%20land%20at%206am%2C%20giving%20you%20the%20entire%20day%20to%20adjust%20to%20island%20time.%20%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERound%20trip%20speedboat%20transfers%20to%20the%20resort%20are%20bookable%20via%20Anantara%20and%20cost%20%24265%20per%20person.%20%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Friday (UAE kick-off times)

Cologne v Hoffenheim (11.30pm)

Saturday

Hertha Berlin v RB Leipzig (6.30pm)

Schalke v Fortuna Dusseldof (6.30pm)

Mainz v Union Berlin (6.30pm)

Paderborn v Augsburg (6.30pm)

Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund (9.30pm)

Sunday

Borussia Monchengladbach v Werder Bremen (4.30pm)

Wolfsburg v Bayer Leverkusen (6.30pm)

SC Freiburg v Eintracht Frankfurt (9on)

Where to submit a sample

Volunteers of all ages can submit DNA samples at centres across Abu Dhabi, including: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), Biogenix Labs in Masdar City, NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City, NMC Royal Medical Centre, Abu Dhabi, NMC Royal Women's Hospital, Bareen International Hospital, Al Towayya in Al Ain, NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain