Motorcycle Gang Causes Chaos in Cirebon – 9 Arrested, Police Seize Weapons and Molotov Cocktails

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Motorcycle Gang Causes Chaos in Cirebon – 9 Arrested, Police Seize Weapons and Molotov Cocktails

Motorcycle Gang Causes Chaos in Cirebon – 9 Arrested, Police Seize Weapons and Molotov Cocktails.

Residents of Weru District in Cirebon were recently shaken by the violent actions of a local motorcycle gang known as the Plumbon Gangster. The group caused a stir in the early hours of Wednesday (June 4), launching attacks and damaging property. Fortunately, a joint operation by the Cirebon Police and West Java Police's criminal investigation unit led to the swift arrest of nine individuals involved.

This wasn’t just some random mischief — these gang members brought chaos with stone-throwing, property damage, and even Molotov cocktails.

Mistaken Identity Turns Violent

It all started when the gang reportedly mistook a passing couple for members of a rival group. Enraged and frustrated after failing to catch them, the gang vented by throwing stones at a nearby house in Tumaritis neighborhood, Megu Gede village.

“They smashed a house window by throwing rocks at it,” said Cirebon Police Chief Kombes Pol Sumarni during a press briefing on Saturday (June 7).

The homeowner, Sugianto, a local entrepreneur, suffered damages costing around IDR 600,000 (roughly $37). But more than just financial loss, the incident left the community anxious and disturbed.

Weapons and Molotov Cocktails Found in Raid

Two days after the attack, the police raided a location in Karangmulya village, Plumbon District, and arrested several suspects. One of the homes searched belonged to BK, where officers discovered two machetes, a long-blade weapon known locally as a “martin,” and even Molotov cocktails.

“With weapons and Molotovs found, this clearly goes beyond teenage mischief. This is serious criminal behavior,” emphasized the police chief.

The Suspects: Young and Dangerous

Police have identified the roles of each of the nine suspects. Some were responsible for throwing rocks and Molotovs, while others were found in possession of sharp weapons. Shockingly, many of them are still teenagers — some as young as 16.

Here’s a breakdown of the suspects and their roles:

• YSW (16): made and threw Molotov cocktails

• AM (22): threw Molotovs and rocks

• IS (18): threw rocks at a local house

• MRF (18), BK (16), W (16): carried and stored sharp weapons

• YAA (19), MS (17), TR (20): participated in the chase and served as getaway riders

Facing Serious Charges

These individuals are now facing serious legal consequences under various laws, including:

• Emergency Law No. 12 of 1951 – Article 2 Paragraph 1 (possession of sharp weapons)

• Article 170 of the Criminal Code – group violence

• Article 406 of the Criminal Code – property destruction

• Article 200 of the Criminal Code – damage to buildings

The suspects are currently undergoing further legal proceedings.

Police Ramp Up Patrols and School Outreach

Chief Sumarni assured the public that the police will increase regular patrols and continue weekly visits to schools to educate students about the dangers of joining gangs or getting involved in street violence.

“We will take firm action against all forms of street violence and gangsterism. There’s no place for motorcycle gangs in Cirebon,” she stated.

She also called on parents to be more involved in monitoring their children’s activities, especially at night, and to foster a stronger understanding of the law at home.

Community Participation is Key

The police are encouraging the public to be vigilant and proactive in maintaining neighborhood safety. Residents are urged to report any suspicious gang-related activities immediately through the following contact points:

• 📞 Cirebon Police Call Center: 110

• 📱 WhatsApp Contacts for Reporting:

  • 0811-2497-497

  • 0813-8399-0986

  • 0811-2274-110

This gang incident in Weru is a wake-up call that motorcycle gang violence isn’t just about rebellious youth — it’s a serious threat to community safety. Let’s all work together, stay alert, and protect our neighborhoods. The future of our young people is too important to risk for gang affiliations and street violence.

How to Register Waqf Land in Indonesia – Make It Legal, Safe, and Beneficial for the Ummah

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

How to Register Waqf Land in Indonesia – Make It Legal, Safe, and Beneficial for the Ummah

How to Register Waqf Land in Indonesia – Make It Legal, Safe, and Beneficial for the Ummah.

Jakarta – Great news for those who manage or own waqf land in Indonesia! In 2025, the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) is setting an ambitious target: to officially register 561,909 plots of waqf land across the country.

This move is part of a larger commitment to provide legal certainty for waqf lands, ensuring they continue to serve religious and social purposes for the community – just like they were intended to.

Why Is Registering Waqf Land So Important?

Many people don’t realize that unregistered waqf land can be vulnerable to legal disputes or even misuse. Without legal documentation, land that was donated for the public good could end up in the wrong hands. By officially registering waqf land, you help protect its status, ensure its intended use, and honor the donor’s (wakif’s) original purpose.

So, How Do You Register Waqf Land? It’s Easier Than You Think!

If you’re a nazhir (waqf land manager) or have been granted the authority to act on behalf of one, you can go directly to your local Land Office (Kantor Pertanahan). Here’s what you’ll need to bring:

• A completed application form

• Your personal ID (KTP or equivalent)

• Proof of land ownership (like a deed or certificate)

• Waqf pledge deed or a notarized declaration of waqf

Here’s the best part: based on Ministerial Regulation No. 25 of 2016, all services related to waqf land registration are completely free. That means zero fees for land measurement, inspection, and initial registration – a strong sign of government support for religious and social land use.

Making It Even Easier: Digital Access and Simplified Processes

Worried about the process being complicated? Don’t be. ATR/BPN is constantly improving its services to make them more user-friendly. From simplifying the paperwork to offering assistance at Land Offices and through digital platforms, the goal is to make the whole experience efficient and accessible for everyone.

Don’t Wait – Secure Your Waqf Land Today!

Getting your waqf land certified doesn’t just protect it from legal issues – it ensures the land will be used exactly as the donor intended, benefitting generations to come.

If you're a nazhir or have waqf land under your care, now’s the time to act. Register it now, get it legally protected, and be a part of strengthening the future of your community.

Canada Dominates, Mexico Falls in Action-Packed Friendlies Ahead of 2025 Gold Cup

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Canada Dominates, Mexico Falls in Action-Packed Friendlies Ahead of 2025 Gold Cup

Canada Dominates, Mexico Falls in Action-Packed Friendlies Ahead of 2025 Gold Cup.

As the 2025 Gold Cup draws near, two CONCACAF heavyweights—Canada and Mexico—hit the pitch for warm-up matches. The results couldn’t be more different. Canada cruised to a 4-2 win over Ukraine in Toronto, while Mexico suffered a tough 4-2 defeat against Switzerland in Salt Lake City.

Jonathan David Leads Canada to Confident Victory

Despite some off-field drama involving a suspected “poisoning” of Vancouver Whitecaps players after their Champions Cup final loss to Club América, Canada’s national team stayed focused and fired up. Head coach Jesse Marsch voiced concerns about the incident, but on the field, his team looked sharp and fearless.

Jonathan David stole the show with two goals in the first 24 minutes. He tapped in the first from close range and then nailed a slick header into the top-left corner off a Tajon Buchanan corner kick.

Then came a moment to remember for Promise David, who scored on his Canada debut after stealing the ball from Valerii Bondar and calmly slotting it past the keeper. Buchanan added a fourth late in the game, capping off Canada’s dominant display. Ukraine managed to pull two goals back through Illia Zabarnyi and Oleksandr Zinchenko, but the damage was already done.

Mexico Stumbles Against a Clinical Switzerland

Mexico’s outing didn’t go as planned. They faced a strong Swiss lineup and struggled to keep up. Breel Embolo gave Switzerland the lead in the 20th minute by rounding the goalkeeper and finishing into an open net.

Mexico equalized early in the second half thanks to a scrappy header from Santiago Gimenez—his first international goal since the 2023 Gold Cup final. But the momentum didn’t last. Substitute Zeki Amdouni quickly restored Switzerland’s lead, and Dan Ndoye made it 3-1 not long after. Angel Sepulveda tried to rally El Tri with a goal to cut the lead, but Fabian Rieder sealed the 4-2 win in the final minutes.

By the Numbers: David’s Hot Streak, Gimenez Ends Drought

Jonathan David’s two-goal performance brings his tally to 34 goals in 62 games for Canada. That’s an impressive average of 0.55 goals per match. Now a free agent after leaving Lille, he’s sure to attract serious attention from top clubs.

For Mexico, Santiago Gimenez’s goal ended a 13-match scoring drought. It was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing night, with Switzerland outshooting Mexico 15 to 10 and leading in expected goals (1.81 xG vs. 1.13 xG).

Canada also outperformed Ukraine in terms of expected goals, generating 2.47 xG compared to Ukraine’s 2.21.

What’s Next: Canada vs Honduras, Mexico vs Dominican Republic

Canada kicks off their Gold Cup campaign on June 17 against Honduras in Vancouver. Mexico opens the tournament three days earlier against the Dominican Republic. Both teams will be looking to build momentum and fine-tune their lineups heading into the competition.

Third Straight Loss for USMNT: USA Falls 2-1 to Turkiye in Gold Cup Warm-Up Match

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Third Straight Loss for USMNT: USA Falls 2-1 to Turkiye in Gold Cup Warm-Up Match

Third Straight Loss for USMNT: USA Falls 2-1 to Turkiye in Gold Cup Warm-Up Match.

The U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) suffered another blow on Saturday, falling 2-1 to Turkiye in an international friendly match in East Hartford. This marks the team's third straight defeat, raising concerns just weeks before the start of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Mauricio Pochettino’s squad came into this match already dealing with setbacks, with key players like Christian Pulisic unavailable. As a result, the lineup featured eight MLS players—something that hasn’t happened against European opposition outside of the December or January camp windows since May 2003.

Fast Start, but Momentum Didn't Last

Things actually started off well for the U.S. Just 59 seconds into the game, Jack McGlynn curled in a beautiful shot to the bottom-left corner of the net, giving the hosts an early 1-0 lead. That goal is now the fastest the USMNT has ever scored against a European team.

But Turkiye quickly turned the game around.

In the 18th minute, Arda Guler equalized in bizarre fashion when Johnny Cardoso’s attempted clearance hit him and deflected past goalkeeper Matt Freese. Just three minutes later, Kerem Akturkoglu gave Turkiye the lead with a powerful right-footed finish after a blocked cross fell right into his path.

Stronger Second Half, but No Equalizer

After halftime, the U.S. looked more dangerous and created several good chances. Max Arfsten came close with a header from a great cross by Luca de la Torre. Later, Malik Tillman had a decent shot on goal after a strong move by substitute Tyler Adams, but Berke Ozer was able to make the save.

Turkiye almost added a third late in the match after Tillman lost possession, but Baris Alper Yilmaz missed the target at the end of a quick counterattack.

Key Stats: Fast Start, but Defensive Struggles Remain

Even though the U.S. started off strong, Turkiye’s quick two-goal response showed ongoing issues with the American defense. The two goals came just two minutes and 22 seconds apart—making it the fastest pair of goals the USMNT has conceded since their 2018 loss to England.

Still, there were a few positives for Pochettino to build on. The U.S. generated an expected goals (xG) of 1.08 in the second half from 10 shots, while Turkiye only managed an xG of 0.21 from two attempts after the break. The opportunities were there—the finishing just didn’t deliver.

What’s Next for the USMNT?

Next up, the USMNT will face Switzerland in another friendly this Wednesday. Then, they’ll kick off their Gold Cup campaign with a match against Trinidad and Tobago.

Can Pochettino turn things around in time? Or will this losing streak carry over into the tournament?

Depay and Dumfries Lead Netherlands to 2-0 Win Over Finland in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Depay and Dumfries Lead Netherlands to 2-0 Win Over Finland in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Depay and Dumfries Lead Netherlands to 2-0 Win Over Finland in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

The Netherlands kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in style with a confident 2-0 win against Finland. Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries got on the scoresheet, helping the Oranje grab all three points in their opening game.

This victory puts the Dutch just three points behind group leaders Poland in Group G — and the best part? They still have a game in hand, which gives them a solid shot at taking the top spot.

Strong Start Under Pressure

After participating in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals during the March international break, Ronald Koeman’s squad entered the qualifiers knowing there was no room for error. Poland had already won two games, so the pressure was on.

But the Netherlands wasted no time. Just six minutes into the match, Depay punished a sloppy Finnish defense with a precise first-time shot into the bottom-right corner. Finland's goalkeeper, Lukas Hradecky, who was celebrating his 100th international cap, had no chance.

Dumfries Doubles the Lead

The Dutch momentum continued, and in the 23rd minute, Denzel Dumfries made it 2-0. Cody Gakpo delivered a beautiful looping cross, and Dumfries was right there to finish it off.

New Liverpool signing Jeremie Frimpong almost added a third with a powerful header, but Hradecky made a fantastic save to keep Finland in the game. AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders — who’s reportedly set to join Manchester City — also came close, but his low shot went just wide.

Dutch Control the Game, Finland Struggles

After halftime, the Netherlands kept pressing for more goals. Depay had another decent chance, but his shot deflected and was saved. Frenkie de Jong also had a late opportunity, but his attempt lacked power.

Finland, on the other hand, struggled to create real danger. They only managed five total shots, and their xG (expected goals) was a low 0.2 — compared to the Netherlands’ 2.06 from 17 shots. Clearly, the Dutch were in full control.

Key Stats: Depay Nears All-Time Scoring Record, Dumfries Makes History

With his goal in this match, Memphis Depay now has 48 goals for the Netherlands, just two behind all-time top scorer Robin van Persie. He’s well on his way to making history.

Meanwhile, Denzel Dumfries scored his 10th goal for the national team — making him the highest-scoring defender for the Netherlands in the 21st century. He has now surpassed Virgil van Dijk, who has nine.

This win was a clear statement from the Netherlands: they’re here to compete. With top-tier talents like Depay, Dumfries, and Gakpo, plus a solid game plan from coach Ronald Koeman, the Oranje are in a strong position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Nico Williams Not Interested in Premier League Move? Arsenal and Chelsea Left Hanging

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Nico Williams Not Interested in Premier League Move? Arsenal and Chelsea Left Hanging

Nico Williams Not Interested in Premier League Move? Arsenal and Chelsea Left Hanging.

The summer transfer window is heating up, but one name is already giving two Premier League giants—Arsenal and Chelsea—a major headache: Nico Williams. The young Spanish winger reportedly isn't too keen on leaving Spain, which puts both clubs in a tough spot.

Is Nico Williams Staying in Spain?

According to reports from SPORT and backed up by Football Espana, Nico Williams is showing hesitation about moving abroad. That’s bad news for Arsenal and Chelsea, who were both ready to trigger his release clause at Athletic Bilbao. But without the player’s green light, a deal simply can’t happen.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also confirmed that Williams is leaning toward staying in La Liga. If that happens, Bilbao is expected to offer him a new deal with a higher buyout clause—basically, making it harder for other clubs to swoop in next time.

Just to be clear, Williams is under contract until 2027 and has been on everyone’s radar since shining for Spain in Euro 2024. So, it’s no surprise top clubs are lining up.

Arsenal Still Looking for More Firepower

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hunting for a new striker this summer and has already made a move for Benjamin Šeško. But adding a winger is also high on the priority list.

Last season, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard each scored just 8 Premier League goals. Neither truly secured a starting role, and their inconsistency was a big reason why Arsenal drew 14 matches and fell behind Liverpool in the title race.

Signing someone like Nico Williams could bring balance to the squad and take some pressure off Bukayo Saka, who missed a few months last season due to a hamstring injury. Having another dynamic winger would also allow Arteta to rotate more effectively.

Chelsea in the Race Too—But Losing Ground

Meanwhile, Chelsea has been busy in the market. They've already signed former Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap to bolster their attack. Bringing in Nico Williams would give new boss Enzo Maresca another weapon on the wing to play alongside Cole Palmer.

That would definitely raise the bar for Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto, especially since Jadon Sancho has returned to Manchester United after his loan spell.

But with Williams seemingly set on staying in Spain, Chelsea may need to shift their focus to other wide options as well.

Arsenal and Chelsea May Have to Move On

As it stands, it looks like Nico Williams isn’t ready to swap La Liga for the Premier League. If he does commit to a new contract with Bilbao, both Arsenal and Chelsea will need to move quickly to identify backup targets.

Transfer season is full of surprises, and this is just another twist in the tale.

Spain Predicted Lineup vs Portugal: Yamal Set to Challenge Ronaldo’s Legacy in Nations League Final

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Spain Predicted Lineup vs Portugal: Yamal Set to Challenge Ronaldo’s Legacy in Nations League Final

Spain Predicted Lineup vs Portugal: Yamal Set to Challenge Ronaldo’s Legacy in Nations League Final.

Spain Eyes Back-to-Back Nations League Titles – Yamal in the Spotlight. Spain is just one game away from securing their second consecutive UEFA Nations League title when they take on Portugal in the final this Sunday. If they pull it off, it’ll be their third major trophy in three years — talk about dominance!

After clinching the Nations League in 2023, La Roja went on to lift the Euro 2024 trophy the following summer. Now, head coach Luis de la Fuente is aiming to keep that winning streak alive with another Nations League victory before focusing on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Standing in their way is Portugal — the team that won the very first edition of the Nations League. But Spain won’t be fazed. They’ve been in red-hot form, consistently beating Europe’s elite, including a statement win over France just a few days ago.

Spain’s Predicted Starting XI vs Portugal (4-3-3 Formation)

🔐 Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
Despite competition from David Raya, Simón remains the go-to option for Spain. The Athletic Club keeper has been reliable and composed ever since De la Fuente took charge.

🛡️ Right Back: Pedro Porro
It’s trophy season for Porro! After helping Tottenham win the Europa League, he now has a chance to add both the Nations League and UEFA Super Cup to his collection this summer.

🛡️ Center Back: Robin Le Normand
Le Normand started against France and played a solid 77 minutes. Spain only conceded once while he was on the pitch. After he was subbed off, France managed to score three times. That says a lot.

🛡️ Center Back: Dean Huijsen
The new Real Madrid signing got the nod over Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí and looks set to keep his spot. Huijsen is showing maturity beyond his years.

🛡️ Left Back: Marc Cucurella
Cucurella has become a key player for both club and country. His nonstop runs down the left wing add another dimension to Spain’s attack while providing defensive cover.

⚙️ Midfield: Pedri
Barcelona’s midfield star will go head-to-head with Vitinha from PSG in a battle to control the tempo. Pedri already scored in the semis and will be confident heading into the final.

⚙️ Midfield: Martín Zubimendi
Reportedly on Arsenal’s radar, Zubimendi could be used to neutralize Portugal’s creative force — Bruno Fernandes. If anyone can disrupt Bruno’s rhythm, it’s him.

⚙️ Midfield: Fabián Ruiz
Even though Mikel Merino scored against France, Ruiz is likely to return to the starting lineup. Fresh off a Champions League win with PSG, he brings quality and experience to the midfield.

⚡ Right Wing: Lamine Yamal
Yamal is a rising star! The teenage sensation from Barcelona scored twice and bagged Player of the Match honors midweek. His upcoming duel with Nuno Mendes will be one to watch.

🎯 Striker: Mikel Oyarzabal
Oyarzabal may not have scored against France, but he made two assists and was heavily involved in the attack. That should be enough to keep him ahead of Álvaro Morata.

⚡ Left Wing: Nico Williams
Like Yamal, Nico was electric against France — scoring a goal and adding an assist. Portugal will need to come up with a serious plan to stop this Athletic Club winger.

Will Spain or Portugal Lift the Trophy?

With a young, hungry squad and momentum on their side, Spain enters the final as a favorite. But don’t count Portugal out — they’ve got plenty of talent and experience, and they're hungry to reclaim their crown.

All eyes will be on Lamine Yamal, who’s being hyped as the next big thing. Could this be the match where he truly begins to follow in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps on the international stage?

Germany vs France Predicted Lineup: Wirtz Set to Shine in Nations League Third-Place Match

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Germany vs France Predicted Lineup: Wirtz Set to Shine in Nations League Third-Place Match

Germany vs France Predicted Lineup: Wirtz Set to Shine in Nations League Third-Place Match.

Germany might have aimed for the UEFA Nations League 2024–25 final, but things didn’t go according to plan. Instead, they’ll face France in Stuttgart this Sunday in a third-place showdown.

A dramatic comeback by Portugal in the semifinal knocked Germany out of the title race. Cristiano Ronaldo’s second-half goal sealed the win, leaving Julian Nagelsmann’s squad to battle for bronze against a very familiar opponent.

June has been tough for Germany. Injuries have sidelined several key players, including Jamal Musiala and Antonio Rüdiger. Even so, Die Mannschaft still have plenty of star power to go toe-to-toe with France.

Here’s a look at the predicted starting XI for Germany vs France, using a 3-4-2-1 formation:

Germany’s Predicted Starting Lineup vs France

Goalkeeper: Marc-André ter Stegen
The Barcelona shot-stopper returned to the national team after missing most of the season due to injury. Against France’s stacked attack, expect ter Stegen to stay busy between the posts.

Center Back: Jonathan Tah
In his first appearance since signing with Bayern Munich, Tah had a rough outing, especially during Portugal’s second goal. He’ll need to step up big time against the likes of Kylian Mbappé.

Center Back: Robin Koch
Koch has had a strong season with Eintracht Frankfurt. With Rüdiger and Schlotterbeck out, he’s getting more national team minutes and will earn his 14th cap on Sunday.

Center Back: Waldemar Anton
Anton wouldn’t have started if not for injuries in the squad. The Borussia Dortmund defender must be sharp to deal with France’s electric forwards.

Right Wing-Back: Joshua Kimmich
Usually a midfielder, Kimmich adapted well as a wing-back last game, even providing an assist to Wirtz. That match also marked his 100th appearance for Germany—what a milestone!

Central Midfield: Leon Goretzka
Goretzka is back in the fold and will be expected to control the midfield against a physical and technically gifted French team. He might have a new midfield partner alongside him.

Central Midfield: Pascal Groß
Groß could replace the young Aleksandar Pavlovic in midfield. Although he didn’t feature midweek, the veteran has been reliable for Dortmund all season.

Left Wing-Back: Maximilian Mittelstädt
Playing at his home stadium in Stuttgart, Mittelstädt will likely focus more on defense against speedy wingers like Dembélé and Cherki rather than pushing forward.

Right Forward: Leroy Sané
Sané didn’t have his best performance against Portugal, aside from a few creative moments. With Musiala sidelined, Germany needs him to step up offensively.

Striker: Niclas Füllkrug
Nick Woltemade started in the semifinal, but Füllkrug is expected to return to the XI. The West Ham striker is clinical for his country, with 14 goals in 23 appearances.

Left Forward: Florian Wirtz
Wirtz is attracting major attention, especially from Liverpool fans, with a transfer looking likely. He wasn’t distracted by the rumors—he scored against Portugal and could shine again versus France.

This third-place match might not be what Germany had in mind, but it still matters. It’s a chance to regroup, evaluate, and give their younger stars more experience on the big stage.

All eyes will be on Florian Wirtz, who’s quickly becoming one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. If he delivers again, fans—and scouts—will be watching very closely.

Portugal vs Spain Predicted Lineup: Ronaldo Leads the Charge for Another Nations League Title

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Portugal vs Spain Predicted Lineup: Ronaldo Leads the Charge for Another Nations League Title

Portugal vs Spain Predicted Lineup: Ronaldo Leads the Charge for Another Nations League Title.

Portugal is aiming to lift the UEFA Nations League trophy once again as they gear up to face Spain in the highly anticipated final this weekend. After winning the inaugural edition of the tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates are ready to chase glory once more — and yes, CR7 is still leading the way!

Even at 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to score regularly for his country. His decisive goal against Germany in the semifinals was a reminder that the legend is far from done. And with the final against a powerhouse like Spain just around the corner, all eyes are on him to deliver again.

Of course, beating a star-studded Spanish squad won’t be a walk in the park. Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martínez, needs to make all the right moves — tactically and in terms of squad selection — if they want to take down one of Europe’s elite.

Here’s our predicted starting XI for Portugal vs Spain, using a 4-2-3-1 formation:

Goalkeeper

Diogo Costa
The FC Porto goalkeeper was a penalty shootout hero at last year’s European Championship. If the final goes to spot-kicks, Costa could once again be Portugal’s saving grace.

Defense

RB: Nélson Semedo
João Neves got a surprise start at right-back against Germany, but Semedo — who came on in the second half — is expected to start this time, especially to handle the pace of Nico Williams.

CB: Rúben Dias
Dias will likely be tasked with containing either the relentless Álvaro Morata or the clever Mikel Oyarzabal. Few defenders are more prepared for that kind of challenge.

CB: Gonçalo Inácio
The young defender is turning heads across Europe and was solid in the semifinal against Germany. Expect him to keep his spot alongside Dias.

LB: Nuno Mendes
Fresh off a Champions League win with PSG, Mendes is hungry for his first international title. His assignment? Stop the electric Lamine Yamal. Good luck!

Defensive Midfielders

Vitinha
After coming off the bench in the semifinal, the PSG midfielder is likely to return to the starting XI, replacing Rúben Neves. His midfield battle with Fabián Ruiz will be key.

João Neves
Back in his natural midfield role, the youngster will aim to control the tempo and also keep tabs on clubmate Ruiz. Still, Barcelona’s Pedri might be the bigger threat.

Attacking Midfield

RW: Bernardo Silva
Despite Francisco Conceição’s beauty of a goal in the semifinal, the experienced Bernardo Silva could get the nod. His work rate and tactical discipline make him a crucial asset — especially on defense.

CAM: Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes has been a game-changer for Manchester United all season, and he’s carried that form into the Nations League. Only two players have created more chances than his 22 in League A.

LW: Pedro Neto
Even with Jota and Leão knocking on the door, Pedro Neto could keep his place after a strong showing against Germany. He’ll look to test Pedro Porro, who has shown defensive weaknesses.

Striker

Cristiano Ronaldo
With 137 international goals and counting, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s go-to guy up top. His game-winner against Germany proved he still has the clutch gene. Don’t be surprised if he steals the spotlight again.

Portugal Ready to Go All In

The Portugal vs Spain Nations League final is shaping up to be a classic. With a mix of experienced legends and hungry young talent, Portugal looks ready to battle it out. And with Ronaldo on a mission, fans are dreaming of another magical moment.

Can CR7 add one more epic chapter to his already legendary career? We’re about to find out!

Harry Kane Scores 450th Career Goal as England Edges Andorra in World Cup Qualifier

Robert Starling    Sunday, June 08, 2025    Comment   

Harry Kane Scores 450th Career Goal as England Edges Andorra in World Cup Qualifier

Harry Kane Scores 450th Career Goal as England Edges Andorra in World Cup Qualifier.

Harry Kane did it again! The England captain scored the only goal in a narrow 1-0 win over Andorra, helping the Three Lions stay perfect under new head coach Thomas Tuchel. While the performance wasn’t exactly convincing, the victory keeps England on top of their World Cup qualifying group.

Tuchel’s Third Win, But Still Plenty to Improve

This marks England’s third straight win since Tuchel took charge—but let’s be real, this one was far from a football masterclass. Facing a team like Andorra, fans were expecting a more dominant scoreline. Instead, England had to grind out the result.

First Half: All Pressure, No Payoff

England started strong and put immediate pressure on Andorra. Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke both tested goalkeeper Iker Alvarez within the first 15 minutes, but their long-range efforts were denied.

The best chance in the first half came in the 19th minute. Madueke sent a dangerous cross into the box that reached Curtis Jones. He cut it back to Kane, but the striker couldn’t hit the target. England kept pushing, with Bellingham forcing another save before halftime, but the score stayed 0-0 at the break.

Kane Breaks the Deadlock Early in Second Half

It didn’t take long after the restart for England to finally find the net. Kane’s initial shot was saved, but the rebound fell perfectly for Madueke, who passed it back to Kane to slot it in from close range. That goal marked Kane’s 450th career goal across all competitions—an impressive milestone.

Madueke & Eze Shine Despite Low Scoreline

Madueke was arguably England’s standout player. He not only provided the assist for the goal, but also led the team in touches in the opposition box (11), chances created (4), and successful dribbles (3).

Eberechi Eze also brought energy off the bench. Just minutes after being subbed on in the 65th minute, he came close to scoring with a powerful header, but Alvarez made a great save to keep it out.

In the dying moments of the game, Madueke almost sealed a second goal for England but couldn’t convert a perfect cross from Morgan Gibbs-White.

Stats Recap: Tuchel Sets a New Record, Kane Matches Crouch

While the match won’t be remembered for its excitement, Tuchel made history. He’s now the first England manager to win his first three competitive matches without conceding a goal.

He’s also only the fifth manager in England’s history to win his first three matches, joining legends like Ron Greenwood, Glenn Hoddle, Sven-Göran Eriksson, and Fabio Capello.

As for Kane, he became just the second player—after Peter Crouch under Steve McClaren in 2006—to score in each of a manager’s first three games in charge of England.

A Win Is a Win, but Style Still Lacking

Sure, England got the job done. But the performance left a lot to be desired. There’s still work to be done, especially when it comes to finishing chances. Still, a win is a win, and Tuchel’s solid start continues.

If you're an England fan, hang in there! There’s potential in this squad—and with players like Kane, Bellingham, and Madueke, better performances should be on the way.