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Egypt Beats Paraguay on Penalties to Reach Semifinals of Men’s Soccer Tournament at Olympics

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Egypt Beats Paraguay on Penalties to Reach Semifinals of Men’s Soccer Tournament at Olympics

Egyptian goalkeeper Hamza Alaa played the hero as he saved a crucial penalty from Marcelo Perez, securing Egypt’s 5-4 victory over Paraguay in a dramatic shootout. This win propelled Egypt into the semifinals of the men’s soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics on Friday.

The tense match saw Ibrahim Adel clinch the final penalty kick for Egypt after both teams were locked in a 1-1 draw following regulation and a goalless extra time. Egypt now advances to face either Argentina or France in the last four, a significant step toward Olympic glory.

In the other semifinal, Spain will compete against Morocco. Spain emerged victorious over Japan on Friday, while Morocco defeated the United States, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal clash.

Paraguay initially took the lead with a goal from Diego Gomez during a breakaway in the 71st minute. However, Egypt showed resilience as Ibrahim Adel’s header in the 88th minute leveled the score, pushing the game into extra time and ultimately leading to the decisive penalty shootout.

Historically, Paraguay was the runner-up to Argentina in the 2004 Athens Olympics but has not featured in the last four Olympic Games. Egypt’s best Olympic performance was a fourth-place finish in 1964 in Tokyo, and they are now keen to surpass that achievement in Paris.

This victory marks a significant moment for Egyptian soccer as the team continues its journey in the prestigious Olympic tournament, with hopes of reaching the finals and securing a medal.

France beats Argentina 1-0 to reach Paris Olympics men’s soccer semifinals

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France beats Argentina 1-0 to reach Paris Olympics men’s soccer semifinals

France secured a place in the men’s soccer semifinals at the Paris Olympics with a 1-0 victory over Argentina on Friday in Bordeaux. The match was marked by a hostile home crowd and ended with a post-game altercation between players.

Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the winning goal in the fifth minute, heading home to give coach Thierry Henry’s team the advantage. France will now face Egypt in the semifinal as they pursue their second Olympic title, having previously won gold in 1984.

The game was played in a tense atmosphere, with Argentina facing hostility from the French crowd:

– Argentine players were booed as they entered the field an hour before kickoff.

– The Argentine national anthem was met with jeers and whistles.

– Home fans booed Argentine players whenever they touched the ball after kickoff.

The hostile reception follows a recent racism scandal involving a video of Argentine players singing an offensive song about French players of African heritage after their Copa America victory last month.

Despite the off-field tensions, security measures remained as initially planned, with over 400 police and gendarmerie officers deployed, along with 100 military personnel and the use of drones.

The match, played before a crowd of 42,000, was a rematch of the 2022 World Cup final, though without stars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé due to the tournament’s Under-23 format.

After the final whistle, fighting broke out between the players, highlighting the intense rivalry between the two teams.

This victory keeps France’s hopes alive for another Olympic gold medal in men’s soccer, adding to the nation’s rich soccer history.

U.S. Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against TikTok for Child Privacy Violations

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U.S. Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against TikTok for Child Privacy Violations

The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit against TikTok and its parent company ByteDance on Friday, alleging massive-scale privacy violations of children under 13 on the social media platform. The lawsuit, joined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), claims TikTok violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by failing to obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from users under 13.

TikTok, which boasts approximately 170 million U.S. users, is accused of knowingly permitting children to create regular accounts and share content without parental consent. The U.S. government alleges that for years, millions of American children under 13 have been using TikTok, with the platform collecting and retaining their personal information.

FTC Chair Lina Khan stated, “TikTok knowingly and repeatedly violated kids’ privacy, threatening the safety of millions of children across the country.” The FTC is seeking penalties of up to $51,744 per violation per day, potentially totaling billions of dollars if TikTok is found liable.

TikTok responded to the allegations, saying they disagree with many of the claims, some of which relate to past events and practices that have been addressed. The company stated it is proud of its efforts to protect children and will continue to update and improve the platform.

This lawsuit is the latest in a series of U.S. actions against TikTok and ByteDance over concerns about data collection practices and potential influence from the Chinese government. It comes as TikTok is fighting a new law that would force ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. assets by January 19 or face a ban.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about children’s privacy in the digital age. On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate passed a bill that would extend COPPA to cover teenagers up to age 17, ban targeted advertising to kids and teens, and give parents and children the option to delete their information from social media platforms. The bill still needs to pass in the Republican-controlled House to become law.

As the legal battle unfolds, the case is likely to have significant implications for social media platforms and their data collection practices, particularly concerning young users.

Putin’s Hit-Man, Vadim Krasikov: Russian Agent Released in Major Prisoner Exchange

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Putin’s Hit-Man, Vadim Krasikov: Russian Agent Released in Major Prisoner Exchange

Vadim Krasikov, a 58-year-old Russian at the center of Thursday’s mass prisoner swap, has been released by Germany after serving time for murder. Krasikov’s release has been a priority for the Kremlin, with President Vladimir Putin earlier hinting at interest in such an exchange to free a “patriot” held in Germany.

Krasikov was convicted for the August 23, 2019 killing of Zelimkhan “Tornike” Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old Georgian citizen who had fought Russian troops in Chechnya and later sought asylum in Germany. The murder took place near Kleiner Tiergarten, a central Berlin park, where Khangoshvili was shot from behind with a silencer-fitted handgun.

German judges, during Krasikov’s sentencing to life imprisonment in 2021, stated that he had acted on orders from Russian authorities. They provided him with a false identity, passport, and resources to carry out the assassination. Krasikov reportedly served in a special forces unit of the Federal Security Service (FSB).

The case triggered a significant diplomatic row between Russia and Germany, resulting in reciprocal diplomatic expulsions. Krasikov and his legal team contested his guilt, claiming misidentification.

In February 2024, Putin alluded to Krasikov in an interview with Tucker Carlson, suggesting Russia’s willingness to swap him for Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was jailed in Russia on disputed espionage charges.

The German government acknowledged the difficulty of the decision to release Krasikov. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s spokesperson, Steffen Hebestreit, stated that the release of wrongfully held individuals in Russia and Belarus could only be achieved by deporting Russians “with an intelligence background” held in Europe.

Hebestreit emphasized that the decision balanced the state’s interest in enforcing criminal sentences against the freedom and well-being of innocent people imprisoned in Russia. He cited Germany’s obligation to protect its citizens and solidarity with the United States as key motivations for the swap.

This prisoner exchange highlights the complex interplay of international diplomacy, justice, and national interests in high-stakes negotiations between world powers.

apnews.com

Student Demonstrations: Bangladesh Enforces Nationwide Ban on Social Media Platforms

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Student Demonstrations: Bangladesh Enforces Nationwide Ban on Social Media Platforms

The government of Bangladesh imposed a comprehensive nationwide ban on several leading social media and communication platforms, impacting millions of users across the country. This move has effectively curtailed access to popular platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and several others, as authorities aim to manage unrest related to ongoing student demonstrations.

The ban primarily targets social networking services such as Meta-owned Instagram and TikTok, along with Alphabet’s YouTube. By restricting access to these widely-used applications, the government aims to address the growing tensions and maintain public order. The decision comes in the wake of protests and unrest that have raised concerns about stability and safety within the nation.

In addition to these platforms, access to Facebook has been specifically restricted on mobile networks, further tightening the digital space for communication and information sharing. Russian messaging platform Telegram has also been blocked on mobile connections, as reported by Daily Bangladesh. This series of actions marks a significant escalation from the previous shutdown of Meta’s platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram, which lasted from July 17 to July 31. The earlier measures were implemented as a response to unrest related to protests against quota reforms.

Sources indicate that access to Meta’s platforms via mobile networks was cut off around 12:15 PM on Friday. The current restrictions appear to be confined to mobile data connections, suggesting a more targeted approach compared to the earlier comprehensive shutdown. Despite these restrictions, the country’s Internet speed had reportedly returned to normal levels by Thursday night.

With over 120 million mobile network users in Bangladesh, the restriction is likely to drive increased use of VPNs, potentially affecting overall Internet speeds and user experience. The ban highlights the significant role that digital communication plays in modern society, especially in densely populated regions where mobile connectivity is a primary means of accessing information and staying connected.

As Bangladesh navigates this period of unrest and digital restriction, the focus remains on balancing public safety with the need for open communication. The situation continues to evolve, and the global community watches closely as the country addresses these complex challenges.

The Associated Press

Spain Advances to Olympic Soccer Semifinals with 3-0 Win Over Japan | Paris 2024

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Spain Advances to Olympic Soccer Semifinals with 3-0 Win Over Japan | Paris 2024

The Spanish Men’s Olympic Team secured a semifinal spot at the Paris 2024 Games with a convincing 3-0 victory over Japan in their quarterfinal match at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon.

Fermin Lopez opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a stunning left-footed shot from outside the box. Despite Japanese goalkeeper Kokubo getting a hand to it, the well-struck effort found the back of the net.

Spain dominated much of the first half, with Sergio Gomez consistently threatening down the left flank. Japan had a goal disallowed for offside in the 40th minute, and Hosoya hit the post in stoppage time, leaving the halftime score at 1-0.

The second half saw Spain maintain control, with Japan struggling to create clear chances. Lopez doubled Spain’s lead in the 71st minute with a spectacular half-volley following a corner kick.

Captain Abel Ruiz sealed the victory in the 87th minute, firing home his first goal of the tournament from a free-kick delivery by Gomez.

Key moments:

– Japan’s Takai hit the crossbar with a header in the 88th minute

– Spanish goalkeeper Tenas made a crucial save from Hosoya in the 82nd minute

– The match featured cooling breaks due to high temperatures in Lyon

Spain’s coach Santi Denia made several substitutions throughout the second half to maintain the team’s energy levels. Japan attempted to mount a comeback but were unable to breach Spain’s defense.

The victory sets up a semifinal clash between Spain and Morocco. Spain’s quest for gold medals in both the men’s and women’s football tournaments continues, while Japan’s Olympic journey comes to an end.

This professional performance from Spain marks a return to form after their shock defeat to Egypt in the group stages. As they progress to the semifinals, La Roja will be considered strong contenders for the gold medal.

Slovakian Swimmer Tamara Potocka Collapses After Olympic 200m Medley

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Slovakian Swimmer Tamara Potocka Collapses After Olympic 200m Medley

Slovakian swimmer Tamara Potocka, 21, collapsed following the women’s 200-metre individual medley event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The incident occurred at La Defense Arena in Nanterre, Paris, during the morning session.

Potocka was carried away from the pool on a stretcher after collapsing upon exiting the water. A Slovakian team official informed the PA news agency that Potocka had suffered an asthma attack after her race.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing Potocka with an oxygen mask as she was taken away for further examination. She was subsequently transported to a hospital for additional monitoring.

The venue’s media manager confirmed to Reuters that Potocka was conscious following the incident.

Potocka had finished seventh in the third heat of the event with a time of two minutes 14.20 seconds, which was not fast enough to advance her to the semi-finals. This performance marked the end of her competition at the Paris Olympics.

The Paris 2024 Games represent Potocka’s Olympic debut. Prior to this, she was a four-time finalist at the 2024 European Championships.

The incident has drawn attention to the intense physical demands of Olympic competition and the health challenges athletes may face. Officials are expected to provide updates on Potocka’s condition as they become available.

U.S. Men’s Soccer Team Ends Run at Paris Olympics with Heavy 4-0 Quarterfinal Loss Against Morocco

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U.S. Men’s Soccer Team Ends Run at Paris Olympics with Heavy 4-0 Quarterfinal Loss Against Morocco

The U.S. men’s soccer team’s dream of winning a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics ended with a decisive 4-0 defeat against Morocco in the quarterfinals on Friday at the Parc des Princes.

Morocco took the lead in the 28th minute when Soufiane Rahimi converted a penalty after Nathan Harriel fouled him in the box. The U.S. struggled to respond, failing to create momentum or level the score.

In the second half, Morocco extended their lead. Ilias Akhomach scored in the 62nd minute, doubling Morocco’s advantage after a brief VAR check. Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi added a third goal in the 69th minute with a stunning solo run from midfield, calmly finishing into the bottom right corner.

Morocco sealed their victory in stoppage time when substitute El Mehdi Maouhoub converted another penalty after Harriel handled the ball in the box.

The U.S. team, which had shown promise in the group stages, failed to maintain their earlier form of free-flowing attack and pace on the wings. Despite creating a few chances, they lacked the clinical finishing needed to get back into the game.

Key factors in the U.S. defeat included:

– Fouling in the box

– Failure to press effectively

– Lack of defensive organization

The pro-Moroccan crowd at Parc des Princes celebrated each goal with flares, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the match.

This victory marks Morocco’s first-ever knockout game win in the Olympics. They will advance to the semifinals to face either Japan or Spain.

For the U.S., this loss ends their Olympic journey and their hopes of reaching the semifinals for the first time since 2000. The team will need to reflect on this performance as they look to the future of their soccer program.

‘I love my black job’: Simone Biles Seems to Respond to Trump After Olympic Win

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Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who recently won two gold medals in Paris becoming the most decorated U.S. gymnast, made a social media post Friday that appears to reference recent political comments.

Biles, 27, shared a post on X from singer Ricky Davila celebrating her victory. Davila wrote, “Simone Biles being the GOAT, winning Gold medals and dominating gymnastics is her black job.” Biles responded, “I love my black job,” adding a black heart emoji.

The post seems to allude to remarks made by former President Donald Trump during a June debate. Trump stated, “They’re taking Black jobs now and it could be 18, it could be 19 and even 20 million people. They’re taking Black jobs, and they’re taking Hispanic jobs, and you haven’t seen it yet, but you’re going to see something that’s going to be the worst in our history.” He was referring to the role of immigrants in the U.S. economy.

When asked to define a “black job” at the National Association of Black Journalists convention, Trump responded, “A black job is anybody that has a job, that’s what it is. Anybody that has a job.”

The controversy has also brought attention to past comments by Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, Trump’s vice-presidential running mate. In 2021, Vance criticized the praise Biles received after withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental health, stating it reflected poorly on society to praise people for their “weakest moments” rather than strength or heroism.

Biles’ recent Olympic success and social media comment have reignited discussions about these political statements, with many social media users defending Biles against Vance’s past criticism.

nbcnews.com

Ghanaian Farmer Sentenced to 20 Years for Attempted Sale of Son

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Ghanaian Farmer Sentenced to 20 Years for Attempted Sale of Son

A 53-year-old farmer, Bashiru Gambo, has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with hard labor by the Tarkwa Circuit Court in Ghana for attempting to sell his son. Gambo pleaded guilty to the charge of trading of person, contrary to section 2 (1) of the Human Trafficking Act 694 of 2005.

Superintendent of Police Juliana Essel-Dadzie, prosecuting, told the court that the victim, Alexander Kyeremeh, is a small-scale miner residing in Manukrom near Obuasi. Gambo, the biological father, lived in Wassa-Abreshia, near Wassa Akropong in Ghana.

The court, presided over by Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu, heard that police in Wassa-Nkonya received a tip-off about Gambo’s plan to sell his son. Undercover police officers posed as potential buyers and negotiated with Gambo, agreeing on a price of GH¢80,000 for the son.

Gambo accompanied the undercover officers to Manukrom, where he had arranged to meet his son. After identifying his son to the officers, they all boarded a vehicle together. Once the vehicle was in motion, the officers revealed their identities and arrested Gambo.

At the Wassa Akropong Police Station, Gambo admitted to the offense in his caution statement, claiming economic hardship as his motivation for attempting to sell his son.

The prosecution appealed for a strict sentence, citing an increase in missing persons cases in the area. The court subsequently sentenced Gambo to 20 years imprisonment with hard labor.

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