Clarinha hails Brazil’s rout and World Cup spot: “We showed our spirit” — and more

The Brazilian Women's Under-20 National Team secured a spot in the World Cup of the category by thrashing Argentina 4-0 this Sunday at the Luis Alfonso Giagni stadium in Villa Elisa, during the fourth round of the final stage of the South American Championship. The result also represented a response from the National Team after the setback in the previous match against the Argentinians in the first stage. Midfielder Clarinha, who scored one of the goals in the 4-0 victory over Argentina, highlighted the Brazilian National Team's attitude and the team's response after the last match against their rivals.

"I think Brazil really represented what it means to be Brazilian. In the last game against Argentina, maybe we couldn't tactically and technically play our game and show what we were feeling. But we kept working throughout the week and managed to demonstrate in this 4-0 thrashing what it really means to be Brazil," she stated.

Clarinha during the match against Argentina in the final hexagonal of the South American Under-20Credits: Staff Images / CBF

With the qualification secured for the World Cup of the category, which will be held in Poland, Clarinha celebrated the moment but emphasized that the focus remains on the quest for the South American title.

"We are very happy with this qualification for the World Cup. It's a very important moment for everyone. Of course, we will celebrate now, but starting tomorrow we will focus on the next game, which is very important for us. Regardless of the qualification, we will continue working hard, as we have been doing these weeks," she said.

Brazil qualified for the Under-20 World Cup in PolandCredits: Staff Images / CBF

The midfielder also highlighted the importance of the next match, considered a direct contest for the title. The next commitment will be against Ecuador, the current runner-up in the final stage. The match is scheduled for next Wednesday (25), at 6 pm (Brasília time), at the CARFEM stadium. Even with the spot secured, the National Team keeps its feet on the ground and the goal of finishing the tournament at the top.

"We are keeping our feet on the ground. Very happy for this moment we are experiencing today, but we will continue working hard. It's a direct confrontation, and we will do our best to win and, who knows, achieve this title," she concluded.

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Panthers get worrisome Brad Marchand injury news after Olympics originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Brad Marchand had a really weird Olympics for Team Canada.

And now, as he returns to the Florida Panthers, there will be some question marks about an injury.

Marchand missed multiple games in Milan as a scratch, believed to be healthy but potentially hiding some kind of ailment.

He was back for the medal rounds, but he wasn't effective in Canada's semifinal win over Finland or gold medal game loss to the United States.

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NHL insider Jeff Marek said Sunday that he believes Marchand was playing hurt.

In fact, he wondered if Marchand has already played his last hockey game of the season for the Panthers.

That'd be a bummer of an outcome for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. At the same time, maybe it's needed. They're not having the kind of season that they've come to expect out of the Panthers.

Marchand remains a quality veteran hockey player. He was acquired by Florida a year ago before the trade deadline from the Boston Bruins to help them repeat, and he did just that.

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This time around, Marchand has been a step off the pace at times.

Whether an injury or just ineffectiveness, Marchand has simply not been quite good enough of late.

It may not be an injury, but if it is, don't expect the Panthers to mess around. It may make the most sense by far to let Marchand take his time to heal.

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Atletico Madrid have already started thinking about the business they will do during the summer transfer window, which promises to be another busy one at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. There are a number of positions in Diego Simeone’s squad that need to be addressed, with one of them being left-back.

Matteo Ruggeri has had an up-and-down season since joining from Atalanta last summer, and his inconsistent form has often led Simeone to play David Hancko as a full-back. Coupled with Javi Galan moving to Osasuna in January, it means that Atleti sporting director Mateu Alemany will almost certainly be looking to add another left-back.

In recent weeks, Atleti have been linked with Carlos Romero, who has shone for Espanyol this season. The 24-year-old, who is projected to return to parent club Villarreal in the summer, has now spoken on the possibility of a move to the Spanish capital during an interview with Diario AS.

“I feel very flattered that they relate me to big clubs. Atletico are a giant of Spain. I’m not going to find out now, but I’m going on my way: I have a contract with Villarreal, now I’m at Espanyol and in the summer we’ll see what happens.

“You never know the future, but I don’t know what will happen, that’s why I’m focused on continuing this year, on finishing well with Espanyol, on leaving it where it deserves, hopefully as high as possible, and in the summer to see what we decide and see what happens.”

Image via La Grada

Barcelona also linked with Romero move

Should Atleti move for Romero in the summer, they could face stiff competition. Barcelona are also keeping tabs on the defender, as they seek to reinforce their left-back position, which is an area that they have also struggled in this season.