FC Porto’s Epic Comeback, Benfica Crashes Out in European Handball League

 

FC Porto’s Epic Comeback, Benfica Crashes Out in European Handball League

In the European Handball League, FC Porto pulled off a dramatic comeback, while Benfica suffered a heavy home defeat — leaving the two clubs with very different fortunes in the competition.

On Tuesday night, Porto and Benfica experienced opposite outcomes. Porto celebrated euphorically after overturning a deficit in the final moments against Skanderborg, having trailed for most of the second half.

The match in Denmark began evenly, with the “Dragões” holding their own in the opening minutes. However, they soon fell behind by four points before rallying to level the score near the end of the first half. The teams went into halftime tied at 13 goals, after a strong Nordic response in the closing minutes.

The home side needed a win to secure direct qualification to the quarterfinals, skipping the round of 16. But in the end, it was Porto who triumphed at the buzzer, scoring the decisive goal in the dying seconds. The victory not only sealed first place in Group 2 — ahead of Elverum on head-to-head record — but also guaranteed Porto a spot among the top eight teams in this year’s European Handball League.

Ukraine Regains Territory in Zaporizhzhia: A Turning Point in the War?

 Ukraine Regains Territory in Zaporizhzhia: A Turning Point in the War?

Is the war in Ukraine shifting in Kyiv’s favor? According to the Ukrainian outlet Euromaidan Press, the army has launched a new offensive in the east of the country.

Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces made significant advances near Oleksandrivka, a strategic area at the intersection of the Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk regions.

Nine Localities Liberated

Ukrainian authorities announced that nine towns previously occupied by Russian forces were freed within a week of operations.

300 Square Kilometers Recovered

After months on the defensive, Ukraine’s military managed to reverse the situation, reclaiming more than 300 square kilometers in Zaporizhzhia.

Presidential Congratulations

“I won’t give many details, but I want to congratulate our army – and all defense forces – because so far, 300 square kilometers have been liberated,” President Volodymyr Zelensky told AFP at the end of February.

Iranian Women’s National Team Returns Home Under Threat of Death Penalty — Only Five Remain in Australia

 Iranian Women’s National Team Returns Home Under Threat of Death Penalty — Only Five Remain in Australia

The Australian government offered asylum to the Iranian women’s national football team, but only five players accepted the proposal. The rest of the delegation returned to Iran, where they may face the death penalty for refusing to sing the national anthem before a match in the Asian Cup.

This is a very serious and sensitive situation. The report highlights both the political risks faced by athletes in Iran and the limited uptake of asylum offers abroad.

Portugal: Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Bids Farewell with a Unique Gesture Toward Journalists

 Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Bids Farewell with a Unique Gesture Toward Journalists

Just after stepping down as President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa marked the moment with a symbolic gesture toward the press. The outgoing head of state thanked journalists for their “patience over the past ten years” but declined to make any formal statements, reiterating that he had entered the promised “eternal desert.”

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa arrived at the National Palace of Ajuda at 5:35 p.m. on Monday, March 9, where he was decorated by the new President of the Republic, António José Seguro, with the Grand Collar of the Order of Liberty. Upon arrival, he refused to speak, recalling the phrase he had used in December to describe his future after leaving office.

At the end of the ceremony, around 6:10 p.m., he agreed to take a selfie with journalists waiting outside the palace. “Selfie, yes, but no little words,” he cautioned. As he walked to his car, he repeated that he would say “nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing,” except for one remark: “Thank you for your patience over the past ten years.” When asked if that was his final word, he replied: “Yes, it is the last word.”

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a retired law professor who rose to prominence as a political commentator, concluded his second and final consecutive term as President at the age of 77. Known for his fast-paced style and informal, close contact with citizens, he left office after a decade in power. The former PSD leader was first elected on January 24, 2016, with 52% of the vote in the first round, and re-elected five years later with 60.67%.