England Secure Narrow Win Over Austria, But Must Improve to Compete with Europe’s Elite

England Secure Narrow Win Over Austria, But Must Improve to Compete with Europe’s Elite

The Lionesses earn a hard-fought 1-0 victory, yet their performance must be sharper to challenge top contenders like France, Sweden, and Germany.

England’s 1-0 win over Austria in their opening match of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 was an important step, but the performance left much to be desired if they are to contend with the tournament’s heavyweights. The Lionesses were dominant for large periods of the game, with Beth Mead’s first-half goal proving enough to secure the three points. However, Austria’s resilience ensured a nervy finish, and England’s unpolished display is unlikely to intimidate teams like Spain, Germany, or France.

The match at Old Trafford was a story of mixed emotions. Despite a solid victory, England’s performance lacked the sharpness and clinical edge required to strike fear into the major contenders. Coach Sarina Wiegman will be aware that, much like her Netherlands team in 2017, peaking in the later stages of the tournament could be the key to success. This victory may not have been a statement of intent, but it did the job.

Off the pitch, the atmosphere was electric. A record crowd of 68,871 spectators witnessed a vibrant occasion, with fans supporting the team with energy and enthusiasm, aided by a lively brass band, typically seen at men’s fixtures. Despite gloomy weather in Manchester, the spirit of the crowd remained undeterred, and even the pyrotechnic-heavy opening ceremony could not dull the excitement surrounding the tournament.

The game began with a nervous edge for England, but they settled into their rhythm after 16 minutes, when Mead put them ahead with a beautifully crafted goal. Fran Kirby’s vision and quick pass allowed Mead to cushion the ball with her shoulder before delicately lifting it over the Austrian goalkeeper, Manuela Zinsberger. The goal was confirmed by goal-line technology and VAR, making it the first time these technologies were used in a women’s Euro.

From that moment, England began to dominate, with Kirby pulling the strings in midfield, setting up further chances for Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp. However, despite their attacking dominance, they couldn’t add to their lead before half-time. In the second half, Wiegman’s tactical switch, bringing on forwards Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, and Ella Toone, aimed to break Austria’s resistance, but it was not until the final moments that England really came alive.

Austria remained a threat, particularly in the latter stages, with England’s defence and goalkeeper Mary Earps having to dig deep. Earps made crucial saves, first denying Barbara Dunst from long range and then keeping out Julia Hickelsberger-Fuller’s effort. Despite some late pressure, England held on to secure the win, making it 15 matches unbeaten under Wiegman.

The result was celebrated by fans, with the famous Sweet Caroline anthem ringing out after the final whistle, evoking memories of the men’s run to the final at Euro 2020. Like Gareth Southgate’s team, the Lionesses know the importance of keeping clean sheets at this level, but Wiegman will demand more clinical performances as the tournament progresses.

While England’s opening match was far from perfect, it was a successful start to what could be a historic tournament for the team. The victory was crucial, but if the Lionesses want to go deep in the competition, they must improve their overall performance to match the intensity and quality of the top teams in Europe.

India Shifts Oil Strategy, Turning to Russian Crude Amid Political Tensions

India Shifts Oil Strategy, Turning to Russian Crude Amid Political Tensions

As India increasingly imports cheap Russian oil, its traditional Middle Eastern suppliers lose ground, amidst rising diplomatic and communal challenges.

India is experiencing a significant shift in its oil procurement strategy, with Russia rapidly emerging as a major supplier, displacing longstanding sources like Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, its oil exports to India have skyrocketed, reaching a record 950,000 barrels per day in June—up from zero in the early months of 2022. This marks a dramatic rise in India’s reliance on Russian crude, which now accounts for 21% of its oil imports, making Russia the second-largest supplier to the country, according to data from Kpler.

Historically, Russia was only the tenth-largest oil exporter to India up until 2021, but the global shift in trade dynamics, partly driven by sanctions on Russia by the US and European Union, has seen India fill the void left by Western buyers. Russia’s ability to offer oil at a steep discount has made it an attractive option for India, especially at a time when global energy prices are volatile and high.

In comparison, traditional suppliers from the Middle East are facing a decline in exports to India. Oil imports from Iraq dropped marginally in June to around 1 million barrels per day, while Saudi Arabia saw its shipments decrease from 697,000 to 686,000 barrels per day. Other Gulf countries, such as Kuwait, have also experienced a drop in their exports to India. This decline coincides with the post-pandemic recovery, which has caused India’s overall demand for crude oil to surge by almost 13% compared to 2021.

Despite these shifts, India remains a critical refining hub, using imported crude to produce refined products like diesel and gasoline, which it then exports. This refining capacity makes Russia’s discounted crude especially attractive, as India capitalises on the cost advantages of Russian oil to increase its clean product exports by nearly 9% this year compared to 2021.

However, this pivot to Russian oil is not without its complications. While the immediate economic benefits are clear, the geopolitical and diplomatic ramifications are significant. The Indian government finds itself walking a fine line, balancing its economic interests with its political relationships. According to Thomas Murphy, strategic intelligence manager at Dragonfly, India’s reliance on Russian oil could lead to increasing criticism and pressure from Western nations, particularly the US and the European Union, for not imposing sanctions on Russia or holding it accountable for its actions in Ukraine.

The growing dependence on Russian oil is also putting India’s long-standing ties with the Middle East under strain. With the region relying heavily on oil exports for its revenue, the loss of key markets like India and China could have long-term consequences. Harsh V Pant, Professor of International Relations at King’s College London, notes that this shift could prompt the Middle Eastern oil producers to reconsider their strategies, especially if India and China continue to purchase discounted Russian oil.

Additionally, rising communal tensions within India have complicated its relations with Islamic nations. In June, derogatory remarks made by members of India’s ruling BJP party about the Prophet Muhammad led to protests across several Muslim-majority countries, including Qatar, Iran, and Kuwait. These tensions have prompted diplomatic backlash and consumer boycotts of Indian products, creating further strain in India’s relations with the Gulf states.

Despite these internal and external challenges, India continues to pursue its oil deal with Russia, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi maintaining a neutral stance on the Ukraine war. Modi’s government has resisted Western pressure to sever ties with Russia, with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar defending India’s position, asserting that the West is hypocritical in its approach to Russian energy imports.

As the US and EU impose further sanctions on Russian oil, India is rapidly increasing its purchases, making up for the reduced supply to Europe. In fact, India is closing in on the EU’s pre-war import levels, which averaged 2.2 million barrels per day. Indian officials, including Jaishankar, have fiercely rejected accusations of opportunism, insisting that European nations are equally complicit in financing the war by continuing to buy Russian gas.

Looking forward, the question remains whether India’s strategic pivot to Russian oil will persist beyond the war in Ukraine and whether it will face increasing diplomatic isolation from its traditional allies in the Middle East and the West. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, India’s energy strategy will continue to be a key factor in global oil markets and international relations.

Kyrgios Overcomes Injury to Reach Wimbledon Quarter-Finals with Resilient Victory

Kyrgios Overcomes Injury to Reach Wimbledon Quarter-Finals with Resilient Victory

Despite a neck and shoulder injury, Nick Kyrgios battles through pain to defeat Nakashima and progress to the last eight.

Nick Kyrgios has once again proven his ability to rise to the occasion at Wimbledon, battling through an injury to secure a hard-fought win over Brandon Nakashima in the fourth round. The Australian star, known for his unpredictable temperament, displayed a more restrained approach on court, though his progress was not without struggle.

Kyrgios, who has experienced a series of highs and lows during this year’s tournament, was notably subdued in his latest encounter. His usual fiery antics were largely absent, as he focused on managing discomfort from a neck and shoulder injury that required treatment from the physio and painkillers during the match. Despite these issues, Kyrgios triumphed 4-6, 6-4, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2, extending his impressive run at Wimbledon, where he previously reached the quarter-finals in 2014.

The match was a departure from the usual spectacle associated with Kyrgios, as he refrained from the usual histrionics. Instead, he concentrated on getting the job done. The Centre Court crowd, known for anticipating both fireworks and frustration, were treated to a more controlled display, despite Kyrgios’ physical limitations. His serving speed and forehand were clearly affected by his injury, yet he still managed to dominate in key moments, especially in the deciding set.

The Australian’s performance was a mix of efficiency and flair, with his shot-making still evident even when hindered by pain. The first set was a quiet affair, with neither player able to break decisively until Kyrgios suffered an untimely forehand error. But he responded strongly, breaking Nakashima’s serve to level the match at one set all. The injury flare-up during the second set brought out the physio once more, and after some brief discomfort, Kyrgios played more freely in the third set, ultimately claiming it in a tiebreak.

A double fault from Nakashima in the tiebreak proved pivotal, and Kyrgios capitalised on this moment of vulnerability to take the set 7-2. Despite an earlier hiccup in the fourth set when he briefly lost his composure, Kyrgios regrouped and shifted the momentum back in his favour. With four straight games in the deciding set, he raced to a 5-0 lead, closing out the match with authority.

Kyrgios, reflecting on the victory, admitted that it wasn’t his best performance but expressed satisfaction at his ability to grind through the pain. “I’m super happy to get through today. My five-set record’s pretty good. I’ve never lost a five-set match here,” he remarked, looking ahead to the quarter-finals.

The win marks another milestone in a Wimbledon campaign that has seen Kyrgios struggle to maintain consistency, yet he remains one of the most compelling players in the draw. As he moves forward, it will be fascinating to see how his injury impacts his game and whether he can continue to thrive on one of tennis’ biggest stages.

Climate Activists Disrupt Iconic Constable Painting to Protest UK Oil and Gas Expansion

Climate Activists Disrupt Iconic Constable Painting to Protest UK Oil and Gas Expansion

Just Stop Oil demonstrators glue themselves to “The Hay Wain” at National Gallery, demanding a halt to new fossil fuel projects.

Two climate activists from the group Just Stop Oil staged a protest at London’s National Gallery on Monday, gluing themselves to the frame of John Constable’s renowned painting The Hay Wain. The demonstration aimed to draw attention to the UK government’s plans to approve new oil and gas projects, which the activists argue contribute to a climate crisis threatening future generations.

In a symbolic act, the protestors, identified as Eben Lazarus, 22, a music student, and Hannah Hunt, 23, a psychology student, also pasted over the original artwork with their own reimagined version. Their altered depiction of The Hay Wain included an old car parked in front of the mill and a washing machine on the hay cart, symbolising the environmental degradation they claim is inevitable if fossil fuel extraction continues. The activists, wearing white Just Stop Oil T-shirts, crossed a security barrier before affixing the printed dystopian imagery to the iconic artwork.

As security swiftly evacuated visitors from the gallery, the demonstrators knelt in front of the painting, placing their hands on its frame while loudly voicing their concerns about climate change and government inaction. Lazarus, who described himself as an art lover, passionately declared, “Art is important, but when there is no food, when there is no water, when billions of people are suffering—what use is art?”

The Hay Wain, completed by Constable in 1821, is widely considered his most famous work. It portrays a peaceful rural Suffolk scene, but the activists argued that their reimagining was a visual representation of humanity’s potential future under unchecked environmental destruction. Lazarus stated, “We have stuck a reimagined version of The Hay Wain that demonstrates our road to disaster.”

Hunt also addressed the crowd, calling on the UK government to end its plans for 40 new oil and gas licences, warning that this would push the world towards an “unliveable climate” and result in widespread crop failures and global suffering. She emphasised, “You can forget our ‘green and pleasant land’ when further oil extraction leads to food shortages. Ultimately, new fossil fuel projects are a death sentence for billions.”

A spokesperson for the National Gallery confirmed the incident, stating that the room was closed to the public and that police had been called. The gallery’s conservation team was also involved in assessing any potential damage to the artwork.

The protest is part of a larger wave of actions by Just Stop Oil, which has also disrupted events like the British Grand Prix and targeted other cultural institutions. Last week, five members of the group reportedly attached themselves to a 19th-century landscape painting by Horatio McCulloch in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, while also vandalising the gallery with the group’s logo in orange paint.

The Metropolitan Police responded to Monday’s protest, confirming they were called to the National Gallery at 14:25, but no arrests had been made at the time of reporting.

The activists’ actions are a direct challenge to government policies on fossil fuel extraction, which they claim are accelerating the climate crisis at the expense of both the environment and future generations.

Boris Johnson: Ukraine’s Victory in the War with Russia is Crucial for Global Security

Boris Johnson: Ukraine’s Victory in the War with Russia is Crucial for Global Security

The UK Prime Minister pledges continued support for Ukraine, stressing the need for a united response against Russian aggression.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reiterated that Ukraine must emerge victorious in its ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasising the importance of global unity in opposing the invasion. Speaking in the House of Commons upon his return from a series of international summits, including the Commonwealth, G7, and NATO meetings, Johnson underscored the alliance’s strengthened resolve to support Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”

The Prime Minister described the NATO summit in Madrid as “exceeding all expectations” due to the solidarity shown by member nations. He warned that if Russian President Vladimir Putin is not halted in Ukraine, his expansionist ambitions would continue, posing a direct threat to global peace. “We are not defending an abstract principle, but the very foundation of a peaceful world,” Johnson said. “If large nations can be allowed to dismantle their neighbours, no country will ever be safe again.”

Johnson also highlighted that Ukraine “must have the strength to end the war on its own terms,” echoing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s stance on the conflict. The Prime Minister welcomed the inclusion of Finland and Sweden into NATO, stressing that their partnership reinforced the collective opposition to Russia’s aggression.

Addressing the global economic consequences of the war, Johnson clarified that rising food prices are a direct result of Russia’s blockade of Ukraine’s vital grain exports, further exacerbating the crisis. He emphasised that the implications of Russia’s actions extend beyond Ukraine’s borders, affecting global food security and threatening the safety of nations far removed from the conflict.

The UK’s commitment to defence spending will also increase, with Johnson indicating that the country is set to allocate 2.5% of its GDP to military expenditure by the end of the decade. He also reported that the G7 had pledged nearly $30 billion in financial support for Ukraine, alongside additional military, humanitarian, and diplomatic aid.

Johnson condemned Russia’s missile attack on a Ukrainian shopping centre during the G7 summit, which resulted in at least 18 civilian deaths, describing the assault as “barbaric” and strengthening the resolve of international leaders to continue supporting Ukraine.

In addition, the G7 members agreed to tighten sanctions on Russia, including a ban on the import of Russian gold, a major source of export revenue for the country. Leaders also discussed ways to ensure that the 25 million tonnes of grain blocked in Ukraine reach the global markets that depend on them.

Johnson concluded by emphasising that the unity of the international community is critical for both Ukraine’s victory and the protection of global peace and security.