Norwich City's Ali Ahmed Joins Canada's World Cup Squad Norwich City winger Ali Ahmed has been named in Canada's 26-player squad for their home World Cup campaign, marking his inclusion in the tournament that begins on June 12. The 25-year-old, who suffered a hamstring injury during Norwich's final Championship match against Hull, has been undergoing rehabilitation in Canada and is expected to participate in the team's final pre-tournament friendly against the Republic of Ireland. Ahmed's selection comes after concerns about his fitness following the injury, which occurred in the Canaries' last game of the season. Despite the setback, he has been working closely with medical staff in Canada and expressed optimism about his chances to contribute to the national team. "When I went down in the game, for sure. I’m going to be honest; that’s definitely one of the first things that comes to your mind," Ahmed admitted in an interview with OneSoccer. "You hope it’s nothing serious that will hurt my chances of performing at the highest level I can over here. But luckily, like I said, it wasn’t too serious." Canada's head coach, Jesse Marsch, has finalized his 26-man squad for the tournament, which will be held in the United States. The team will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening match on June 12, followed by games against Qatar and Switzerland in Group C. Marsch praised the squad's diversity and determination, stating, "It is an honour to name our squad for a World Cup on home soil. These players reflect the many communities, cultures, and journeys that make up this country. They are determined, fearless, and proud to wear Canada across their chest." Ahmed is one of five English-based players in the squad, alongside Jose Cordoba (Panama), Anis Ben Slimane (Tunisia), and Kenny McLean (Scotland).#canada #world_cup #norwich_city #ali_ahmed #jessie_marsch
Ipswich Town: Dara O'Shea's Derby Day Message to Town Fans Ipswich Town captain Dara O'Shea has issued a heartfelt message to fans ahead of the highly anticipated derby clash against Norwich City, emphasizing the importance of unity and support for the team as they aim to secure a significant victory. The match, set for today at Carrow Road, marks a crucial moment in the season for the Blues, who are seeking their first win in Norfolk for over two decades. This derby, which carries immense historical and emotional weight, also presents an opportunity for Ipswich to achieve a rare double over their traditional rivals, a feat they last accomplished during the 1992/93 season. O'Shea, reflecting on the significance of the occasion, highlighted the deep connection between the club and its supporters. He acknowledged the immense pressure and pride associated with the derby, noting that the team is fully aware of the expectations placed upon them by the local community. "We know how much this game means to the people of Ipswich and we don't underestimate that," he said. The captain stressed the importance of delivering a performance that the fans can be proud of, while also encouraging supporters to embrace their role in the team's success. The match represents more than just a sporting rivalry; it is a test of resilience and determination for Ipswich, who ended a 16-year drought in the derby by securing a victory at Portman Road last October. This win reignited hopes for a strong campaign, and the team is now focused on building on that momentum. O'Shea’s message to fans underscores the shared responsibility between players and supporters in achieving success. "It's just doing what we can and doing what they can to play their part and hopefully we can play ours," he explained.#norwich_city #ipswich_town #dara_oshea #carrow_road #derby_clash
Philippe Clement: Norwich City Boss Ready to 'Embrace' First Derby Game Norwich City head coach Philippe Clement has expressed his eagerness to take on his first East Anglian derby against Ipswich Town, describing the match as a significant challenge and a moment of high intensity. The encounter, scheduled for Saturday at 12:30 BST, will see two of the Championship’s top teams clash, with Norwich aiming to reverse their previous defeat at Portman Road earlier in the season. The match is expected to draw a large crowd and carry immense emotional weight for both sets of fans, as the derby is known for its passionate atmosphere and competitive nature. Clement, who has previously managed teams in Belgium, France, and Scotland, including a stint at Rangers, has spoken about his familiarity with derbies and the unique energy they bring. He emphasized the importance of the game, stating, “I know how important this is.” Reflecting on his experiences in derbies, he highlighted the raw passion of fans and the intensity of the moment. “I loved those moments, so I’m sure I’m going to enjoy tomorrow,” he said during an interview with BBC Radio Norfolk. Clement also mentioned the excitement generated by the fans, including a personal anecdote about meeting his wife while she was in the city. The coach acknowledged the significance of the derby to both teams, noting that it is often a “life or death” situation for fans. He described the atmosphere as a special occasion, where the stakes are high and the emotions run deep. “I’ve been in a lot of derbies in more than 30 years in football. I know it’s always a special occasion for the fans,” he added. Clement’s comments underscored his belief in the importance of the match, not just for the teams but for the broader community of supporters.#philippe_clement #norwich_city #ipswich_town #kieran_mckenna #east_anglian_derby
