Atlético-MG Defender Injured in Collision, Leaves Match by Ambulance
Listen to the story
A defender from Atlético-MG was badly hurt during a match against Cruzeiro.
He collided with his own goalkeeper while both players jumped for the ball in the air.
The player suffered a spinal injury after the crash.
Medical staff used a neck brace to keep his neck from moving.
He was carried off the pitch and taken away in an ambulance.
The match was a derby, a game between two rival teams from the same region.
Doctors are still checking how serious the injury is.
Because of the injury, the player is now a doubt for the next big match.
That match will be against Grêmio in the semifinal of the Copa do Brasil.
The Copa do Brasil is one of the most important football tournaments in the country.
Only four teams remain in the competition at this stage.
Fans and teammates have expressed concern for the player's health.
The club has not yet given more details about his recovery time.
Everyone connected to the team is hoping for good news soon.
Vocabulary8 words
- defender
- a player who stops the other team from scoring
- goalkeeper
- the player who stops the ball entering the goal
- spinal injury
- damage to the long bone in the back
- neck brace
- a support that keeps the neck still
- ambulance
- a vehicle that takes injured people to hospital
- derby
- a match between two popular rival teams
- semifinal
- a match before the final, with four teams left
- tournament
- a competition with many matches and teams
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Quiz
Answer key
1. He collided with his own goalkeeper in the air 2. A neck brace 3. He is recovering from the spinal injury
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A _____ from Atlético-MG was badly hurt during a match against Cruzeiro.
He collided with his own _____ while both players jumped for the ball.
The player suffered a _____ after the crash.
Medical staff used a _____ to keep his neck from moving.
He was carried off the pitch and taken away in an _____.
The match was a _____, a game between two rival teams.
Because of the injury, the player is now a doubt for the next match against _____.
That match will be a _____ of the Copa do Brasil.
The Copa do Brasil is one of the most important football _____ in the country.
Only four teams remain in the _____ at this stage.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think collisions like this happen often in football?
- How important is quick medical care in sports injuries?
- Should football rules change to prevent dangerous aerial collisions?
- What would you say to a teammate who is seriously injured during a match?
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