FIFA World Cup

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Soccer-Ukraine raise country's spirits with Euro 2024 qualification

WROCLAW, Poland (Reuters) -Ukraine's qualification for the Euro 2024 soccer finals has cheered a country suffering hardship in its conflict with Russia and for a few weeks in June and July the tournament will provide a welcome distraction from the harsh reality of war. The team came from behind to defeat Iceland 2-1 in their playoff final in neutral Poland on Tuesday and book a fourth successive


Three-in-three Marcus Rashford must ‘seriously raise his game’ if he wants to avoid England Clamour

There needs to be a narrative from an international break and this week, we are all pretending that Marcus Rashford is in awful form (he's scored more than Bellingham, Toney or Gordon in 2024) and will be dropped.


Olympics-Parisians get ready to leave city with rental cash in pocket

PARIS (Reuters) - Like many Parisians, Martin Cassan will be heading the other way when the tidal wave of Olympics visitors hits the French capital in late July, taking the opportunity to make some extra cash by renting out his apartment. Tucked just under the beautiful Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a 30-minute walk from the Parc de la Villette where several delegations will have their team houses


Soccer-Kane to return to Spurs in pre-season friendly v Bayern

(Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur's record goalscorer Harry Kane will return to north London when his former team host Bayern Munich in a pre-season friendly on Aug. 10, the Premier League club said on Wednesday. England captain Kane, 30, moved to the Bundesliga champions for a reported record Bundesliga fee of around 100 million euros ($108 million) last year and has scored 37 goals in 35


Ushba Tesoro will defend Dubai World Cup crown from Stall 5

Ushba Tesoro will start from Stall 5 at he looks to defend his Dubai World Cup crown following the post-position draw at Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa yesterday. The Noboru Takagi-trained seven year old is bidding to become only the second horse, after Godolphin’s Thunder Snow, to win back-to-back Dubai World Cups. Ushba Tesoro’s name was first to b...


UAE thrash Yemen as 2026 World Cup qualification bid gathers pace

The UAE sealed their spot in the third round of World Cup 2026 qualifying and in the process booked a place at the 2027 Asian Cup by thrashing Yemen 3-0 in Dammam on Tuesday night. With a perfect four wins from four, the UAE are certain of a top-two finish in Group H, with back-to-back wins over Yemen following earlier successes against Nepal and B...


‘I don’t see it’ – Kobbie Mainoo obsession confuses Carragher after Man Utd’s star’s England bow

Jamie Carragher is confused by the apparent obsession with pigeonholing Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo as a holding midfielder.


Kabirkhan carries Kazakh hopes in 2024 Dubai World Cup

Having picked up two wins from two runs at Meydan, Kabirkhan has raised hopes he can deliver what would be a first success for Kazakhstan in the Dubai World Cup. All in all, he has won 10 times and finished second on his other start. Success in the $12-million Group 1 race would make him a superstar as well as providing a first success in the showp...


Tennis-Djokovic ends successful partnership with coach Ivanisevic

(Reuters) - World number one Novak Djokovic has ended his highly successful partnership with Croatian coach Goran Ivanisevic shortly before the clay season gets into full swing, the Serb announced on Wednesday. Ivanisevic, who claimed the singles title at Wimbledon in 2001 after finishing runner-up in 1992, 1994 and 1998, joined Djokovic's team in 2019 and helped the 36-year-old win nine Grand


Euro 2024: Teams, groups, schedule and how to watch in UAE

Ukraine struck a late winning goal while Georgia and Poland held their nerve in penalty shoot-outs as a night of dramatic play-off action on Tuesday confirmed the line-up for the 2024 European Championship group stage. Mykhailo Mudryk might have had a mediocre season at Chelsea, but his 84th minute winner gave war-torn Ukraine a major boost as they...


PREVIEW - Soccer-For once, Bayern-Dortmund showdown is not about top spot

BERLIN (Reuters) - Saturday's "Der Klassiker" between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will unusually not be about controlling the title race or taking over the top spot in the German Bundesliga. The two teams between them have won the last 14 league titles, but when the Bavarians host Dortmund at the Allianz Arena, each will be trying to save their domestic season. Bayern are currently in


Soccer - Richarlison battled depression after Brazil World Cup exit

(Reuters) - Brazil striker Richarlison battled with depression after his country's quarter-final loss to Croatia at the 2022 World Cup and considered quitting football. Richarlison, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur, said in September he would seek psychological help after he was photographed crying on the bench when he was substituted during Brazil's 5-1 thrashing of Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup


Cricket-Stoinis, Agar lose Australia contracts

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - All-rounder Marcus Stoinis and spin bowler Ashton Agar have been dropped from Australia's contracts list for the 2024/25 season after falling out of favour with selectors. Stoinis lost his spot in Australia's ODI team to Marnus Labuschagne during the World Cup in India and has not been seen in the team since, while left-arm spinner Agar has played only one international


Tennis-Collins reaches Miami semi-finals in farewell season

(Reuters) - Danielle Collins boosted her hopes of winning a title in her farewell season as the unseeded American beat French 23rd seed Caroline Garcia 6-3 6-2 on Wednesday to reach the Miami Open semi-finals. Collins, who announced in January that she would retire from professional tennis at the end of this season, won 89.7% of her first serve points against Garcia, never faced a break point and


Tennis-Rybakina survives Sakkari battle to reach Miami Open semis

(Reuters) - Elena Rybakina survived a gruelling Miami Open quarter-final against Maria Sakkari on Tuesday as the former Wimbledon champion advanced to the last four for a second straight year with a 7-5 6-7(4) 6-4 victory. Rybakina, who will meet Victoria Azarenka for a place in the final, needed nearly three hours to beat Sakkari. The Greek saved two match points in the second set before


Soccer - Red-hot Bilbao face Real challenge with cup final on the horizon

By Fernando Kallas MADRID (Reuters) - Athletic Bilbao have been one of the surprises of the LaLiga season so far, with brilliant displays from brothers Inaki and Nico Williams helping to spur a top-four challenge under the calm guidance of former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde. Unbeaten at home since early August, the Basque club sit fourth in the table and will play in their 40th Copa del


Tennis-Medvedev, Sinner set for Miami semi-final showdown

(Reuters) -Jannik Sinner rolled past Tomas Machac 6-4 6-2 on Wednesday to reach the semi-finals of the Miami Open, where he will face Russian Daniil Medvedev in a tantalising rematch of the Australian Open final. Third seed Medvedev booked his place in the last four with a 6-2 7-6(7) win over Nicolas Jarry. Sinner had to fight back from two sets down at Melbourne Park in January to beat Medvedev


Soccer-Spain coach urges fans to put country above club loyalties

(Reuters) - Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said he was ashamed to hear some fans jeering Atletico Madrid forward Alvaro Morata during Tuesday's 3-3 draw with Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, the home of Atletico rivals Real Madrid. "It hurts me deeply that in my country they boo a player from the national team, the captain who is a role model for us. When I hear those jeers, as a


Olympics - Louis Vuitton makes custom trunks for Paris Games flames, medals

PARIS (Reuters) - The Olympic and Paralympic flames will each travel in a custom-made Louis Vuitton trunk this summer thanks to a sponsorship deal with the brand's owner LVMH. Louis Vuitton has also made trunks for the medals which open up into prominent display cases, with dozens of drawers, each holding three medals. The world's largest luxury label -- known for flower-shaped monograms and


Tennis-Alexandrova's Miami Open magic continues with Pegula upset

(Reuters) -Ekaterina Alexandrova backed up her win over world number one Iga Swiatek with a 3-6 6-4 6-4 upset of fifth seed Jessica Pegula on Wednesday to reach the Miami Open semi-finals for the first time. Alexandrova let out a triumphant roar when Pegula's forehand landed in the net to end the two-hour contest in humid conditions in South Florida. "This one was incredible," Alexandrova said.


Premier League predictions: Man City edge Arsenal in thriller, Liverpool thump Brighton

The latest international break is over and we now enter the home straight of the 2023/24 Premier League title race. Arsenal are currently leading by a nose with Mikel Arteta's side on 64 points, but ahead of Liverpool only thanks to their superior goal difference. Manchester City are in third just one point behind with Aston Villa occupying fourth ...


Motor racing-Wolff puts Verstappen top of Mercedes' list to replace Hamilton

(Reuters) - Max Verstappen would be top of Mercedes' list of possible replacements for seven times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton in 2025 if available, according to team boss Toto Wolff. The triple world champion has a contract with Red Bull until 2028 but his future at the team has been clouded by a breakdown in relations between his father Jos and principal Christian Horner.


Tuchel touted for stunning Chelsea comeback when Mauricio Pochettino gets the boot

Mauricio Pochettino is the fifth Chelsea manager under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake but who will be the sixth? Jurgen Klopp, probably.


Cycling-Van Aert out of Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix after bad crash

(Reuters) - Wout van Aert suffered several fractures in a crash in Belgium's Dwars door Vlaanderen one-day race, and will miss the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, Team Visma-Lease a Bike said on Wednesday. Van Aert, one of the favourites to win Wednesday's race, was brought down in a crash 65 kilometres from the finish and the Belgian could be heard screaming in pain as he lay on the ground.


Palestinian Paralympian trapped in Gaza says 'doing all we can to survive'

Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza While many Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls are training and competing to secure their places for the Summer Games in Paris, two-time Paralympic medallist Husam Azzam is trapped with his family in the north of Gaza. They are struggling to survive and sheltering in their home, which has been badly d...


Fastest deliveries of IPL 2024, including those from Pathirana, Joseph and Umran

The Indian Premier League boasts the biggest collection of top players in the game, and that extends to fast bowling as well. While fast bowlers can only truly be gauged in the longer formats, T20 cricket offers a platform for them to showcase one particular skill – pure pace. The shortest format allows pacers to go full throttle and not worry abou...


Junior Alvarado and Senor Buscador bid for historic double of Saudi and Dubai World Cup

Junior Alvarado couldn’t have wished for a better result on his debut ride in the $20 million Saudi Cup in Riyadh last month. Alvarado clinched the world's richest race for thoroughbreds in thrilling fashion aboard Senor Buscador and the Venezuelan rider now has his sights set on adding the $12 million Dubai World Cup when he rides the six-year-old...


Arsenal can only afford to drop four more points in Premier League title race, says Carragher

Jamie Carragher says the Premier League title winners will need 90 points and doesn't think Arsenal have what it takes.


Ten Hag sack? Wolves boss Gary O’Neil plans to ‘snub’ Manchester United ‘demotion’

Wolves head coach Gary O'Neil views a move to Manchester United as a 'demotion' and is 'set to snub' the Premier League giants, according to reports.


Soccer-Spurs' Maddison confident about making England Euros squad

(Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison said his quality on the pitch and self-belief can help earn him a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024 in Germany. The 27-year-old has six caps for the national team but has never played a full 90 minutes. Despite being named in the squad, Maddison was sidelined with a knee injury during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He


Tennis-Alcaraz into Miami Open quarters with Sunshine Double still in sight

(Reuters) -Indian Wells champion Carlos Alcaraz kept his hopes for a Sunshine Double alive with a 6-3 6-3 win over Lorenzo Musetti to reach the Miami Open quarter-finals for the third straight year on Tuesday. The Spaniard needed less than 90 minutes to dispatch the 23rd seed from Italy, pounding forehands and winning 18 of 22 points when he charged to the net. Alcaraz broke serve to start the


Gary Neville urges Ratcliffe to stick with Ten Hag over Man Utd-linked trio – ‘I don’t see the fit’

Gary Neville would prefer to see Erik ten Hag keep his job at Manchester United than for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to replace him with any of the trio linked with Old Trafford.


Man Utd flop in ‘very deep hole’ available for ‘dirt cheap’ with Ten Hag ‘keen to sell’ in summer

Manchester United are 'keen' to finally cut ties with £33.3million flop Donny van de Beek at the end of the season, according to reports.


Motor racing - Williams will have two cars but still no spare in Japan

LONDON (Reuters) - Williams are confident they will be back up to strength with two cars at next week's Japanese Grand Prix, after having only one in Australia last Sunday due to crash damage, but will still have no spare. Logan Sargeant had to sit out the race in Melbourne after more experienced team mate Alex Albon, the effective number one driver, wrecked his car in practice and was then given


Cricket-Hussey hails Ravindra for making fast start to IPL career

(Reuters) - Keeping a clear head and showing plenty of positive intent has helped Chennai Super Kings batsman Rachin Ravindra make a strong start to his Indian Premier League (IPL) career, the team's batting coach Michael Hussey said. New Zealand all-rounder Ravindra emerged as a hot prospect for IPL teams after finishing as the fourth-highest scorer in the 50-overs World Cup in India last year


Dubai World Cup: Every winner from Cigar to Thunder Snow and Ushba Tesoro

The eyes of the racing world will be focused on the UAE this Saturday night for the eagerly anticipated 28th running of the Dubai World Cup. Held annually on the last Saturday in March, the race was first run back in 1996 at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse and was won by Cigar. It has since grown into one of the sport's marquee events. It moved to the ...


Olympics-Hooper in line for Australia rugby sevens debut with eye on Paris

(Reuters) - Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is in line for his international rugby sevens debut as he looks to push for a place on Australia's squad for the Olympic tournament in Paris. Flanker Hooper was included in Australia's 13-man squad for the sixth round of the global SVNS series in Hong Kong on April 5-7. "Hoops has worked hard to make his way into the squad, and we're all


Oops! Watch a former ESPN anchor confuse Dana White for Joe Rogan in an all-time interview gaffe

and are both rambunctious, bald white men with an affinity for the UFC, but that doesn't make them the same person, Sage Steele! Steele, a former ESPN anchor, welcomed White to "The Sage Steele Show" and spent more than an hour talkin


Fans in over 150 countries will tune in to watch the 2024 Dubai World Cup

A total of 40 highly-regarded broadcasters will deliver a cinematic experience of the $30.5 million Meydan extravaganza live to audiences across the globe


Luis Rubiales: Spanish prosecutor seeks 2.5-year prison term for Jenni Hermoso kiss

Luis Rubiales could face two-and-a-half years behind bars over his unsolicited kiss on player Jenni Hermoso. A prosecutor at Spain's High Court is seeking a prison sentence for the former Spanish football chief after he kissed female footballer Hermoso following Spain's victory at the Women's World Cup last August. Prosecutor Marta Durantez charged...


Ferdinand makes blasphemous Saka claim amid Mainoo praise – ‘He wasn’t doing this at 18’

Ferdinand has bizarrely used Mainoo's form to criticise Saka, claiming that the Arsenal star was not doing what the Man Utd midfielder was at the age of 18.


Soccer - Age won't determine when I retire, says Messi

(Reuters) - Lionel Messi will not consider his age as a deciding factor in his retirement plans, the Argentine forward said, adding that he has no clear idea of what he will do when that time comes. Messi, who played for 17 years at Barcelona before signing for Paris St Germain in 2021 and Inter Miami last year, will turn 37 in under three months but knows for sure that his age will not determine


UFC 300 referees, judges assigned for Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill, Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan

The referees and judges for the two undisputed championship fights at UFC 300 have been assigned. The Nevada Athletic Commission announced Tuesday during its monthly meeting the names of the officials overseeing the title fights between light heavyweight champ and


Egypt's hotbed of basketball talent back on display as BAL returns to Cairo

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) is set to return to Cairo for a third consecutive year next month, cementing Egypt’s growing status as a major player in the sport on the continent. A collaboration between the NBA and Fiba (International Basketball Federation), the BAL is currently in its fourth season and will see Cairo giants Al Ahly begin thei...


Soccer - Forest fined for improper behaviour of coaching staff

(Reuters) - Nottingham Forest have been fined 75,000 pounds ($95,000) after failing to ensure proper behaviour from their players and staff during their Premier League game against Liverpool, the FA said on Wednesday. The 1-0 defeat by Liverpool on March 2 ended in chaos after the final whistle when referee Paul Tierney was surrounded by Forest's coaching team who were angered by his decision not


Gareth Southgate the favourite for Man Utd job if Ten Hag sacked

Will Erik ten Hag survive until the end of the season at Manchester United? Who are the favourites if he doesn't? Will it be Gareth Southgate?


Soccer-Poland edge Wales 5-4 on penalties to qualify for Euro 2024

CARDIFF (Reuters) -Poland's Wojciech Szczesny saved a Daniel James spot kick as they dashed Wales' hopes and won a penalty shootout 5-4 to qualify for Euro 2024 as the last country through from the playoff finals on Tuesday. The victory at the Cardiff City Stadium, after a cagey 90 minutes and further deadlock in extra time, secured Poland a fifth straight appearance at the continental tournament


Baseball United expands reach of its Middle East franchises

The league's two UAE franchises will now be called the Arabia Wolves and Mid East Falcons


Successors form an orderly queue, but MS Dhoni is still the leader of IPL pack

It had been trailed as a chance to glimpse the future. An opportunity for India’s potential captains-in-waiting to show their worth. And then the country’s greatest ever leader stole the show to prove old is still gold. Neither Ruturaj Gaikwad or Shubman Gill stood a chance at the Chepauk Stadium on Tuesday night, as the great MS Dhoni farewell tou...


UFC announces multiyear deal for twice-annual events in Perth starting with UFC 305

The UFC will be back back in Perth for two events this year. UFC 305 will take place Aug. 17 at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, promotion officials announced Thursday. The second event will be a Fight Night at a date still to b