Second Rothesay Test, The Kia Oval (day four of five)New Zealand 391 (Phillips 100) & 362 (Nicholls 121, Ravindra 76, Mitchell 68)England 291 (Gay 53, Fisher 50*; Henry 5-80) & 182-5 (Root 75*, Jamieson 3-37)England require 281 more runs, New Zealand need five wicketsScorecardJoe Root stands between England and defeat in the second Test against New Zealand on a day when absent captain Ben Stokes made 95 for Durham.Set a world record 463 to win at The Oval, England were reeling at 40-3 and in danger of not seeing out the fourth day.At the same time, Stokes, unavailable for this Test pending an investigation into a incident at a London nightclub, was making his highest score in any cricket since a century in the fourth Test against India almost a year ago.But with the exiled skipper at the crease 275 miles away, stand-in captain Root began a typically masterful unbeaten 75 to take England's rearguard into the final day.Root received a standing ovation on only two as he became the second man after Indian great Sachin Tendulkar to reach 14,000 Test runs.He shared a thrilling stand of 97 with Harry Brook, the vice-captain largely aggressive for his 58. Both Root and Brook overturned being given lbw to Matt Henry, who eventually had Brook held at slip.James Rew erased any lingering fears of a four-day finish, only to be lbw on review to Kyle Jamieson in the dying moments, leaving England 182-5 and New Zealand one wicket from the tail.England hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.Get cricket news sent straight to your phone

MLB team Los Angeles Dodgers‘ superstar Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, have announced the birth of their second child.The couple shared the news Saturday through a joint statement on Instagram. Ohtani was recently placed on the Dodgers’ paternity list and stepped away from the team to be with his family.“We are again overjoyed to experience this wonderful day in our lives together,” Ohtani and Tanaka wrote. “Thank you for being born safely. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey.”National League designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) of the Los Angeles Dodgers and wife Mamiko Tanaka at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesThe couple did not reveal the baby’s name, gender, or exact birth date.MORE: Yankees-Aroldis Chapman reunion becoming more unlikelyThis marks the second child for Ohtani and Tanaka, who welcomed a daughter in April 2025. The family has largely kept personal milestones private since Ohtani announced their marriage in early 2024.The announcement included a photo of the newborn’s feet wrapped in a blue blanket. Their dog, Decoy, also appeared in the family photo.The timing comes during another remarkable season for Ohtani.Shohei Ohtani is once again dominating this MLB seasonThe 31-year-old star continues to dominate as both a hitter and pitcher for the Dodgers.Entering the weekend, Ohtani owns a .296 batting average with 15 home runs and 42 RBIs. On the mound, he has posted a 7-2 record with a 1.47 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 73.2 innings.Ohtani remains one of the leading candidates for both the National League MVP and Cy Young Award. He has already won three consecutive MVP awards, including the last two in the National League.Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) walks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThe Dodgers have not missed a beat despite Ohtani’s brief absence. Los Angeles entered the weekend with MLB’s best record at 49-27 and a commanding lead in the National League West.MORE: Phillies sign former Dodgers prospect, 27, after monster monthOhtani is expected to rejoin the club before the end of the weekend. For now, however, baseball has taken a back seat as one of the sport’s biggest stars celebrates a major family milestone.

Rothesay County Championship, Division One, Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford (day two)Essex 184: Patterson-White 6-43 & 13-2: O'Neill 2-12Nottinghamshire 457: Haynes 137*, Hameed 89; Harmer 5-165Essex (2 pts) trail Notts (6 pts) by 260 runsMatch scorecardJack Haynes' second century of the campaign helped Nottinghamshire get their County Championship season back on track as they amassed a huge lead over title pretenders Essex at Chelmsford.Essex had taken over at the top of the table in the last round when Nottinghamshire suffered a heavy home defeat against Somerset. But that loss was channelled into such a dominant performance with ball and bat that the reigning champions led by 273 runs on first innings. Essex have been comprehensively outplayed and may well end up with just two bonus points from the game.Haynes built on the foundation put in place by captain and opener Haseeb Hameed's solid 89 to remain 137 not out after a tad over five hours at the crease. At times the 25-year-old was content to hold up an end and watch some destructive big-hitting from lower-order batsmen Fergus O'Neill, Liam Patterson-White and Olly Stone as Nottinghamshire posted 457.Simon Harmer's five-wicket haul almost went under the radar. However, it came at a personal cost of 165 runs from a marathon 45 overs. In six frenzied overs before the close, Essex limped to 13-2, losing Paul Walter to the third ball, bowled playing around one from O'Neill, who then had nightwatchman Jamie Porter caught at third slip.Things looked rosier for the home side at the start of day two when Shane Snater added his third wicket of the Nottinghamshire innings. Nottinghamshire had added just seven to their overnight total when Joe Clarke drove a delivery that swung into him straight back to the bowler.The visitors were made to work for their runs in the morning under heavy, overcast skies. Hameed was less exuberant than he had been the previous evening and had added just 21 runs and one four in 85 minutes when he went to slog Harmer over long-on only to pick out the boundary fielder.It took Nottinghamshire until 10 minutes before lunch, with 66 overs completed, to overhaul Essex's first-innings 184. But they did not make it to the break unscathed as the last ball looped up off Kyle Verreynne's bat for Tom Westley to dive forward at short leg for a one-handed catch that gave Harmer a second wicket.Once in the black, Nottinghamshire upped the tempo. Haynes twice reverse-swept Harmer to the vacant third-man boundary on his way to passing fifty for the sixth time this season.Batting became easier as the clouds parted and the sun broke through during the afternoon. Essex wasted the new-ball to the extent that it was only five overs' old before Harmer was bowling with it. Haynes and Lyndon James had put on 96 in 35 overs for the sixth wicket before Harmer got one to turn back in and trap James lbw.Moments later, Haynes scampered for a single into the offside and was punching the air before reaching the non-striker's end to celebrate a century from 144 balls.O'Neill was in no mood to hang around, launching Harmer over long-on for six and pulling Charlie Bennett for another. He reached his own fifty from 44 balls with a seventh four, lofting down the ground off Matt Critchley. But six balls and two boundaries later, he was looking to the heavens as he went to heave the same bowler, only to miss the ball and hear Michael Pepper whip off the bails.Patterson-White, who returned career-best figures of 6-43 in the Essex innings, followed Neill's lead with four boundaries and a six in a 20-ball 25 before skying Harmer to short extra cover. Critchley accounted for Brett Hutton off a top edge and Harmer rounded it off with the wicket of Stone.Report by ECB Reporters' Network, supported by Rothesay.Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport

2027 three-star edge Stevan Thornton III has become a popular name lately when it comes to the Florida State Seminoles. The reason for that is that FSU has made major waves in his recruitment in a short amount of time.He first came to Tallahassee on June 10, and exactly one week later, a scholarship offer was extended by FSU. Despite several other schools trying to land an official visit, he chose to take a trip to Florida State this weekend.It appears that the 6-foot-5, 200-pounder is looking to make a decision in the near future. Per Noles247's Chris Nee, Thornton could be making his choice after his official visit wraps up, and FSU is trending to be the program that he commits to.Edge coach Nick Williams has already shown his prowess for getting recruits to come to Florida State in his first six months on the job. The Seminoles got a prediction to land Thornton earlier this week, and it would be another feather in the cap for Williams if that comes true.Thornton produced at a high level during his junior year at Cairo High School. He amassed 91 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. He would pair very well with committed prospects four-star Anthony Cavallaro and three-star Jaxon Holly at the edge spot.The 247Sports composite rankings have Thornton listed as the No. 883 prospect in the country and the No. 75 edge. He's ranked as the No. 106 recruit in Georgia as well.Contact/Follow us @FSUWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Matthew on X @StarConscienceThis article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Football: Florida State working to land Stevan Thornton soon

NEW DELHI: Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi finally got his long-awaited first ODI hundred, producing a fighting knock of 102 against India in the third and final ODI at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.The century was a landmark one for Shahidi not just because it was his maiden ODI ton, but also because of the long wait involved. Having made his ODI debut in 2013, Shahidi took 4644 days to score his first hundred in the format - the fourth-longest gap between an ODI debut and maiden century in men's cricket.Only Zimbabwe's Regis Chakabva (5,040 days), India's Sunil Gavaskar (4,858 days) and Sri Lanka's Arjuna Ranatunga (4,674 days) waited longer for their first ODI hundred.Most days from ODI debut to maiden ODI century5,040 – Regis Chakabva (2008-2022)4,858 – Sunil Gavaskar (1974-1987)4,674 – Arjuna Ranatunga (1982-1994)4,644 – Hashmatullah Shahidi (2013-2026)4,639 – Nasser Hussain (1989-2003)Shahidi's special innings came at a time when Afghanistan were in deep trouble. After opting to bat first, the visitors slumped to 36/4 inside the first 10 overs as Prasidh Krishna ripped through the top order.Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah and Darwish Rasooli all fell cheaply, with Prasidh finishing the innings with career-best figures of 5/23.With wickets tumbling around him, Shahidi took charge of the recovery. The left-hander played a patient innings, finding gaps regularly and rotating the strike while ensuring Afghanistan did not suffer a complete collapse.He first added 105 runs for the fifth wicket with Azmatullah Omarzai, who made a brisk 50 off 56 balls. The partnership helped Afghanistan regain some stability after the early damage.Shahidi reached his fifty off 64 balls before continuing to anchor the innings. Even after suffering cramps in the latter stages of his knock, he carried on and brought up his maiden ODI century off 128 deliveries.The milestone came fittingly with a boundary off Washington Sundar. Shahidi eventually finished with 102 off 131 balls, an innings that included 13 fours and a six.He later shared another important stand of 57 runs with veteran Mohammad Nabi as Afghanistan crossed the 200-run mark.Once Nabi departed, wickets fell quickly at the other end, but Shahidi battled through pain and fatigue to ensure Afghanistan posted a respectable total of 218.

MOUNT MORRIS, Pennsylvania: Cole Davies took advantage of a mistake from Julien Beaumer at the two-third mark of Moto 1 of the High Point National and assumed the lead. With clean traffic ahead, Davies held onto the advantage for the remainder of the race.Beaumer slotted into second on the opening laps as holeshot winner, Casey Cochran, spurted out to a solid lead. Beaumer tracked him down and took the top spot away until he put his bike on the ground at the two-third mark.The top points contenders each had poor starts with Jo Shimoda finding himself the furthest back in the opening laps. He made up the most ground to move into the top five at the midway point, into fourth around Cade Dudney with 10 minutes remaining, and then he took the final podium position a few laps later.At the end of Moto 1, Shimoda was only three points behind the championship leader, Seth Hammaker.Cole Davies paces Thunder Valley qualification, Levi Kitchen, Seth Hammaker in the top fiveLevi Kitchen and Seth Hammaker share the red plate entering Round 4 of the Pro Motocross series Dan Beaver ,Cochran's holeshot allowed him to find a comfortable pace early on. He capitalized on that to finish fourth.Seth Hammaker challenged for a top five in the opening laps, faded to sixth during the first half of the race, and then followed Shimoda into the top five. He finished fifth.Levi Kitchen entered the moto with a share of the red plate and appeared to be the rider with the edge until he put his bike on the ground on Lap 9. He fell to ninth with the crash and was unable to move forward appreciably. He finished sixth, aftre passing two riders in the final two laps.Moto 1 results coming soon

Barcelona superstar may be out of the World Cup after hamstring injury – reportRaphinha is injured once more. At a time when questions about his future at Barcelona are growing louder, the Brazilian winger has suffered another setback while representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.During Brazil’s second group match against Haiti, which ended in a 3-0 victory, Raphinha pulled up in the 40th minute after feeling discomfort in his right thigh. Tournament over for Raphinha?Now, according to Xavi Hernandez Navarro of ARA, medical examinations confirmed a hamstring tear, the same muscle group that has troubled him repeatedly over the last year. Raphinha’s tournament, therefore, may now be effectively over, dealing a major blow to Brazil and adding another layer of uncertainty to his club future.Raphinha’s World Cup may be over. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)While an official statement is awaited, this could come as a major concern not only for the Selecao, but also Barcelona, considering the fitness problems Raphinha has faced over the course of the past year.Injury riddled periodThis past season has been very different for Raphinha compared to the exceptional 2024/25 campaign when he emerged as a genuine contender for the Ballon d’Or.His problems began in September with a hamstring injury suffered against Real Oviedo. Initially expected to return in time for El Clasico at the Bernabeu, he suffered a relapse just days before the match. Hansi Flick later admitted the club had rushed his recovery.Raphinha eventually returned in late November against Chelsea after two months out, only to suffer another muscular injury at the end of January. He came back again in February but sustained yet another setback in March while on international duty with Brazil, forcing him to miss the decisive stages of the Champions League campaign.Saudi Arabia continue to knock on the doors. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)Despite the constant interruptions, the numbers remain impressive. In 33 appearances this season, Raphinha scored 21 goals and registered seven assists.What about Raphinha’s future?Amidst all this, interest from Saudi Arabia is continuing to grow. Given their immense financial power, they remain determined to tempt one of Barcelona’s most influential players.Now, with injuries mounting and Saudi Arabia’s millions continuing to knock on the door, the Barcelona winger faces perhaps the biggest decision of his career. Whether he stays in Catalonia or accepts a life-changing offer abroad, the coming months promise to be crucial for both player and club.

Casemiro set to join Messi at Inter Miami as transfer agreedCasemiro will reportedly get his wish of playing alongside Lionel Messi after Inter Miami agreed a deal to sign the midfielder on a free transfer this summer. The 34-year-old is a free agent after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season.The Brazilian, who is currently at the FIFA World Cup with the national team in North America, had an option in his contract for another year, but decided to move on.Casemiro set to join Messi at Inter Miami as transfer agreedAccording to Fabrizio Romano, Inter Miami have completed the deal to sign Casemiro in the summer transfer window.It is claimed that a “verbal agreement” has been reached and “all formal steps resolved”. All that remains is for the five-time UEFA Champions League winner to sign the contract.The report adds that Casemiro “wants to play with Messi” in Miami and his future is in Major League Soccer.Read – Ronaldinho comes out of retirement to make shock return at age 46Casemiro joined Manchester United from Real Madrid for a transfer fee of £60 million, plus £10 million in add-ons, in 2022. He went on to make 160 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils and a huge threat on set pieces during his stint at Old Trafford, scoring 26 goals. He also won the League Cup and FA Cup, as well as helping the club reach the UEFA Europa League final in 2025, which they lost to Tottenham Hotspur.Messi is now in his fourth season at Inter Miami since leaving PSG in 2023. He’s had a successful spell at the Florida outfit, which is owned by David Beckham, winning a trophy in each season he’s been at the club. he has also scored 90 goals in 104 appearances in all competitions.Read – Premier League derby dates and fixtures for the 2026/27 seasonRead More – Five of the biggest shocks in World Cup historySee Also – Ronaldo’s redemption at the 2002 World CupFollow The Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

Red Sox Gold Glove Infielder Surprisingly Getting MRI On Forearm originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Boston Red Sox have been dealing with quite a few injuries to key players this season, and one of their infielders is also dealing with an injury now.Isiah Kiner-Falefa is reportedly getting an MRI on his forearm. He has played in 47 games this season, and has manned first base, second base, third base and shortstop this year."Isiah Kiner-Falefa is getting an MRI on his sore left forearm today, he said. It has bothered him for more than two weeks, but got worse Friday after a long flight to Seattle. He doesn’t believe it to be a big deal," wrote the Boston Globe's Tim Healey.Kiner-Falefa is a veteran infielder who gives the Red Sox some defensive versatility. He has been in the big leagues for nine seasons and has a Gold Glove Award. He has been swinging the bat well this season, posting a .277/.344/.361 slash line. He has two home runs, which is as many as he hit all of last season between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays.Losing Kiner-Falefa would be a huge blow, considering the Red Sox are already without Trevor Story. According to MassLive's Chris Cotillo, Anthony Seigler was not in the WooSox lineup on Saturday, and he could be a potential call-up if Kiner-Falefa has to go on the injured list.More MLB: Red Sox's Lineup 'Not Repairable' This Season, Per Insider

Knicks' Jose Alvarado reveals why he wants Taylor Swift at more games originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Jose Alvarado wants Taylor Swift courtside next season.Swift attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals when the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in an epic 106-107 win. Alvarado spoke to Us Weekly on Thursday, June 18, and shared that having Swift make an appearance at the game was “amazing.” “That’s a surreal superstar, and I was happy she was cheering us on,” the Knicks point guard said. “And [she] seemed like she was having a good time, and we won, so even better.”Alvarado told the outlet that, “She got to come more often.”Swift attended the NBA Finals alongside Este Haim, Alana Haim, and Danielle Haim, where she wore a "Stevie Knicks" shirt that was written in orange lettering on her blue shirt to match the Knicks team colors. Law & Order star Mariska Hargitay also joined in on the fun and wore a "Stevie Knicks" shirt. The singer shared that she even got a raspy voice from screaming too much at the NBA game. “I got home and was like, ‘You gotta stop screaming, you’re screaming too much, you’re screaming instead of talking, you’re too excited,’” Swift joked during her speech at the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony in New York City on Thursday, June 11.Swift is gearing up for her wedding to Travis Kelce over the summer. Her soon-to-be husband is a Cleveland Cavaliers fan, and they attended Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals together. Alvarado teased that it might cause a rift at home.“The house [is] gonna be divided, one side gonna be a loser, and then one side gonna be a winner,” he teased.More lifestyle news:Fat Joe gets real on Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller friendship after Knicks seasonTaylor Swift invites another popular singer to Travis Kelce weddingTaylor Swift mansion near big wedding scheduled for this weekendKnicks stars and celebrities celebrate NBA championship win with luxury NYC party after paradeAlix Earle seen out on date with popular singer following Tom Brady romance rumors

The Nets did not have a good season in 2025-26, finishing with the third-worst record in the NBA at 20-62. It was Brooklyn's third consecutive season finishing below .500 and missing the playoffs.Now, with their No. 6 overall pick, the Nets will look to the NBA Draft to find a savior, or at the very least a dynamic player that the team can build around.So, here's what the draft experts have the Nets doing in the first round.Isaac Trotter, CBS SportsNo. 6: PG Darius Acuff Jr., ArkansasBrooklyn needs to take the best player available, and luckily, a franchise point guard will fall right into its lap. Darius Acuff Jr. walking onto the floor is a terrifying sight for any defense. He has answers to the test at every single level. I'm not concerned about his size -- he has a 6-foot-7 wingspan and chiseled shoulders -- but I do think it's fair to worry about his athleticism and attention to detail defensively. When those fears creep in, just flip on the tape, sit back and chuckle at the domination. His 49-point, five-assist, one-turnover game against Alabama was one of the best offensive games I've seen from a college guard. Acuff is so, so cold. The Nate Ament-Brooklyn buzz feels like a bluff to try and manufacture a team like Milwaukee to trade up from 10. Sticking at 6 and plucking Acuff makes the most sense.Zach Buckley, Bleacher ReportNo. 6: G Mikel Brown Jr., LouisvilleThe closer it gets to the start of this draft, the harder it seems for teams not to bet big on Brown's potential. Because his ceiling sits at a skyscraping height— despite some of the injury and inefficiency issues he encountered with the Cardinals.If those things were related and won't necessarily be carried forward, then this selection might feel like his clearance for takeoff.His scoring punch is powerful, and his bucket-getting bag includes everything from he-shot-it-from-where?! deep threes to dynamic finishing at the basket. Now, add showstopping dime-dropping to the equation, and you're left looking at a dynamic floor general in training. The Nets need this kind of offensive firepower, let alone this level of star potential.Bryan Kalbrosky, USA TodayNo. 6: G Mikel Brown Jr., LouisvilleDuring this rebuilding chapter, the Nets would love to add a player like the talented Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., even though they drafted three point guards last season.He has already completed a second workout for Brooklyn, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because they were unauthorized to speak publicly on the matter.Brown's draft stock has improved during the pre-draft process as he has shown teams a clean bill of health. “I got cleared by the medical staff from the league at the Combine, so we’re all green,” Brown Jr. told USA TODAY Sports. “I feel like myself again.”The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including a 45-point outing against NC State, before his injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness.Jeremy Woo, ESPNNo. 6: PG Darius Acuff Jr., ArkansasBrooklyn's pick has been challenging for rival teams to project, with the Nets tied to a large group of prospects and no obvious best fit. Although Acuff doesn't match the Nets' preference for positional size on the perimeter, rival teams have come to view him as a serious candidate.Acuff appears to have a very narrow draft range, with the Clippers seemingly focused elsewhere and the Nets and Kings viewed as his two primary suitors. He is coming off an excellent season at Arkansas and would immediately become their most talented shot creator. Mikel Brown Jr. is another name to watch here.Nate Ament's size and skill at forward align with how the Nets have drafted in the past, and he is considered by rival teams as a possibility if they opt not to select a guard. However, he is further away from helping a team win, and there is impetus for the Nets to get better immediately, as they don't control their own pick in 2027 and haven't been competitive the past few seasons.Brooklyn also has a projected $34 million in cap space, although it's unclear how any free agent plans might impact the direction of its draft.Kevin O'Connor, Yahoo! SportsNo. 6: G Mikel Brown Jr., LouisvilleThere is a sense in opposing front offices that Brooklyn could trade down from this spot, whether it’s with a team trying to leap way up the board or even up just one spot in the Kings or two spots in the Hawks. Brown is the choice here though. When Brown is in the zone, he has an unstoppable pull-up jumper, an ambidextrous finishing ability, and the quick reads to rifle passes before the defense has time to react. He had a 45-point breakout performance in February after a back injury dogged him all freshman year and then ended his year later in the month. The absences muddy the evaluation and leave real questions about his consistency that may not get answered until he’s fully healthy.

Saka came off the bench after 72 minutes in England's 4-2 World Cup win over Croatia [Getty Images]Bukayo Saka was the only player not involved in group training as England continued preparations for their second match of the World Cup against Ghana.The Arsenal winger sent Saturday's session indoors working on an individual programme as he continues to deal with an Achilles issue he has been managing since March.England meet Ghana in Boston on Tuesday (21:00 BST) with both sides having started Group L with a victory.Head coach Thomas Tuchel was on the training pitch at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City with 25 of his 26 players as baseball team the KC Royals watched on alongside opponents St Louis Cardinals after the two had played on Friday night.Saka came off the bench in the 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday, and provided an assist to fellow substitute Marcus Rashford for England's fourth.Before the tournament, Tuchel said Saka would require managing through the opening stages because of what is understood to be an Achilles tendinitis issue.Saka has insisted he was ready to play and was prepared to "gamble" on his fitness to help the team during the World Cup.However, Tuchel said the 24-year-old is unlikely to start until the final Group L game against Panama in New Jersey on Saturday, 27 June (22:00 BST)."Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready," Tuchel said. "I think once we go to the last game of this group he will be ready."Saka has been carrying the issue for some time, and while there was concern behind the scenes at Arsenal, they deemed the forward fit enough to start regularly during their triumphant title run-in.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is often very guarded with regards to his players' injury concerns and has generally kept information about Saka's condition in-house.But Tuchel's admission the 24-year-old has to be managed through at least part of the World Cup has thrust the winger's fitness into the limelight.Tuchel's latest comments appear to show that the German is protecting Saka, knowing the winger will likely be a crucial asset during the latter stages of the tournament - but could also start against Ghana if required.Play BBC Sport's new World Cup predictor gameWorld Cup fixtures and group standingsHow to watch the World Cup on the BBCEverything you need to know about the World Cup

Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson is looking to go where only one man, at least officially, has gone before.A little over a week ago, at the end of mandatory minicamp, the soon-to-be eighth-year defender had taken some time out to chat with team beat reporter Sheena Quick. Quick asked Jackson of his goals for 2026, and he certainly didn't hold back . . .Most players dance around quantifying their personal goals….Mike Jackson is not most players.It’s written on his bathroom mirror.#Pantherspic.twitter.com/qP6W1UCUNL— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) June 19, 2026As Quick noted, Jackson is on the final year of his contract. But if he has the type of campaign he's set for himself, it may not be his last in Carolina.To recap, Jackson is aiming for 80 tackles, six interceptions, three interception returns for touchdowns, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Only one player in NFL history has officially hit all of those marks in a single season—Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott (as a rookie) in 1981.Jackson would, obviously, have to step up his game to reach that ceiling. He is, though, trending up—after notching 68 tackles, four interceptions, one pick-six and a league-leading 19 passes defensed in 2025.Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers CB Mike Jackson sets insane goals for 2026 season

Through the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a total of 506 players suit up for them, going back to their days in Minneapolis. Some were forgettable, some were serviceable, some were good and a select few were flat-out legendary.During the Lakers' 80th season of existence (they were founded back in 1946 as the Detroit Gems in the National Basketball League), LeBron Wire is taking a look at each player who has worn their jersey, whether it has been a purple and gold one or the ones they donned back in the Midwest during their early years.Over the last few seasons, the Lakers have lacked quality depth at the center position. Midway through last season, they brought in Trey Jemison, a 6-foot-10, 270-pound big man who had spent the first part of the campaign with the New Orleans Pelicans.He originally went undrafted in 2023 out of the University of Alabama. In 22 games with the Lakers during the 2024-25 season, Jemison averaged 2.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.4 blocks in 10.3 minutes a game.L.A. waived him last summer, and he spent this season with the New York Knicks, although he didn't play during the postseason as they powered their way to the NBA championship. In three seasons thus far, Jemison has career averages of 3.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 13.8 minutes per game.This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers jersey history No. 55 — Trey Jemison

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) confronted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about the administration sending a gay man to a prison camp in El Salvador and not even knowing if he’s still alive. Noem said that it wasn’t her problem. Noem, who has bragged in the past about shooting her dog to death, appeared before the House Homeland Security Committee for a hearing yesterday, where Garcia asked her about Andry Hernandez Romero, a gay hair dresser from Venezuela who came to the U.S. legally to escape anti-LGBTQ+ violence and who was sent to the CECOT camp in El Salvador, which is known for torturing inmates, earlier this year. Related Gay Democrat Robert Garcia calls “bulls**t” on party’s attempt to bury torture camp story The administration, which sent immigrants to the CECOT without letting courts determine if they were in the country illegally or if they had committed any crimes, has refused to try to bring anyone back from the camp. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today “Would you commit to just letting his mother know – as a mother-to-mother – if Andry is alive?” Garcia asked Noem. “He was given an asylum appointment by the United States government. We gave him an appointment, we said, Andry, come to the border at this time and claim asylum, he was taken to a foreign prison in El Salvador.” “His mother just wants to know if he’s alive. Can we check and do a wellness check on him?” Noem said she doesn’t “know the specifics” of Hernandez Romero’s case but said that since he’s in El Salvador, Garcia should be asking El Salvador’s government about him. “This isn’t under my jurisdiction,” Noem said. Garcia reminded her that she said that the Salvadoran prison is a “tool in our toolkit” for fighting crime. “You and the president have the ability to check that Andry is alive and not being harmed,” he said. “Would you commit into at least looking and asking El Salvador if he is alive?” “This is a question that is best asked to the president and the government of El Salvador,” Noem responded drily. Garcia to Noem: "Can you commit to just letting his mother know mother to mother if Andry is alive? He was given an asylum appointment by the United States government." (Noem wouldn't commit to it.)[image or embed]— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) May 14, 2025 at 7:27 PM Hernandez Romero is a Venezuelan immigrant who trekked to the U.S. and entered legally last year at San Diego. There, he asked for asylum, saying that he was being targeted in Venezuela for being gay and due to his political beliefs. He was held in a CoreCivic detention center, where he was screened by Charles Cross Jr. “The government had found that his threats against him were credible and that he had a real probability of winning an asylum claim,” his lawyer, Lindsay Toczylowski, said. In March, he, along with over 200 other immigrants, was taken in shackles to the CECOT camp in El Salvador. Even his lawyer said she didn’t know what happened to him until he was gone and missed a hearing in his immigration case. In a video from the CECOT, Hernandez Romero could be heard saying, “I’m not a gang member. I’m gay. I’m a stylist,” as he was slapped and had his head shaved. “We have grave concerns about whether he can survive,” Toczylowski told CBS News. It was later revealed that the evidence Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had against Hernandez Romero was his tattoos, which came from a report from the contractor CoreCivic, specifically from former police officer Charles Cross Jr., who lost his job with the Milwaukee police after he drunkenly crashed into a house and allegedly committed fraud. His name was subsequently added to the Brady List, a list of police officers who are considered non-credible for providing legal testimony in Milwaukee County. Cross claimed that Hernandez Romero had crown tattoos associated with a gang. The tattoos are labeled “Mom” and “Dad” and are common symbols associated with his hometown of Capacho, Venezuela. Capacho is known for its elaborate festival for Three Kings Day, and a childhood friend, Reina Cardenas, told NBC News that it was that festival that awakened Hernandez Romero’s desire to be an artist. “Andry dedicated his life to arts and culture, and he worked hard to better his craft,” Cardenas said. Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

🚨 Now it’s getting serious! Oranje tear Sweden apartThe emphatic 5-1 win in the opener briefly made Sweden’s problems in qualifying for the World Cup fade into the background. But the Netherlands are now exposing them in impressive fashion in the second group match. A quick double at the start of the game and another shortly after the break have given the Dutch a comfortable 4-0 lead. Time and again, Oranje are tearing Tre Kronor apart down the flanks and finishing ruthlessly. Brobbey and Gakpo each with a brace.A small glimmer of hope for Sweden only came shortly before the hour mark, when Anthony Elanga finished off a counterattack. Was it more than just a consolation goal? The final half hour will tell!This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

Prasidh Krishna on Saturday produced a sensational spell with the ball to put Afghanistan under massive pressure in the third and final ODI against India in Chennai. The pacer claimed a career-best 5 for 23, becoming the first Indian bowler to register a five-wicket haul in an ODI at the venue. His figures are also the best by any bowler in ODIs in Chennai, surpassing West Indies pacer Ravi Rampaul's 5 for 51 against India in 2011.Afghanistan chose to bat first but were rocked early as Prasidh removed four batters inside the first 10 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah all fell while attempting drives outside off stump, while Darwish Rasooli was caught after trying to pull the Karnataka pacer. At 36 for four, Afghanistan appeared headed for a complete collapse.Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi then steadied the innings with a determined knock. The left-hander stitched together a 105-run partnership with Azmatullah Omarzai, who scored a brisk 50, before adding another crucial stand with Mohammad Nabi.Shahidi played the anchor's role perfectly and brought up his maiden ODI century off 128 balls. Despite suffering cramps after crossing 80, he continued battling and eventually finished with 102 off 131 deliveries. Omarzai's attacking approach also helped Afghanistan recover from their disastrous start.India restrict Afghanistan to 218After Nabi's dismissal, wickets began falling regularly and Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 218. Shahidi's effort helped the visitors cross the 200-run mark, but they were also handed a five-run penalty after the skipper stepped into the danger area of the pitch late in the innings.Despite Afghanistan's spirited fightback, the day belonged to Prasidh, whose memorable performance earned him a place alongside Indian pace greats such as Jasprit Bumrah, Javagal Srinath and Mohammed Siraj.

Did Indiana Fever superstar guard Caitlin Clark wave off Atlanta Dream superstar forward Angel Reese during Saturday's game between the two in Atlanta? A quick clip seems to show Reese fouling Clark and expressing her frustration on the call to her fellow 2024 WNBA Draftee in Clark. Clark seems to wave off Reese after the brief exchange, showing these two still have some competitive fire between them after so much was made in 2024 and early in 2025 about their on-court rivalry. While the Clark-Reese dynamic has really cooled off, it's still evident these two can get chippy when they're locked in a heated competition. There's clearly no love lost between these two. Angel Reese has some words for Caitlin Clark about her special whistle 😂 pic.twitter.com/vNGqbgLryw— Kyle Ingram (@SnapshotKyle) June 20, 2026A little friction between tow great players... that's great sports if you ask us! Who won the last game between the Fever and Dream before Saturday? The Dream won on Thursday evening in Indiana. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Did Caitlin Clark wave off Angel Reese in quick Fever-Dream exchange?

One thing that has become apparent since new head coach Bob Chesney has taken over the UCLA Bruins football program is that no recruit is out of reach. Chesney, who’s leading a program fresh off of a 3-9 season, has already landed his first five-star recruit and now he’s working on another.Edge rusher Asher Ghioto traveled out to Los Angeles to check out UCLA for a two-day visit. Ghioto is a 2028 recruit, making him a year older than Bruins’ five-star commit JuJu Johnson, but an elite recruit nonetheless.Currently Ghioto is ranked as the No. 3 player in the nation according to 247 Sports’ Composite Rankings, which has him as the No. 1 edge rusher in the class. Ghioto is a Jacksonville, Florida native who’s set to enter his junior season at The Bolles School in Jacksonville.Ghioto has the size you’re looking for on the edge, standing at 6’5” and weighing 240 lbs with plenty of time to bulk up before getting to the NCAA in the fall of 2028. Ghioto has no shortage of offers, with Alabama, Miami, Georgia, Indiana and Ohio State all offering the young pass rusher.Chesney and his coaching staff has earned the respect of Ghioto, as he told On3 Sports’ Greg Biggins “I like the new staff at UCLA and their track record speaks for itself.”Jacksonville (Fla.) The Bolles School edge Asher Ghioto, a top 10 player in the '28 class, is headed West on Tuesday for a two-day visit to UCLA"I like the new staff at UCLA and their track record speaks for itself.”Intel: https://t.co/75BNdoNw7ipic.twitter.com/XYw9WH5LlG— Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) June 16, 2026We’ll see throughout Ghioto’s recruiting process if he’s truly interested in UCLA as a future home or if he couldn’t pass up a trip to Los Angeles to check out UCLA’s elite facilities. Even if Ghioto ultimately decides to not join the Bruins, the visit from a five-star is another sign of how Chesney has turned around UCLA’s recruiting efforts in just one offseason.This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA hosts 2028 five-star edge rusher Asher Ghioto on a visit

Barcelona ‘very close’ to 2nd summer signingLa Liga giants Barcelona are on the verge of tying up an agreement for their 2nd signing of the summer transfer window.This comes amid confirmation of the Blaugrana brass closing on an imminent deal for Racing Santander talent Jorge Salinas.Salinas is for his part fresh off a stellar campaign on the books of the aforementioned Racing.En route to the Racinguistas topping the La Liga 2 table to secure promotion back to the Spanish top-flight, the 19-year-old emerged as one of the club’s star performers.Across 32 league appearances, Salinas racked up a head-turning seven assists from his berth at left-back.Such exploits are understood to have caught the eye of a number of top-flight clubs, not least the aforementioned Barcelona. And if the latest word stemming from the Spanish media is anything to go by, then the Camp Nou board look all set to beat out the stiff competition to Salinas’ signature this summer.As per a report from Diario Sport:‘Jorge Salinas is very close to becoming FC Barcelona’s second signing for the 2026/27 season. Deco’s sporting management has ‘tied up’ the young promise of Real Racing Club de Santander and, if nothing goes wrong, his signing will be closed before June 30.’Conor Laird – GSFN

Fifty-five ships had passed through the strait on Saturday, the U.S. military said. But then Iran’s military said it was closing the waterway once again.

TikTok and “protein-maxxing” are driving a cottage cheese squeeze that’s left some consumers desperate.

Cowboys fans should be rooting for the Commanders to sign Brandon Aiyuk for all the right reasons originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Dallas Cowboys enter 2026 with arguably the best receiver room in the NFC East, featuring CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and second-year target Ryan Flournoy. Now that A.J. Brown is no longer part of the Philadelphia Eagles' receiver room, Jerry Jones’ offense will face little to no competition within the division. In this situation, the only thing Cowboys fans should want is for their division rivals to keep making avoidable mistakes. The Washington Commanders are about to make a big one, as reports name them the overwhelming favorite to sign Brandon AiyukWhy Aiyuk-to-Washington scenario is exactly what Cowboys fans wantAccording to NFL insider Jason La Canfora, the San Francisco 49ers are prepared to release the 28-year-old receiver after a bitter two-year saga that included a torn ACL in Oct. 2024. And it permanently fractured last year in November when San Francisco voided Aiyuk’s contract guarantees because he skipped his ACL rehab.Recently, Aiyuk posted a 90-second Instagram clip aimed at the 49ers, saying, "The truth is they're scared," and "They are going to say, 'Oh yes, BA did this, BA did that.' Allegedly. Allegedly." It seems he no longer wants to be a Commander, either.Washington needs a secondary receiver opposite Terry McLaurin, and Aiyuk brings name recognition since they won't bring Deebo Samuel back. But his profile has significant holes. He tore his ACL and MCL just months after signing a four-year, $120 million extension and has not played a single snap since.So, if the Commanders actually sign him, it will provide much-needed comedic relief for Dallas Nation, given the history. Aiyuk is a good player, and he had a great season, but that's a two-year-old story.More NFL news: Jerry Jones faces unwelcome advice as 6× Pro Bowler urges George Pickens to take different routeCowboys ended minicamp early, but several questions remain unansweredDallas Goedert explains decision to remain with Philadelphia Eagles in free agencyJerry Jones will absolutely love the offense vs. defense rivalry brewing in Cowboys practiceTwo Philadelphia Eagles stars among NFL's top merchandise sellers

HILLSDALE — Hillsdale County baseball seniors will take the field one final time in their school colors during the annual all-star game Monday evening at Hillsdale College.More: From transfer to record-setter, Welch signs with Manchester footballThe 2026 game is set for a 5 p.m. first pitch at Lenda and Glenda Hill Stadium and TFO Partners Field, with warmups scheduled for 4:15 p.m. Admission is free for fans.The event will showcase standout seniors from every county varsity program, split into Team Oaks and Team Pines.Team OaksDistrict champion coach Brian Stroble of Jonesville will lead Team Oaks after guiding the Comets to a regional final appearance this spring.Jonesville will be well represented by seniors Devan Herendeen, Carsen Cornila, Talon Titus, Ian Doyle, Lucas Kyser and Marshall Baker. Titus and Baker emerged as two of the Comets’ top pitchers, each earning multiple wins, while Titus led the team in strikeouts. Baker and Cornila both earned honorable mention all-Cascades Conference honors, with Cornila ranking among the county’s top base runners. Baker also scored the game-winning run that sent Jonesville to the regional final.Camden-Frontier coach Michael Conant will have three seniors on the roster in Luis Thilo, Weston Word and Brayden Bever. Thilo, a first-team all-league selection, was a team leader for the RedHawks, finishing second in runs and stolen bases while also picking up multiple wins on the mound. Word earned second-team honors and Bever honorable mention, with both finishing the season with double-digit hits.Reading coach Devin Marquart will be represented by senior Dayton Verity, a three-sport athlete for the Rangers.Pittsford coach Kyle Brown will bring Jacob Drawe, Nate Wickard and Mondale Knepfler to Team Oaks. Drawe posted a 5-0 record on the mound and earned first-team all-league honors. Knepfler and Wickard have been standout multi-sport athletes, with Knepfler and Drawe also qualifying for the Division 4 track and field state finals in relay and individual events.Team PinesTeam Pines will be coached by North Adams-Jerome’s Kody Hodshire, who led the Rams to an 11-4 record, a district final appearance and a share of the SCAA East title.North Adams-Jerome seniors Nathan Todd, Conner Arsenault, Kaleb Hale and James Johnson will represent the Rams. Todd earned second-team all-league honors after a breakout season. Arsenault, a first-team selection, was one of the county’s top catchers with 172 putouts.Hale returns after overcoming a leg injury that sidelined him until the postseason, when he made an immediate impact during districts after entering the year as the team’s top returning hitter.Johnson, a co-op athlete from Will Carleton Academy, also competed in track and field as a hurdles specialist and played football.Waldron seniors Aiden Boyd, Seth Williams and Troy Shamplo will also suit up. Shamplo and Williams each earned first-team all-league honors, with Shamplo finishing the season with 27 runs and 27 steals as one of the county’s top base runners. Both also contributed on the mound. Boyd was a Dream Team selection on the football offensive line. The Spartans were coached by Mike Granger, who recently retired as athletic director.Litchfield’s Brady Kerr, the Terriers’ lone senior, earned first-team all-league honors after leading the team in hits and RBIs while also earning wins on the mound. He will be joined by coach Nate Sitkiewicz.Hillsdale coach Kobe Baker will have five seniors represented in Ben Champion, Tydan Bible, Brayden Happ, Aiden Vanwormer and Tyson Duff. Champion was one of the Hornets’ top pitchers and a dual-sport athlete during the winter season. Duff anchored the outfield and ranked among the county’s top defenders. Bible contributed on the mound while playing first base, and Happ was another key outfielder. Vanwormer was one of the team's top hitters and pitchers his senior year and had home runs for the Hornets. Each played integral roles across multiple Hornets teams during their senior seasons.Umpires for the event include Joe Kunkel and Rick Lee.This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Hillsdale College to host prep all-star senior baseball game

🎥 In full voice; Germany supporters flood the streets of TorontoIn another show of remarkable World Cup support, German fans have formed a sea white along Toronto's lakeshore on their way to Die Mannschaft's marquee Group E clash against Cote d’Ivoire.The march to Toronto Stadium began before noon (local time), with thousands of fans chanting, jumping and waving flags along packed waterfront streets.Unsurprisingly, some have even noticed long lines forming outside of a lakefront brewery in Toronto.While there were similar marches in Toronto from both Bosnian and Canadian fans ahead of the Canucks' World Cup opener, nothing compares to the sheer quantity, organisation and commitment of DFB supporters.And paired with warm, sunny conditions, Toronto looks set for a true World Cup party!

SEATTLE, Wash. — Even as a native of Argentina, United States men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino couldn’t hold back feelings about the support he felt from the fans in Seattle during another dominant performance from his squad.The U.S. secured a spot in the knockout stage with a 2-0 win over Australia on Friday, June 19, in front of an electric crowd of 66,925 fans, and it marked the first time since 1930 the team has won back-to-back games in a World Cup.With Paraguay’s victory over Türkiye later that night, the Americans clinch first place in Group D, setting up a knockout stage matchup against the third-place team from either Group B, E, F, I or J at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1.The USA will not know its Round of 32 opponent until the end of the overall group play, which it concludes Thursday against Türkiye (0-2) in Los Angeles.“Even if I am not American, after the game, I was emotional because the atmosphere was amazing, the fans were amazing,” Pochettino said. “The warm reception and the way they support us and the way they celebrate the victory, they make you feel very emotional and the players are very emotional too. I think it was an amazing and perfect connection between the energy in the stands and the team, and I think this makes us feel very proud because to connect with the people is what we wanted. And if we want to achieve good things we need the support of our fan — for sure, the fans here in Seattle, but also the rest of the country. They are all supporting us, and we feel that support and it’s amazing for the team.”World Cup: No Pulisic, no problem for U.S. in 2-0 win over AustraliaRegardless of the location, it seems the Americans are fully embracing the opportunity to play on home soil in a World Cup for the first time since 1994 — two years before Major League Soccer was born. Seattle, which joined the league in 2009, has been renowned for its passionate supporter culture, two MLS Cups, four U.S. Open Cup titles, and an historic 2022 CONCACAF Champions League victory.The USMNT is 7-0-0 all-time in Seattle, but the last time playing there was in 2016.On Thursday, as the team held its pre-match training session at the University of Washington, and on Friday before and after the game, the city was buzzing. Fans dressed in red, white and blue filled the streets.That passion carried into the stadium with U-S-A chants, eruptions of cheers and songs like John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” ringing out after the win.“Special, so special,” USMNT forward Folarin Balogun said. “It's tough to put it into words, you know, the National Anthem, and then you're seeing, you know, the helicopters go above, it's extremely special, you know, and it just gives us that, not that we need it, but it gives us that last bit of motivation before we go out there to just go out there and really go crazy.”Alex Freeman, who scored the insurance goal just before halftime Friday, said sometimes players don’t realize the support in the stands, but he took time after the game to soak in the experience.“After the game, we're just able to take it all in and realize, you know, how much of a great support system we have, and in the U.S. fans,” Freeman said. “I think for us, it just makes us, as a whole be able to play better, knowing that we have that kind of support outside. And I think for us … to come out and be able to kind of have that atmosphere, for the fans to kind of sing those songs that kind of make us calm and make us kind of accept the fact that we're here and we have such an amazing thing to do, and now we have more to do.”Pochettino hopes his team keeps riding the momentum from the first two wins, as the U.S. has outscored its opponents 6-1. He doesn’t plan to start looking toward the next round, having clinched a spot, but it will be interesting to see what kind of approach he takes against Turkey with a chance to rotate and test depth or keep building energy with his starting XI.The squad Friday saw just one change from the lineup in the opening win over Paraguay with Ricardo Pepi replacing injured Christian Pulisic. Pochettino and his staff used all five subs in the second half against the Socceroos, after turning to his bench for just three changes after Pulisic left at halftime against Paraguay.Even with a third-place finish (by tiebreaker) in the 1930 World Cup, the U.S. has only won one game beyond group play — in 2002 with a quarterfinal appearance.“I think we need to keep believing, believing that we can win, knowing that we need to work really hard, but at the same time enjoying the time together, building every day our journey until the next game,” Pochettino said. “It’s not changed too much, my view, my dreams or what I am seeing. It’s much better when you show a good performance and win the games. It makes easier everything, but at the same time it’s to keep believing.“Before it was one game, three points, now it’s two games, six points. Now we need to go for the next one. To be sure we are going to arrive in good condition like the last two games, we need to enjoy, we need to work hard, we need to be responsible, we need to have discipline, we have to be tough to push to be better and not relax.”

Two spectators have been taken to hospital and Saturday's final two stages have been cancelled after an accident at the Donegal International Rally.The accident occurred in the first pass of the Gartan stage of the rally on Saturday afternoon, which was the 12th stage of 20 in the three-day event, which is one of the biggest motorsport events on the island of Ireland.No update was provided by organisers on the condition of the two spectators, who have been taken to Letterkenny University Hospital.The final two stages that were meant to run on Saturday have been cancelled.A decision whether to finish the rally with the final six stages on Sunday will be taken later on Saturday.Prior to the stoppage, five-time World Rally Championship event winner Kris Meeke was leading the rally by 13.9 seconds over Callum Devine, who is aiming to become the first driver to win the rally four times in a row. M-Sport WRC driver Josh McErlean was in third place, 31.6 seconds off the lead, while European Rally Championship regular Philip Allen was in fourth. On his first appearance at the rally in 18 years, Toyota driver Meeke led Devine and McErlean by 11.8 seconds after the opening six stages on Friday.In the modified class, Isle of Man TT record wins holder Michael Dunlop restarted the rally on Saturday morning after being forced out of Friday's six stages with a mechanical issue on his Ford Escort.

Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo each scored twice to power the Netherlands to a 5-1 victory over Sweden on Saturday.After a uninspiring 2-2 draw with Japan in its opening World Cup match, the Dutch came out on the front foot right from kickoff. Brobbey started the attack on the opening goal by laying off a ball to Tijjani Reijnders, who then found Gakpo on the left wing. Gakpo then put a pass across the Sweden penalty box and found Brobbey to make it 1-0 after just five minutes.Brobbey was making his first World Cup start for the Netherlands in the place of Matchday 1 goalscorer Crysencio Summerville. Twelve minutes after opening the scoring, he secured his brace by losing defender Isak Hien and tapping home a Denzel Dumfries pass.According to Opta, Brobbey netted the fourth-fastest brace (16:12) to start a World Cup match since 1986 behind Germany's Lukas Podolski (11:35, 2006) and Brazil's Ronaldo Nazário (12:16, 2002) and England's Gary Lineker (13:46, 1986).The two first-half tallies also saw Netherlands join Brazil, Germany, Argentina, France, Italy, Spain, and England as men's team with 100 goals all-time in the World Cup. The Netherlands is the only one in that group to have not won a World Cup.Two minutes into the second half the Netherlands put the game out of reach. Summerville was subbed in and was brilliant on the ball as he laid a pass off to Dumfries. The new Real Madrid man fired a pass across the Sweden box, nearly missing Brobbey for his hat trick, and connecting with Gakpo.Gakpo would get his own brace seven minutes later to make it 4-0. Five minutes after that goal, Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen would have his clean sheet spoiled by Anthony Elanga, who scored three minutes after being substituted into the match.Summerville would enter the match at halftime and increase the lead to 5-1 in the 89th minute. The goal was his second of the tournament.The victory moves the Dutch one point ahead of Sweden in the Group F table after two matches. Japan, who is currently in third place with one point, will take on last-place Tunisia later Saturday night.The Netherlands will look to win the group in their final match of this stage when they meet Tunisia on Thursday in Kansas City. Sweden will play Japan in Dallas with both games kicking off at 7 p.m. ET.

The United States Men’s National Soccer Team has gained another high-profile supporter after its impressive start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Asked whether the USMNT can win the tournament, Zlatan Ibrahimovic delivered a simple but powerful response.“Yes,” Ibrahimovic said without taking a second.The one-word answer comes as Mauricio Pochettino’s side continues to build momentum on home soil. The Americans opened the tournament with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay before defeating Australia 2-0 to secure first place in Group D.MORE: USA’s Chris Richards hits impressive feat in World Cup win against AustraliaThose performances have changed perceptions around the team. The United States has scored six goals through two matches while conceding just once.Even more impressive, the Americans advanced without star forward Christian Pulisic in their second match. Pulisic missed the Australia game with a calf injury, but the squad showed its growing depth.“C.P. is a fantastic player,” Folarin Balogun said. “We didn’t have him today, but I think you saw we’re still capable to go out there and get a result.”Why is belief around the USMNT growing?USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettin at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports | Jon Durr-USA TODAY SportsFormer U.S. international Jermaine Jones believes opponents are beginning to view the Americans differently.“I think every team who faces our country right now or faces this team, this young team, after the two games they showed, I think we’re owed some respect in this tournament,” Jones said. “There’s not a lot of teams that will be like, like before, ‘Oh, we would like to play against the U.S.’“There’s a lot of teams now that say, ‘Hmm, that would be interesting and it’s dangerous to play against them.'”That respect has been earned through structure and balance. Tyler Adams has controlled midfield, Balogun has led the attack, and goalkeeper Matt Freese has provided stability.The emergence of 21-year-old Alex Freeman has also been a major storyline. The defender scored against Australia and has become one of the tournament’s breakout players.Winning the World Cup remains a difficult challenge. Traditional powers such as Argentina, France, England, and Brazil still possess deeper tournament experience.MORE: Can USA soccer break brutal World Cup win curse?However, the United States looks more complete than previous generations. Pochettino has built a team that presses aggressively, attacks with confidence, and defends with discipline.Zlatan’s prediction may seem bold, but it no longer feels unrealistic. If the Americans continue their current trajectory, they could become one of the most dangerous teams in the knockout rounds and a genuine contender for the trophy.

SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 02: Reliever Matt Moore #55 of the Los Angeles Angels delivers a pitch during a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on June 2, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 5-1. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Royals have been searching under every rock to build up their pitching depth after recent injuries have decimated their staff. After acquiring Connor Seabold and Randy Dobnak earlier this week, today they signed veteran pitcher Matt Moore to a minor league deal.Not to be confused with the former Chiefs quarterback of the same name, Matt Moore has spent 13 years in the big leagues with the Rays, Giants, Rangers, Tigers, Phillies, Angels, Guardians, and Marlins. The 37-year-old has a career 4.39 ERA, spending his early career as a starter, but transitioning to a reliever later in his career. The lefty was once one of the top prospects in all of baseball, and was an All-Star for Tampa Bay in 2013 as a starter. He had Tommy John surgery the next year, but bounced back to have a solid season in 2016. He missed most of the 2019 season with a knee injury, and played in 2020 with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Japan. He returned to the States in 2021, and converted to the bullpenin 2023, posting a 1.95 ERA in 63 games with the Rangers. He last pitched in the big leagues in 2024, making 51 appearances with the Angels, posting a 5.03 ERA. Moore signed with the Red Sox last year, but experienced arm soreness and was released before ever making an appearance in the organization.The Royals are currently without starters Kris Bubic and Cole Ragans, as well as relievers Nick Mears and Carlos Estévez.

NEW DELHI: Fans watching the third ODI between India and Afghanistan in Chennai were left surprised when India's innings began with the score already reading 5/0 before a ball had been bowled.The unusual start was the result of a five-run penalty awarded to India during Afghanistan's innings after captain Hashmatullah Shahidi repeatedly ran on the protected area of the pitch.Why did India start at 5/0 against Afghanistan? The incident occurred late in Afghanistan's innings. Shahidi had already been warned by the umpires for entering the danger area while running between the wickets. Despite the warnings, he again stepped into the protected zone on the final ball of the 39th over.Initially, it appeared there had been confusion over who should face the next ball after a single was taken. However, the umpires later clarified that Shahidi's breach of the playing conditions had resulted in a penalty.As a result, the single was not counted and India were awarded five penalty runs, which were added to their score before the chase even began. That meant India started their innings at 5/0 while chasing Afghanistan's total.The penalty overshadowed an otherwise fighting effort from Shahidi, who scored his maiden ODI century.Earlier, Afghanistan found themselves in deep trouble after being reduced to 36/4 inside the first 10 overs. Prasidh Krishna ripped through the top order, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah and Darwish Rasooli in a devastating opening spell.With Afghanistan on the ropes, Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai led the recovery. The pair added 105 runs for the fifth wicket, with Omarzai contributing a brisk 50 off 56 balls.Shahidi battled cramps and pressure from the Indian bowlers but continued to hold the innings together. He eventually reached his maiden ODI hundred in the 44th over and finished with 102 from 131 balls, including 13 fours and a six.However, Afghanistan lost wickets quickly towards the end and were bowled out for 218. Prasidh returned to claim Shahidi as his fifth wicket and finished with career-best figures of 5/23.

🎊 Toronto is black-red-gold! Germany fans head to the stadiumGermany is fired up for the second group match against Ivory Coast. The Canadian city of Toronto is apparently firmly in the hands of the DFB supporters. The streets around the stadium are absolutely buzzing. Everyone is eagerly awaiting Germany’s next appearance at the World Cup. These are exactly the kind of scenes we love to see.And apparently some are seeing something like this for the first time, as this X user admits. The stage is set. Now all that’s needed for a German celebration is an energetic performance from the DFB team. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

'Plunking king:' White Sox's Sam Antonacci taking beating at plate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.After leading off Saturday's game with a second-pitch home run of Detroit Tigers starter Troy Melton, Chicago White Sox Sam Antonacci stepped into the batter's box in the third inning. On the second pitch, a 91-mile cutter, Melton plunked the rookie. A revenge pitch?Not really. And despite Friday's verbal sparring, highlighted by Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal engaging with the White Sox bench, the benches did not empty to challenge the act. Both teams understood.That's just Antonacci.Competing in his 57th MLB game at Comerica Park on Saturday, the former 2024 fifth-round draft pick endured his 16th hit by pitch.Here are the types of pitches Antonacci has been hit by:Sinker, six timesFour-seam fastball, threeSweeper, threeCutter, 2Slider, 1Splitter, 1White Sox rookie Sam Antonacci endures bruises for basesTigers broadcaster Jason Benetti had fun analyzing Antonacci's brief career as a pitcher's punching bag."Here's a guy ... he's the plunking king," Benetti said after he was hit near the right knee.During one stretch this season, Antonacci was hit by a pitch during four consecutive games. On May 22, he was drilled twice in the same inning. Including his time as a minor leaguer, Antonacci has been hit by 98 professional pitches.In 688 minor league plate appearances, he was struck by 42 pitches, including 35 times in 2025.By getting hit 16 times before the All-Star break, Antonacci tied an MLB mark established by Victor Robles in 2019. The former Washington Nationals outfielder was hit a total of 25 times in 546 at-bats.Hit by pitches 285 times, Craig Biggio remains the all-time leader. More MLB News:Report: Tigers summon Trei Cruz, creating MLB's fifth third-generation familyHow Shohei Ohtani 'pinch hit' during game Dodgers' two-way star started as pitcherBlistered, bloodied: Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani victorious despite suffering worst inning of seasonCan Brewers' Jackson Chourio continue June power surge, make NL All-Star team?Phillies' Kyle Schwarber returns to first base, blasts MLB-leading 25th homer

Link Jarrett and the FSU baseball program have added two transfers this offseason, and they were in the mix for another one of their top targets. They were unable to get it done, with former Mississippi State pitcher Charlie Foster committed to the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday.Foster is from Snellville, Georgia, and was also considering the South Carolina Gamecocks and Tennessee Volunteers. He will have two seasons of eligibility at Ole Miss. He is coming off a disappointing 2026 season, finishing with a 6.69 ERA in 36.1 innings and 15 appearances, including nine starts. He struck out 37 batters, but walked 22 and hit five, with opponents hitting .266 off him. While the overall numbers were down, he flashed the potential that made him a coveted player.His best start of the season came against South Carolina, when he allowed three runs over seven innings on six hits and a walk with eight strikeouts. The performance was reminiscent of the promise he showed as a freshman in 2025 despite battling some injuries.Foster had a 1.59 ERA as a freshman in 11.1 innings, striking out 17 batters and walking eight. Opponents hit .081 off hit with just two extra-base hits in 46 plate appearances.While missing out on Foster stings, the Seminoles have already added one starting pitcher this offseason. Former UConn ace Cameron Suchy signed with FSU earlier in the offseason and is expected to lead the rotation.Follow us @FSUWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU baseball target Charlie Foster commits to Ole Miss

The Texas Tech football team landed another offensive weapon for its 2027 recruiting class.Zayden Smith out of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, announced his commitment to the Red Raidersthrough social media on Saturday. Smith is rated a three-star recruit at 247Sports.Listed at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Smith plays for Cumberland Valley High School and earned offers from the likes of Ohio State, Penn State and Syracuse before choosing Texas Tech.This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Pennsylvania TE recruit Zayden Smith commits to Texas Tech football

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. (AP) — Dylan Wu got the chance to lead off the weekend at the U.S. Open after making the cut by the skin of a 7-foot bogey putt.His first hole Saturday did not feature the same good fortune, and by the time his third round was over, Wu could only shake his head and chuckle at himself. Teeing off and playing in swirling winds, Wu five-putted No. 1 at Shinnecock Hills for a quadruple bogey on the way to a 12-over 82.“It was just kind of laughable,” Wu said afterward. "You kind of just have to laugh it off because you’re still trying, but you get to a point where you can’t really get too frustrated. It’s a great place, a great test of golf. It’s still a great place to play on Saturday.”Flags around the conspicuously difficult eastern Long Island course were whipping around pretty good by the time Wu and playing partner Jacob Bridgeman (who shot a 4-over 74) finished their round in the early afternoon. It was worse at 9 a.m. when they got started.Wu said the wind was blowing around 23-24 mph and gusting to 35 mph, contributing to his opening drive going just 224 yards. The adventure really got going when he made it to the green and kept knocking the ball here, there and everywhere but the hole until tapping it in.“I thought I hit a pretty good first putt and then just kind of played tic-tac-toe there,” Wu said. “I was just like, ‘What’s going on right now?’”Wu wrote an 8 in his scorecard and made the best of the bad conditions. He birdied the 10th hole and lamented not having a better first two rounds, which would have allowed him to begin later when the wind died down a bit.“It was tough,” Wu said. “I honestly think if you played in the first probably five groups of the day, if somebody shoots 2 over, that’s an unreal round. Some of the holes were just kind of impossible.”A month shy of his 30th birthday, Wu was just glad to be playing the weekend. Former U.S. Open champions Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm and J.J. Spaun were among the accomplished players who missed the cut.Even at the bottom of the leaderboard at 16 over, Wu took an optimistic approach hours after a forgettable experience, knowing he'll have another early tee final round Sunday that he's aiming to enjoy with his dad, Kevin, who introduced him to the sport.“You just control what you can control,” Wu said. "Just looking forward to spending Father’s Day with my dad tomorrow and having another walk around here. It’s an awesome place to play a U.S. Open, my first time on Long Island, a historic place like this. Whoever wins this week, it’s a true U.S. Open champion.”___AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

The SEC opponents for Alabama women’s basketball during the 2026-27 campaign has been officially revealed.The Tide will face some of the top teams in all of women’s college basketball throughout SEC play this upcoming season. Alabama will face Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Missouri, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Texas A&M at home, with Ole Miss being the Tide’s only SEC opponent that they will face twice this year, both home and away. Alabama will be on the road for matchups against Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas as well.The dates, start times, and television network for each will be revealed at a later date. Alabama held a 7-9 record throughout SEC play last season. The Tide were widely regarded as one of the top teams in the nation despite struggling at times during conference play, and Alabama was able to make a run during the SEC Tournament with a shocking upset to the Tennessee Lady Vols in Nashville. Alabama went 24-11 last season as a whole, but the Tide will undoubtedly need to play better during SEC play this year nonetheless.SEC Slate is Set 🔒#RollTidepic.twitter.com/yncouNnzAT— Alabama Women’s Basketball (@AlabamaWBB) June 16, 2026Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama women's basketball 2026-27 SEC opponents revealed

Japan is on the verge of instituting a nationwide LGBTQ+ education program, designed to address a lack of public knowledge on gender and sexual diversity in the country, ABC Japan reports. The plan was approved by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) earlier this month and is expected to get a sign-off by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet, despite the new PM’s official opposition to same-sex marriage. Takaichi was elected to the post by Japan’s Parliament in October. Related Japan just took a huge step towards marriage equality Observers say young people’s enthusiasm for Takaichi may be one factor behind her approval of the measure, as young Japanese people are much more in favor of same-sex marriage than older Japanese people. Takaichi has gone on record opposing marriage equality, despite previously saying that “there should be no prejudice against sexual orientation or gender identity.” Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The education measure stems from the Act on the Promotion of Public Understanding of the Diversity of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, which passed in 2023 and required the creation of the new plan. While it hasn’t been made public, the initiative reportedly includes requirements for schools to provide information to students about sexually and gender-diverse people, as well as access to social workers and counselors. The plan also directs universities to add training on sexual diversity for future healthcare workers and academics. Yui Oizumi, a queer student at Sophia University in Tokyo, described the education plan as a “baby step.” “Training teachers and employers to be mindful is good. But at the same time, I think it’s not really going to do much to change the perception of regular everyday people and how they think about queer people,” she said. “I think that’s going to take more time and more conscious effort, through media, as well.” The student said it’s uncommon to experience outright homophobia in Japan, but the average Japanese person lacks an understanding of what being LGBTQ+ is. “That is such an alien concept that people are like, ‘What do you mean? That doesn’t make any sense.'” She said anti-discrimination laws would be more effective, pointing to friends in a lesbian relationship who had been denied housing because they’re gay. Japan does not have nationwide anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination laws and is the only member of the G7 that has not legalized same-sex marriage. “The LDP is very conservative, especially for promoting traditional family values,” said Kazuyoshi Kawasaka, an expert on LGBTQ+ rights in Japan at The University of Tokyo. He said the government had decided against anti-discrimination laws to appease conservative factions of the LDP. That’s made progress on LGBTQ+ rights in Japan “very tricky” for activists, he said. Charles Crabtree, a political scientist at Monash University in Melbourne, said the education measure could have positive downstream effects for the LGBTQ+ community. “Misinformation or a cloudy sense of ‘the other,’ whatever that ‘other’ is, impedes individuals’ ability to empathize with those who are different from them,” Dr. Crabtree said. “Education can have an effect.” Based on previous survey data, he said a large plurality of Japanese people “may be potentially malleable in terms of their views.” In the meantime, Japan’s two-steps-forward, one-step-back march to marriage quality continues. In October, the government extended the application of nine laws related to spousal rights and responsibilities to same-sex couples, a significant, if limited, victory. Three of eight of Japan’s regional high courts in the last few years have ruled that the government’s failure to grant legal recognition to same-sex couples is unconstitutional. In November, however, Tokyo’s High Court ruled in favor of Japan’s same-sex marriage ban, saying it doesn’t violate the country’s constitution. But there was a caveat. The judge noted that “it is inevitable that constitutional violations will arise” and that “the issue should first be thoroughly deliberated” in Japan’s Parliament. Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Aston Villa Keep Close Eyes On This World Cup Star Ahead Of A Summer Swoop: Perfect Signing For Emery?In one of his recent reports, journalist Sacha Tavolieri has shared a key update on the future of Lille attacking ace Mathias Fernandez-Pardo. Aston Villa have not only made initial contact with the player’s representatives but also sent scouts to the United States to monitor the Belgian’s performance in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.The 21-year-old Red Devils international left for Lille’s academy after brief spells with Anderlecht and Mechelen back in his homeland. However, he returned to Belgium in 2020 and joined Gent’s youth ranks. There, he flourished with the reserves and was eventually promoted as a first-team regular.A blister spell at the backend of the 2023-24 season caught the eyes of Lille, who brought him back to Stade Pierre-Mauroy in the summer of 2024. Fernandez-Pardo has since cemented a key status high up the pitch, scoring 12 and assisting 11 times in 71 appearances over the past two campaigns. His versatility, movement, physicality, runs behind the defence, pace, acceleration and finishing tick the boxes of a Premier League forward of the modern era.MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 23: Matias Fernandez-Pardo of LOSC Lille passes the ball whilst under pressure from Nahuel Molina of Atletico de Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Atletico de Madrid and LOSC Lille at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano on October 23, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)Villa’s resurgence under Unai Emery is astounding. From battling for survival, the Spaniard led them to win the coveted Europa League last season, defeating Freiburg in Istanbul. They are going on par with the league’s ‘big six’, and his structural discipline, tactical adaptability, and controlled transitions have maximised the potential of Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Buendia and John McGinn. They have been Emery’s ‘front four’ for most of the season, and the gaffer is now aiming for further attacking reinforcements to emerge as an indispensable European force.Why Emery Could Play Him From The FlankMeanwhile, Aston Villa still lack depth down the flank, with Jadon Sancho and Leon Bailey struggling for minutes all season. The pair seem surplus to requirements in Birmingham, and so is Harvey Elliott, who is set to return to Liverpool after Emery opted against playing him enough to avoid triggering the obligation-to-buy clause. Donyell Malen has been offloaded to Roma, and the manager replaced the Dutchman with Tammy Abraham as Watkins’ understudy for the ‘number 9’ spot.Predominantly a centre-forward, Fernandez-Pardo is also comfortable from the left-hand flank as an inverted winger. With Watkins and Abraham challenging each other, the Lille sensation is likely to be deployed from the flank ahead of Buendia. The French side value him at around €70m, as they look to make a hefty profit from his sale, having snapped him up for a base fee of €10m (+€2m add-ons).

Qualifying is complete for NASCAR's Cup Series debut at Naval Base Coronado, in the shadow of the San Diego skyline. Shane van Gisbergen, to no one's surprise, was fastest in qualifying and will be joined on Sunday's front row by Carson Hocevar.This 3.4-mile version of the Coronado street course is new, but Coronado isn't new to road-racing. The island was host to the Coronado Speed Festival from 1997-2016 and used a 1.7-mile street course. That course was used by the Mazda MX-5 Cup Series in 2012-13 and Stadium Super Trucks i 2014.Sunday's Anduril 250 will be the 17th race of the 2026 Cup Series schedule and the fifth of five for Amazon's Prime Video. It's also the first of two straight California road courses — NASCAR goes upstate next week to Sonoma, which will be host to the first of five weeks of racing on TNT.After that, eight various forms of oval tracks remain in the 26-race regular season, which concludes Aug. 29 at Daytona. What a sight. 🤩 The NASCAR haulers are making their way to Naval Base Coronado. pic.twitter.com/BUAiw1QFrn— Motorsport (@Motorsport) June 18, 2026NASCAR lineup for Sunday race at Naval Base CoronadoFull lineup available here shortlyThis article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: NASCAR Naval Base lineup set for Sunday race after qualifying

The Kentucky Wildcats baseball team and coach Nick Mingione didn't get the ending to the 2026 season that they wanted, but they aren't wallowing in their disappointment. They are attacking the transfer portal, looking to make next year's roster their best yet.Getting quality players from the transfer portal is key for them going forward, and on Saturday, they gained a major commitment. Former Houston catcher Riley Jackson will transfer to Kentucky, per his Instagram page, adding to a solid haul so far for Mingione.Jackson began his college career at Florida State before transferring to Houston, where he developed into a very good player. Last season, he hit .271 with 9 homeruns and 29 RBIs with a .899 OPS.The second catcher added this offseason, Jackson is the 11th overall transfer portal addition by Kentucky. He's ranked as a top 15 available player by 64Analytics, and is another good player added this offseason.This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky baseball adds catcher Riley Jackson from transfer portal

Netherlands 5-1 Sweden: Potter’s side thrashed as Cakpo and Brobbey shineStandings provided bySofascoreBrian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo were absolutely merciless in front of goal in a 5-1 thrashing against Sweden as the Netherlands climbed to the top of Group F in style in their second World Cup group stage game.Brobbey looked sharp from the whistle, being a livewire in the box and scoring a brace in the first half through perfect crosses from Gakpo and Dumfries, as the former grabbed two of his own inside seven second-half minutes.Anthony Elanga was called upon straight away in the second half, managing a consolation goal after being put through on goal by Alexander Isak, but Sweden lacked the cutting edge overall as the Dutch eased towards the round of 32.Summerville rounded off the game with a wonderful finish from outside the box who showed how effective he can be despite the fact he began the game on the bench, as Sweden suffered the same margin of defat they exacted on Tunisia last time out.As it happenedRonald Koeman made a bold decision to take out Crysencio Summerville amidst scoring a great goal against Japan for Sunderland striker Brian Bobbey, but it’s safe to say it paid off quickly.It was classic centre-forward play from Brobbey after just five minutes, who used his strength to receive the ball on the halfway line from a long ball, laying it off to Tijani Reijnders, who then sends Cody Gakpo down the left flank to flash the ball across the face of the six-yard box for Brobbey to tap home.An immediate wake-up call for Potter’s men being down so early, and they attempted to reply straight away from Victor Gyökeres down the right channel, but he was denied by Verbruggen.The Netherlands were hungry for more as they were close to a second from a wonderful Dumfries cross which headed Gakpo’s way, if not for an intervention from wing-back Benhardson to force a corner.Clearly the Swedes didn’t learn from the threat of Real Madrid’s new defender’s crossing because he was present down the right flank again to assist Brobbey for his second of the game 12 minutes after his first as he calmly slotted home from a similar position to the first to roll the ball past Kristoffer Nordfeldt.After the hydration break, Sweden had to pick up the intensity, and they did as Isak found the Arsenal striker in space down the channel with a great whipped cross to Yasin Ayari, who scored two goals on his World Cup debut but this time awkwardly chests the ball in an attempt to control it out of play.Alexander Isak began to adapt his game, playing deeper, which began to work for Sweden because the two strikers continuously linked up.Liverpool forward floated into space and played Gyokeres through, but his shot was blocked by Van Hecke before trickling into the goalkeeper’s hand.Again, a quick passing action leads to Isak finding Gyökeres, who attempted to curl one into the top corner, but the Brighton goalkeeper was there again to protect the Dutch clean sheet.Even after knocking on the door, Sweden thought they got one back on a set-piece delivered by Nygren and headed by Gustaf Lagerbielke who peeled away from his marker, but the linesman had his flag up for a narrow offside.Right before half-time, Gyökeres’ free kick and Ayari’s low-driven shot were parried out by the 23-year-old goalkeeper.Despite the Scandanavians looking strong near the end of the first-half, their defence was exposed for the third time, substitute Summerville makes a classy dribble before playing flying full-back Denzel Dumfries down the right who gets that low cross perfect for Cody Gakpo to convert from close range.No mercy from the Netherlands as Isak loses the ball in the middle of park, Summerville picked the ball up and impacted again, laying it off to Gakpo who works his way into the box and rattled the net, shooting near-post to get his brace.Newcastle’s Elanga is substituted on and received a splitting pass from Isak, as the 24-year-old winger made a direct run through the heart of Netherlands defence and fired with his left foot to deny Verbruggen his clean sheet.Summerville put the game to bed as he carries the ball towards Sweden’s box before hitting it sweetly from outside the box 89th minute to conclude a tenacious thrashing.Analysis: Koeman’s faith repayed with Brobbey at the double as Summerville still deadly off the benchAfter an impressive performance with a classy goal from West Ham’s Summerville against Japan, no one would’ve expected him to get dropped for this game.However, the highly respected Dutch manager made the call to drop Summerville and instead go with Brobbey in the striker position, moving Donyell Malen to the wing.Brobbey’s overall centre-forward play flourished today, as his hold up play and powerful running in-behind caused all sorts of problems for Sweden’s back-three.Clinical in the 18-yard box, his two shots in the first half were rewarded with two goals through being at the right place at the right time.Not only his goalscoring, but aerially he was dominant and physically he was able to bully his way through the Swedish defence to hold the ball up and get his teammates into play.Summerville may have felt unhappy not being able to start, but substituted at half-time, he was a handful as he played a part in all three Dutch goals in the second half.Playing Dumfries down the right who then assisted Gakpo, then assisting Gakpo for the fourth and topping it off with a lovely goal from outside the box was the perfect way to respond.It’s been a difficult season for Summerville in club football as West Ham will be playing in the Championship next season, but at this World Cup he’s played with such poise and confidence in his final action.Depending on how he plays, it’ll be interesting to observe whether there’ll be clubs interested in acquiring his talent, because he’s full of it.For more detailed reports, reaction, and analysis of the World Cup as it happens, head to our website and favourite our page on OneFootball.

Arsenal’s 2025/26 League Cup Campaign: A Journey of Highs and HeartbreakWhile Arsenal ultimately ended their 22-year wait for a Premier League title, the 2025/26 campaign also saw Mikel Arteta’s side embark on an impressive League Cup run that ended just one game short of silverware.From early victories over lower-league opposition to dramatic knockout ties and a long-awaited return to Wembley, Liam Harding looks back on Arsenal’s memorable League Cup journey.Arsenal Navigated A Challenging Route To WembleyArsenal reached their ninth League Cup final during the 2025/26 campaign, a season driven by the ambitious pursuit of a historic quadruple and their first Premier League title in 22 years.The run began in late September with a trip to League Two side Port Vale. New signing Eberechi Eze, following his £67.5 million move from Crystal Palace, opened his account for the club in just the eighth minute. Leandro Trossard sealed a comfortable 2-0 victory in the 86th minute with a clever strike from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.In the fourth round, the Gunners faced a tougher test against Brighton & Hove Albion, exorcising the ghosts of a home defeat to the Seagulls three years earlier. Two second-half strikes from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka secured a commanding 2-0 win.The quarter-final draw pitted Arsenal against Crystal Palace in a dramatic encounter. The Eagles held firm until the 80th minute, when Maxence Lacroix turned the ball into his own net. However, a stoppage-time equaliser from Marc Guéhi forced the tie to penalties.After a tense shootout, Arsenal progressed 9-8, with Lacroix’s evening ending in further misfortune as he missed the decisive spot-kick.The semi-finals delivered a London derby against Chelsea.In the first leg at Stamford Bridge, Ben White and Viktor Gyökeres gave Arsenal a 2-0 lead early in the second half. Despite a spirited brace from Alejandro Garnacho, a clinical finish from Martin Zubimendi ensured Arsenal took a 3-2 advantage back to North London.The second leg at the Emirates was a more cautious affair, settled only in added time when Kai Havertz swept home the winner against his former club to secure a 1-0 victory and send Arsenal through 4-2 on aggregate.(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Manchester City End Arsenal’s League Cup DreamReaching their first League Cup final since 2018, Arsenal faced Manchester City at Wembley with the chance to add another trophy to an already historic campaign.Unfortunately, history repeated itself.A lacklustre performance saw the Gunners fall to a 2-0 defeat, with Nico O’Reilly scoring twice in quick succession around the hour mark to leave Arsenal chasing a game they never truly looked capable of recovering.After the match, a visibly gutted Arteta told Arsenal’s media team: “Very sad. A very hard one to take.”His words perfectly summed up the disappointment of falling at the final hurdle.While the season ultimately ended in Premier League glory, the defeat cemented Arsenal’s bittersweet record in the League Cup. With seven runners-up medals and only two triumphs, the last coming in a 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in 1993, the Gunners now hold the unwanted record for the most final defeats in the competition’s history.Yet viewed within the context of the wider season, Arsenal’s journey to Wembley demonstrated the depth, resilience and winning mentality that would eventually propel Arteta’s side to Premier League glory.The League Cup may have ended in heartbreak, but it formed an important chapter in one of the greatest seasons in the club’s modern history.What are your memories of Arsenal’s 2025/26 League Cup campaign? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsArsenal’s 2025/26 League Cup Campaign: A Journey of Highs and Heartbreak 20 June 2026, 20:15Tuchel hints at how much involvement Saka will get against Ghana 20 June 2026, 19:30Why Mikel Arteta wants to sign Manchester United man 20 June 2026, 18:00

It's simpler than I thought it'd be. READ MORE...

Leader: -7 Clark (20:45 BST)Selected: -3 M Fitzpatrick (20:45), Schauffele (20:34), Stevens (20:34), Kim (20:23); -2 Morikawa (20:23)Level Fleetwood (10), Grillo (67); +1 A Fitzpatrick (5), McIlroy (4); +2 Scheffler (4)"Some pin positions are ridiculous," says MacIntyre who is at +7BBC Radio 5 Live commentary available via 'watch & listen' tab from 20:00 BST US Open round three - Fitzpatrick, McIlroy and Scheffler among those chasing Clark

Henry Pollock is the youngest winner of the player of the match award in a Prem Rugby final [Getty Images]Northampton Saints are proving themselves to be the formidable force in English club rugby union.For the second time in three seasons, they have been crowned champions. But they did it the hard way, pushed all the way by Exeter Chiefs in the Prem final before eventually running out 26-17 winners at Allianz Stadium.Were it not for George Hendy's quickfire second-half double when the Chiefs were down to 14 men following the sin-binning of Dafydd Jenkins, the story may have been different.But nobody in Northampton will care. This is their third crown in all, and it would be hard to bet against more in the very near future. BBC rugby union correspondent Chris Jones certainly thinks so."Northampton are building a dynasty," he told BBC Radio 5 Live."With 14 academy graduates in their 23, it's based on developing their own, and you can see the connection here between the players and their supporters who are in raptures in the Twickenham sunshine."With time on their side, they will feel they can add to their legacy and be talked about in the future as one of the great English club sides in history."England World Cup winner and former Saints scrum-half Matt Dawson concurred: "This crop are the best Northampton team there has ever been. Period."The trophies, their style, what they've done for the town, for the fans is unrivalled. It has been a pleasure to watch them."Furbank's perfect farewellGeorge Furbank has made 147 appearances for Northampton during his nine seasons with the club [Getty Images]That youth production line has been the cornerstone of their success, and ex-Northampton and England winger Chris Ashton says it has allowed them to make bold decisions.Captain George Furbank bowed out in style as he prepares to leave his boyhood club to join Harlequins."They are what every club in England is aspiring to be," Ashton said. "They've got it right."They have a group of players who inspire kids in their tone that makes them want to play for Saints, which then produces an amazing academy with all these players coming through."The club is run properly. They've made a business decision to let George Furbank go because it is right for the club. They can do that because they back the talent that is coming through."They are leading the way and are deserved winners."Furbank admitted he was feeling a wave of different emotions as his Saints career comes to an end."I said to the boys I don't really know how to feel after the final whistle," he told BBC Sport."It was a mix of relief, happiness, sadness, all merged into one."It was a different feeling to the last time we won it - I think we're going to have a good few days to celebrate and it'll all sink in."Northampton beat Exeter to win Prem Rugby titleRelive Northampton's Prem final win over ExeterHow Saints are working to unearth the next Pollock'You dream of this as a boy' - Pollock stars on big stageIt has been an incredible rise for Henry Pollock, the 21-year-old flanker who won player of the match. Like Furbank, he represents that conveyor belt of Northampton talent, crowning a superb 18 months which has seen him debut for England and the British and Irish Lions."It is surreal," he told BBC Sport after the game. "This is something you dream of as a little kid. This is why you play the game, for these moments, eyes on you, pressure on you."This is right up there [as a career highlight]. You dream of being a boy playing in a Premiership final in front of a packed out Twickenham. I'm just delighted."We spoke all year about giving the boys who are leaving us a good send off, especially Furbank. He has been with us from day one through the academy and I'm so proud of the way we showed up for him."Could Dowson take charge of England one day?Ashton also believes Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson deserves a huge amount of credit for how he has set up the team, not just tactically, but in terms of allowing it to flourish.Northampton topped the league table this season and in 2024, going on to be crowned champions on both occasions.But although their league form dipped last season, when they finished eighth, Dowson did lead the club to the Champions Cup final, where they were beaten by Bordeaux."He has got his environment right," said Ashton. "It seems really enjoyable. Academy coaches have all got their eyes on the next person coming through and nurturing them coming through."The 44-year-old has now lifted two Prem titles and more seem possible. But perhaps a call from the national side could be in his future, according to Ashton."Without question, [the England job] should be in the making right now," he said. "He should already be being suggested. "This is what we should be doing as a rugby country, getting coaches ready for international rugby and Phil Dowson has got to be top of that list."Northampton Saints are not stopping here, and perhaps their success could lead to much more beyond even their own future.

RailRiders 8, Clippers 6Clippers 9, RailRiders 8CJ Kayfus hit a three-run homer in the first game but Steven Perez got lit up in relief.Bo Naylor went 2 for 4 with two homers including an inside-the-parker to walk it off, where the Railriders’ outfielder seemed to forget what the score was. Oops. Franco Aleman had another scoreless outing.Ralphy Velazquez has raised his Triple-A OPS to .700… now to see if he can take the next step.Curve 3, Rubber Ducks 2Jaison Chourio went 2 for 4 and Justin Campbell pitched better than his line shows, going five innings giving up 2 runs and striking out 5.Captains 11, Loons 4Welbyn Francisca hit two homers with five RBI. Michael Kennedy had a nice outing giving up 2 in 5 innings with 5 K’s.Green Jackets 16, Howlers 3Juneiker Caceres went 2 for 4, but Howlers pitching was crushed all day.

Detroit – It all worked out in the end.The Tigers, held hitless for 4.2 innings, rallied late to beat the Chicago White Sox, 4-1 Saturday at Comerica Park.Kevin McGonigle produced the first hit, a single off lefty Joe Rock with two outs in the fifth. That advanced Zack McKinstry to third, setting up Dillon Dingler’s game-tying RBI single.Dingler, who leads the Major Leagues with 32 two-out RBI, added his 17th homer of the year in the seventh, a 430-foot blast to center.They scored two more off Rock in the sixth on RBI singles by James Outman and Jake Rogers.But just a couple of innings before that, the faithful were expressing their displeasure. The pinch-hitting thing is starting to gnaw at them.Coming into this series, the Tigers led baseball in pinch-hit attempts but were 29th with a .126 average and .443 OPS in those plate appearances. What was a fundamental strength the last two seasons has become a struggle and a flashpoint.Jahmai Jones has become the face of this struggle. He has one role on the team and that is to hit left-handed pitching. He had a .980 OPS against lefties last season and gave manager AJ Hinch a reliable and respected matchup weapon.But when Hinch chose to send Jones up to bat for Kerry Carpenter with the bases loaded and two outs in the fourth inning, countering the White Sox who brought in lefty Rock, the fans booed.It’s been a very different year for Jones.He broke an 0-for-21 skid with a single Friday night, but was hitting just .177 with a .552 OPS against lefties. And the boos intensified when Jones struck out.It’s a dicey situation. Playing the matchups and winning on the margins is how the Tigers are built. Jones is out of minor league options and the Tigers have been patiently waiting for Jones to find his groove.But, as we said, it worked out.Outman, who replaced Jones and took over in centerfield, ended up delivering the go-ahead knock in the sixth.And the pitching was stellar.Troy Melton gave up a home run to Sam Antonacci on his second pitch of the game. It was the only hit he allowed in six strong innings. He walked three and struck out five.Tyler Holton, who has allowed one run in his last nine innings of work, pitched two scoreless innings and Kenley Jansen earned his ninth save of the season. This will be updated…Chris.McCosky@detroitnews.com@cmccoskyThis article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Tigers overcome slow start by offense to beat White Sox, 4-1

‘The Evolution is Massive’: Alex Freeman’s Meteoric Rise Key for USMNTFour years ago, while the U.S. Men’s National Team was in Qatar at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a 17-year-old Alex Freeman was cutting his teeth in third-division MLS NEXT Pro with Orlando City B and just starting to break into the U.S. Under-19 Men’s National Team.Just a few years later, Freeman is not only playing at the highest levels in La Liga with Villarreal CF, but he’s starting—and scoring—for the USMNT in the FIFA World Cup just a year removed from his USMNT debut.“It's hard for me to take it all in, but it's good also to go through these challenges at such a fast pace at a young age,” Freeman said after scoring against Australia on Friday. “I feel like it's going to make me an even better player to be able to adjust to different atmospheres and adjust to different circumstances. Now that I'm here, it's just [about] how can I give 100% and do it for my country, and how can I make everyone proud?”After three productive seasons in MLS NEXT Pro with Orlando’s reserve team, Freeman took full advantage of his opportunity with the first team in 2025. The defender made 38 appearances for Orlando City SC across all competitions—Major League Soccer (MLS), Leagues Cup, the U.S. Open Cup and the MLS Cup Playoffs—netting six goals and providing a trio of assists. The rising talent was subsequently voted to represent MLS at the 2025 MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas, and by the end of the season was named the 2025 MLS Young Player of the Year and earned a 2025 MLS Best XI nod.Freeman carried the momentum he built in Orlando to the USMNT, catching the eye of head coach Mauricio Pochettino and earning his first call-up ahead of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. A member of thatheavily rotated Gold Cup roster, Freeman played all but two minutes of the United States’ run to the Final. Since then, the defender’s meteoric rise with Pochettino’s National Team has continued, as the youngster earned playing time in all 10 pre-World Cup tune-ups before being named to the final 26-player FIFA World Cup 2026 squad."Well, it's difficult to explain the evolution of him,” Pochettino gushed. In addition to crediting former Orlando City SC head coach Oscar Pareja and his staff for developing Freeman into the player he is today, Pochettino continued to praise the goalscorer.“Of course, the player, because the player is doing a fantastic job. The evolution is massive. He's such a humble guy, he has an amazing profile, he wants to learn, he always listens. He's a player that you really enjoy being with, not only coaching. He's a lovely guy, and he's an amazing player. For me, he has the potential to be one of the best players in his position in the world."Freeman, born in Baltimore, Md. and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is the son of Super Bowl XXXI champion and former All-Pro and Pro Bowl wide receiver Antonio Freeman. Thirty years since the Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer caught a pair of touchdowns at the old Kingdome, his son scored a goal at the cavernous Seattle Stadium, built on the site of the former stadium.“For me, it’s a full-circle family moment,” Freeman, who turned down football and basketball in favor of soccer, said. “It shows how great the family tree is, and that just shows how [Antonio Freeman] can be great, but I can be great in my own way as well. That just shows how amazing it is to have a dad who's successful and can mentor me to be able to be ready for moments like these.”Freeman’s goal in the USMNT’s 2-0 knockout stage-clinching victory against Australia was just the third of his nascent National Team career. In his second World Cup appearance, the 21-year-old became the sixth-youngest American goalscorer at a World Cup. While initially disallowed for offside, a subsequent VAR review determined Freeman’s headed finish was onside, sending the sold-out Seattle Stadium into sheer, seismic pandemonium.“I thought it was offside, and then VAR took a really long time, I was very anxious to see whether it was a goal or not,” Freeman explained. “Then when it was a goal, I looked back and I saw my teammates running at me, I was like, ‘Oh, Lord,’ and I had to run, and then I ended up running and started with them. It made me very emotional in the moment.”The celebrations echoed throughout the stadium, the city and the country, as Freeman’s goal helped confirm the United States’ spot in the knockout stage, and later sealed the Stars and Stripes’ spot atop the Group D table. After the match, several key USMNT veterans lauded Freeman’s performance."We’re a family, we’re brothers and everyone's so happy when we score for each other, and I think you saw that today,” forward Folarin Balogun said. “I think Freeman had to wait a little bit just for the VAR, but once we got the green light, everybody was so happy for him."I think he's got a fantastic future. He's a very humble kid, very down to earth, and I think as long as he continues to develop, and he's able to show he's doing it on the biggest stage, he's going to have a bright future."Longtime USMNT defender Antonee Robinson echoed that sentiment, adding, “We’re still buzzing, obviously, for him, a young lad coming into the team and playing his first World Cup and getting a goal today. It's an amazing feeling, you can see how happy we all are for him. That's going to give him even more confidence, because he's been playing so well recently, and it's not easy, so hopefully that keeps him going, and he'll be looking to get another one as well."A monumental moment for the young defender, the often soft-spoken Freeman has done his best to remain level-headed after his career day at Seattle Stadium, enjoying the moment while remainingfocused on the USMNT’s upcoming matches.“I think that just showed how I've made it in my way,” Freeman said of his performance. “I've worked my whole life to get to that moment and to be able to hear a national anthem in front of a home crowd and support my nation, I'm very grateful to do that in that situation.“We felt something before the World Cup even started, we knew our bond, this bond is like a family here in the [USMNT], and now that we've won two games and been consistently winning and playing well, our confidence is through the roof. Now it's about how can we give more and more and more. The game's done so now we work until the next game, be ready, be 100%, and give it all again.”

As 67,000 fans packed Seattle Stadium to watch the USA defeat Australia at the World Cup match on Friday afternoon, a number of celebrities joined the crowd.Familiar faces ranged from women’s soccer stars to Seahawks legends.Former Seattle Sounder Kasey Keller shared a suite with women’s soccer star Alex Morgan.A handful of Seahawks legends were also spotted, including Cliff Avril and Marshawn Lynch, who shared a suite.Russell Wilson and his wife Ciara were cheering on Team USA.Celebrity Paris Hilton, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, were also spotted at the game, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.To top it off, Trinity Rodman brought the match ball out pre-game.Team USA went on to defeat Australia 2-0.Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest.This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com.Nate Connors is a traffic reporter for KIRO Newsradio. Follow him on X. Read more of his stories here. Submit news tips here.