Champions League Group-By-Group Guide: Predictions and Star Players

 Kylian Mbappé will be a key man for Paris Saint-Germain. Photograph: Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images
Kylian Mbappé will be a key man for Paris Saint-Germain. Photograph: Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images
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Champions League Group-By-Group Guide: Predictions and Star Players

 Kylian Mbappé will be a key man for Paris Saint-Germain. Photograph: Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images
Kylian Mbappé will be a key man for Paris Saint-Germain. Photograph: Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images

Four years ago, two better iterations of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain slugged it out at this stage. The La Liga side topped the group and proceeded to win the tournament; the French champions finished behind them and reached the last eight. This time around the creaking giants may feel thankful that they avoided any of the banana skins available in the lower pots.

Now that Real Madrid and Gareth Bale are playing happy families, the Wales forward’s experience at this level may yet help give them the edge; they will need him because Eden Hazard is not yet fit and there are already some doubts about the new striker from Eintracht Frankfurt, Luka Jovic.

Not that Paris Saint-Germain, scarred by three round of 16 exits, necessarily take the upper hand. Neymar may be long gone when the group stage begins but, for all the forward’s baggage, his departure would cut a gigantic hole in Thomas Tuchel’s attacking resources. The manager will surely not survive another flat campaign in Europe.

Club Brugge, who have signed Simon Mignolet and are courting Victor Wanyama, will feel they can pip Galatasaray to third position.

Group A: Prediction 1 Real Madrid; 2 PSG; 3 Club Brugge; 4 Galatasaray

Star player Kylian Mbappé (PSG)

It would take a calamity or two for Tottenham to be forced into a repeat of last season’s salvage operation although, on current form, they will take nothing for granted. A much-changed Bayern side – Ribéry, Robben, Rodríguez, Hummels out; Coutinho, Perisic, Pavard and Hernández in – should be re-energised and can still rely on Robert Lewandowski, who scored his latest hat-trick against Schalke at the weekend. Should Spurs lose Christian Eriksen, they may lose the X factor that puts them in control.

They will remember, too, that Red Star Belgrade defeated Liverpool last year. The Serbian champions fancy a shot at third place and will contest perhaps group stage’s most romantic clash when they face Bayern, who they defeated en route to winning the 1990-91 European Cup in one of the competition’s great contests. It will be Spurs’ first trip to the Marakana since a Uefa Cup tie in 1972.

Olympiakos beat an impressive Krasnodar side in the play-offs this week and have passed through the group stage four times before. But, while the veteran winger Mathieu Valbuena is a new addition to their squad, it is hard to see them or Red Star toppling the front runners.

Group B: Prediction 1 Bayern Munich; 2 Spurs; 3 Olympiakos; 4 Red Star Belgrade

Manchester City may yet receive a Champions League ban in the coming months but their participation this season has scant chance of finishing early. For the third consecutive season they will face Shakhtar Donetsk and, having won their meetings in 2018-19 by an aggregate of 9-0, will see little cause for concern. Shakhtar have not lost a domestic league match for over a year but their outstanding manager, Paulo Fonseca, left for Roma this summer and it is hard to see Luis Castro coaxing a dramatic improvement.

Dinamo Zagreb beat Arsenal in their most recent group stage appearance four years ago but lost their other five games; a battle for third looks their best bet this time but the famed Maksimir Stadium atmosphere may not compensate for a lack of top-level quality.

The group’s most interesting side is Atalanta, who will probably be the nearest approximation to a challenger for City. Their Champions League debut was well-earned and, under Gian Piero Gasperini, they played some of Europe’s most vibrant football last season. Martin Skrtel has been brought in from Fenerbahce to add a layer of steel.

Group C: Prediction 1 Man City; 2 Atalanta; 3 Shakhtar; 4 Dinamo Zagreb

Star player Raheem Sterling (Man C)

Atlético certainly have a score to settle against Juventus, who overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit to defeat them in last season’s round of 16. That was entirely owing to a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick; Juventus got no further and the forward, who turns 35 this season, knows his chances of adding to his five titles are running out.

Ronaldo will be as important as ever to Juve, for whom a slightly curious summer’s business has seen Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot arrive on free transfers and Matthijs de Ligt make his high-profile move from Ajax. Gianluigi Buffon is also back for one last crack but they may still have to rely on Gonzalo Higuaín while there are suggestions Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic could yet leave. Atlético, for all the bad bood of Antoine Griezmann’s departure, have started their season with successive 1-0 wins and can luxuriate in the €126m presence of João Félix – not to mention England’s Kieran Trippier.

Bayer Leverkusen will be weakened by Julian Brandt’s departure for Borussia Dortmund; Lokomotiv Moscow will surely offer little more than an awkward away trip or two.

Group D: Prediction 1 Juventus; 2 Atlético Madrid; 3 Bayer L; 4 L Moscow

Star player Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)

This lineup does Liverpool’s prospects of defending their title little harm. They traded wins with Napoli last season but it is hard to make a case that Carlo Ancelotti’s team is dramatically stronger this time, although the Mexico forward Hirving Lozano is an exciting acquisition from PSV Eindhoven and Kostas Manolas brings defensive quality – and a taste for drama, as he showed against Barcelona two seasons ago – from Roma.

Red Bull Salzburg arrive in the group stage after a succession of near-misses and a lively young team will cause problems even though their successful manager, Marco Rose, left for Borussia Monchengladbach in pre-season. Sadio Mané and Naby Keïta will, if the latter is fit, be able to face the side they both represented earlier in the decade. Salzburg have a fine record of developing African players and the 19-year-old Mali forward, Sekou Koita, may be the latest off the production line.

Perhaps Salzburg will be able to trouble Napoli in the hunt for a last-16 place. Genk, in their first appearance since 2011-12, look unlikely to do that on the evidence of last season’s Europa League.

Group E: Prediction 1 Liverpool; 2 Napoli; 3 RB Salzburg; 4 Genk

Star player Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Will the alarm bells be ringing for Barcelona? Slavia Prague’s presence does not quite make this a “group of death” but the inclusion of Inter Milan, now managed by Antonio Conte, provides a curveball that will make the five-time winners sweat. Inter mean business, as the arrivals of Romelu Lukaku and Diego Godín have shown; Alexis Sánchez has followed and the Serie A side, who last reached the knockout stage in 2011-12, look a different beast to the one they met in Group B last season.

Back then, Inter held Barça to a draw at San Siro but fluffed their lines against Spurs and PSV Eindhoven, missing a glorious chance to get through. This time they will look to capitalise on Lionel Messi’s absence with a calf problem, as well as any teething problems Neymar experiences if his return goes through. Antoine Griezmann is, at least, now off the mark for Ernesto Valverde’s reshaped side while Frenkie de Jong will only get better.

Meanwhile Borussia Dortmund, who have purred through the Bundesliga’s opening fortnight, look stronger than last year and will be better for the return of Mats Hummels. If everyone clicks, this group could provide the best drama.

Group F: Prediction 1 Borussia Dortmund; 2 Barcelona; 3 Inter; 4 Slavia Prague

Star player Antoine Griezmann (Barca)

There is little stardust here but is certainly the most evenly-matched group. Zenit and Benfica may have felt smug about drawing one another but will face arguably the strongest teams from the other two pots, with every chance the order could be turned on its head.

RB Leipzig, who finished third in a similarly tight quartet two seasons ago, look well set to improve on that this time. Julian Nagelsmann’s reign has begun with consecutive impressive wins in the Bundesliga, while they have retained key players and added the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Christopher Nkunku. Timo Werner is a lethal striker and their creative hub, Emil Forsberg, cannot currently get into a starting XI that is firing on all cylinders.

Last season Lyon shocked Manchester City but, with Sylvinho in charge and the likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Nabil Fekir and Ferland Mendy having departed, their appearance has changed somewhat. They have a goalscorer in Moussa Dembélé and should have too much for Benfica, who are now shorn of the brilliant youngster João Félix. If, as expected, Zenit fall short them Russia’s top-seed status will be in serious jeopardy.

Group G: Prediction 1 RB Leipzig; 2 Lyon; 3 Benfica; 4 Zenit St Petersburg

Star player Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)

Chelsea, bereft of Eden Hazard and David Luiz, might have hoped for a softer hand from the lower pots but will be happy enough to have avoided any of the heavyweights. Whether that statement does a disservice to Ajax depends on how quickly last season’s darlings recover from losing Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt; their principles will not change but they toiled at times during their play-off win over Apoel Nicosia and a repeat of their run to the last four may be a long shot.

Frank Lampard may also be encouraged by the way Valencia, to whom Chelsea have never lost in six Champions League meetings, fell short in last season’s Europa League semi-final against Arsenal. Maxi Gómez should offer the Spanish side more cutting edge, though, while the goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen is a handy arrival from Barcelona who will enjoy a reunion with Ajax.

Valencia are, in fact, the only member of this group not to have lost key outfield players over the summer. Lille sold Nicolas Pépé to Arsenal, with Rafael Leão and Thiago Mendes also leaving the Ligue 1 runners-up, but the Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has made a flying start and will need attention.

The Guardian Sport



Japan Leukaemia Survivor Ikee to Swim at Paris Olympics

Rikako Ikee celebrates a bronze medal for the women's 50m butterfly at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP
Rikako Ikee celebrates a bronze medal for the women's 50m butterfly at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP
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Japan Leukaemia Survivor Ikee to Swim at Paris Olympics

Rikako Ikee celebrates a bronze medal for the women's 50m butterfly at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP
Rikako Ikee celebrates a bronze medal for the women's 50m butterfly at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP

Leukaemia survivor Rikako Ikee will compete for Japan in the 100m butterfly at the Paris Olympics after missing out on an individual place at the Tokyo Games three years ago.
Three-time world champion Daiya Seto will swim the men's individual medley after Japan's 27-member team for the Paris Games was announced by the country's Swimming Federation on Wednesday.
An 18-year-old Ikee was named MVP of the 2018 Asian Games after claiming six golds and two silvers, and was expected to be one of the stars of the Tokyo Olympics, said AFP.
In early 2019, a few months after those triumphs, she was diagnosed with leukemia and spent around 10 months in hospital.
She only returned to competition in August 2020 and completed an incredible comeback by winning the 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly at the 2021 Olympic trials.
Her times were not fast enough to qualify for the individual events in Tokyo but the performances gained her selection for both freestyle and medley relay teams at her home Olympics.
Now 23, Ikee secured her place in the 100m butterfly by just 0.01sec at Japan's trials earlier this month as she held off the fast-finishing Matsumoto Shiho to finish second in 57.34sec.
"In the end I think it was my long arms that won the touch," Ikee was quoted as saying by Olympics.com.
"I think God was on my side today."
The race was won in an impressive 56.91sec by 17-year-old Haiari Mazuki, one of several talented Japanese teenagers in the team.
Also heading to Paris are Mio Narita, 17, in the women's individual medley and Tomoyuki Matsushita, 18, who swims the same event for men.
"I'm glad lots of veterans and young talent made it to the national team this time," Daichi Suzuki, the swimming federation chief, was reported as saying by Japan media.
"I hope to see them on the podium with Japan's national flag on their shoulders in Paris," he added.


FIFA Series 2024 Concludes in Jeddah

The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
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FIFA Series 2024 Concludes in Jeddah

The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA

The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the Kingdom played host during the international FIFA days, featuring eight national teams. Held in Jeddah, the matches took place in two venues -- the auxiliary stadiums of King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City -- from March 21 to March 26 of this year, Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) President Yasser Al Misehal said in a news release, SPA reported.
The first group featured teams from Cape Verde (Confederation of African Football), Cambodia (Asian Football Confederation), Equatorial Guinea (Confederation of African Football), and Guyana (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football), while the second group included Bermuda (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football), Brunei Darussalam (Asian Football Confederation), Guinea (Confederation of African Football), and Vanuatu (Oceania Football Confederation).
The SAFF president hailed the event as a "success" and emphasized the role of Saudi talents in showcasing Saudi Arabia's capacity to host global events.

"This tournament is seen as a collaborative effort between FIFA and the Saudi Federation to develop international football, aligning with FIFA's goals, particularly in developing national teams and creating more opportunities for their growth” he said.
Saudi Arabia recently has hosted numerous high-profile events, establishing itself as a global sports powerhouse. Its recent hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup, Spanish and Italian Super Cups, and the West Asian Women's Championship, coupled with its hosting the 2027 Asian Cup, showcase its ambition.

The Kingdom's potential candidacy for the 2034 World Cup further demonstrates its commitment to major sporting events.


Liverpool 'Not The Right Option' For Alonso, Says Matthaeus

Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Jurgen Klopp and teammates celebrate after winning the EFL Carabao Cup final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain, 25 February 2024. EPA/ANDY RAIN
Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Jurgen Klopp and teammates celebrate after winning the EFL Carabao Cup final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain, 25 February 2024. EPA/ANDY RAIN
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Liverpool 'Not The Right Option' For Alonso, Says Matthaeus

Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Jurgen Klopp and teammates celebrate after winning the EFL Carabao Cup final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain, 25 February 2024. EPA/ANDY RAIN
Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Jurgen Klopp and teammates celebrate after winning the EFL Carabao Cup final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain, 25 February 2024. EPA/ANDY RAIN

Ballon d'Or winner Lothar Matthaeus said Wednesday a move to Liverpool in the summer was "not the right option" for in-demand Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso.

Alonso has been linked with moves to Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, clubs where he all spent time as a player, having so far done a stunning job at runaway Bundesliga leaders Leverkusen.

Alonso has the unbeaten side 10 points clear of Bayern Munich and on track for a first-ever German title with eight games remaining this season.

In an interview with AFP and other media on Wednesday, Matthaeus said following outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp would be difficult for any coach and that the in-demand Alonso should stay with Leverkusen.

"Liverpool is not the right option for Xabi Alonso after this season. He has better options."

Matthaeus spent the majority of his career at Bayern and said he would welcome Alonso as the replacement for outgoing coach Thomas Tuchel in the summer but admitted in Munich "(Alonso) would have to build a new team for the future, with new players".

Leverkusen have won 34 and drawn four of 38 games this season. With the club in the final four of the German Cup and the quarter-finals of the Europa League, Alonso has Leverkusen on course for a treble.

"Why move to Liverpool? Why should he leave this beautiful team which makes us happy with their beautiful football, like Barcelona 12 years ago?"

Klopp shocked the football world in January by announcing he would leave Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years at the Reds, citing exhaustion.

Matthaeus said Klopp's success at Liverpool made him a hard act to follow.

"To coach at Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp is not easy because Jurgen is a hero, he's fantastic. What he was doing is great and what could you do that was much better?"

The 1990 World Cup winning captain praised current Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann and said the side was "on the right path" after returning to form with wins over France and the Netherlands in the last week.

However, Matthaeus did add: "In Germany, our dream and wish was that Jurgen Klopp would be the next national coach."


Endrick and Yamal Shine as Vinícius Júnior’s Brazil Draws 3-3 with Spain in ‘One Skin’ Friendly 

Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)
Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)
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Endrick and Yamal Shine as Vinícius Júnior’s Brazil Draws 3-3 with Spain in ‘One Skin’ Friendly 

Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)
Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)

Teenagers Lamine Yamal and Endrick took the spotlight as Brazil drew 3-3 with Spain on Tuesday in the “One Skin” international friendly that was set up to highlight the fight against racism after a series of insults aimed at the Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior.

Vinícius was relatively quiet in a match in which Brazil equalized with a penalty converted by Lucas Paquetá deep into stoppage time after Rodri's spot kick in the 87th had put Spain ahead.

Brazil had rallied from two goals down with an equalizer scored by Vinícius’ future Madrid teammate Endrick, the 17-year-old Palmeiras player who had made his scoring debut with Brazil just three days previous.

The Spanish lineup was led by 16-year-old Barcelona forward Yamal, who helped set up three goals and received a standing ovation from the crowd at Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium when he was substituted near the end of the match.

“Yamal and Endrick are players who have a chance to be stars at the 2026 World Cup,” Brazil coach Dorival Júnior said. “They both play at a very high level.”

The international friendly came a day after Vinícius broke down in tears while talking about the continued racist insults that he is subjected to in Spain, saying he was losing his desire to keep playing but pledged to continue his fight against racism.

Vinícius was loudly applauded when he was substituted in the 71st. The 23-year-old Brazilian, the Seleçao’s captain on Tuesday, received some of the loudest jeers when his name was introduced ahead of the match.

Brazilian players went onto the field wearing black jackets with the slogan “One Skin, One Identity.” The jackets will be auctioned to help an anti-racism campaign.

Vinícius, who has been accused of provoking fans and opponents, got into verbal altercations with Spanish players, including from the bench after leaving the match. He also shoved Spain defender Aymeric Laporte from behind while play was stopped.

Laporte tweeted after the match the question: “Maybe he wanted to dance...?” accompanied by a previous tweet with the image of Vinícius’ shove and quoting the Brazilian from Monday, when he said, “I just want to play soccer.”

The friendly game was set up by Spanish and Brazilian soccer officials amid the uproar that followed the racist insults aimed at Vinícius in a Spanish league game in Valencia 10 months ago. Many believed the incident would be a turning point for soccer in Spain, but another wave of racist abuse targeting Vinícius has followed.

While most of the attention was on Vinícius, it was Yamal threatening the most with his speed and quick moves to get past Brazilian defenders.

Rodri put Spain ahead by converting a 13th-minute penalty kick after Yamal made a run through the right side and was brought down by João Gomes inside the area.

Vinícius had Brazil’s first shot on goal in the 17th but it was easily saved by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón.

Yamal set up Dani Olmo's 36th-minute goal and Rodrigo pulled Brazil closer in the 40th after a mistake by Simón.

Endrick, who will arrive in Spain at the end of the season, equalized and was also set to take the late penalty but instead gave the ball to Paquetá. The crowed jeered as it wanted to see the new Madrid player try to score again.

Vinícius went to defend Endrick from the bench after Spanish players loudly complained because of a hard foul by his future teammate late in the match.

The Spaniards appeared unsettled with how Brazilian players celebrated the late equalizer near the Spanish fans.

Spain, preparing for the upcoming European Championship in Germany, was coming off a 1-0 loss to Colombia on Friday in London.

“I'm happy because we were better than Brazil in all areas,” coach Luis de la Fuente said. “I'm proud of the match we played."

De la Fuente said he was “ashamed” by the jeers directed at Atletico Madrid forward Álvaro Morata by the crowd at the Bernabeu, where Morata used to play for earlier in his career.

Vinícius has been subjected to multiple racist insults since arriving in Spain six years ago. He complained on Monday about the lack of punishment for perpetrators and asked for help from FIFA, UEFA and other soccer institutions in the fight against racism.


Defending Champ Medvedev, No. 1 Seed Alcaraz Advance to Miami Open Quarterfinals 

Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)
Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)
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Defending Champ Medvedev, No. 1 Seed Alcaraz Advance to Miami Open Quarterfinals 

Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)
Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)

Defending Miami Open champion Daniil Medvedev won his 350th career match to move into the quarterfinals for a fourth straight year, beating Dominik Koepfer 7-6 (5), 6-0 on Tuesday.

Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz also advanced with ease in a 6-3, 6-3 win over No. 23 seed Lorenzo Musetti.

Alcaraz, who beat Musetti in less than 90 minutes and looked comfortable as ever on the court, said he's “probably” playing his best tennis since last summer. That ankle injury from last month is no longer a concern, he said.

“I don't know if this is the best game that I'm playing, but without a doubt it's the best feeling,” the Wimbledon champion said. “I'm feeling great on the court. I'm moving great. ... I'm not thinking about the ankle anymore on the court.”

Alcaraz will face No. 11 seed Grigor Dimitrov on Thursday in the quarterfinals. Dimitrov beat No. 8 seed Hubert Hurkacz 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3) after a tiebreaker in which Hurkacz was penalized for touching the net with his foot.

Tied at 2-2 in the tiebreaker, the match referee said Hurkacz’s foot touched the net as he charged forward on a return. It cost him a point. Hurkacz slammed his racquet in protest.

In a match that lasted well into Wednesday morning, 2018 finalist and No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev reached his fourth Miami Open quarterfinal with a 6-1, 6-4 win over 15th-seeded Karen Khachanov 6-1, 6-4.

No. 3 seed Medvedev, after a tight opening set, pulled away to win his ninth straight match in south Florida and continue his run at back-to-back titles.

Medvedev trailed 4-0 in the tiebreaker before rallying to take the set. He said he used that momentum to get out to a fast start and finish his milestone victory.

“I would say before the match, the desire to win is the same, but for sure, the feeling of winning, and during the match while you're winning, is different,” he said. “The feelings are different, but the desire is the same and that's what keeps me going."

Medvedev goes for victory No. 351 on Wednesday against Nicolas Jarry, the No. 22 seed who ousted No. 7 seed Casper Ruud 7-6 (3), 6-3.

Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, seeded No. 2, improved to 19-1 in matches this year with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Christopher O'Connell to reach the quarterfinals.

In the middle of the match, commentators said a spectator had fainted in the 82 degree temperatures and play was stopped. Sinner came to the sideline and passed up drinks and towels to the person.

Also advancing was Tomas Machac, who reached the quarterfinals to face Sinner with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Matteo Arnaldi.

On the women’s side, No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina outlasted No. 8 seed Maria Sakkari 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-4 in a grueling match that lasted 2 hours and 48 minutes to earn a spot in the semifinals.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka defeated Yulia Putintseva 7-6 (4), 1-6, 6-3 to also make the semifinals. It was the second time that Azarenka, 34, has made it to the semifinals this season after going that far just once in 2023. She has won the Miami Open three times.


Saudi National Team Postpones Advancement to 2026 World Cup Final Qualifiers

Saudi national team players celebrate a victory at the World Cup qualifications. File Photo/ Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi national team players celebrate a victory at the World Cup qualifications. File Photo/ Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi National Team Postpones Advancement to 2026 World Cup Final Qualifiers

Saudi national team players celebrate a victory at the World Cup qualifications. File Photo/ Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi national team players celebrate a victory at the World Cup qualifications. File Photo/ Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi national football team has postponed its qualification to the decisive third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This came following a 1-1 draw with host Tajikistan in a match played on Tuesday evening in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, for the fourth round in Group Seven as part of the second round of qualifiers.
The Saudi national team opened the scoring with a header from Feras Al-Brikan after a precise cross from Mohammed Al-Brik in the 46th minute, SPA reported.
However, the home team applied pressure to equalize, which Tajikistan succeeded in through its player Rustam Soirov in the 80th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
With this draw, the Saudi team raised its tally to 10 points, leading the group. Nevertheless, it still needs one point to officially advance to the final qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Tajikistan's team increased its points to five, securing second place in the group.


Ukraine Raise Country's Spirits with Euro 2024 Qualification

26 March 2024, Poland, Wroclaw: Ukraine fans cheer in the stands during the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying play-off final soccer match between Ukraine and Iceland at the Wroclaw Stadium. Photo: Krzysztof Zatycki/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
26 March 2024, Poland, Wroclaw: Ukraine fans cheer in the stands during the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying play-off final soccer match between Ukraine and Iceland at the Wroclaw Stadium. Photo: Krzysztof Zatycki/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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Ukraine Raise Country's Spirits with Euro 2024 Qualification

26 March 2024, Poland, Wroclaw: Ukraine fans cheer in the stands during the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying play-off final soccer match between Ukraine and Iceland at the Wroclaw Stadium. Photo: Krzysztof Zatycki/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
26 March 2024, Poland, Wroclaw: Ukraine fans cheer in the stands during the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying play-off final soccer match between Ukraine and Iceland at the Wroclaw Stadium. Photo: Krzysztof Zatycki/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Ukraine's qualification for the Euro 2024 soccer finals has cheered a country suffering hardship in its conflict with Russia and for a few weeks in June and July the tournament will provide a welcome distraction from the harsh reality of war.
The team came from behind to defeat Iceland 2-1 in their playoff final in neutral Poland on Tuesday and book a fourth successive appearance in the continental finals, Reuters reported.
They will be in Group E with Belgium, Slovakia and Romania, who they face in their opening game in Munich on June 17.
Russia's war with Ukraine has now entered a third year and, despite heavy casualties on both sides, it shows no sign of coming to an end following Russia's invasion of February 2022.
"I am very proud to be a Ukrainian, to be of the same blood as those who are now giving their lives for our freedom," team captain Oleksandr Zinchenko said after Tuesday's victory.
"We need to talk about it, shout about it every day. This is the only way we can win. It was one of our most emotional games.
"It is an amazing feeling. I am very happy because it is another dream come true. A big thank you to our fans, they helped us through these difficult times amazingly."
Coach Serhiy Rebrov said in the build-up to the Iceland match that it was hard for his team to concentrate on football.
"The missiles are flying every day. Our mission is to show that we're all alive and fighting against the Russians and that we need Europe's support," Rebrov said.
The coach hailed the "character of our players and our nation" to keep going in a qualifying campaign where, as refugees from the war themselves, Ukraine have staged 'home' matches spread across Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy praised the team's resilience in difficult times.
"Thank you, team. For the important victory and making it to EURO," Zelenskiy said in a post on X.
"For proving once again, whenever Ukrainians face difficulties they do not give up and continue to fight, Ukrainians certainly win.
"In times, when the enemy tries to destroy us, we demonstrate every day that Ukrainians are and will be. Ukraine is, and will be! Glory to Ukraine!"


Australia, Iran, Iraq and Uzbekistan Advance in Asian Qualifying Tournament for World Cup

John Iredale (L) of Australia fights for the ball with Nassar Nassar of Lebanon during the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers match between Australia and Lebanon at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, 26 March 2024.  EPA/LUKAS COCH
John Iredale (L) of Australia fights for the ball with Nassar Nassar of Lebanon during the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers match between Australia and Lebanon at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, 26 March 2024. EPA/LUKAS COCH
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Australia, Iran, Iraq and Uzbekistan Advance in Asian Qualifying Tournament for World Cup

John Iredale (L) of Australia fights for the ball with Nassar Nassar of Lebanon during the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers match between Australia and Lebanon at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, 26 March 2024.  EPA/LUKAS COCH
John Iredale (L) of Australia fights for the ball with Nassar Nassar of Lebanon during the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers match between Australia and Lebanon at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, 26 March 2024. EPA/LUKAS COCH

Australia thrashed Lebanon 5-0 and became the first team to advance to the third round of Asia qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday.
An early goal from Kusini Yengi in Canberra sent the Socceroos on the way to a fourth successive win in Group I and ensured progress to the next stage with two matches to spare.
Palestine stayed second in the group after beating Bangladesh 1-0 and on course for a first appearance in the third round of qualifying.
With less than two minutes on the clock, the impressive Craig Goodwin crossed from the left for Yengi to score his first goal for Australia from close range, The Associated Press reported.
Australia put the game beyond Lebanon in the first three minutes of the second half. Bassel Jradi knocked in an own goal following a corner and Goodwin fired home a third.
John Iredale came off the bench to make it 4-0 midway through the second half with his first international goal, and Goodwin added his second and Australia’s fifth with nine minutes remaining thanks to an Iredale assist.
“It means the world to me personally, and to the boys,” Iredale said. "We set out to score more goals tonight and we’re pleased we did that.
“Craig Goodwin's got an unbelievable left foot, and having him in the squad really boosts our quality. I was really pleased to help him get his second goal.”
Michel Termanini scored Palestine's winner in Dhaka four minutes into stoppage time.
Palestine has seven points, five more than Lebanon and six clear of Bangladesh.
Australia will be joined in the next stage by Iraq, which defeated the Philippines 5-0 in Manila to win a fourth straight game in Group F. Iran and Uzbekistan progressed from Group E thanks to respective wins over Turkmenistan and Hong Kong.
Son Heung-min scored for the second time in five days as South Korea defeated Thailand 3-0 in Bangkok. It was the first victory for Hwang Sun-hong, appointed as interim coach after Jurgen Klinsmann was fired in February.
“This was a difficult match, and the players came together as one and had a great desire to pull out this win,” Hwang said. “We couldn’t have won this match without the players’ drive and determination.”
Korea has appeared at every World Cup since 1986 and is top of Group C with 10 points, three clear of China — which beat Singapore 4-1 — and six above Thailand.
Saudi Arabia also has 10 points in Group G after drawing 1-1 in Tajikistan. Afghanistan defeated India 2-1 in Guwahati.
The North Korea-Japan qualifier in Pyongyang was canceled by FIFA after North Korea said it couldn't host the game.
The top two teams from each of the nine groups in the second round progress to the next group-stage round where six of Asia’s increased automatic allocation of eight World Cup places will be on offer. The first 48-team men’s World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Two more World Cup entries from Asia will be decided in a subsequent group stage in October 2025. An Asian confederation team also can advance in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled in March 2026.


Former China Football Chief Given Life Sentence for 'Huge' Bribery

Chen Xuyuan has been jailed for life for bribery - AFP
Chen Xuyuan has been jailed for life for bribery - AFP
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Former China Football Chief Given Life Sentence for 'Huge' Bribery

Chen Xuyuan has been jailed for life for bribery - AFP
Chen Xuyuan has been jailed for life for bribery - AFP

The former chairman of the Chinese Football Association has been sentenced to life in prison for accepting bribes worth $11 million, state media said Tuesday, as a string of sports officials were jailed for corruption.

Under President Xi Jinping a sweeping crackdown on official graft has struck hard at China's sports industry, especially football.

About 10 senior leaders and executives of the CFA, including former national team coach Li Tie, have been brought down in recent years.

Former chairman Chen Xuyuan took advantage of his positions at the CFA and other bodies to "illegally accept sums of money from other people totalling 81.03 million yuan ($11 million)", the Communist Party-run People's Daily newspaper said.

The bribes were "particularly huge" and his actions "seriously damaged fair competition and order", the report said.

He "caused serious consequences for the national football industry", it added.

Xi is a self-confessed football fanatic who has said he dreams of his country hosting and winning the World Cup, according to AFP.

That ambition appears further away than ever after the corruption probe and years of disappointing results on the pitch.

National skipper Zhang Linpeng last week quit international football over the "disgrace" of a World Cup qualifying draw with Singapore, before reversing his decision.

Chen held other positions in football before serving as CFA chairman from 2019 until he came under investigation in February last year.

In January, Chen appeared in a televised documentary confessing to having accepted money from those wishing to get in his good books.

"Fans can accept the fact that the state of Chinese football is bad," Chen said in the documentary.

"But they cannot forgive corruption."

Rulings in other major graft cases are expected to be announced on Tuesday, according to state news agency Xinhua.

They may include the fate of the former coach Li, who was close to Chen.

The former Everton midfielder admitted in the January documentary that he arranged nearly $430,000 in bribes to secure that position and also helped fix matches when he was a club coach.

"There were certain things that at the time were common practices in football," he said.

In separate bribery verdicts announced Tuesday, former senior CFA official Chen Yongliang was handed a 14-year sentence.

Former Chinese Super League general manager Dong Zheng received eight years.

State media also reported that Yu Hongchen, the former chairman of the China Athletic Association, had been sentenced to 13 years for the same crime.

Another case that sent shockwaves through the Chinese game and beyond was that of South Korean international footballer Son Jun-ho, who was detained by Chinese authorities last May.

Beijing said at the time that the World Cup midfielder was detained "on suspicion of accepting bribes by non-state employees", without providing details.

Seoul's foreign ministry said Monday that he had been released and returned home.

Son played for Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League and also appeared in three of South Korea's four matches during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

International teammate Lee Jae-sung told media that he was grateful for Son's release.

"It broke my heart when I first heard about his detention last year," he told a press conference in Bangkok, where South Korea play Thailand later Tuesday in a World Cup qualifier.


Germany Plans Border Controls for UEFA Euro 2024

25 March 2024, United Kingdom, Cardiff: A general view during the training session of Poland's national soccer team at the Cardiff City Stadium, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Wales. Photo: Nick Potts/Press Association/dpa
25 March 2024, United Kingdom, Cardiff: A general view during the training session of Poland's national soccer team at the Cardiff City Stadium, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Wales. Photo: Nick Potts/Press Association/dpa
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Germany Plans Border Controls for UEFA Euro 2024

25 March 2024, United Kingdom, Cardiff: A general view during the training session of Poland's national soccer team at the Cardiff City Stadium, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Wales. Photo: Nick Potts/Press Association/dpa
25 March 2024, United Kingdom, Cardiff: A general view during the training session of Poland's national soccer team at the Cardiff City Stadium, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Wales. Photo: Nick Potts/Press Association/dpa

Germany will introduce temporary border controls as part of ramped-up security around soccer's 2024 European Championship which it is hosting, the interior minister said.
The tournament starts on June 14 and is set to attract 2.7 million fans to stadiums and up to 12 million at public viewing events.
"For the Euros, we are pooling the forces of the security authorities even more strongly and preparing for possible threats," Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told the Rheinische Post newspaper, according to Reuters.
"During the tournament, we will conduct temporary border controls at all German borders to prevent potentially violent actors from entering," she said.
The comments follow a mass shooting at a concert in Moscow. Western intelligence has linked the attack to ISIS and France said it was raising its terror alert warning to the highest level following the attack.
Germany already has temporary controls at its borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland, as part of efforts to combat migrant smuggling gangs.
These could be extended but no specific measures have been decided yet, an interior ministry spokesperson said on Monday when asked about security surrounding the European championship.