Premier League: 10 Talking Points From the Weekend's Action

Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze; West Ham’s Angelo Ogbonna and Kieran Tierney of Arsenal. Composite: Getty/EPA
Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze; West Ham’s Angelo Ogbonna and Kieran Tierney of Arsenal. Composite: Getty/EPA
TT

Premier League: 10 Talking Points From the Weekend's Action

Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze; West Ham’s Angelo Ogbonna and Kieran Tierney of Arsenal. Composite: Getty/EPA
Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze; West Ham’s Angelo Ogbonna and Kieran Tierney of Arsenal. Composite: Getty/EPA

1) Tierney a leader in waiting for Arsenal

Eighteen months after his arrival from Celtic, Kieran Tierney has overcome injury and homesickness to emerge as such an influential player at Arsenal that Mikel Arteta sees him as a future club captain. “I think he can be,” said Arteta following the left-back’s dominant performance in the 4-0 win at West Brom. “He has the respect and admiration of every member of the staff and every player. It’s just the way he is. He does it in a natural way. He’s a really shy boy but he represents all the values that are in the DNA of this club. He’s a natural leader. You see how he behaves on the pitch. And when he talks he says the right thing. He’s someone who is exactly what he look for.” Tierney opened the scoring with a wonderful solo goal at the Hawthorns and never relented, setting up Alexandre Lacazette for Arsenal’s fourth. “He can still improve but at the moment he is a real threat in attack and is doing really well defensively also,” added Arteta. “This is the type of contribution we need.” Paul Doyle

2) Spurs still need to share the goals around more

All felt well with the world for José Mourinho and Tottenham after their 3-0 victory over Leeds snapped a four-game winless streak and there was no surprise that Son Heung-min and Harry Kane were on the scoresheet. Their goals gave them 12 and 10 respectively for the Premier League season, but although Mourinho was pleased to see Toby Alderweireld score his first of the campaign, the statistics show that, Son and Kane apart, the team have managed only seven goals in the competition. The productivity from midfield is simply too low for a team with aspirations to challenge for the title and although Steven Bergwijn, Tanguy Ndombele and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg got into scoring positions against Leeds, they could not finish. Bergwijn is a particular worry, having failed to score all season and been guilty of high-profile misses. “We need him to score,” Mourinho said. “We know he has the ability for that.” David Hytner

3) Gündogan sparks City’s masterclass

Manchester City’s sublime front three will receive much of the credit for their stylish swatting-aside of Chelsea but less heralded players behind them merit as much praise. Of City’s starting XI on Sunday only Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne have been at the club longer than Ilkay Gündogan, yet the German has often gone under the radar. He was the beating heart of City’s midfield at Stamford Bridge and typified their superiority in that area, driving in the excellent first goal that kickstarted a devastating and decisive 25 minutes from his side. Chelsea’s defence was obliging once again, which will intensify the clamour for fresh recruitment but many of their problems here were down to basic lapses in concentration rather than deficiencies in ability or pace. City’s attackers were able to escape their markers with ease and at will to remind us they are firmly in the title reckoning. Tom Davies

4) Villa look fit for purpose despite defeat

Aston Villa had chances to win at Old Trafford on Friday night but lacked ruthlessness, particularly in the closing moments when Matty Cash and Keinan Davis were stymied by a David de Gea save and an Eric Bailly block. There is, though, a wider picture in play that Dean Smith can be proud of. Villa’s manager is constructing a Premier League-proof team in the purest sense of the term. Jack Grealish is the star as he again illustrated in an authoritative display, but the captain also has support. Ollie Watkins is a credible No 9, Anwar El Ghazi has four goals in his past six Premier League outings, while John McGinn’s midfield scheming complements Grealish. And in defense Tyrone Mings may have been culpable for Anthony Martial’s opening header, failing to clear the cross, but here was a rare error from a center-back who provides leadership and whose muscularity embodies a physicality that is a further vital component of Villa. Jamie Jackson

5) Eze excels in all areas and can become a regular

Eberechi Eze stole the show against Sheffiled United as Crystal Palace returned to winning ways. But rather than his brilliant solo goal just before half-time, Roy Hodgson was most impressed with the 22-year-old’s second-half display. “He showed the intensity and the concentration and determination to defend properly to make certain we weren’t under the cosh in any way,” said the former England manager. Eze was left out of the starting lineup by Hodgson after Palace let in 10 goals in two matches against Liverpool and Aston Villa but with Jeffrey Schlupp looking set for a spell on the sidelines, the £19.5m summer signing from QPR will surely be handed more opportunities in the coming weeks. “The whole of the team are helping him improve his game,” said Hodgson. “He had to make one further step up when he came into the Premier League.” Ed Aarons

6) Saint-Maximin’s cult-hero status enhanced by absence

Steve Bruce says Allan Saint-Maximin is “difficult to manage”, while the winger reportedly drove his former manager at Nice, Patrick Vieira, to distraction but there are good reasons why “Saint-Max” is a cult hero on Tyneside. The brilliant yet unpredictable Frenchman is a game-changer who enables Newcastle to win games they do not always deserve to and his absence with coronavirus and its after-effects is being keenly felt. While Saint-Maximin convalesces in France, Callum Wilson is becoming isolated in Bruce’s attacks and Newcastle are on the sort of disappointing run which can easily suck teams into relegation scraps. Since he last appeared in the first team before contracting Covid-19 in late November, Bruce has desperately missed the outlet his improvisation-rich maverick invariably provides and surely sympathizes with the adage about absence making the heart grow fonder. Louise Taylor

7) Zeqiri could be the focal point Brighton need

Before Saturday, Andi Zeqiri had played only 18 minutes of football for Brighton. The September signing from Lausanne has had to bide his time and, at 21, still has raw edges to smooth over. But he had an instant effect when coming on at half-time against Wolves with his side 3-1 down, his first touch bringing a header from which Neal Maupay won a game-changing penalty. Zeqiri is a tall, bustling striker with a decent line in hold-up play; in other words the kind of focal point Brighton, who too often flounder when they reach the penalty area, require. He created space for others in a far more convincing second half from the Seagulls and should have scored, too, when he blasted over after Adam Webster had hit the bar. While it would be a stretch to say he will propel Brighton away from relegation bother single-handedly, Zeqiri showed enough to suggest he can play a key role for Graham Potter. Nick Ames

8) Wolves’ lack of control raises questions about Nuno

At what point will questions be raised on the future of Nuno Espírito Santo? His closeness to the owners’ special adviser, the recently crowned “agent of the century” Jorge Mendes, would seem to make him more copper-bottomed than most managers but this has been a disappointing season. At Brighton, a team without a home win all season, Wolves showed a distinct lack of the controlled football that has characterized Nuno’s reign. With the scores at 3-3 from the 70th minute, Brighton looked the likelier winner until Owen Otasowie, the Wolves substitute, missed a glorious chance with the very last kick. Despite scoring three goals at the Amex, Wolves lack firepower after the loss of Raúl Jiménez to injury and the sale of Diogo Jota. “I am disappointed with me, with everybody,” Nuno said afterwards. January transfer activity might spell out how much faith Mendes et al have in him. John Brewin

9) West Ham invite parallels with Moyes’s Everton

After taking his first points from Goodison Park since leaving in 2013, David Moyes spoke of a desire to recreate at West Ham what he built with Everton. There were unmistakable parallels in that respect on Friday as a supremely well-organised and committed team, marshalled by the outstanding Angelo Ogbonna, defied a ridiculous fixture schedule to claim a merited first win in five games. The potency of a Liverpool-born left back, Aaron Cresswell, echoed the influence of Leighton Baines for Moyes’s Everton, while the collective spirit throughout the West Ham ranks – evident in the impact of big-name substitutes such as Andriy Yarmolenko – was another similarity and the mark of a team with substance. “To get this result in a third game in six days, and in a third away game in four over the Christmas period, says an awful lot about the boys,” said Moyes. “They know that if you don’t come along you will be left behind but everyone is contributing.” Andy Hunter

10) Covid-hit Fulham face fixture headache

The postponement of successive Fulham matches demonstrate the the behind-the-scenes battle clubs face in stemming the tide of Covid-19. Questions of players’ personal responsibility are being raised. Reports that Aleksandar Mitrovic had attended a new year party with the Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic were deeply unhelpful to a club that engaged the ire of José Mourinho when their game at Tottenham was called off last Wednesday. Once three of Mourinho’s players were found to have broken protocols, then Spurs’ higher ground was lost. But where Fulham might fit their two games in hand into a concertinaed schedule is a significant query considering a distinct lack of breathing room in the calendar. For Burnley’s part, the club’s new majority owners, ALK Capital – and new chairman, Alan Pace – were denied a first game at the helm. The Americans have arrived in English football during a time of turmoil. John Brewin



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
TT

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
TT

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
TT

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)
TT

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)
TT

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
TT

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
TT

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
TT

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
TT

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
TT

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.