Germany's forward #09 Niclas Fullkrug (L) celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Germany and Mexico at Lincoln Financial Field stadium in Philadelphia on October 17, 2023. (AFP)
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Germany Draw 2-2 with Mexico in Friendly
Germany's forward #09 Niclas Fullkrug (L) celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Germany and Mexico at Lincoln Financial Field stadium in Philadelphia on October 17, 2023. (AFP)
Germany drew 2-2 with Mexico in a friendly at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Tuesday in Julian Nagelsmann's second match in charge of the Euro 2024 hosts.
Germany, who beat the United States 3-1 on Saturday, opened the scoring in the 25th minute through Antonio Rudiger when the defender headed home following Leroy Sane's corner.
Uriel Antuna converted Hirving Lozano's cross to level the score 12 minutes later and Mexico went 2-1 up shortly after halftime when Erick Sanchez headed in Antuna's cross.
The lead did not last long, however, with Niclas Fullkrug equalizing in the 51th minute after Florian Wirtz's shot was cleared off the line by Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
"I'm happy not only for my individual work but also for what we did as a group," Antuna said of Mexico's performance.
"The team, despite being down, always attacked, always defended until the last minute, it is important to tell the fans that together we can do many important things and compete.
"The job is to be consistent, since Jimmy's (Lozano) arrival the team has been working step by step," he added.
Spain Brush Aside Croatia in Nations League, England Down Czechshttps://english.aawsat.com/sports/5324101-spain-brush-aside-croatia-nations-league-england-down-czechs
Football - UEFA Nations League - Group A3 - Spain v Croatia - Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville, Spain - September 29, 2026 Spain's Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring their third goal. (Reuters)
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Spain Brush Aside Croatia in Nations League, England Down Czechs
Football - UEFA Nations League - Group A3 - Spain v Croatia - Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville, Spain - September 29, 2026 Spain's Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring their third goal. (Reuters)
Lamine Yamal netted a brace as world champions Spain continued their winning start to the UEFA Nations League with a 4-1 success in Seville against Croatia on Tuesday, while Harry Kane scored as England won in the Czech Republic.
The match at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan was Spain's first home outing since lifting the World Cup in New York in July.
La Roja captain Rodri was handed the trophy by 2010 winner and Sevilla legend Jesus Navas, before presenting it to the ecstatic crowd.
"We were very excited to bring the trophy here," Yamal said.
"To be able to win the game and bring it home is great."
Spain's supporters did not have long to wait before their side provided further excitement in Andalusia as Yamal fired them into the lead inside 75 seconds.
Dion Beljo nodded in Ivan Perisic's cross to briefly level the scores shortly before the half-hour, but Atletico defender Marc Pubill popped up at the other end three minutes later to head in a Yamal center and restore the hosts' lead.
After also scoring early in Spain's 3-2 win at Wembley against England last week to kickstart their Nations League campaign, Yamal brought his tally in the 2026/27 edition of the tournament to three as he put Spain two clear of Croatia in the 63rd minute with a precise finish at Dominik Livakovic's near post.
"Lamine is keen to keep developing and show the world the sort of footballer he is," Luis de la Fuente said of the 19-year-old star.
"We've enjoyed his magic in the service of the team. In the future, he'll be much more recognized for what he does and for his contribution to the team's play," the coach added of Yamal, who is among the frontrunners for the Ballon d'Or.
Nico Williams then put gloss on the result for Spain with a crisp step-over and finish with one minute remaining on the clock.
With two wins from two, Spain lead Group A3 on six points, while Croatia sit third on three points, behind second-placed England on goal difference.
Harry Kane (L) of England celebrates with teammate Anthony Gordon after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Nations League match between Czechia and England in Prague, Czechia, 29 September 2026. (EPA)
- 'Deserved victory' -
In Prague, Thomas Tuchel's England got their first win of the group with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Czech Republic thanks to second-half goals from Anthony Gordon and Kane.
The home team kept England at bay in the first half at the Fortuna Arena despite being a man down after Pavel Sulc was sent off for a high challenge on Elliot Anderson in the 23rd minute.
"We played very professional, second half we stepped up... Deserved victory," Tuchel told ITV.
"Strange to get an early red card, not the best for the team and spectators. It's an awkward one but we kept going, got a win and that's what counts."
Barcelona winger Gordon broke the deadlock shortly after the break with a header from a cross served by Trent Alexander-Arnold, who made his first England start in almost two years.
It was Gordon's third goal in three games for England, including one against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final defeat and another against Spain.
Kane, who also scored against Spain, gave England breathing space in the 69th minute, smashing the ball past Czech 'keeper Matej Kovar after it fell to him inside the box.
England will travel to Rijeka to take on Croatia on Saturday, while Spain welcome the Czechs to Oviedo.
"The next match is important for us against a direct opponent and we want to win," Tuchel said to the BBC.
Elsewhere, Scotland paid for an early red card at Hampden Park against Switzerland as the visitors ran out 3-0 winners in Group B1.
Slovenia sit second in that pool after downing North Macedonia 2-0 in Ljubljana.
AFC Unveils 'Khuzama' as Official Ball for Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027https://english.aawsat.com/sports/5323914-afc-unveils-khuzama-official-ball-asian-cup-saudi-arabia-2027
AFC Unveils 'Khuzama' as Official Ball for Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027
The ball's name draws on the wild lavender plant found across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has unveiled the official match ball for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, named "Khuzama," in partnership with Kelme, to mark the 100-day countdown to the tournament scheduled for January 7 to February 5, 2027.
The ball's name draws on the wild lavender plant found across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while its purple color reflects hospitality and welcome.
The design features geometric patterns inspired by "The Portal" element of the tournament's official identity, derived from traditional Najdi architectural doorways, in shades of deep purple, green, and sand, SPA reported.
Designed to meet match performance requirements, the ball incorporates contrasting purple and white panels to enhance visibility for players, referees, and fans in daylight and under floodlights.
Saudi Arabia will host the AFC Asian Cup for the first time, with 24 teams competing across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Khobar.
100 Days to Go Until AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027https://english.aawsat.com/sports/5323912-100-days-go-until-afc-asian-cup-saudi-arabia-2027
100 Days to Go Until AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027
The Local Organizing Committee for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 has affirmed Saudi Arabia's readiness to host the tournament as the 100-day countdown begins ahead of the competition's opening on January 7, 2027. The tournament will mark the first edition of the AFC Asian Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia.
The committee said preparations have entered the operational phase, with organizational work continuing in the host cities and stadiums ahead of welcoming 24 national teams competing for the tournament title, SPA reported.
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa expressed his appreciation to the Saudi leadership and government, the Local Organizing Committee, and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) for their efforts to host what will be the largest edition in the history of the AFC Asian Cup.
He said the 100-day milestone reflects the Kingdom's progress according to plan toward delivering an unprecedented edition to the highest standards, from the quality of its stadiums and facilities to providing an outstanding experience for fans. Al Khalifa also expressed confidence that all preparations would be completed to the highest standards by January, ensuring Saudi Arabia is fully ready to host the continental football event.
CEO of the Local Organizing Committee for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Mai AlHelabi affirmed that all preparations are progressing in tandem as the countdown begins.
“Work to prepare the eight stadiums is proceeding according to plan, while more than 50 entities are working as one team to provide an outstanding experience for fans from the moment they arrive until their departure from Saudi Arabia, reflecting the essence of Saudi hospitality,” AlHelabi said.
She added that the scale of preparations reflects Saudi Arabia's ambitions for the tournament, as well as its capabilities and resources in organizing major sporting events. These capabilities are currently on display in Jeddah, where the Kingdom is hosting the 27th Gulf Cup, “Khaleeji Arabian Dyar 27,” marking another milestone in its record of hosting major football events.
A series of initiatives and events will continue in the run-up to the tournament. These include a film highlighting key milestones in preparations 100 days ahead of the competition, the unveiling of the official mascot, the launch of the tournament's official audio identity, and several other initiatives.
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