Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • ‘Clean slate’: Grant Anderson throws down the challenge to Brisbane’s premiership-winning back five as he fights for starting spot

    ‘Clean slate’: Grant Anderson throws down the challenge to Brisbane’s premiership-winning back five as he fights for starting spot

    Brisbane Broncos’ championship-winning back five faces internal competition as new signing Grant Anderson arrives determined to earn a starting position. The 26-year-old outside back joins the premiers on a two-year deal after four productive seasons with Melbourne Storm, where he emerged as one of the NRL’s most improved players last season with 11 tries from 24 appearances.

    Anderson acknowledges the challenge of breaking into a backline featuring established talents like Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, and Deine Mariner, but remains confident in his abilities. ‘You’re not training every day if you want to play reserve grade,’ Anderson stated during his introductory press conference. ‘That’s not just me – that’s all the other boys here as well. We all want to play NRL and put that Broncos jersey on.’

    The versatile back believes his development at Melbourne, where he played alongside stars including Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen, has prepared him for this new challenge. Anderson cited the example of Gehamat Shibasaki, who unexpectedly earned a round one starting spot last season that led to Origin selection and premiership success.

    While recognizing Brisbane’s exceptional depth in outside backs, Anderson views the move as an opportunity for growth. ‘It was just an opportunity to grow my game and to play with the calibre of players here,’ he explained. ‘That really excited me to try and learn again in another system, and hopefully my game can go to another level.’

    The competition for positions reflects the Broncos’ strengthened roster as they prepare to defend their title, with Anderson embracing the challenge of earning his place in the premier squad.

  • The one word Nathan Cleary won’t cop as the Panthers look to avoid “awful” repeat in their quest to win back the premiership

    The one word Nathan Cleary won’t cop as the Panthers look to avoid “awful” repeat in their quest to win back the premiership

    Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary has emphatically rejected the ‘hunted’ label that defined his team during their historic NRL premiership streak, advocating instead for a proactive ‘hunter’ mentality as they prepare for a challenging 2026 season opener against defending champions Brisbane Broncos.

    The Panthers, who redefined NRL excellence with four consecutive premierships, saw their remarkable streak conclude in last year’s epic preliminary final against eventual champions Brisbane. While coach Ivan Cleary immediately dismissed notions that the Panthers’ dynasty had ended, the team now enters the new season freed from the psychological burden of being perpetual favorites.

    Cleary articulated his philosophical objection to the ‘hunted’ characterization that dominated narratives during their five consecutive grand final appearances. “Maybe from the outside looking in we were the hunted, but we’ve always seen ourselves as the hunter,” the champion halfback explained. “As soon as you get into that hunted mindset, it’s like you’re almost playing defensively. This year it actually is the case.”

    The Panthers enter 2026 with significant competitive advantages, including unprecedented roster stability. For the first time in several seasons, Penrith has retained their entire core lineup without losing key personnel to rival clubs. While some depth players have departed, the team avoided the substantial losses that previously saw stars like Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, and Api Koroisau exit the club.

    This continuity has allowed the Panthers to build directly upon last year’s foundation rather than developing new combinations. “This is probably the first year in a long time that we’ve had the same 17 available because no one from the top 17 has left,” Cleary noted, adding that new fringe players have “brought new energy, which is exciting.”

    Penrith faces arguably the NRL’s most demanding opening schedule, with consecutive matches against Brisbane, Cronulla-Sutherland, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta, Melbourne, Canterbury-Bankstown, and Dolphins in Darwin. Cleary views this challenging start as an opportunity rather than a obstacle: “At the end of the day, if you want to be the best then you’ve got to beat the best. It’s a good test to see where we’re at and where we can improve.”

    The team also receives a significant boost with winger Brian To’o returning to full fitness after an injury-plagued 2025 season limited to just 16 appearances. Cleary reported his teammate is “flying” and “in a much better position than he was this time last year,” noting that To’o is “probably the lightest he’s ever been in a pre-season.”

    With a burning desire for redemption, roster stability, key players returning to peak condition, and a consciously adopted hunter mentality, the Panthers are strategically positioned to reclaim their status as NRL champions.

  • Liverpool, Man City and Barcelona ease into Champions League last 16

    Liverpool, Man City and Barcelona ease into Champions League last 16

    The UEFA Champions League group stage concluded with spectacular drama on Wednesday, cementing the fates of Europe’s elite clubs. While powerhouses Liverpool, Manchester City, and Barcelona secured smooth passage into the last 16, the reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain and the record-holding Real Madrid were condemned to the precarious knockout play-off round.

    At a vibrant Anfield, Liverpool delivered a commanding 6-0 demolition of Qarabag. The rout featured a long-awaited goal from Mohamed Salah, his first since early November, alongside a brace from Alexis Mac Allister. The victory sealed a third-place finish in the overall league-phase table for the Premier League champions.

    Manchester City, the 2023 titleholders, affirmed their dominance with a 2-0 triumph over Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium. Strikes from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki propelled them to an eighth-place finish. Similarly, Barcelona showcased resilience at Camp Nou, overturning an early deficit against FC Copenhagen with a 4-1 victory, powered by goals from Robert Lewandowski and a deflected effort from young sensation Lamine Yamal.

    The night, however, was defined by stunning upsets. Real Madrid’s campaign took a disastrous turn in a 4-2 defeat at Benfica. Despite a Kylian Mbappé brace, the match descended into chaos with two late red cards for Madrid. The spectacle reached its peak in the 98th minute when Benfica’s goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin, soared to head in a dramatic winning goal, snatching the final play-off spot and denying Madrid direct qualification.

    In Paris, holders PSG were held to a 1-1 draw by a determined Newcastle United. A first-half strike from Vitinha was canceled out by Joe Willock, leaving the French giants to navigate the perilous play-offs, a path they successfully traversed last season. They will be joined by other notable clubs including Inter Milan and Juventus, who both missed out on top-eight finishes despite positive results.

    The play-off draw now sets the stage for high-stakes rematches and unexpected clashes, ensuring the road to Champions League glory remains intensely competitive.

  • Trubin’s ‘miracle’ – how Mourinho’s Benfica stunned Real Madrid

    Trubin’s ‘miracle’ – how Mourinho’s Benfica stunned Real Madrid

    In an extraordinary climax to the Champions League group stage, Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin authored one of European football’s most dramatic moments with a stoppage-time header that eliminated 15-time champions Real Madrid while salvaging his team’s continental campaign.

    The defining moment unfolded deep into added time at Estadio da Luz with Benfica clinging to a 3-2 lead. Despite the advantage, mathematical elimination loomed until the Ukrainian goalkeeper’s unprecedented intervention. Sent forward for a final free-kick, Trubin connected perfectly with a bullet header that sparked pandemonium throughout the Lisbon stadium.

    “A fantastic goal, a historic goal, a goal that nearly brought the whole stadium down,” declared manager José Mourinho, who secured his first victory against Real Madrid since returning to Benfica 25 years after his brief initial tenure. “For Benfica, it’s incredible prestige to beat Real Madrid.”

    The victory proved particularly crucial given the tournament’s revamped league format, with 18 matches concluding simultaneously. Trubin’s goal propelled Benfica from elimination to the playoff round at Marseille’s expense, completely altering the competition’s landscape in the closing seconds.

    The 24-year-old goalkeeper admitted initial confusion about the mathematical situation: “I didn’t understand what we needed. I see everyone start to point at me and I go. We need one more goal. I don’t know what to say—a crazy moment.”

    The victory carries special significance for Mourinho, whose Benfica tenure had faced skepticism despite remaining unbeaten domestically. The Portuguese giants trail league leaders Porto by 10 points, making European success particularly valuable for the veteran manager.

    The dramatic conclusion attracted attention throughout football, with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola monitoring events closely. City needed Benfica’s victory to secure a top-eight finish, with Guardiola noting: “We didn’t know Benfica needed a goal to qualify. But it was good strategy for Jose to score the fourth goal!”

    With Real Madrid finishing ninth and Benfica 24th in the league phase, statistical probability suggests a 50% chance of the teams meeting again in the playoff round. Alternatively, Benfica could face Inter Milan—the club where Mourinho achieved his historic treble in 2010.

    Trubin’s goal places him among only five goalkeepers to score in Champions League history, creating an instant legend that might surpass even Mourinho’s renowned capacity for scripting dramatic narratives.

  • Bill Belichick: A Super Bowl god’s fall from grace

    Bill Belichick: A Super Bowl god’s fall from grace

    In a dramatic career pivot that has stunned the football world, legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick finds himself navigating uncharted territory at the University of North Carolina. The architect of six Super Bowl championships with the New England Patriots, Belichick now confronts mounting questions about his legacy following a disastrous debut season with the Tar Heels that yielded just four wins in twelve games.

    The irony is palpable: as his former team prepares for its record 12th Super Bowl appearance, Belichick received notification that he would be excluded from this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame class. ‘Six Super Bowls isn’t enough?’ the coach reportedly asked with palpable disappointment, according to ESPN sources.

    Belichick’s unprecedented move to college football came after his unceremonious exit from the NFL in January 2024, when no professional team offered him a coaching position despite his historic resume. North Carolina took a monumental gamble, signing the 73-year-old to a five-year, $50 million contract—an unprecedented investment in their football program.

    The transition has proven challenging on multiple fronts. Belichick joined after the recruiting deadline, limiting his ability to secure top talent. His professional coaching methods have struggled to translate to collegiate athletes with steeper learning curves. Compounding these challenges has been relentless media scrutiny of his personal life, particularly his relationship with 24-year-old Jordon Hudson, which has generated constant tabloid coverage.

    Football analysts note the peculiar reversal of traditional career trajectories. ‘For years, the trend has been coaches leaving NCAA for NFL prestige,’ noted Dan Roche, CBS News sports anchor. ‘Belichick’s move backward—and his struggle to adapt—is complicating his legacy.’

    Those who know Belichick best suggest the move stems from an irreducible passion for the game. ‘I can’t recall many head coaches who have said, ‘Okay, I’ve done it all, and now I’m going to walk away,” Roche observed. ‘They just don’t have it in them.’

    Despite the disastrous first season, Belichick appears committed to rebuilding. At a recent signing ceremony for new recruits, he declared: ‘They will be a foundation of our program.’ His determination echoes a statement he once made to a colleague: When asked why he continued coaching, Belichick simply replied, ‘It beats working.’

  • Molineux to succeed Healy as Australia captain

    Molineux to succeed Healy as Australia captain

    In a significant leadership transition for Australian women’s cricket, all-rounder Sophie Molineux has been appointed captain across all formats, succeeding the retiring wicketkeeping legend Alyssa Healy. The announcement comes ahead of Australia’s multi-format home series against India, marking a new chapter for the world’s top-ranked women’s cricket team.

    The 28-year-old Victorian will assume captaincy starting with the T20 international series opener on February 15th, as Healy is not part of the squad for the initial matches. Molineux will then serve as vice-captain during the subsequent ODI series and historic one-off Test in Perth, which will represent Healy’s final professional appearance before retirement.

    Expressing her honor at the appointment, Molineux acknowledged Healy’s monumental impact on the team and women’s cricket globally. ‘It’s a real honor to be named Australian captain and something I’m incredibly proud of, especially following on from Alyssa, who’s had such a huge impact on this team and the game,’ Molineux stated. She emphasized her commitment to fostering the team’s evolution while maintaining its distinctive identity, noting the squad’s blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent.

    The leadership restructuring also establishes Ashleigh Gardner as vice-captain alongside Tahlia McGrath, who retains her deputy role across all formats. This creates a dynamic leadership group featuring three all-rounders steering Australian women’s cricket forward.

    Molineux brings substantial captaincy experience from domestic cricket, having led both Victoria and Melbourne Renegades to their inaugural Women’s Big Bash League title in 2024. Her international career, beginning in 2019, includes 58 appearances across formats (3 Tests, 17 ODIs, and 38 T20Is), though it has been punctuated by significant injury challenges including stress fractures and ACL reconstruction that caused her to miss multiple global tournaments.

    The upcoming India series, running from February 15th to March 9th featuring three T20Is, three ODIs, and one Test, will serve as Molineux’s inaugural challenge as permanent captain. Her primary objective for 2025 will be reclaiming the T20 World Cup title when the tournament commences in England on June 12th.

  • ADQ inaugurates refurbished basketball court at Khalifa University

    ADQ inaugurates refurbished basketball court at Khalifa University

    In a significant move to bolster community sports infrastructure, Abu Dhabi’s strategic investment entity ADQ has officially unveiled a comprehensively refurbished basketball facility at Khalifa University. This inauguration marks the latest development within its expanding collaborative framework with the National Basketball Association (NBA).

    The project represents a core component of ADQ’s broader commitment to enhancing social infrastructure as a fundamental pillar of sustainable, long-term development for the Emirate. The initiative focuses on creating and upgrading high-caliber sports venues that function as communal hubs, actively promoting physical wellbeing, social cohesion, and inclusive community engagement.

    By improving accessibility to premium athletic facilities and actively encouraging participation in sports and active lifestyles, these projects deliver multifaceted benefits. They are strategically designed to support population health, foster meaningful social interaction, and strengthen community bonds, thereby contributing to the foundation of more resilient and prosperous societies across Abu Dhabi.

    This newly inaugurated court at Khalifa University constitutes the next major milestone in a series of refurbishment projects undertaken by the ADQ-NBA alliance, following previous enhancements at Zayed Sports City and Capital Garden. Collectively, these facilities are establishing a growing network of community assets aimed at engaging youth demographics and families, with the ultimate objective of inspiring greater participation in athletic pursuits and fostering a vibrant sporting culture.

  • Australian Open: Sinner sets up blockbuster Djokovic semifinal clash

    Australian Open: Sinner sets up blockbuster Djokovic semifinal clash

    Defending champion Jannik Sinner delivered a commanding performance against American eighth seed Ben Shelton, securing a decisive 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory to advance to the Australian Open semifinals. The Italian second seed, who remains undefeated in his nine encounters with Shelton without conceding a single set, demonstrated exceptional court mastery despite facing formidable challenges from his opponent’s powerful left-handed serves.

    The match featured several pivotal moments, including Sinner’s spectacular fourth-game winner where he expertly guided the ball around the net post. While Shelton elevated his game in the second set, creating a breakpoint opportunity at 1-2, Sinner neutralized the threat and maintained control throughout the contest. The victory marks Sinner’s ninth consecutive Grand Slam semifinal appearance and sixth in succession.

    Addressing post-match challenges, Sinner revealed his physical readiness has improved significantly since experiencing cramps during his third-round match against American Eliot Spizzirri. ‘I feel stronger physically again,’ Sinner confirmed during his on-court interview. ‘I’m happy to be in the semifinals again. We all know what challenge I’m up against and I’m looking forward to it.’

    The triumph sets the stage for a highly anticipated semifinal clash against ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, creating what promises to be a monumental battle between established greatness and emerging excellence. Sinner acknowledged the significance of facing the 24-time major champion, stating: ‘These are the moments you practice for. You have to play at your best. We’re still lucky to have Novak playing incredible tennis at his age. Hopefully, it’s going to be a great, great battle out here.’

  • Brazil midfielder Paqueta set for Flamengo move ahead of World Cup after asking to leave West Ham

    Brazil midfielder Paqueta set for Flamengo move ahead of World Cup after asking to leave West Ham

    In a significant transfer development, West Ham United has officially permitted Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta to proceed with medical assessments and negotiate personal terms with Brazilian club Flamengo. This move signals the imminent conclusion of the midfielder’s challenging tenure in the English Premier League.

    The transfer, valued at a reported £35 million (approximately $48 million), follows Paqueta’s formal transfer request. West Ham had initially sought to retain the 28-year-old player until the season’s conclusion to bolster their campaign to avoid relegation from England’s top football division.

    Paqueta’s time at the London club was notably overshadowed by an extensive Football Association investigation into potential gambling regulation violations. The protracted inquiry, which concluded only in July 2025 with Paqueta cleared of all misconduct charges, spanned two years and reportedly inflicted considerable psychological distress on the player.

    In an official club statement, West Ham acknowledged the player’s personal circumstances: “Lucas has articulated that, due to personal and family considerations, he desires to return to his native Brazil and initiate a new chapter following his recent exoneration. Despite implementing comprehensive measures to encourage him to remain with our squad, he maintained his firm position regarding departure. Consequently, both the head coach and club management have acquiesced to his transfer appeal, albeit with reluctance.”

  • Seifert leads New Zealand past India for T20 win despite Dube’s 65 off 23

    Seifert leads New Zealand past India for T20 win despite Dube’s 65 off 23

    In a dramatic reversal of fortunes, New Zealand clinched a decisive 50-run victory against India in the fourth T20 international held in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, despite an explosive batting performance by Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube.

    The Black Caps posted an imposing total of 215-7 from their allotted 20 overs, propelled by a formidable 100-run opening partnership between Devon Conway (44 off 23 balls) and Tim Seifert, who dominated with 62 runs from just 36 deliveries featuring three sixes and seven boundaries. Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 39 from 18 balls provided crucial late momentum, particularly during a 19-run assault in Jasprit Bumrah’s penultimate over.

    India’s response began disastrously as they lost Abhishek Sharma for a golden duck. The situation deteriorated rapidly with Suryakumar Yadav departing for 8 and Sanju Samson (24) falling to Mitchell Santner’s spin attack. At 82-5 in the 11th over, the match seemed beyond reach until Shivam Dube unleashed a breathtaking counterattack.

    Dube electrified the stadium with a spectacular 65-run blitz from merely 23 balls, achieving his half-century in just 15 deliveries—the fastest by an Indian in T20 internationals. His innings included seven massive sixes and three fours, briefly reviving Indian hopes during a 63-run partnership with Harshit Rana. However, Dube’s runout in the 15th over effectively ended India’s resistance, resulting in their dismissal for 165 in 18.4 overs.

    New Zealand’s bowling unit delivered a coordinated performance with captain Mitchell Santner claiming 3-26, supported by Jacob Duffy (2-33) and Ish Sodhi (2-46). Despite this defeat, India maintains an unassailable 3-1 series lead heading into the final match in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.