Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • Man City won’t surrender in title race, says Guardiola

    Man City won’t surrender in title race, says Guardiola

    Pep Guardiola has emphatically declared Manchester City’s continued pursuit of the Premier League title despite suffering a devastating blow in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. The Citizens appeared destined for victory after establishing a commanding first-half lead through goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

    The match underwent a dramatic transformation following the interval as Tottenham mounted an impressive comeback. Dominic Solanke initiated the revival with a controversial close-range finish that survived VAR review despite appearing to make contact with City defender Marc Guehi. The equalizer arrived through a moment of pure brilliance as Solanke executed an extraordinary scorpion kick from Conor Gallagher’s cross, leaving the City defense astonished.

    This result leaves second-placed Manchester City trailing leaders Arsenal by six points after the Gunners’ comprehensive 4-0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday. Guardiola expressed particular frustration with the decision to allow Tottenham’s first goal, stating: “When a central defender commits that challenge on a striker, it’s invariably penalized as a foul. The emotional impact of that refereeing decision shifted the momentum dramatically.”

    The City manager received a yellow card for his persistent protests during the match. Despite winning just once in their last six league appearances, Guardiola remains defiant about his team’s championship prospects: “With fourteen matches remaining? While the opportunity exists, our hopes persist. I witnessed exceptional spirit from our players despite recent injury challenges.”

    Meanwhile, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank celebrated his team’s resilient performance amid significant injury problems that left eleven players unavailable. Frank praised his squad’s character: “I’m extremely proud of our response to adversity. This team continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience despite numerous injury setbacks, showing tremendous growth in our collective mentality.”

  • ‘Pretty disgraceful’: Shashi Tharoor on Pakistan’s decision to boycott match against India

    ‘Pretty disgraceful’: Shashi Tharoor on Pakistan’s decision to boycott match against India

    The cricketing world faces unprecedented diplomatic turmoil as Pakistan’s threatened boycott of its T20 World Cup match against India draws severe criticism from Indian opposition leader Shashi Tharoor, who labeled the politicization of sports “pretty disgraceful.” The escalating crisis now threatens the integrity of the upcoming global tournament scheduled to commence on February 7, 2026.

    Tharoor, speaking to reporters, condemned the cross-border political interference affecting cricket, particularly referencing Pakistan’s solidarity with Bangladesh following the controversial denial of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL contract with Kolkata Knight Riders. “It is pretty disgraceful that sport has been politicized in this way on both sides,” Tharoor stated, characterizing the situation as “spiraling out of control” despite cricket’s potential to unite nations.

    The Congress MP issued an urgent appeal for emergency negotiations between cricket boards, suggesting the International Cricket Council (ICC) serve as mediator to resolve what he termed “this nonsense.” Tharoor emphasized that cricket’s profound cultural significance across South Asia should transcend political divisions, particularly on the playing field.

    Pakistan’s proposed boycott carries significant competitive consequences, including automatic forfeiture of two points if they refuse to play India. Additional complications arise regarding potential knockout-stage encounters between the arch-rivals. The ICC has expressed concern over Pakistan’s “selective participation” stance, noting that while respecting governmental authority in national policy matters, such decisions undermine global cricket and disadvantage fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.

    This confrontation continues strained India-Pakistan relations that nearly escalated into full-scale military conflict last year. Bilateral cricket remains suspended between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with ICC previously brokering neutral-venue arrangements for their tournament meetings.

    The current impasse mirrors previous geopolitical tensions affecting cricket, including Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament over safety concerns in India (replaced by Scotland) and last year’s Asia Cup controversy where Indian players declined handshakes with Pakistani opponents and refused the trophy from Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also chairs the Pakistan Cricket Board.

    PCB supported Bangladesh’s unsuccessful request to relocate matches to Sri Lanka, which ICC rejected while affirming security assurances for Bangladeshi players and fans. Naqvi nevertheless extended best wishes to Pakistan’s squad, expressing hope they would “return with the T20 World Cup trophy” despite the brewing controversy.

  • Japan sets up ’24/7′ task force to combat online abuse during Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

    Japan sets up ’24/7′ task force to combat online abuse during Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

    In an unprecedented move to safeguard its athletes, the Japanese Olympic Committee has established a specialized 24-hour monitoring task force for the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games. This proactive initiative directly responds to the widespread online harassment experienced by competitors during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

    The comprehensive digital protection unit will consist of 22 dedicated staff members strategically positioned across two continents. Six team members will operate from Milan while another sixteen will work from Japan, ensuring continuous coverage across all time zones. Each location will have legal expertise on standby to address severe cases.

    Hidehito Ito, Japan’s Chef de Mission, emphasized the program’s significance: “As a new initiative we are going to be tackling online abuse. Experts will monitor platforms continuously, and when we identify harmful content, we will formally request its removal.”

    This groundbreaking athlete protection program builds upon Japan’s intensified national campaign against cyberbullying, which gained urgency following the 2020 suicide of reality television star and professional wrestler Hana Kimura. The 22-year-old’s tragic death prompted legislative reforms, including stricter penalties for online abuse that can now result in up to one year imprisonment.

    The JOC will collaborate with the International Olympic Committee while respecting cultural differences in addressing online harassment. According to JOC official Naoya Yanagiya, the organization is “closely monitoring the IOC’s approach and considering in which areas we can cooperate” while maintaining “regular communication with the IOC throughout the tournament.”

    The task force represents the latest evolution in Japan’s multi-competition strategy against digital abuse, incorporating lessons learned from both the Paris Games and World Athletics Championships.

  • Pakistan departs for T20 World Cup while waiting for ICC reaction to India game boycott

    Pakistan departs for T20 World Cup while waiting for ICC reaction to India game boycott

    Pakistan’s national cricket team departed for Sri Lanka on Monday amid mounting tensions with the International Cricket Council over their government-mandated boycott of the upcoming T20 World Cup match against India. The squad, captured in video footage released by the Pakistan Cricket Board, boarded their flight wearing new tournament kits while awaiting potential sanctions from cricket’s global governing body.

    The political decision, announced Sunday through Pakistan’s interior ministry via social media platform X, orders the team to compete in the tournament while specifically avoiding the scheduled February 15 group stage encounter against India in Colombo. This selective participation has drawn sharp criticism from the ICC, which warned of consequences for undermining the fundamental principles of international sporting events.

    The ICC released an official statement emphasizing that Pakistan’s stance “is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premises of a global sporting event” and that the decision ultimately harms “the global game and the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.”

    This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of decades-long political tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, who have fought four wars since partition and maintain minimal sporting contacts. The high-stakes cricket matches between these nations typically generate massive broadcast revenues and sponsor interest, making their encounters financially crucial for the sport’s ecosystem.

    Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed the team’s compliance with government directives after completing a 3-0 T20 series sweep against Australia. “It’s not our decision to boycott the India game,” Agha stated. “We can’t do anything about it. We will do whatever our government and the PCB chairman say.”

    PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has accused the ICC of “double standards” regarding tournament arrangements, particularly referencing the organization’s handling of Bangladesh’s security concerns. The tournament begins Saturday with Pakistan scheduled to open against the Netherlands, following a final warmup match against Ireland on Wednesday.

  • Hellas Verona, last in Italy’s Serie A, fires coach Paolo Zanetti

    Hellas Verona, last in Italy’s Serie A, fires coach Paolo Zanetti

    VERONA, Italy — In a decisive move reflecting the intense pressure of Italy’s top football division, last-placed Serie A club Hellas Verona has terminated the contract of head coach Paolo Zanetti. The dismissal was announced on Monday, merely 48 hours after the team suffered a demoralizing 4-0 defeat away to Cagliari.

    The loss solidified Verona’s position at the very bottom of the league table, a point below fellow strugglers Pisa, who also possess 14 points from 23 matches. This coaching change is part of a broader trend of instability in the Italian top flight, bringing the total number of clubs that have changed managers this season to six.

    Zanetti’s tenure was marked by profound difficulty, with the team securing only two league victories throughout the entire campaign. These wins, both achieved consecutively in December, provided a brief glimmer of hope in an otherwise dismal season. With 15 matches remaining in the season, the club now faces a formidable challenge, sitting four points adrift from the safety of the 17th-place position and potential salvation from relegation.

    The managerial upheaval extends beyond Verona. Just one day prior, Pisa also parted ways with their coach, Alberto Girardino, highlighting the cutthroat nature of the league where poor results prompt immediate organizational action as clubs battle for survival.

  • England’s resurgence threatens France’s and Ireland’s Six Nations dominance

    England’s resurgence threatens France’s and Ireland’s Six Nations dominance

    The Six Nations Championship is poised for a potential power shift as England emerges as a formidable challenger to the longstanding French-Irish supremacy. Under coach Steve Borthwick, England rides an impressive 11-game winning streak highlighted by their decisive 33-19 victory over New Zealand in November, which precipitated the departure of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. This resurgent squad, featuring emerging talents like Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Henry Pollock, faces its ultimate test in a climactic final-round showdown against defending champion France in Paris.

    France enters as tournament favorite despite autumn campaign concerns. The team benefits from an ideal schedule with home advantages against both Ireland and England, coupled with the return of inspirational captain Antoine Dupont from ACL injury. Coach Fabien Galthié has embraced a transitional phase toward the 2027 World Cup, surprisingly dropping established stars including record try-scorer Damian Penaud in favor of promising newcomers like Théo Attissogbe and Lenni Nouchi.

    Ireland confronts significant challenges including a humiliated front row against South Africa, lineout inconsistencies, and multiple injuries to key players. The team additionally faces disciplinary concerns after Bundee Aki’s six-week suspension for referee abuse, highlighting what former official Owen Doyle describes as a ‘growing and unacceptable culture’ of misconduct toward match officials.

    Scotland battles persistent reputation issues despite moments of brilliance, with notorious collapses stemming from weak benches and mental fragility. Coach Gregor Townsend received a contract extension through 2027 despite growing clamor for change. Italy demonstrates renewed optimism under Gonzalo Quesada but faces injury setbacks, while Wales struggles with ongoing performance issues and concerningly low ticket sales despite ending historic losing streaks in 2025.

  • 3 seasons in, PWHL set to enjoy international coming-out party during Milan Cortina Games

    3 seasons in, PWHL set to enjoy international coming-out party during Milan Cortina Games

    The landscape of women’s professional hockey has undergone a revolutionary transformation since Kendall Coyne Schofield’s emotional plea for greater visibility following the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. What was once considered a distant dream has materialized into the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which now stands poised for its international showcase at the Milan Cortina Games.

    Four years after her tearful declaration that ‘the status quo is not good enough,’ Coyne Schofield’s vision has been validated through the PWHL’s successful launch in 2023. The league, financially backed by Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter, represents the first truly professional platform for female hockey players, distinguishing itself from previous iterations where athletes often played without salary or proper recognition.

    The Olympic tournament serves as a strategic launching point for the eight-team league, which features 61 PWHL players distributed across ten competing nations—notably comprising the majority of both Team USA and Team Canada rosters. The league is capitalizing on this global stage through extensive advertising campaigns aimed at converting casual Olympic viewers into dedicated PWHL followers.

    Hockey Hall of Famer Jayna Hefford, now PWHL executive vice president, emphasizes the critical opportunity: ‘Previous years, everybody falls in love with the Olympics. They hear stories about players, we have huge viewership numbers, and then it’s sort of like ‘What now?”

    The league’s growth metrics demonstrate remarkable progress: attendance has surpassed 500,000 fans nearing the midpoint of its third season, following the milestone of one million attendees achieved in under two seasons. Expansion plans include adding up to four new teams next season, with potential future establishment of European franchises.

    Despite these achievements, challenges persist. The PWHL lacks a national broadcaster in the United States, though games are available through local markets and YouTube. Additionally, international representation remains limited, with only 25 of the league’s 200-plus players hailing from outside North America. League executives acknowledge this gap and are actively pursuing global growth through potential exhibition games in Europe and enhanced scouting efforts.

    Veteran Swiss national team player Alina Muller, now with the Boston Fleet, believes the league’s stability will gradually attract more international talent: ‘Now being able to watch our games and think, ‘Yeah, I want to end up playing professionally,’ will change the attitude toward the sport completely.’

    The Milan Cortina Games thus represent not just another tournament, but a pivotal moment in women’s hockey history—the culmination of years of advocacy and the beginning of a new era of professional opportunities for female athletes worldwide.

  • McKenzie clarifies claim South Africa will host Wafcon 2026

    McKenzie clarifies claim South Africa will host Wafcon 2026

    South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has clarified that no official decision has been made regarding the relocation of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from Morocco, despite his deputy’s premature announcement that the country would host the tournament. The clarification came after Deputy Minister Peace Mabe publicly declared at an awards ceremony on Sunday that South Africa would step in as hosts following Morocco’s apparent withdrawal. Mabe later told SABC Sport: “When Morocco said ‘We are not able to host’, South Africa, we said ‘Yes, we are available’. We are going to take it.” However, Minister McKenzie emphasized that Morocco remains the officially designated host for the 2026 tournament, stating that Mabe’s remarks “do not constitute a formal confirmation or assumption of hosting responsibilities.” He noted that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not yet initiated any alternative hosting process, though South Africa has expressed willingness to support CAF if alternative arrangements become necessary. The potential hosting change comes as Morocco has invested significantly in football infrastructure while preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The North African nation has been a crucial supporter of women’s football in recent years, with few other countries expressing interest in hosting WAFCON due to its significantly smaller supporter base compared to the men’s Africa Cup of Nations. With just 43 days remaining until the expanded 16-team tournament kicks off on March 17, South Africa would face substantial logistical challenges despite having 13 CAF-approved stadiums available.

  • Transfer deadline: Premier League clubs most active with hours left in winter window

    Transfer deadline: Premier League clubs most active with hours left in winter window

    European football’s winter transfer window approaches its decisive finale, with Monday marking the deadline for elite clubs across the continent’s top leagues to finalize their squad reinforcements. The closing hours present a final opportunity for strategic acquisitions and sales that could define team fortunes for the remainder of the competitive season.

    England’s Premier League has emerged as the financial powerhouse of this transfer period, with British clubs collectively investing approximately $450 million in player acquisitions. Manchester City has executed the most significant financial maneuvers thus far, securing the services of winger Antoine Semenyo and center back Marc Guehi for a combined transfer fee of $115 million.

    Several compelling narratives dominate the final hours of negotiation. Liverpool faces pressing questions about reinforcing their defensive line following injury setbacks. Crystal Palace contemplates the potential departure of French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, with Serie A powerhouse AC Milan reportedly monitoring the situation. Chelsea’s transfer activity remains under particular scrutiny given the club’s historically aggressive approach to both incoming and outgoing transfers.

    The transfer deadline falls simultaneously across multiple leagues at 19:00 GMT for England, France, Germany, and Italy, while Spain’s window remains open until 22:59 GMT, providing La Liga clubs with additional hours for last-minute negotiations.

  • Premier League: City held by Solanke stunner, Sesko delivers ‘best feeling’ for United

    Premier League: City held by Solanke stunner, Sesko delivers ‘best feeling’ for United

    In a dramatic Sunday of Premier League action, the title race witnessed a significant shift as Manchester City dropped crucial points while Manchester United secured a last-gasp victory. The unfolding events have dramatically altered the landscape at the top of the table.

    Manchester City’s championship aspirations suffered a major setback at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where they surrendered a two-goal advantage against a resilient Spurs side. Despite establishing commanding control through first-half strikes from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo, Pep Guardiola’s squad collapsed in the second period. The remarkable comeback was orchestrated by Dominic Solanke, whose spectacular scorpion-kick equalizer secured a 2-2 draw and sent shockwaves through the title race.

    This result marks a concerning trend for the defending champions, who have managed just a single victory in their six Premier League outings this calendar year. The dropped points have enabled Arsenal to establish a potentially decisive six-point cushion at the summit as they pursue their first league championship in over two decades.

    Meanwhile, at Old Trafford, Manchester United continued their resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick with a breathtaking 3-2 triumph over Fulham. The match followed a similar narrative of squandered advantages and late drama. United appeared comfortable with goals from Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, but Fulham mounted a furious comeback through Raul Jimenez’s penalty and Kevin’s spectacular equalizer.

    Just as Fulham seemed to have secured a point, summer signing Benjamin Sesko delivered a moment of pure brilliance, spinning onto Bruno Fernandes’ precise pass before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the top corner during stoppage time. The dramatic winner sparked euphoric celebrations and extended United’s winning streak to three matches under Carrick’s guidance, propelling them into the coveted top four positions.

    In other Sunday fixtures, Aston Villa’s outside title hopes diminished further with a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to ten-man Brentford. Despite Kevin Schade’s first-half dismissal, the Bees secured all three points through Dango Ouattara’s strike before half-time. Villa’s frustration was compounded when a Tammy Abraham equalizer was disallowed by VAR review.

    The day’s results have fundamentally reshaped the Premier League landscape, with Arsenal emerging as clear favorites while their rivals encounter varying degrees of struggle and resurgence.