Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • Deschamps picks Chevalier for France’s US friendlies despite not playing since January

    Deschamps picks Chevalier for France’s US friendlies despite not playing since January

    French national team head coach Didier Deschamps has unveiled his strategic selections for upcoming high-profile friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the United States, demonstrating particular faith in Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier despite his prolonged absence from competitive play.

    Chevalier, who last featured in a match on January 26th after losing his starting position to Matvey Safonov, has been retained as the third-choice goalkeeper alongside established starters Mike Maignan of AC Milan and Brice Samba of Rennes. Deschamps acknowledged the unconventional nature of this decision, characterizing Chevalier’s current club situation as less than “ideal” while emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust and relationship-building with players experiencing temporary difficulties.

    “This scenario frequently occurs with significant players,” Deschamps explained. “While it typically involves outfield players facing challenges at their clubs, reaching out during these periods is fundamental to establishing lasting confidence.”

    The squad announcement also addressed recent injury developments, with Randal Kolo Muani receiving a call-up following Bradley Barcola’s withdrawal due to a right ankle sprain sustained during PSG’s Champions League campaign. Kolo Muani, currently on season-long loan to Tottenham, reinforced his credentials by scoring the opening goal in a recent 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid.

    Deschamps has assembled an impressive contingent of nine forwards, highlighting the depth of attacking talent available to the French national team. The comprehensive 26-player roster features prominent names including Kylian Mbappé (PSG), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), and Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan), alongside emerging talents such as Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG) and Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco).

    The coach explicitly framed these selections within the broader context of preparation for the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Deschamps indicated that a substantial portion of the current squad would likely feature in the tournament, while cautioning against premature conclusions given the potential for developments over the coming months.

    “Many of those present here today will undoubtedly remain with us,” Deschamps stated. “While it’s too early for definitive assessments, we will maintain this approach understanding that much can transpire within the next two months. My primary hope is that we avoid negative occurrences, particularly regarding player injuries.”

  • Bayern teenager Lennart Karl set for Germany debut and Rüdiger returns to squad

    Bayern teenager Lennart Karl set for Germany debut and Rüdiger returns to squad

    FRANKFURT, Germany — German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has unveiled a squad blending youthful promise with experienced returns for upcoming international friendlies. The most notable inclusion is 18-year-old Bayern Munich forward Lennart Karl, who received his first senior call-up following a spectacular breakthrough Champions League campaign.

    Karl’s selection comes fresh off his impressive performance against Atalanta, where he contributed both a goal and an assist. The teenager has now registered four goals and two assists across just seven appearances in Europe’s premier club competition, establishing himself as Bayern’s youngest-ever scorer in the Champions League since his first start in October.

    Another potential debutant is Karl’s Bayern teammate Jonas Urbig, who has capably filled the goalkeeper position during Manuel Neuer’s absence due to calf injuries. Urbig recently returned from a concussion to help secure Bayern’s comprehensive 10-2 aggregate victory over Atalanta.

    The squad also welcomes back Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger, returning to international duty for the first time since September after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for much of the season’s first half and Germany’s final four World Cup qualifying matches.

    Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav makes a compelling return following an exceptional scoring streak, having found the net in each of his last five Bundesliga appearances. With 16 league goals, Undav stands as the Bundesliga’s second-highest scorer, trailing only Bayern’s Harry Kane.

    Germany will face Switzerland in an away friendly on March 27th before hosting Ghana in Stuttgart three days later. The four-time World Cup champions have been drawn into a group with Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador for the upcoming tournament.

  • Dutch youth internationals cleared to play for Suriname in World Cup qualifying playoffs

    Dutch youth internationals cleared to play for Suriname in World Cup qualifying playoffs

    In a significant development for international football, FIFA has officially granted eligibility clearance for Netherlands youth internationals Joël Piroe and Melayro Bogarde to represent Suriname in upcoming World Cup qualifying playoffs. The authorization, published late Wednesday, enables both players with Surinamese heritage to switch national team allegiance ahead of crucial matches.

    Leeds United forward Piroe and LASK defender Bogarde, both products of the Dutch football system, will now bolster Suriname’s squad as they prepare to face Bolivia on March 26 in Monterrey, Mexico. This intercontinental playoff represents a critical pathway to World Cup qualification within the CONCACAF region, which encompasses Caribbean and Central American nations despite Suriname’s geographical position on South America’s northern border with Brazil.

    The strategic recruitment under former Ajax coach Henk ten Cate focuses exclusively on European-based talent, with none of the called-up players currently featuring for domestic Surinamese clubs. The playoff bracket winner will advance to face Iraq five days later, with the ultimate prize being qualification to a challenging World Cup group featuring football powerhouses France, Norway, and Senegal.

    In a parallel development, the Netherlands football federation has approved the international transfer of 18-year-old PSV Eindhoven midfielder Benjamin Khaderi, who will now represent Morocco. These eligibility changes highlight the increasing globalization of football talent and the complex relationships between former colonial powers and their independent territories in the sporting arena.

  • Switzerland recalls Sanches ahead of World Cup one year after he tore ACL on debut

    Switzerland recalls Sanches ahead of World Cup one year after he tore ACL on debut

    BERN, Switzerland — In a significant boost to its World Cup preparations, the Swiss national football team has recalled defender Alvyn Sanches to the squad, marking a triumphant return exactly one year after a devastating ACL injury cut short his international debut.

    The 23-year-old’s comeback headlines a series of returns for coach Murat Yakin, who has also reintegrated AC Milan playmaker Ardon Jashari and Monaco captain Denis Zakaria into his plans for crucial warmup matches this month. These returning players, now fully recovered from their respective injuries, provide renewed depth and options for Die Nati as they fine-tune their roster.

    Switzerland’s preparation schedule features two high-profile friendlies against fellow World Cup qualifiers. The team will first host Germany on March 27th at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, followed by an away fixture against Norway in Oslo just four days later.

    Sanches’ journey back to the national team has been particularly dramatic. His initial call-up last year came during an impressive club season with Lausanne, but his debut ended in heartbreak when he sustained a serious knee injury deep into stoppage time during a 1-1 friendly draw against Northern Ireland.

    Despite still recovering from his injury, Sanches secured a transfer to Swiss Super League champions Young Boys in September for a reduced fee, with his contract at Lausanne set to expire this season.

    The Swiss squad has successfully qualified for their sixth consecutive FIFA Men’s World Cup, earning placement in a group alongside Canada, Qatar, and the winner of the European playoffs bracket—potentially Italy, depending on the outcome of matches scheduled for March 31st.

  • Is soccer no longer Italy’s best sport? The Azzurri face World Cup playoff amid others’ success

    Is soccer no longer Italy’s best sport? The Azzurri face World Cup playoff amid others’ success

    While Italy celebrates unprecedented success across multiple sporting disciplines, its men’s national soccer team faces a critical juncture that threatens to extend the country’s World Cup absence to at least 16 years. The four-time world champions must navigate a challenging playoff path against Northern Ireland followed by either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina to avoid missing a third consecutive tournament.

    This soccer crisis exists in stark contrast to Italy’s remarkable achievements elsewhere. Nineteen-year-old Kimi Antonelli recently became Formula One’s second-youngest race winner, the Azzurri rugby squad secured a historic Six Nations victory against England, and Jannik Sinner has returned to dominant form on tennis courts. Italy currently holds world championships in both men’s and women’s volleyball, while even traditionally overlooked baseball and cricket teams have broken significant barriers.

    Sports Minister Andrea Abodi acknowledges the concerning disparity, noting that an entire generation under 15 lacks any memory of Italy’s last World Cup appearance—a 2014 elimination remembered more for Luis Suarez’s bite on Giorgio Chiellini than competitive achievement. “For generations of Italians, the World Cup was the time when the country came together and waved our flag,” Abodi told La Stampa. “Our national spirit now extends beyond soccer but it would still be nice to share those emotions with younger fans.”

    The current qualification campaign began disastrously with a 3-0 loss to Norway, prompting managerial changes from Luciano Spalletti to Gennaro Gattuso. Despite a subsequent six-match winning streak, another defeat to Norway consigned Italy to the playoffs—the same stage where they suffered eliminations before the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

    Systemic issues extend beyond the national team. Serie A has transitioned from attracting world-class talent to becoming a destination for players past their prime. No Italian club has claimed the Champions League since Inter Milan in 2010, and the federation president recently unveiled new youth development programs aimed at overcoming what he describes as “extreme tacticalism” prioritizing defensive approaches.

    As members of the 2006 World Cup-winning squad—including Gattuso and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon—work to revive fortunes, the team has resorted to unconventional methods like nationwide dinner meetings with players instead of formal training camps. Their immediate challenge begins against Northern Ireland in Bergamo, with the nation’s broader sporting excellence highlighting soccer’s peculiar struggle.

  • Denounce ‘abject’ Afcon decision – senior Caf member

    Denounce ‘abject’ Afcon decision – senior Caf member

    In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through African football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially stripped Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded the championship to Morocco. The controversial decision comes months after Senegal’s dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory in January’s final.

    The ruling stems from Senegal’s players walking off the pitch in protest when Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty during regular time. The match, which resumed after a 17-minute delay, saw Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz’s penalty saved before Pape Gueye eventually scored the winning goal for Senegal in extra time.

    Following a formal appeal by the Moroccan Football Association (FRMF), CAF’s disciplinary committee determined that Senegal’s temporary abandonment of the pitch constituted a forfeiture, resulting in an official 3-0 victory for Morocco. The Moroccan football authority praised the verdict, stating it ‘upholds respect for rules necessary for the proper functioning of international competition’ and establishes important precedent for future tournaments.

    However, the decision has sparked fierce criticism from senior African football figures. Augustin Senghor, CAF executive committee member and former head of the Senegalese Football Federation, condemned the ruling as ‘abject’ and ‘unacceptable,’ vowing to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. ‘Football is fair play, football is played on the field, not in offices,’ Senghor declared in an interview with BBC World Service.

    The controversy has raised questions about governance and external influence within African football. Former Cameroon, Ghana, and Senegal coach Claude Le Roy suggested the decision reflected broader issues within CAF’s leadership and alleged influence from FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

    CAF president Dr. Patrice Motsepe defended the organization’s integrity, emphasizing that ‘not a single country in Africa will be treated in a manner which is more preferential or more advantageous than any other.’ The decision marks the first time in African football history that a continental title has been stripped and reassigned after the completion of a tournament.

  • A baseball title unleashes the happiness Venezuelans kept bottled up for years

    A baseball title unleashes the happiness Venezuelans kept bottled up for years

    CARACAS, Venezuela — In a nation where genuine celebration has become increasingly rare, Venezuela’s dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States in the World Baseball Classic final unleashed an unprecedented outpouring of collective emotion that transcended political divisions and economic hardships.

    The triumph sparked spontaneous celebrations across the capital city and beyond, with citizens embracing in streets, dancing with national flags, and filling the night air with honking horns and joyful chants. This display of unfiltered happiness represented a rare moment of national unity in a country deeply fractured by political turmoil and economic crisis.

    For many Venezuelans, the baseball victory provided their first opportunity in years to express joy without fear of government reprisal. The win came after months of heightened political tension following the controversial 2024 presidential election, during which public expressions of dissent or opposition sympathy were met with brutal suppression by security forces.

    The government’s response to the sporting victory stood in stark contrast to its usual approach to public gatherings. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez officially declared a ‘day of joy,’ making it a non-working holiday for most citizens. This gesture, however, was largely symbolic as celebrations had already begun spontaneously moments after the final out was recorded.

    The victory held particular significance given Venezuela’s ongoing crisis, which has pushed over 7.7 million citizens to emigrate and created economic conditions where triple-digit inflation has made all but the most basic necessities unaffordable luxuries for those who remain.

    As one hospital employee remarked while waving the national flag and high-fiving strangers, ‘This championship isn’t just about a baseball game. This game is historic.’ The sentiment was echoed by parents of young baseball players who saw in this victory a symbolic lifting of the nation’s spirits and perhaps the beginning of better times ahead.

  • AFL 2026: Melbourne captain Max Gawn took ownership of his marathon final quarter

    AFL 2026: Melbourne captain Max Gawn took ownership of his marathon final quarter

    In a dramatic opening to the AFL season, Melbourne Demons captain Max Gawn demonstrated exceptional leadership by personally deciding to play the entire final quarter without rest, ultimately securing his team’s narrow victory over St Kilda. New coach Steven King revealed the pivotal moment when Gawn, recognizing opponent Tom De Koning’s fatigue and his own command of the match, insisted on staying on the field during the critical final term.

    King, coaching his first game for Melbourne, expressed admiration for Gawn’s initiative, noting the stark contrast with St Kilda’s approach that saw their key player Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera benched for six crucial minutes late in the game. The coach described Gawn’s self-determination as emblematic of his commitment to the club and his role model status among teammates.

    The victory proved particularly significant for King, who admitted to approaching the game with concerns about the team’s preparation. Melbourne’s pre-season had been disrupted by multiple challenges including injuries, a player being bitten by a dog, another breaking an arm, and weather disruptions that limited their competitive preparation to just a single half of football.

    Despite these setbacks, the Demons demonstrated remarkable resilience in their season opener. The team now faces an even greater challenge as they prepare to meet Fremantle at Perth Stadium in the upcoming weekend, building on the momentum established by Gawn’s decisive leadership and the team’s collective determination.

  • Philippines beats Uzbekistan 2-0 in an Asian playoff to secure a Women’s World Cup spot

    Philippines beats Uzbekistan 2-0 in an Asian playoff to secure a Women’s World Cup spot

    In a historic breakthrough for Philippine football, the women’s national team secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a decisive 2-0 playoff victory against Uzbekistan at the Gold Coast on Thursday. The monumental achievement came during the Women’s Asian Cup playoffs, where two final World Cup slots were contested.

    The match remained scoreless throughout the first half despite the Philippines generating nine scoring opportunities. The breakthrough arrived dramatically just two minutes after the restart when defender Angela Beard timed her run perfectly to volley home a soaring cross from close range. The momentum continued as midfielder Jaclyn Sawicki extended the lead in the 52nd minute with a clinical header, sealing the historic qualification.

    This victory marks the Philippines’ successful navigation through the Asian Cup’s complex qualification structure, where six teams earned World Cup berths. Four nations—Australia, Japan, China, and South Korea—had previously secured qualification as quarterfinal winners, while the remaining two spots were determined through Thursday’s playoff matches.

    In tournament developments, host Australia and two-time champion Japan advanced to the championship final following impressive semifinal performances. Japan dominated South Korea with a 4-1 victory on Wednesday, featuring goals from Riko Ueki, Maika Hamano, Saki Kumagai, and Remina Chiba. Australia edged defending champion China 2-1 in their semifinal clash, setting up a highly anticipated final showdown at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on Saturday.

  • Asian Games cruise ship and wooden huts will be ‘unique experience’

    Asian Games cruise ship and wooden huts will be ‘unique experience’

    Organizers of the upcoming Asian Games in Japan are preparing to deliver what they describe as an unparalleled accommodation experience for athletes through innovative temporary housing solutions. With approximately half of the anticipated 15,000 participants slated to reside either aboard a chartered Italian cruise ship or within specially designed wooden container units, the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Games are breaking from traditional athletes’ village models.

    The Costa Serena, a luxury vessel featuring 571 cabins, seven swimming pools, and multiple dining venues, will be docked at Nagoya Port throughout the competition period from September 19 to October 4. The ship, which organizers have contracted at a cost of approximately 4.5 billion yen ($28 million), will house between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes and officials. Notably, the Costa Serena is a sister ship to the Costa Concordia, which tragically sank off the Italian coast in 2012 with significant loss of life.

    Simultaneously, an additional 2,000 participants will occupy newly constructed wooden shipping container-style accommodations in Nagoya’s Garden Pier district. Kazuhiro Yagi, vice-secretary general of the Aichi-Nagoya Games organizing committee, acknowledged some concerns regarding spatial constraints but affirmed that these units provide “an adequately liveable environment” for short-term stays.

    The unconventional accommodation strategy represents a conscious departure from traditional Games infrastructure, primarily motivated by significant cost savings compared to constructing a dedicated athletes’ village. Assignment to either the cruise ship or container units will be determined by sport discipline rather than national affiliation.

    Organizers have addressed potential challenges posed by Japan’s typhoon season, which coincides with the Games timeframe. While acknowledging necessary emergency preparedness measures, officials expressed confidence in modern forecasting capabilities that provide approximately one week’s advance notice of severe weather patterns.

    Preparations continue progressing according to schedule, with the main athletics venue scheduled to open next month. Public engagement has shown marked improvement recently, with ticket sales commencing for local residents last month. Organizers aim to replicate the enthusiastic spectator turnout witnessed during last year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

    Regarding geopolitical considerations, officials confirmed they are monitoring the situation in the Middle East but currently anticipate no impact on Games operations. No special arrangements are planned for delegations from Iran or North Korea, the latter reportedly preparing to send over 260 participants.