In a commanding performance on Thursday, Suriname triumphed over El Salvador with a resounding 4-0 victory in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, edging closer to securing their first-ever spot in the prestigious tournament. The match, held in Paramaribo, saw Richonell Margaret shine with two rapid-fire goals in the 74th and 76th minutes, cementing Suriname’s dominance. Earlier, Tjaronn Cherry opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the 44th minute, while Dhoraso Moreo Klass added a final goal in the 83rd minute. With this win, Suriname remains undefeated in Group A, tied with Panama at nine points but holding a superior goal difference. The team will face Guatemala next Tuesday, while Panama hosts El Salvador. Twelve teams across three groups are competing for three direct spots in next year’s World Cup, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico already qualified as co-hosts. Suriname, a founding member of CONCACAF in 1961, is making its first appearance in the final round of qualifying since 1978. Meanwhile, El Salvador’s fourth consecutive loss eliminates them from contention. In other qualifiers, Curacao delivered a stunning 7-0 victory over Bermuda, with Jordi Paulina scoring twice, and Nicaragua upset Honduras 2-0, leaving Group C undecided heading into the final round.
分类： sports
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Nagelsmann backs Woltemade to shine for injury-hit Germany
Germany’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann has expressed strong confidence in Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade to lead the national team’s attack during their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Germans are set to face Luxembourg on Friday before hosting Slovakia on Monday in a decisive match that will likely determine the Group A winner. Woltemade, 23, has emerged as a key figure for Germany, scoring the winning goal in their 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland in October. Despite having only six caps to his name, his recent form and versatility have made him indispensable for the injury-plagued squad. Nagelsmann praised Woltemade’s pressing, ball retention, and goal-scoring abilities, highlighting his seamless transition to the Premier League with Newcastle, where he scored in four of his first five games. However, Germany’s injury woes continue to mount, with captain Joshua Kimmich ruled out of the Luxembourg match due to an ankle injury. Bayern Munich’s Jonathan Tah will step in as captain in his absence. Other notable absentees include Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, among others. Germany, currently level on points with Slovakia but ahead on goal difference, must secure a win on Monday to guarantee direct qualification for the World Cup. Slovakia, who face Northern Ireland on Friday, will also be vying for the top spot in Leipzig. With Luxembourg already out of contention after four consecutive losses, Germany remains focused on maintaining their perfect World Cup qualification record.
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Pakistan deploys army to protect Sri Lankan cricketers
In response to heightened security concerns following a recent suicide bombing in Islamabad, Pakistan has mobilized its army and paramilitary forces to safeguard the Sri Lankan cricket team during their ongoing tour. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the deployment during a live televised parliamentary session on Thursday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the team’s safety. Army Chief Asim Munir had previously assured Sri Lankan Defence Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon of comprehensive protection measures. The Sri Lankan players, initially expressing apprehension about staying in Pakistan after the attack, were reassured following a personal intervention by Sri Lanka’s president, who encouraged them to continue their tour. The cricket stadium and the team’s hotel are located within 10 kilometers of the bombing site, raising concerns about proximity to potential threats. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board confirmed that several players had requested to return home but were instructed to remain after receiving assurances of ‘foolproof’ security from Pakistani authorities. Players opting to leave early would face a formal review of their actions. The suicide bombing outside an Islamabad court on Tuesday, which killed 12 and injured 27, marked one of the capital’s deadliest attacks in years. Concurrently, militants stormed a military-run school in Wana, resulting in three fatalities before security forces neutralized the assailants. Pakistan has accused militants based in Afghanistan, with alleged Indian support, for the attacks—claims denied by both Kabul and New Delhi. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared the country to be in a ‘state of war.’ The incidents have reignited memories of the 2009 Lahore attack on Sri Lanka’s cricket team, which halted international cricket in Pakistan for nearly a decade. Security improvements in recent years have since allowed international teams to return, with Sri Lanka’s 2019 tour marking the resumption of Test cricket in Pakistan. The current tour includes a three-match one-day series in Rawalpindi, followed by a Twenty20 tri-series involving Zimbabwe.
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Spinners decide the game, says Gill as India face South Africa
As India prepares to face South Africa in the opening Test at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, captain Shubman Gill highlighted the pivotal role spinners are expected to play in determining the outcome of the match. The pitch at Eden Gardens is anticipated to favor batsmen during the initial days of the Test, which begins on Friday, before gradually assisting spin from the third day onward. However, Gill noted that early morning moisture could provide opportunities for fast bowlers to make an impact. With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the lineup, India will rely on their ability to exploit reverse swing. ‘Generally, fast bowlers get a little help in the morning and evening,’ Gill remarked during a pre-match press conference. ‘But in India, spinners usually decide the game. The better the quality of your spin attack, the higher your chances of winning.’ India’s spin arsenal includes Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, offering a variety of options for the team. Gill also reflected on India’s recent Test performances, including a 2-0 whitewash against the West Indies and a hard-fought 2-2 draw in England. A series win against South Africa, the reigning World Test champions, would significantly bolster India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. ‘These two Tests are crucial for our WTC ambitions,’ Gill emphasized. The 26-year-old captain, who excels across all three formats, acknowledged the mental challenges of leading the team but expressed confidence in his physical readiness. ‘It’s a good challenge and a learning curve for me,’ he concluded.
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England takes 9-win streak into All Blacks clash and Ireland hosts wobbling Wallabies
In a dramatic showdown at Twickenham, England narrowly lost to New Zealand 24-22 last year, with George Ford bearing the brunt of the crowd’s frustration. Ford missed two crucial opportunities in the final moments, hitting the post with a penalty and narrowly missing a drop goal. Coach Steve Borthwick also faced criticism for his substitution strategy, replacing the in-form Marcus Smith with Ford, who was returning from a five-week break. Despite the backlash, Borthwick and Ford remain key figures as England prepares to host the All Blacks this Saturday, aiming to cap off a year of redemption. Ford, who made way for Fin Smith during the Six Nations, later co-captained England to a series victory in Argentina and celebrated his 100th test. Borthwick has led England to nine consecutive wins, their longest streak in eight years, and has earned praise for bold selections, including a bench stacked with six British and Irish Lions. Borthwick has even predicted that Ford could become a future England coach, citing his deep understanding of the game. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s coach Scott Robertson emphasized the importance of history and learning from past performances. Australia, on the other hand, faces a challenging European tour, with second-year coach Joe Schmidt lamenting recent results and preparing to hand over the reins to Les Kiss next year. Elsewhere, South Africa, France, and Wales are gearing up for crucial matches, with the Wales-Japan game potentially impacting the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. Scotland will also face Argentina on Sunday, as the rugby world anticipates a weekend of high-stakes action.
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Kliff Kingsbury returns to Europe celebrating healthy Commanders offensive line
Kliff Kingsbury, the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, is no stranger to Europe. Having vacationed in Spain and played for the Cologne Centurions in Germany, Kingsbury is back on the continent with a mission: to help the Commanders (3-7) break a five-game losing streak. This Sunday, they face the Miami Dolphins (3-7) in the NFL’s final international game of the season at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Kingsbury acknowledges the challenges posed by numerous injuries but remains optimistic about the team’s offensive line, which has shown improvement in recent weeks. Key players like Josh Conerly Jr., Laremy Tunsil, Tyler Biadasz, Chris Paul, and Sam Cosmi have been consistent, providing a glimmer of hope for the struggling team. Despite the absence of star players like Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and Austin Ekeler, Kingsbury praises the resilience of the squad. The Commanders are coming off a tough 44-22 loss to the Detroit Lions, but Kingsbury believes the European trip offers a fresh perspective and a chance to regroup. He is particularly excited about playing at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium, a venue he admires as a soccer fan. Reflecting on his past experiences in Europe, Kingsbury hopes the international setting will inspire his team to turn their season around.
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Pakistan fined 20% of match fee for slow over-rate against Sri Lanka in 1st ODI
In a dramatic start to their one-day international (ODI) series, Pakistan secured a narrow six-run victory against Sri Lanka but faced a significant penalty for a slow over-rate. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that Pakistan was fined 20% of their match fees after falling four overs short of the target during Tuesday’s game. Match referee Ali Naqvi imposed the sanction on Thursday, with Pakistan’s captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, admitting guilt for the offense. The match, held in Rawalpindi, was overshadowed by security concerns following a suicide bombing in Islamabad that claimed 12 lives just hours before the game. Despite initial fears, Sri Lanka Cricket instructed its team to continue the series after receiving assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding safety measures. The remaining two matches have been rescheduled for Friday and Sunday.
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Pakistan shifts T20 tri-series matches to Rawalpindi after bombing
In response to a recent suicide bombing in Islamabad, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the relocation of the upcoming T20 tri-series matches to Rawalpindi. Originally slated to be held in Lahore, the series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, is now set to commence on November 18. This decision was made in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket and Zimbabwe Cricket, aiming to address security concerns and operational logistics. The tri-series is a crucial preparatory event for the T20 World Cup scheduled for next year in India and Sri Lanka. The shift follows Pakistan’s ongoing one-day internationals against Sri Lanka, which will also conclude in Rawalpindi. The recent bombing, which claimed 12 lives, prompted several Sri Lankan players to request a return home, but their cricket board insisted they remain. Rawalpindi, located just 20 kilometers from Islamabad, has been deemed a safer venue. Pakistan has faced challenges in hosting international cricket since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, which led to a long hiatus in home matches. While security has improved in recent years, the incident underscores ongoing concerns. Afghanistan’s withdrawal from the tri-series last month, citing the deaths of three cricketers in military strikes, further complicated the tournament’s organization. Zimbabwe stepped in as their replacement. The series will culminate with the final on November 29.
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Table tennis on the rise in America
The United States is witnessing a significant surge in the popularity of table tennis, thanks to the strategic partnership between Major League Table Tennis (MLTT) and the China National Tourist Office New York (CNTO.NY). This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for the sport, as CNTO.NY steps in as the sponsor for the New York Slice, one of MLTT’s latest expansion teams. The alliance not only highlights the cultural importance of table tennis in China but also emphasizes the increasing international influence and growing appeal of MLTT within the American sports landscape. This partnership is set to enhance the visibility and accessibility of table tennis in the US, fostering a deeper appreciation for the sport across diverse communities.
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Djokovic says Sinner’s doping controversy will linger
Novak Djokovic has openly criticized the handling of Jannik Sinner’s doping case, describing it as ‘odd’ and predicting that the controversy will shadow the Italian tennis star throughout his career. Sinner, a four-time Grand Slam champion, was suspended for three months earlier this year after testing positive for the anabolic agent clostebol. Authorities accepted that the substance entered his system inadvertently through massages administered by his physiotherapist during the Indian Wells tournament in March 2024. Despite the suspension, Sinner was able to return to competition in May without missing any Grand Slam events, a fact that Djokovic finds particularly troubling. In an interview with Piers Morgan, Djokovic expressed his dissatisfaction with the perceived preferential treatment given to Sinner, comparing it to his own experience of being deported from Australia in 2022 over his refusal to take a COVID-19 vaccine. Djokovic emphasized that while he does not believe Sinner acted deliberately, the inconsistency and lack of transparency in the case’s handling have left a cloud over the Italian’s career. He also noted that many other players, both male and female, have voiced similar concerns about preferential treatment in doping cases. The International Tennis Integrity Agency has maintained that all cases are dealt with based on facts and evidence, not a player’s name, nationality, or ranking. However, Djokovic’s comments have reignited the debate over fairness and consistency in the enforcement of anti-doping regulations in professional tennis.