In a gripping encounter on Wednesday, Saudi Arabia secured a narrow 3-2 victory against Indonesia, inching closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The match, held in Jeddah, saw Saudi Arabia needing just one more win against Iraq next Tuesday to secure the top spot in Group B and book their seventh appearance in the prestigious tournament. The Asian qualifying format awards automatic berths to the winners of each group, while the runners-up proceed to a fifth round. Indonesia, under the guidance of former Netherlands and Barcelona star Patrick Kluivert, opened the scoring with Kevin Diks converting a penalty in the 11th minute. However, Saudi Arabia quickly responded with Saleh Abu Al-Shamat equalizing six minutes later. Firas Al-Buraikan then put the hosts ahead with a penalty in the 37th minute. Al-Buraikan extended the lead with another goal just after the hour mark, but Diks narrowed the gap with a second penalty in the 89th minute. Despite Mohamed Kanno’s red card in stoppage time, Saudi Arabia held on for the win. ‘One more step to go. God willing, we’ll make it happen,’ Al-Buraikan remarked in a post-match statement shared by the Asian Football Confederation. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s hopes of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1938 hinge on their upcoming match against Iraq. In other Group A action, Qatar was held to a 0-0 draw by Oman, with both teams expressing mixed sentiments about their performances. Asia has eight automatic World Cup spots, with Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Jordan already securing their places in the previous qualifying round.
分类： sports
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NBA returns to China for 1st time since a rift distanced it from one of the sport’s largest fanbases
The NBA is making a significant return to China with preseason games in Macao, marking its first appearance in the country since 2019. The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns are set to play two exhibition matches, signaling a revival of the league’s presence in a region that boasts one of its largest fanbases. This comes after a period of strained relations following a controversial tweet by former Houston Rockets executive Daryl Morey in 2019, which led to China severing ties with the NBA. The league’s efforts to rebuild its relationship with China have been gradual but are now gaining momentum. NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum emphasized the importance of bringing live games to global fans, particularly in China, where over 300 million people play basketball. The games are seen as a bridge to reconnect with Chinese fans and strengthen the NBA’s global outreach. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade friction between the U.S. and China, the NBA views sports as a unifying force. Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted basketball’s unique ability to bring communities together, both domestically and internationally. The Nets and Suns will play at Macao’s Venetian Arena, owned by Las Vegas Sands Corp., with Sands President Patrick Dumont also serving as governor of the Dallas Mavericks. The Nets’ owner, Joe Tsai, chairman of Alibaba, and the presence of Chinese rookie Yang Hansen, drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers, further underscore the league’s commitment to the Chinese market. Yang expressed excitement about the NBA’s return, hoping to play in front of his home crowd in the future. The NBA’s influence in China is undeniable, with stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Victor Wembanyama drawing massive crowds during their visits. The league’s social media engagement in China has also surged, driven by the growing popularity of basketball. Suns guard Jared Butler described the trip as a bonding experience, reflecting the broader sentiment that these games are more than just exhibitions—they are a step toward rebuilding a vital relationship.
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‘Being gay in men’s football is a very toxic place’
Josh Cavallo, the first openly gay male professional footballer in top-flight football, continues to face relentless homophobic abuse and death threats since publicly revealing his sexuality in 2021. Despite the challenges, Cavallo remains steadfast in his mission to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in the sport. Speaking to BBC Sport, Cavallo shared the emotional toll of daily harassment, stating, ‘It broke my heart to read those messages. I’m here to play football and be the best I can be, yet I’m targeted for who I am as a person.’
Cavallo’s journey began in Adelaide United, where he made history by coming out with the support of his teammates. Now playing for Peterborough Sports in England’s National League North, he uses his platform to advocate for equality. With over one million Instagram followers, Cavallo amplifies his message, emphasizing that football still has ‘mountains to do’ in addressing homophobia. ‘I don’t go a week without hearing about an issue,’ he reveals.
The 25-year-old has faced physical attacks and verbal abuse, including a chilling incident at an Australian petrol station. Despite these hardships, Cavallo’s courage has inspired others, such as Blackpool’s Jake Daniels, who came out in 2022. However, the Premier League still lacks openly gay or bisexual players, a milestone Cavallo believes would ‘move mountains’ but remains fraught with challenges.
Cavallo also criticizes FIFA for hosting World Cups in countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where LGBTQ+ rights are criminalized. ‘It’s scary that people like me could be imprisoned just for existing,’ he says. Yet, Cavallo remains committed to fostering change within football, using his voice to educate and create safer spaces for LGBTQ+ athletes. ‘My purpose is to create change. That’s what I’m here for,’ he affirms.
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No decision on Cummins as fitness fears grow
Australia’s cricket captain, Pat Cummins, faces uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming Ashes series as ongoing back issues threaten to sideline him. Recent scans revealed that Cummins’ lumbar bone stress, sustained during Australia’s Test tour to the West Indies in July, has not yet healed. While the Australian camp has not officially ruled him out, reports suggest he may miss the first Test in Perth on 21 November and potentially the entire series. Cummins, 32, has been undergoing rehabilitation and remains optimistic about his recovery. Former Australia coach Justin Langer confirmed Cummins’ determination to play, stating that the captain’s mindset remains unchanged since his initial diagnosis. Meanwhile, former England cricketer Stuart Broad expressed hope for Cummins’ fitness, emphasizing the importance of facing the best in Ashes cricket. Cummins’ absence would be a significant blow to Australia, with Scott Boland likely to step in as his replacement and Steve Smith potentially taking over the captaincy. Cummins’ injury history, including recurring back problems earlier in his career, adds to the concern. His potential unavailability could tilt the balance in England’s favor, especially as they prepare with a formidable pace attack. Both teams face fitness uncertainties, with England’s Ben Stokes also recovering from a shoulder injury. The outcome of the Ashes may hinge on which captain can stay fit and lead their team effectively.
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US Ryder Cup a mess that not even another task force could fix
The U.S. Ryder Cup team’s woes persist, with no clear path forward following yet another defeat to Europe. The aftermath of the 2014 loss in Scotland, where Tom Watson’s captaincy was heavily criticized, led to the formation of a task force aimed at revitalizing the team. Despite initial optimism from players like Phil Mickelson, who envisioned a long-term blueprint for success, the Americans have only managed to win two of the last five Ryder Cups. Europe, on the other hand, continues to dominate, practically owning the competition. The task force was disbanded in 2015, replaced by a Ryder Cup committee, but the system remains flawed. The PGA of America, which oversees the biennial event, has struggled to align with the PGA Tour, leading to a disconnect with players. Paul Azinger, who successfully captained the U.S. team in 2008, has been notably absent from Ryder Cup matters since. The roots of these issues trace back to 1968, when a split between touring pros and PGA professionals led to the creation of the modern PGA Tour. The Ryder Cup, once a minor exhibition, has since grown into a high-stakes event, but the U.S. lacks a consistent strategy for success. Mickelson’s move to LIV Golf further disrupted continuity, leaving the PGA of America to consider handing over management to the PGA Tour, which has more expertise and player relationships. While this may not guarantee a turnaround, it could be a step in the right direction.
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Rahm returns to home event in Spain after ‘toughest week’ of career at the Ryder Cup in New York
Jon Rahm has returned to competitive golf at the Spanish Open in Madrid, seeking to make history by winning a record fourth title. This achievement would surpass the legendary Seve Ballesteros, who last won the tournament in 1995. Rahm’s participation follows what he described as the most mentally challenging week of his career during the Ryder Cup in New York, where he faced relentless taunting from the American crowd. Despite the pressure, Rahm helped Europe secure a victory, calling it the most exhilarating experience of his career. He now aims to channel that energy into his performance in Madrid. The Spanish Open holds special significance this year, as the winner will earn an automatic spot in next year’s Masters and the British Open. Rahm, a three-time champion, faces stiff competition from fellow LIV players like Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed, and Joaquin Niemann. The tournament also marks the 50th anniversary of Arnold Palmer’s victory in 1975, adding to its historical prestige.
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Kebinatshipi targets 400m world record after Tokyo gold
Collen Kebinatshipi, the 21-year-old sprint sensation from Botswana, has set his sights on breaking Wayde van Niekerk’s 400m world record after his historic gold medal win at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo last month. Kebinatshipi clocked an impressive 43.53 seconds, the 10th-fastest time in history, to claim the title, becoming the first male athlete from Botswana to achieve such a feat. Van Niekerk’s world record of 43.03 seconds, set during the 2016 Rio Olympics, remains the benchmark Kebinatshipi aspires to surpass. ‘Records are meant to be broken,’ Kebinatshipi confidently stated in an interview with Newsday on the BBC World Service. ‘If I stay focused and injury-free, everything is possible.’ His victory in Tokyo was a surprise even to himself, as he had narrowly missed the Olympic final in Paris 2024. ‘My goal was just to reach the final in Tokyo,’ he admitted. ‘I didn’t expect to win a medal so soon.’ Kebinatshipi’s triumph was followed by a unique celebration—push-ups on the Tokyo track—a tribute to his compatriot Isaac Makwala, who famously performed the same act during the 2017 World Championships. Kebinatshipi’s success extended to the 4x400m relay, where he anchored Botswana to a thrilling gold medal, edging out the United States and South Africa by a mere seven hundredths of a second. The team’s victory was celebrated with a national holiday in Botswana, marking a turning point in Kebinatshipi’s career. ‘This is just the start,’ he said. ‘I have to stay focused for what’s to come in the next decade.’
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Fifa accuses Malaysia of faking foreign-born players’ eligibility
FIFA has imposed sanctions on Malaysia’s national football team, suspending seven foreign-born players and fining the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for allegedly falsifying citizenship documents. The players, including Facundo Tomas Garces and Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, were accused of using doctored birth certificates to claim eligibility under FIFA’s ‘grandfather rule,’ which allows players to represent countries where their parents or grandparents were born. FIFA’s investigation revealed that the players’ grandparents were actually born in countries like Argentina, Spain, and Brazil, contradicting the submitted documents. The governing body labeled the act as ‘a form of cheating.’
In late September, FIFA suspended the players for one year and fined them 2,000 Swiss francs each. Additionally, FAM was ordered to pay 350,000 Swiss francs. FAM has denied intentional wrongdoing, attributing the discrepancies to an ‘administrative error’ and vowing to appeal the decision. The association maintains that the players are legitimate Malaysian citizens.
The controversy arose after Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam in June, which prompted questions about the players’ eligibility. This incident has sparked outrage among Malaysian football fans and tarnished the country’s sporting reputation. Malaysia’s Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh, expressed disappointment and assured the public that the ministry would await the outcome of FAM’s appeal before making an official statement.
The suspensions come at a critical time, as Malaysia prepares to face Laos in an Asian Cup qualifier this week. The team’s lineup will be significantly altered without the sanctioned players. This case highlights the growing trend in Southeast Asia of recruiting naturalized players to strengthen national teams, a strategy inspired by Indonesia’s success with Dutch-born players of Indonesian descent.
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‘I deeply hurt people by moving to Saudi Arabia’
When Ashleigh Plumptre received an offer from Saudi Arabia in 2023, her initial reaction was to decline. The Nigerian international defender, whose contract with Leicester City was nearing its end, sought a new challenge that would inspire her both personally and professionally. After negotiations and a visit to the Middle East, Plumptre decided to make history by becoming the first player to transition from the Women’s Super League (WSL) to the Saudi Women’s Premier League (SWPL). Two years later, she has extended her contract with Jeddah-based Al-Ittihad and is determined to challenge Western stereotypes about life for female athletes in Saudi Arabia. However, she acknowledges the loss of trust from some LGBT fans and admits that Saudi women’s football has significant room for improvement both on and off the pitch. Born in England, Plumptre switched her international allegiance to Nigeria, the homeland of her paternal grandfather. Her decision to join Al-Ittihad, facilitated by her father and agent, Tim, was driven by a sense of opportunity rather than financial gain. The SWPL, launched in 2022, features 24 teams divided into three leagues, with clubs permitted to sign up to six foreign players. While the men’s Saudi Pro League has attracted global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, the women’s league is still in its infancy. Plumptre’s move sparked controversy, particularly among LGBT supporters, given Saudi Arabia’s strict laws against same-sex relations. Despite this, she emphasizes her commitment to the project and her belief in the potential for growth in Saudi women’s football. Plumptre’s experience in Saudi Arabia has been largely positive, with her feeling safer and more at ease in Jeddah than in the UK. She highlights the supportive environment within her gated community and the respectful treatment she receives. However, she acknowledges the challenges faced by Saudi women, including the lingering influence of the guardianship system. On the pitch, Plumptre notes the disparity in skill levels between international and local players and the lack of fan attendance at games. She remains optimistic about the league’s future, advocating for gradual progress and realistic goals rather than rushing to host major tournaments like the Women’s World Cup. Plumptre’s journey represents a bold step in the evolution of women’s football in Saudi Arabia, blending personal ambition with a commitment to fostering change in a traditionally conservative society.
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‘I am fully all in’ – Kane open to new Bayern deal
Harry Kane, the prolific striker for Bayern Munich, has expressed a shift in his perspective regarding a potential return to the Premier League. The 32-year-old, who joined the German giants from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 for a staggering £86.4 million, is now open to discussing a new contract with Bayern. Kane, who has already netted 103 goals in 106 appearances for the club, played a pivotal role in securing the 2024-25 Bundesliga title—his first major career honor.