Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • Australia take lead in second Ashes Test as England fumble at the Gabba

    Australia take lead in second Ashes Test as England fumble at the Gabba

    Australia established a commanding position on day two of the second Ashes Test at Brisbane’s Gabba ground, capitalizing on a disastrous fielding performance from England that saw five dropped catches. The hosts finished Friday’s play at 378 for six, building a 44-run lead over England’s first-innings total of 334.

    Australia’s batting lineup delivered a comprehensive assault on a docile pitch, with Jake Weatherald (72), Marnus Labuschagne (65), and Steve Smith (61) all registering half-centuries. The innings showcased Australia’s adaptation of England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, maintaining a run-rate comfortably above five throughout the day.

    England’s fielding woes began early when wicketkeeper Jamie Smith dropped opener Travis Head on just three runs. The errors multiplied under the floodlights during the final session, with Ben Duckett responsible for two missed opportunities—first denying Alex Carey a dismissal on zero, then failing to hold a chance from Josh Inglis. The calamities continued as Joe Root spilled a one-handed chance in the slips that would have removed Carey on 25.

    The sole fielding highlight for England came when all-rounder Will Jacks pulled off a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Smith, denying the Australian captain a more substantial score. Bowler Brydon Carse eventually rallied from expensive figures to claim three wickets, including the prized scalp of Smith, though he conceded 113 runs at 6.6 per over.

    Australian number three batter Labuschagne emphasized the importance of ending the day only six wickets down: ‘It gives us bit of time in the morning session and obviously pushes our bowling later into the night.’

    England, trailing 1-0 in the series after losing the Perth opener, face mounting pressure to dismiss Australia quickly on day three. Former captain Joe Root remained optimistic despite the setbacks: ‘We’ve obviously got some more work to do tomorrow, but certainly, we’re well and truly in this game.’

    The match situation was further complicated by England captain Ben Stokes suffering cramp that limited his bowling contribution during the crucial final session.

  • ‘Give me Messi’ – fans react to World Cup draw at US watch party

    ‘Give me Messi’ – fans react to World Cup draw at US watch party

    Football enthusiasts worldwide erupted in a symphony of emotions as the highly anticipated draw for the 2026 Men’s World Cup unfolded. The event, a glittering spectacle at Washington DC’s John F. Kennedy Center attended by the leaders of the three host nations—US President Donald Trump, Canadian PM Mark Carney, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum—set the stage for next summer’s tournament. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, a diverse international crowd gathered at a viewing party, escaping the cold to witness the fate of their teams on large screens, their reactions providing a raw, human counterpoint to the formal ceremony.

    The draw, conducted by sports icons like Wayne Gretzky and Tom Brady, determined the competitive landscape. American supporters, including Jim House from Atlantic City, expressed robust optimism after the USA was placed in a group with Australia and Paraguay, a combination widely perceived as favorable. ‘I feel pretty positive… There are definitely some tougher groups out there that I’m glad we’re not in,’ House remarked. Local fan Chris Day echoed this sentiment, declaring advancement to the Round of 16 a mandatory benchmark for the co-hosts.

    Conversely, the draw elicited groans from Colombian fans as basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal paired their team with football powerhouse Portugal in Group K. Yet, supporter Julio Mahecha displayed a philosophical outlook, stating, ‘if you are going to win, you will have to prove yourself.’ He had previously expressed a desire to face elite teams, believing such challenges bring out the best in Colombia.

    The event was particularly momentous for debutante nations. When Jordan was drawn into a group with defending champions Argentina, fan Hassan Shaaban screamed for captain Lionel Messi, viewing the matchup as a monumental opportunity. He cited Saudi Arabia’s famous upset over Argentina in the 2022 tournament as inspiration, believing this experience would significantly boost football’s growth in Jordan.

    Amid the mingling crowds adorned in national jerseys, confidence was a common theme. Ecuadorian fan Wilson Velez showed no concern about facing four-time winners Germany and African champions Ivory Coast, citing faith in his nation’s players and coach. For fans of teams that did not qualify, like Cameroon supporter Christine Titih, allegiances shifted to other African representatives, such as South Africa.

    The final puzzle pieces for some groups remain, adding another layer of anticipation. Gerry Grace from Ireland voiced hope that his nation would overcome Denmark in a qualifying play-off to secure a spot, after which he fancied their chances against South Africa and South Korea. The draw concluded, leaving a global community of fans to dissect the possibilities, united by a shared anticipation for the tournament to begin.

  • England start World Cup against Croatia, Scotland to face Brazil

    England start World Cup against Croatia, Scotland to face Brazil

    The highly anticipated draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has set the stage for a historic tournament, revealing compelling group stage fixtures that promise intense football drama. England, under manager Thomas Tuchel, will launch their campaign in a high-profile rematch against Croatia on June 17th in either Dallas or Toronto—a poignant reunion with the team that eliminated them from the 2018 World Cup semifinals. The Three Lions will subsequently face Ghana and Panama in Group L.

    Scotland marks its return to the men’s World Cup after a 28-year absence with an opening match against Haiti on June 13th in Boston or New York. Their challenging Group C journey continues against Morocco before culminating with a blockbuster encounter against football giants Brazil.

    The expanded 48-team format introduces complex qualification pathways, with Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland awaiting playoff outcomes in March to determine their tournament participation. The inaugural 48-nation championship, spanning Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11th to July 19th, will feature 104 matches across 16 host cities.

    In a strategic shift, FIFA awarded special seedings to the top four ranked nations—Spain, Argentina, France, and England—ensuring these football powerhouses cannot meet until the semifinal stage, assuming each wins their respective group. The tournament structure will advance the top two teams from each of the twelve groups, plus eight best-performing third-place finishers, creating a revamped knockout phase.

    The draw ceremony in Washington DC became a spectacle beyond football, featuring former US President Donald Trump receiving the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize for his contributions to international unity. The event, hosted by celebrity presenters including Kevin Hart and Heidi Klum, combined sporting gravity with entertainment glamour, featuring performances by renowned artists including Andrea Bocelli and Lauryn Hill.

  • Dubai: 1,500 athletes to compete in Asian Youth Para Games

    Dubai: 1,500 athletes to compete in Asian Youth Para Games

    Dubai is poised to host the Asian Youth Para Games for an unprecedented second time in December 2025, marking a significant milestone in para sports history. The event will welcome 1,500 exceptional young athletes representing 35 nations—the largest participation ever recorded in the competition’s history.

    From December 10-13, world-class venues across Dubai will host competitions across 11 para sports disciplines. The games will feature both established events including Para athletics, swimming, boccia, powerlifting, table tennis, archery, goalball, badminton, wheelchair basketball, and taekwondo, alongside the historic debut of Para Armwrestling on the continental stage.

    Iran will field the largest contingent with 195 athletes, building on their dominant performance at the previous edition in Bahrain 2021 where they secured 51 gold medals. The host nation UAE will be represented by 55 athletes, demonstrating the country’s growing commitment to para sports development.

    The opening ceremony is scheduled for December 10 at the Dubai Club for People of Determination Stadium. The event operates under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.

    At a recent press conference at the Dubai Sports Council, organizers unveiled more than 40 sponsors and partners. Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, emphasized the symbolic timing of the event, noting its coincidence with the 54th UAE National Day celebrations. He highlighted how the games reflect the nation’s organizational capabilities and commitment to excellence across all fields.

    The 2025 edition builds upon Dubai’s successful hosting of the games in 2017, further cementing the emirate’s reputation as a global hub for para sports excellence and inclusive athletic development.

  • President Trump wins inaugural Fifa Peace Prize

    President Trump wins inaugural Fifa Peace Prize

    In a ceremony blending sports diplomacy with political theater, former U.S. President Donald Trump became the inaugural recipient of the FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington D.C. The newly established award, presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the Kennedy Center, recognizes individuals who have undertaken “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and united people globally.

    The event, staged just one mile from the White House, featured Trump receiving an elaborate golden trophy, medal, and certificate before delivering an acceptance speech. “This is truly one of the great honours of my life,” Trump declared, claiming he had saved “tens of millions of lives” through diplomatic interventions and prevented imminent wars. He further praised Infantino’s leadership while celebrating record-breaking ticket sales for the 2026 tournament.

    The geopolitical undertones intensified as Trump shared the stage with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney—representing the three host nations. The leaders participated in the ceremonial draw, selecting balls for their pre-assigned groups before posing for a symbolic selfie with Infantino.

    Trump humorously addressed the transatlantic naming controversy surrounding the sport, suggesting American football might need rebranding: “We have to find another name for the NFL. This is football, we call it soccer here in the USA but it is really football.”

    The award has sparked considerable controversy, with critics arguing it compromises FIFA’s statutory commitment to political neutrality. Infantino had previously suggested Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for mediating Middle East ceasefires, creating perceptions of alignment with the “Make America Great Again” movement. A senior FIFA official defended the award, asking reporters: “Why can’t this be bigger than the Nobel Peace Prize?”

    The 2026 World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Mexico opening the tournament in Group A against yet-to-be-drawn opponents.

  • Turkey orders arrest of 29 footballers in betting scandal

    Turkey orders arrest of 29 footballers in betting scandal

    Turkish authorities have launched a sweeping crackdown on illegal sports betting, with an Istanbul prosecutor issuing arrest warrants for 46 individuals—including 29 professional footballers—in one of the nation’s most significant sports corruption investigations. The scandal has implicated players from top-tier clubs, with 27 athletes suspected of wagering on matches involving their own teams.

    Among the high-profile figures detained is Metehan Baltaci of reigning champions Galatasaray, who had previously received a nine-month suspension related to the scandal. The investigation has also ensnared Mert Hakan Yandas of Fenerbahce, who allegedly placed bets through a third-party account. Beyond players, the warrants target two club presidents accused of attempting to manipulate the outcome of a third-division match during the 2023-2024 season.

    The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has responded with unprecedented disciplinary measures, suspending over 1,000 players and nearly 150 referees connected to the scandal. Among sanctioned players, 25 were from the Super Lig, with penalties ranging from 45 days to 12 months. Senegalese winger Alastane Ndao of Konyaspor stands as the only foreign national suspended, receiving a full-year ban.

    Law enforcement officials confirmed that 35 of the 46 individuals named in the arrest order have been taken into custody as the investigation continues to unfold, shaking the foundation of Turkish football.

  • Who has been called up for Afcon 2025?

    Who has been called up for Afcon 2025?

    The 35th edition of Africa’s premier football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is set to commence in Morocco on December 21, 2025, culminating in the final on January 18, 2026. This prestigious continental championship will feature 24 national teams competing for the title currently held by Ivory Coast, who claimed their third AFCON trophy by defeating Nigeria 2-1 in the 2023 final.

    In a significant development for the 2025 tournament, competing nations will be permitted to select expanded squads of up to 28 players, providing coaches with greater flexibility and depth throughout the competition. The official squad submission deadline is set for Thursday, December 11, with clubs mandated to release selected players by Monday, December 15.

    Preliminary squad announcements reveal intriguing selections across participating nations. Angola’s provisional roster features European-based talents including Cagliari’s Zito Luvumbo and Swansea City’s Manuel Benson. Benin’s preliminary selection includes Burnley’s Andreas Hountondji and Alanyaspor’s Steve Mounie among their attacking options.

    Cameroon’s preliminary squad showcases significant firepower with Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, while the Democratic Republic of Congo’s selection includes West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Celtic’s Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

    Mozambique’s preliminary roster features Sporting Lisbon’s Geny Catamo and Sunderland’s Reinildo Mandava, while South Africa’s squad includes Burnley’s Lyle Foster and Club Brugge’s Shandre Campbell among their attacking contingent.

    The tournament will feature traditional African football powerhouses including defending champions Ivory Coast, record seven-time winners Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Nigeria, Tunisia, Cameroon, and Zambia, all vying for continental supremacy in what promises to be a highly competitive edition of Africa’s most prestigious football competition.

  • Focus over targets: Dubai’s Rayhan Thomas lets the golf do the talking in Q-School

    Focus over targets: Dubai’s Rayhan Thomas lets the golf do the talking in Q-School

    Dubai-born golf professional Rayhan Thomas has demonstrated exceptional mental fortitude at Stage Two of the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying School in the United States, positioning himself for potential advancement through a remarkably composed performance. The 26-year-old representative of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club carded a spectacular five-under-par 67 during Thursday’s critical round, bringing his tournament total to 11-under-par through 54 holes.

    Thomas’s strategic approach has centered on maintaining process-oriented focus rather than chasing numerical targets, a methodology that yielded impressive results during his third round. After completing an even-par front nine that included two birdies and two bogeys, Thomas ignited on the back nine with five birdies, including three consecutive conversions on holes 14 through 16.

    ‘My focus is solely on my game,’ Thomas emphasized after his round. ‘I have no idea what anyone is scoring while playing. If I keep going as I have been and go as low as I can, I hopefully will make progress.’

    The Indian talent currently shares ninth position on a tightly contested leaderboard, placing him directly on the qualification threshold with seven competitors tied at 11-under. With only the top 15 players advancing to the Final Stage, Thomas finds himself in a precarious position heading into Friday’s decisive round.

    Weather conditions may significantly impact the tournament’s conclusion, as meteorologists predict substantial rainfall that has prompted officials to adjust tee times and consider potential schedule extensions into Saturday. Successful qualification this week would secure Thomas a spot in the 72-hole Korn Ferry Final Qualifying event scheduled for December 11-14, 2025, at TPC Sawgrass facilities in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

    The ultimate prize remains substantial: the top five finishers at the final stage receive full PGA Tour playing privileges for the upcoming season, while the next 40 competitors earn full Korn Ferry Tour membership for 2026. Thomas, who enjoys sponsorship support from Hero, Wilson, Cadillac, and the Dubai Basketball Association, now stands one round away from potentially securing his professional future.

  • Argentina and Messi to open World Cup against Algeria, US starts against Paraguay

    Argentina and Messi to open World Cup against Algeria, US starts against Paraguay

    WASHINGTON (AP) — The highly anticipated draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has set the stage for dramatic opening matches, with defending champions Argentina led by Lionel Messi scheduled to face Algeria in their inaugural title defense match. The Argentinian squad will compete in a group that also includes Austria, marking the beginning of what promises to be an electrifying tournament.

    The United States national team, drawn on Friday, will commence their campaign against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This matchup follows Mexico’s opening game against South Africa the previous day. The U.S. team, which achieved a semifinal placement in the inaugural 1930 World Cup and reached the quarterfinals only once since then in 2002, will be looking to make history on home soil.

    The ceremonial draw event at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts featured unprecedented political participation, with U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney personally selecting their respective nations’ balls from the drawing bowls. The elaborate ceremony extended nearly as long as a regulation soccer match, with the actual draw proceedings for the expanded 48-nation tournament commencing in the 87th minute.

    Despite wintry conditions with falling snow, soccer officials and international celebrities filled the prestigious venue exactly 189 days before the expanded tournament’s kickoff. The 104-game competition will be the largest in World Cup history, with early morning lines forming outside the complex as workers and media personnel passed through rigorous Secret Service security protocols.

    In a controversial moment during the ceremony, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented President Trump with the organization’s inaugural Peace Prize, bestowing upon him a substantial gold-colored trophy and medal suspended from a blue ribbon. Trump, who has previously campaigned for Nobel Peace Prize recognition, accepted the honor stating, “This is truly one of the great honors of my life.” Infantino offered extensive praise to the American president during the presentation.

    The event featured a star-studded ensemble of retired sports legends, including NFL icon Tom Brady, NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal, NHL great Wayne Gretzky, and three-time AL MVP Aaron Judge, all assisting former England captain Rio Ferdinand in conducting the ceremonial proceedings.

    The complete tournament field includes all 11 highest-ranked international teams, with 12th-ranked Italy among 22 nations competing in playoffs for the final six tournament berths to be determined on March 31. All quarterfinal matches and beyond will be hosted exclusively in the United States across 11 NFL stadiums, with specific venue assignments and kickoff times scheduled for announcement on Saturday.

  • South Africa extend Erasmus contract to 2031 World Cup

    South Africa extend Erasmus contract to 2031 World Cup

    In a decisive move to secure the future of South African rugby, the national union has finalized a landmark contract extension with head coach Rassie Erasmus that will keep him at the helm until the conclusion of the 2031 Rugby World Cup. The 53-year-old mastermind, whose previous agreement was set to expire after the 2027 tournament, will now lead the Springboks’ campaign for an unprecedented third consecutive world title and beyond.

    Erasmus characterized the negotiation process as ‘a quick and easy conversation,’ emphasizing his profound connection to the South African team. ‘I have consistently maintained that coaching any other international squad would present considerable difficulty for me,’ Erasmus stated. ‘It brings me great satisfaction to continue in this role for as long as the South African public desires my leadership.’

    The announcement coincides with South Africa’s revelation of their inaugural Nations Championship fixtures, featuring a highly-anticipated encounter against England at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Stadium on July 4th. The venue, situated nearly 1,800 meters above sea level, provides a significant altitude advantage. Additional summer matches include confrontations with Scotland at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld (1,350m altitude) on July 11th and Wales in coastal Durban on July 18th.

    Erasmus’ transformational impact on South African rugby cannot be overstated. When he assumed the director of rugby position in March 2018, the Springboks had deteriorated to sixth in global rankings with merely 11 victories from their previous 25 Test matches. His predecessor Allister Coetzee concluded his tenure with a narrow 24-22 defeat against Wales in Cardiff.

    Under Erasmus’ strategic guidance, South Africa achieved remarkable success, capturing the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup titles in 2019. Following this triumph, speculation emerged regarding a potential move to coach England, particularly after Erasmus attended England’s victory over Scotland at Murrayfield. The coach decisively quashed these rumors through a social media post featuring his team talk before the World Cup final victory over England, accompanied by the caption: ‘Not sure I would know what to say to any other team before a W Cup final. Not happening!!!’ This post remains pinned to his X profile.

    The Springboks subsequently defended their world championship in France four years later, establishing themselves as dominant leaders in world rankings with 23 victories from their last 27 Tests. SA Rugby confirmed that negotiations with other members of the coaching staff, including Irishman Felix Jones, compatriot Jerry Flannery, and longstanding backs coach Mzwandile Stick, will be announced subsequently.