Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • Messi’s plans for 2026 World Cup? ‘One day at a time’

    Messi’s plans for 2026 World Cup? ‘One day at a time’

    Soccer icon Lionel Messi remains noncommittal about his potential participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, maintaining a cautious approach despite recently leading Argentina to the summit of South American World Cup qualifiers. The 38-year-old Inter Miami superstar addressed his future intentions in an exclusive interview with ESPN Argentina ahead of Friday’s highly anticipated World Cup draw.

    Messi emphasized taking a realistic, day-by-day approach to his career decisions, stating: “I’m going to take it one day at a time; being honest and trying to be realistic and feel good. This year I felt very good.” The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acknowledged that playing professionally in the United States creates favorable conditions for considering a sixth World Cup appearance, given the tournament’s North American hosting by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

    The soccer legend highlighted the distinct seasonal advantages of MLS competition compared to European leagues, noting: “It catches us at a different point in the season than in Europe. We’re going to start a tough preseason in January and we’re going to have a lot of games in a row with the league and the CONCACAF Champions League.” Messi maintains regular communication with Argentine national team coach Lionel Scaloni regarding his potential role, describing their relationship as “very trusting” and open to discussing all possibilities.

    Should Messi compete in the 2026 tournament, he would join Cristiano Ronaldo in surpassing Germany’s Lothar Matthäus record of five World Cup appearances. The Inter Miami squad currently prepares for their MLS Cup final matchup against Vancouver this Saturday.

  • Arteta fears injury woes will hamper Arsenal title charge

    Arteta fears injury woes will hamper Arsenal title charge

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed serious concerns about how a worsening injury situation could derail the club’s Premier League championship campaign, despite their commanding 2-0 victory over Brentford that extended their unbeaten streak to 18 matches across all competitions. The Wednesday night triumph at Emirates Stadium, powered by goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka, propelled the Gunners to a five-point advantage over second-place Manchester City. However, the win came at a significant cost as both midfielder Declan Rice and defender Cristhian Mosquera were forced from the pitch with apparent injuries. The situation compounds existing absences including first-choice center-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, along with attackers Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard. Arteta particularly lamented the demanding fixture schedule that required his squad to play with one fewer recovery day than their opponents, questioning the Premier League’s commitment to player welfare. With a critical early Saturday kick-off against in-form Aston Villa looming, the injury-depleted squad faces mounting physical challenges despite their impressive table position.

  • Arne Slot searches for positives as Liverpool drop points again

    Arne Slot searches for positives as Liverpool drop points again

    Liverpool’s concerning run of form persisted as they narrowly avoided a disastrous defeat against Sunderland, managing only a 1-1 draw in Wednesday’s Premier League clash. The match represented another setback for manager Arne Slot’s squad following their promising 2-0 victory over West Ham United just days earlier.

    Florian Wirtz’s deflected effort in the 81st minute ultimately rescued a point for the struggling champions, preventing what would have marked their tenth loss in fourteen competitive fixtures this season. The pattern of inconsistent performances continues to define Liverpool’s campaign, characterized by moments of progress followed by significant regression.

    Slot acknowledged the team’s persistent difficulties in his post-match comments, stating to BBC: ‘Repeatedly this season, we’ve conceded from limited opposition opportunities. While fortunate not to suffer defeat tonight—a scenario that would have resulted in loss in previous weeks—our inability to secure victory remains troubling.’

    The Dutch manager highlighted Liverpool’s fundamental deficiency in offensive effectiveness, noting: ‘After fourteen matches, our production from open play and set pieces remains insufficient.’ Statistical analysis supported Slot’s assessment, revealing Liverpool’s overwhelming possession dominance and pass completion rates more than doubling Sunderland’s, yet yielding minimal genuine scoring threats until Wirtz’s fortunate intervention.

    Slot elaborated to Sky Sports: ‘Similar to the West Ham match, we created limited opportunities while conceding few. The deflection goal against us exemplified misfortune, but ultimately we required luck when Alisson faced one-on-one situations.’

    The match nearly concluded in dramatic fashion during added time when Wilson Isidor bypassed goalkeeper Alisson Becker, only to see his goalbound effort miraculously cleared off the line by Federico Chiesa. Slot praised the defensive commitment: ‘That clearance demonstrates the absolute effort required—continuous effort ultimately prevented certain defeat.’

    The result leaves Liverpool seeking solutions to their scoring inefficiency and defensive vulnerabilities as they navigate a season increasingly defined by underperformance relative to expectations.

  • Etzebeth banned for 12 weeks over eye gouge

    Etzebeth banned for 12 weeks over eye gouge

    South African rugby veteran Eben Etzebeth has been suspended for 12 weeks following an eye-gouging incident during last weekend’s test match against Wales. The disciplinary ruling comes after the double World Cup-winning lock made contact with Welsh forward Alex Mann’s eye area during the 79th minute of play.

    The incident occurred during South Africa’s dominant 73-0 victory at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, where Etzebeth had entered the match as a second-half substitute. French official Luc Ramos issued an immediate red card after reviewing the contact on the stadium’s giant screens—marking the first sending-off in Etzebeth’s 141-cap international career.

    An independent judicial committee chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC determined the contact was intentional, categorizing it as a mid-range offense that typically carries an 18-week suspension. The panel reduced the ban to 12 weeks considering Etzebeth’s previously clean disciplinary record and other mitigating factors.

    The suspension will affect both Etzebeth’s international availability and his commitments with the Sharks club, keeping him sidelined until late March 2026. This ruling highlights World Rugby’s stringent stance on eye contact offenses, which can result in bans ranging from 4 weeks to 4 years depending on severity and intent.

    Notably, Etzebeth becomes the third Springbok forward to receive a red card in their recent four-match autumn series, though previous dismissals for Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager were subsequently overturned or downgraded upon review.

  • Shanghai Anti-Doping Lab earns WADA accreditation

    Shanghai Anti-Doping Lab earns WADA accreditation

    Shanghai has achieved a significant milestone in global sports integrity as the Shanghai Anti-Doping Laboratory (SAL) received formal accreditation from the World Anti-Doping Agency on December 2, 2025. The announcement emerged from WADA’s executive committee gathering in Busan, South Korea, elevating China to an elite group of nations hosting multiple certified anti-doping facilities.

    The Shanghai University of Sport-based facility now stands as China’s second WADA-accredited laboratory, joining the established Beijing Anti-Doping Laboratory. This development positions China alongside only the United States, Germany, and Spain as nations operating two WADA-recognized testing centers.

    The laboratory’s path to accreditation followed a rigorous multi-year process. SAL entered WADA’s candidate laboratory program in September 2021, achieved Athlete Biological Passport candidate status in September 2023, and advanced to probationary laboratory standing by September 2024.

    Moving forward, SAL leadership has committed to maintaining strict adherence to WADA’s International Standard for Laboratories while pursuing scientific innovation. The laboratory plans to enhance its analytical capabilities and research initiatives, contributing to worldwide efforts against performance-enhancing substances in sports. These developments aim to protect athlete welfare and preserve competitive fairness across international sporting events.

  • Trump and Infantino – too close for comfort?

    Trump and Infantino – too close for comfort?

    The 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington D.C. has become a stage for geopolitical theater, with President Donald Trump’s prominent involvement generating both celebration and condemnation. Held just one mile from the White House at the Kennedy Center—a venue whose board Trump recently overhauled—the event featured an unprecedented political dimension that critics argue compromises FIFA’s statutory commitment to political neutrality.

    The ceremony’s programming appeared carefully tailored to the American president’s preferences, featuring a performance of Trump’s campaign rally favorite ‘YMCA’ by the Village People. Most controversially, FIFA President Gianni Infantino introduced a new Peace Prize award, widely expected to be bestowed upon Trump despite no prior consultation with the FIFA Council. This gesture cemented the increasingly visible alliance between the two leaders, which Infantino has vigorously defended while citing Trump’s involvement in Middle East ceasefires.

    This relationship has drawn sharp criticism from within football’s governing bodies. UEFA delegates staged a walkout at a recent FIFA Congress, accusing Infantino of prioritizing ‘private political interests.’ The controversy extends beyond symbolism to practical concerns about Trump’s immigration policies, which threaten to affect World Cup participants and spectators from numerous countries. Iran has already announced a boycott of the draw due to visa restrictions for its delegation.

    Further complicating matters, Trump has suggested potentially relocating matches from Democratic-led host cities over security concerns and made provocative statements about Mexico during World Cup planning discussions. Meanwhile, FIFA’s commercial ambitions for the tournament include an unprecedented 30% commission on ticket resales through its official platform, drawing criticism from fan groups who accuse the organization of exploiting supporters.

    Despite these controversies, both leaders clearly view the World Cup as mutually beneficial. Trump gains an unparalleled global platform during his presidency and election campaign, while Infantino secures financial opportunities that could bolster his reelection prospects in 2027. The tournament represents what FIFA claims will be a $27 billion economic impact for the United States, though this comes alongside concerns about human rights and the politicization of the world’s most popular sporting event.

  • Lyon out of home Test for first time since 2012

    Lyon out of home Test for first time since 2012

    In a seismic selection shock that has reverberated through the cricketing community, Australia has dropped veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon from their lineup for the second Ashes Test against England at Brisbane’s Gabba. This marks the first time since January 2012 that Lyon has been excluded from a home Test squad, ending his remarkable streak of 71 consecutive appearances on Australian soil.

    The decision forms part of a radical strategic shift as the hosts prepare for the day-night encounter under lights. Instead of their premier spinner, Australia has opted for an all-seam attack, bringing in pace bowler Michael Neser for his third Test cap. Captain Pat Cummins remains sidelined with a back injury, with Steve Smith continuing to lead the side in his absence.

    Smith explained the tactical reasoning behind the controversial move: “With the pink ball, we anticipate significant movement, particularly during the evening session. Our analysis suggested that a specialized seam attack gives us the optimal chance to take twenty wickets in these specific conditions.”

    The exclusion carries particular significance given Lyon’s legendary status in Australian cricket. With 560 Test wickets, he stands as the country’s third-highest wicket-taker behind only Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. The 38-year-old needs just two more scalps to surpass McGrath’s tally of 562.

    Cricket analysts expressed surprise at the decision, noting Lyon’s impressive record at the Gabba. Former England spinner Alex Hartley commented: “This is genuinely surprising given Lyon’s historical performance here and how quickly the pink ball tends to lose its hardness. You’d typically want a specialist spinner to control the game during those middle phases.”

    The selection continues a recent pattern for Lyon, who was also omitted from Australia’s day-night Test against West Indies in Jamaica last July. At the time, Lyon expressed his disappointment, stating: “I believe I can contribute in any conditions. Every cricketer should maintain that self-belief.”

    Meanwhile, England won the toss and elected to bat first—marking the first time they have batted initially in a day-night Test in Australia. The visitors made one forced change, bringing in spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks to replace injured quick Mark Wood.

    England face formidable historical challenges at the Gabba, where they haven’t recorded a victory since 1986 and have lost all three of their previous pink-ball encounters in Australia.

  • ILT20: Dubai Capitals skipper Shanaka remains confident

    ILT20: Dubai Capitals skipper Shanaka remains confident

    Dubai Capitals skipper Dasun Shanaka has expressed unwavering confidence in his team’s capabilities despite suffering a four-wicket defeat against Desert Vipers in the DP World ILT20 season opener. The highly anticipated rematch of last season’s final unfolded at Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday, with the Vipers emerging victorious in a tense contest.

    Reflecting on the performance, Shanaka acknowledged tactical shortcomings while maintaining an optimistic outlook. “Our analysis indicates we fell approximately 10-15 runs short of the par score this pitch demanded,” the Sri Lankan all-rounder stated. “Preserving more wickets during the middle overs would have enabled a significantly stronger finish and altered the match outcome.”

    The captain identified the powerplay phase as particularly decisive, noting: “Cricket fundamentally revolves around momentum. We failed to establish dominance either with bat or ball during the critical opening overs, allowing the Vipers to seize control. Their batters capitalized effectively on our loose deliveries, creating pressure that persisted despite our subsequent recovery efforts.”

    Dubai Capitals’ innings encountered early turbulence with the dismissals of Sediqullah Atal (16 off 13) and Shayan Jahangir (19 off 15). The situation deteriorated following quick departures of Gulbadin Naib (0 off 1) and Jordan Cox (2 off 7), until Rovman Powell (29 off 22) and Mohammad Nabi (29 off 23) stabilized the innings to post 150/9 in 20 overs.

    Shanaka accepted personal responsibility for the batting order decisions, revealing: “As captain, I recognize the necessity to bat higher and assume greater responsibility. The collapse necessitated strategic repositioning, but we will thoroughly reassess our approach moving forward.”

    The defending champions now prepare for their second tournament encounter against Gulf Giants on Saturday, December 6th, with Shanaka asserting: “Our demonstrated capabilities far exceed today’s performance. I remain convinced we will deliver a powerful response in our upcoming matches.”

  • England to get even more positive against Starc threat, says Anderson

    England to get even more positive against Starc threat, says Anderson

    England’s cricket team is preparing an assertive offensive strategy to counter Mitchell Starc’s formidable pink-ball prowess as they enter the crucial second Ashes Test in Brisbane. According to former pace bowling legend James Anderson, the visitors intend to adopt an attacking philosophy rather than defensive tactics against Australia’s premier bowler.

    Australia currently leads the five-match series 1-0 after securing a decisive victory within just two days during the Perth Test. Starc’s remarkable record with the pink ball includes 81 wickets across 14 day-night Tests, featuring five five-wicket hauls, establishing him as Australia’s most threatening bowling asset.

    Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker who retired in July 2024, emphasized in his Daily Mail column that the team would focus on scoring opportunities and applying pressure to disrupt Starc’s rhythm. “The approach involves finding ways to score, to put him under pressure, to knock him off his length,” Anderson explained, noting that Brisbane’s conditions, while less extreme than Perth’s, still offer significant bounce unfamiliar to English players.

    The tactical blueprint includes innovative stroke play, with batsmen like Harry Brook potentially employing lap shots, paddle sweeps, and foot movement to neutralize Starc’s threats. Anderson stressed that improvisation would be central to England’s game plan, requiring players to quickly assess conditions and identify scoring areas rather than attempting conventional drives on bouncy Australian pitches.

    Starc’s dominance was particularly evident in the first Test where he claimed 10 wickets and earned player-of-the-match honors. His ability to strike early—with 25 wickets taken in the first over of Test innings—makes him exceptionally dangerous during the initial 10-20 deliveries of any batting session, whether under daylight or floodlights.

    England must learn from their Perth mistakes where aggressive driving proved ineffective. The team’s success in Brisbane will depend on their ability to adapt to local conditions while maintaining their positive approach against one of cricket’s most formidable pink-ball specialists.

  • Pandya returns to India squad for South Africa T20s, Gill subject to fitness test

    Pandya returns to India squad for South Africa T20s, Gill subject to fitness test

    In a significant development for Indian cricket, all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been officially reinstated to the national squad for the upcoming Twenty20 series against South Africa following his recovery from an injury sustained in September. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member lineup on Wednesday, marking Pandya’s return after he demonstrated his match readiness with an impressive domestic performance.

    Pandya silenced any doubts about his fitness during Tuesday’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match, where he delivered a powerful 77 runs from just 42 balls, leading Baroda to a decisive seven-wicket victory against Punjab. This commanding performance solidified his position in the national roster ahead of the five-match T20 series commencing December 9th in Cuttack.

    The squad, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, presents several strategic selections. Notably absent are Rinku Singh and Nitish Kumar, both of whom were part of India’s T20 contingent during the October-November tour of Australia. Their exclusion signals a shift in the team’s composition strategy ahead of the international showdown.

    Meanwhile, opening batsman Shubman Gill’s participation remains contingent upon medical clearance. The 26-year-old, who captains India in Tests and ODIs, continues his recovery from a neck injury suffered during the first Test against South Africa last month. Gill must obtain fitness approval from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru before joining the team. His potential inclusion would add significant batting strength to a lineup that includes emerging talents Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma alongside established players like Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav.

    The T20 series against South Africa represents a crucial preparation platform for both teams, with matches scheduled across multiple venues before concluding in Ahmedabad on December 19th.