In a commanding display of skill and strategy, the United States soccer team delivered a resounding 5-1 victory over Uruguay on Tuesday night in Tampa, Florida. The match, which saw the U.S. score four goals in the first half, marked a significant milestone as the team prepares for the upcoming World Cup. Alex Freeman led the charge with two goals, while Sebastian Berhalter and Diego Luna each contributed one. Tanner Tessmann added a fifth goal in the 68th minute, sealing the win. This victory is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first time the U.S. has scored five goals against a South American opponent and a top 30-ranked team. The 16th-ranked Americans have now extended their unbeaten streak to five games, showcasing a remarkable turnaround after earlier struggles in the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup. With just two more friendlies scheduled before the World Cup roster is finalized, coach Mauricio Pochettino has much to consider. The match also saw Uruguay’s Rodrigo Bentancur sent off in the 64th minute for a high sliding tackle on Berhalter. Despite Uruguay’s six-game unbeaten streak entering the friendly, they were unable to contain the U.S. offense. The U.S. team, fielding a lineup of mostly backups, achieved a historic four-goal first half against a South American team. Uruguay’s Giorgian de Arrascaeta managed a consolation goal in stoppage time, but it was not enough to shift the momentum. The U.S. victory was a collective effort, with key plays from Berhalter, Freeman, and Luna, and a solid performance from the defense. As the World Cup approaches, this match serves as a strong statement of the U.S. team’s capabilities and readiness.
分类: sports
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Emphatic win for Quetta Qavalry in Abu Dhabi T10 opener
The Abu Dhabi T10 tournament kicked off with a spectacular display of cricketing prowess as the Quetta Qavalry secured a resounding 51-run victory over the Northern Warriors at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. The match, held on November 18, 2025, saw the Qavalry set a commanding total of 133/5, thanks to a blistering innings by Khawaja Nafay, who smashed 45 runs off just 12 balls, including five sixes and two fours. Supporting contributions from Liam Livingstone (24 off 10) and Jason Holder (24* off 10) further bolstered the score. Muhammad Waseem also showed promise with a quick 15 off 10 before being dismissed. The Warriors’ bowling attack, led by Trent Boult, managed to take key wickets but struggled to contain the Qavalry’s aggressive batting. In response, the Warriors faltered early, losing opener Johnson Charles in the first over. Despite a valiant 77-run partnership between Hazratullah Zazai (31* off 28) and Colin Munro (44 off 28), the Warriors could only muster 82/2, falling well short of the target. The Qavalry’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with all maintaining economy rates under 10. Captain Liam Livingstone praised his team’s adaptability and execution, emphasizing the importance of a strong start in the fast-paced T10 format. The Qavalry’s emphatic win sets a high benchmark for the tournament, with Livingstone expressing optimism for a strong campaign ahead.
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Arsenal and Sobha Realty mark two years of partnership
Arsenal Football Club and Sobha Realty have marked the second anniversary of their groundbreaking partnership, showcasing a shared dedication to excellence in sports and beyond. Since their collaboration began in 2023, Sobha Realty has secured naming rights for the Sobha Realty Training Centre at London Colney and branding on Arsenal’s training kits. Over the past two years, the partnership has driven significant upgrades to the facility, including enhanced restaurant and dressing room spaces, a dedicated building for the women’s first team, a refurbished media centre, and new sauna and steam amenities. These improvements aim to foster an optimal environment for player preparation and recovery. The collaboration also birthed ‘The Art of Detail,’ a four-part series that delves into the meticulous work behind the scenes at the training centre, reflecting the partners’ shared values of precision, innovation, and continuous improvement. Ashish Parakh, Group Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Sobha Realty, hailed the partnership as a ‘powerful synergy’ that transcends sports and real estate, emphasizing their commitment to creating spaces where talent flourishes. Juliet Slot, Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, praised Sobha Realty’s role in supporting the club’s ambitions, expressing excitement for future achievements. As the partnership enters its third year, both parties aim to maintain the Sobha Realty Training Centre as a global benchmark for high-performance facilities while strengthening ties between football and luxury real estate.
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Surfing in Guangdong’s Shantou
Qing’ao Bay in Shantou, Guangdong province, is rapidly gaining recognition as a premier surfing destination. The bay, which recently hosted the 15th National Games surfing competition, has attracted surfing enthusiasts from around the globe. The event showcased the area’s exceptional wave conditions, leading to widespread acclaim. ‘China has great waves!’ has become a rallying cry among the international surfing community, highlighting the potential of Qing’ao Bay as a world-class surfing hotspot. The competition not only brought attention to the sport but also boosted local tourism and economic activity. With its pristine beaches and consistent waves, Qing’ao Bay is poised to become a key player in the global surfing scene, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and sporting excellence.
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Max McGreevy gives up title defense in Japan to make sure he gets PGA Tour card
Max McGreevy, a rising star in professional golf, has had an impressive fall season, culminating in securing his PGA Tour card for 2026. McGreevy, who left Oklahoma with five wins under his belt, has been a consistent performer despite the challenges of defending his titles. Last year, he secured his PGA Tour card with two victories on the Korn Ferry Tour and followed it up with a win at the Dunlop Phoenix in Japan, where he triumphed over a field that included Hideki Matsuyama. However, with his FedEx Cup ranking at No. 100 and only two tournaments left to secure his card, McGreevy faced a nail-biting finish to the season. His performance at the Bermuda Championship, where he tied for third, propelled him to No. 89 in the FedEx Cup standings, ensuring his place on the PGA Tour for the next season. McGreevy’s strategy of continuous play has paid off, as he believes he performs better when he keeps competing. This fall, he played six tournaments in seven weeks, traveling from Japan to Utah, Mexico, Bermuda, and Georgia, showcasing his resilience and determination. McGreevy’s journey is a testament to his grit and passion for the game, as he continues to make waves in the world of professional golf.
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First two Tests key to England’s Ashes hopes, says Broad
As England prepares to face Australia in the highly anticipated Ashes series, former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has highlighted the pivotal importance of the first two Test matches. Speaking on the ‘Odds Law’ podcast, Broad stressed that England must assert their dominance early in the series to avoid another disappointing outcome Down Under. England’s last Ashes victory in Australia dates back to 2011, with Australia securing clean sweeps in their last three home series. Traditionally, the Ashes opener has been held at The Gabba in Brisbane, a venue where England last triumphed in 1986. However, this year’s series will kick off in Perth, a change Broad views as a slight advantage for England. ‘England have to win the first Test to stand a chance of winning the Ashes,’ Broad asserted. ‘If England don’t get anything out of the first two, then that’s a major problem because in Australia, the energy, the flow of the whole country will build up, and then you’re fighting a bit of a losing battle.’ England’s squad boasts one of their fastest bowling lineups in years, featuring Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Brydon Carse, with captain Ben Stokes also expected to contribute with the ball. While Wood and Archer are expected to lead the attack, Broad singled out Atkinson as a potential key player. ‘Gus could be the one who becomes a mainstay of the attack,’ Broad said. ‘He could do really nicely in Australia and be that consistent bowler that Stokes can lean on to bowl a lot of overs.’ The first Test begins on Friday, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested series.
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Germany and Netherlands lock up World Cup spots in style
Germany and the Netherlands showcased their footballing prowess as they secured their spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with commanding victories in their final European qualifying matches. Germany delivered a masterclass performance, thrashing Slovakia 6-0 in Leipzig, while the Netherlands overcame Lithuania 4-0 in Amsterdam. Both teams needed only a draw to qualify but opted for an attacking approach, leaving no room for doubt about their World Cup ambitions. Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann praised his team’s relentless effort, stating, ‘Every player played well today and worked like a dog.’ The Netherlands, under Ronald Koeman, entertained their home crowd with high-tempo play, leaving Lithuania struggling to keep up. Slovakia and Poland secured second-place finishes in their respective groups, earning a spot in the European play-offs. Croatia and the Czech Republic also celebrated victories, with the latter demolishing Gibraltar 6-0. The road to the World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, continues to unfold with thrilling performances and unexpected twists.
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UAE face do-or-die battle against Iraq today in World Cup playoff
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) football team is gearing up for a decisive encounter against Iraq in the second leg of the fifth-round playoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Scheduled to take place at the Basra International Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 65,000, the match is set to be a high-stakes battle for both teams. The UAE, under the guidance of coach Cosmin Olaroiu, must summon all their resilience and tactical prowess to keep their World Cup aspirations alive. The first leg, held in Abu Dhabi on November 13, ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving everything to play for in this crucial fixture. Iraq, riding on a four-match unbeaten streak, will be looking to leverage their home advantage and the fervent support of their fans to secure a victory. The winner of this playoff will advance to the six-team intercontinental playoff in March, where the top two teams will earn the final spots for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico. For the UAE, a loss would mean another agonizing four-year wait for a World Cup berth. Olaroiu emphasized the importance of mental fortitude and adaptability, acknowledging the intimidating atmosphere that the Iraqi fans are expected to create. The UAE’s strategy will likely hinge on solid defensive organization and swift counterattacks, with key players like Caio Canedo and Ali Saleh playing pivotal roles. Goalkeeper Khalid Eisa, who was instrumental in the first leg, will also be crucial in thwarting Iraq’s offensive threats. As both teams prepare for this do-or-die clash, the stakes could not be higher, with the dreams of an entire nation hanging in the balance.
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UAE vs Iraq: Basra announces public holiday for Fifa World Cup qualifier
In a significant move to rally support for the national football team, the Iraqi Governorate of Basra has declared a public holiday on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. This decision coincides with the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup qualifier between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Basra International Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 65,000 spectators. Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani emphasized the importance of creating a vibrant atmosphere to bolster the Iraqi team, as reported by Iraq’s official news agency.
The match, scheduled for 8pm UAE time, marks the second leg of the fifth-round playoff. The first leg, held in Abu Dhabi on November 13, ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter. The stakes are high, as the victor will advance to the six-team intercontinental playoff in March 2026, hosted in Mexico. The top two teams from this playoff will secure the final spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
To facilitate UAE fans’ attendance, the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) has arranged eight private planes to transport supporters to Basra. UAE national team coach Cosmin Olaroiu faces the challenge of leveraging his squad’s depth to keep the nation’s World Cup aspirations alive. This match not only highlights the intense rivalry between the two teams but also underscores the unifying power of football in the region.
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‘Not fair’ how South Africa are treated, says coach
South Africa’s assistant coach, Mzwandile Stick, has voiced concerns over what he perceives as unfair treatment of the Springboks following a series of red-card incidents in recent matches. Speaking to reporters in Dublin ahead of South Africa’s Test against Ireland, Stick highlighted the suspensions of key players, including Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert, as evidence of biased officiating. De Jager received a four-game ban for a high tackle on France’s Thomas Ramos, while Mostert was sent off for a shoulder-to-head challenge on Italy’s Paolo Garbisi. Both incidents have sparked controversy, with Stick questioning the consistency of disciplinary decisions. ‘Every week we are losing players, and it’s sad,’ Stick lamented. He also referenced recent bans for South African players Makazole Mapimpi and Jan-Hendrik Wessels in the United Rugby Championship, suggesting a pattern of disproportionate punishment. Stick defended Mostert’s actions, arguing that the tackle was not intentionally dangerous and that the physical nature of rugby sometimes leads to imperfect outcomes. He also criticized the officiating in the match against Italy, claiming that 20 out of 21 decisions in the first half went against South Africa. Despite the controversies, Stick emphasized the Springboks’ commitment to fair play and expressed regret over the impact on Italy’s performance. The Springboks, reigning world champions, continue to face scrutiny as they navigate these challenges on the international stage.
