In a historic moment for Norwegian football, Erling Haaland led his team to a 4-1 victory over Italy, securing Norway’s first World Cup berth since 1998. Haaland’s brace, along with goals from Antonio Nusa and Jorgen Strand Larsen, sealed the win in Milan, marking an end to a 27-year wait for the global tournament. Meanwhile, Portugal dominated Armenia with a 9-1 triumph, booking their place in the 2026 World Cup, though Cristiano Ronaldo’s participation remains uncertain due to a potential suspension extension. Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves starred with hat-tricks, while Renato Veiga, Goncalo Ramos, and Francisco Conceicao also contributed to the emphatic victory. Ireland secured a playoff spot with a dramatic 3-2 win over Hungary, thanks to Troy Parrott’s late heroics. France, England, and Ukraine also confirmed their World Cup qualifications, with England completing a flawless qualifying campaign. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be a thrilling spectacle as teams prepare for the global stage.
分类： sports
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UAE golf courses celebrate big wins at 2025 World Golf Awards in Madeira
The 12th edition of the World Golf Awards, held in Madeira, highlighted the UAE’s growing prominence as a global golfing hub. The event, which has been a benchmark for excellence in the golf industry since its inception in 2014, celebrated the UAE’s top courses, clubs, and tourism partners. This year’s awards underscored the nation’s transformation of golf into a cornerstone of its sports, tourism, and lifestyle identity. Trump International Golf Club Dubai was named the Middle East’s Best Golf Course, while Dubai claimed the title of the Middle East’s Best Golf Destination. Other notable UAE winners included Al Dhannah Golf Club in Abu Dhabi for the Middle East’s Best Nine-Hole Golf Course, Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah for the Middle East’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility, and Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman for the Middle East’s Best Clubhouse. The UAE also secured several regional awards, including Best Golf Course for The Els Club in Dubai, Best In-Bound Golf Tour Operator for Arabian Oryx Travel & Tourism, and Best Golf Hotel for St. Regis Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. Sir Nick Faldo, a six-time major champion, was honored as Golf Designer of the Year, reflecting his ongoing contributions to the sport. Chris Frost, Managing Director of the World Golf Awards, praised the 2025 winners for their innovation and excellence, noting the growing global influence of golf tourism. The UAE’s success at the awards is a testament to its commitment to sustainability, world-class course design, and a thriving tournament calendar, solidifying its position as a leading golf destination.
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Unwell Asalanka and Fernando ruled out of tri-series in Pakistan, Shanaka to lead Sri Lanka
In a significant development for the upcoming T20 tri-series in Pakistan, Sri Lanka’s white-ball captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando have been ruled out due to illness. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced on Monday that Dasun Shanaka will take over the captaincy for the tournament, which also includes Zimbabwe. The team has called up top-order batter Pavan Rathnayake, who recently made his ODI debut in the third and final match against Pakistan, scoring 32 runs off 37 balls. Pakistan had earlier secured a dominant 3-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka in the ODI series. The tri-series, set to begin on Tuesday with Pakistan facing Zimbabwe, will see all three teams play each other twice, with the top two advancing to the final on November 29. All matches will be hosted in Rawalpindi. SLC confirmed that Asalanka and Fernando will return home to receive proper medical care and recover in time for future assignments. The series serves as crucial preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup, where Zimbabwe has secured a spot after missing the 2024 edition. The tour had initially been in jeopardy following a suicide bombing in Islamabad last week, which killed 12 people. However, SLC decided to proceed after receiving security assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
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‘Back to the drawing board’ for Nigeria after World Cup qualifying failure
Nigeria, a three-time African champion and the continent’s fifth-ranked football team, will be conspicuously absent from the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This marks their second consecutive failure to qualify for the global tournament, a bitter pill to swallow for a nation with a rich footballing history. The Super Eagles’ disjointed qualifying campaign, marred by managerial changes, player boycotts, and on-field struggles, culminated in a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the African play-off final. Despite boasting stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi, Nigeria could not secure one of the 48 coveted spots at the expanded finals. The team’s woes were compounded by off-field controversies, including unpaid allowances and accusations of ‘voodoo’ by coach Eric Chelle during the penalty shootout. Nigeria’s inability to perform without Osimhen, who scored eight goals in seven qualifiers, was glaring, as they managed just four points from 15 without him. The campaign’s low points included a home draw against Lesotho and a defeat to Benin under interim manager Finidi George. While Chelle brought some stability, Nigeria’s lack of ambition in key matches, such as a 1-1 draw in South Africa, proved costly. Fans have expressed frustration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), citing poor governance and a lack of investment in local facilities. As Nigeria shifts focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the NFF faces tough decisions, including Chelle’s future, to ensure a return to the World Cup stage in 2030.
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Australian Paralympic gold medallist dies at 28
The Australian sporting community is mourning the sudden loss of Paralympic gold medallist Paige Greco, who passed away at the age of 28. Greco, a celebrated para-cyclist, secured Australia’s first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and was a beacon of inspiration for many. Her untimely death occurred on Sunday at her Adelaide home following a sudden medical episode, as confirmed by AusCycling, the national governing body for cycling.
Greco’s family expressed their profound grief and pride in her accomplishments. Her mother, Natalie Greco, shared in a statement, ‘Paige meant everything to us. Her kindness, determination, and warmth touched our family every single day.’ Greco, who had cerebral palsy, initially pursued track and field before transitioning to cycling in 2018. Over her illustrious career, she amassed multiple World Championship titles and World Cup medals.
At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Greco set a new record in the women’s C1–3 3,000m individual pursuit and later earned bronze medals in the C1-3 road race and time trial. Despite health challenges that kept her out of the 2023 Paris Games, she made a triumphant return this year, clinching another bronze at the para-cycling World Championships in Belgium.
Tributes from across Australia’s sporting world have highlighted Greco’s extraordinary impact. AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner described her as ‘an extraordinary athlete who achieved outstanding accomplishments at the highest levels of the sport,’ while Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray praised her kindness and quiet determination, noting her ability to uplift those around her. Greco’s legacy of resilience and inclusivity will undoubtedly endure.
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Shubman Gill discharged from hospital after neck injury, Test uncertainty remains
Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill has been discharged from a Kolkata hospital following treatment for a neck spasm sustained during the first Test against South Africa. Despite his release, Gill’s availability for the upcoming second Test in Guwahati remains uncertain, according to ESPNcricinfo. The team has a training session scheduled in Kolkata on Tuesday, but Gill is not expected to attend. Due to medical advice against commercial air travel for neck injury recovery, he is unlikely to fly with the squad to Guwahati on Wednesday. Head coach Gautam Gambhir stated that Gill is still under assessment, with the team physio set to conduct further evaluations. Gill’s absence in the fourth innings of the Kolkata Test left India short-handed, contributing to their 30-run loss. Gambhir emphasized the impact of Gill’s absence, noting that losing two early wickets left the team struggling. If Gill is ruled out, India may consider left-handed batsmen B Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal as replacements. Sudharsan has shown promise in recent matches, while Padikkal’s performance has been inconsistent. Gill was hospitalized after retiring hurt on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test, and the BCCI confirmed he would not participate further. This is not the first time Gill has faced such an issue; a similar injury sidelined him during a Test against New Zealand in October 2024. His workload has been under scrutiny, as he has been playing continuously across formats since IPL 2025 and recently returned from Australia after the T20I series.
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Clinical Pakistan whitewash Sri Lanka 3-0 in ODI series
Pakistan continued their cricketing dominance over Sri Lanka with a commanding 3-0 victory in the ODI series, marking their fourth consecutive series win against the island nation since 2015. The final match, held at Rawalpindi Stadium, saw Pakistan chase down a modest target of 212 with ease, finishing at 215-4 in 44.4 overs. Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 61 and Fakhar Zaman’s 55 were pivotal in the chase, supported by a solid 42 not out from Hussain Talat. Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Wasim (3-47), Haris Rauf, and Faisal Akram, restricted Sri Lanka to a below-par total. Despite a brief resurgence from Sri Lanka’s leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who claimed three wickets, Pakistan’s batting depth proved insurmountable. The series, however, was marred by security concerns following a suicide bombing in Islamabad, which led to a one-day delay in the second ODI. Enhanced security measures ensured the completion of the series, with both teams now set to compete in a T20 tri-series alongside Zimbabwe starting November 18.
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Dubai delivers a thriller as Fitzpatrick edges McIlroy in DP World Championship playoff
Dubai once again proved its mettle as a premier destination for sporting drama, hosting the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The tournament culminated in a nail-biting playoff between Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, delivering a spectacle that will be etched in golfing history. Fitzpatrick emerged victorious after McIlroy’s errant tee shot found the water, allowing Fitzpatrick to chip to three feet and secure the win with a par putt. This victory marked Fitzpatrick’s third DP World Tour Championship title, adding to his triumphs in 2016 and 2020. McIlroy, despite the heartbreak, secured his seventh Race to Dubai title, solidifying his status as Europe’s top player of the year. The event showcased the resilience and precision of both competitors, with McIlroy forcing the playoff with a stunning eagle on the 18th hole. Fitzpatrick’s victory was a testament to his meticulous preparation and unwavering focus, while McIlroy’s achievements throughout the year, including victories at the Masters and The Players Championship, underscored his dominance in the sport. The DP World Tour Championship continues to be a proving ground for golf’s elite, with Dubai’s world-class facilities and dramatic finishes cementing its reputation as a global hub for the sport.
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Look: India and Pakistan blind cricket female players shake hands defying recent trend
In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, blind women cricketers from India and Pakistan defied recent political tensions by shaking hands and exchanging compliments during a historic tournament in Sri Lanka. The event, described as the world’s first blind women’s T20 cricket tournament, took place at the Free Trade Zone grounds in Katunayake, 30 kilometers north of Colombo. The players, who traveled together on the same bus, showcased unity and mutual respect, contrasting sharply with the strained relations between their national teams. India secured a decisive victory, winning by eight wickets after restricting Pakistan to 135 runs in their 20 overs. Pakistan’s captain, Nimra Rafique, congratulated India on their win, while India’s captain, T. C. Deepika, praised Pakistan’s performance. The match, broadcast live on Sri Lanka’s national television, Rupavahini, was also followed by blind officials via YouTube commentary. Indian team manager Shika Shetty highlighted the tournament’s significance, calling it a groundbreaking opportunity for visually impaired women to excel in sports and inspire others. Pakistan’s coach, Tahir Mehmood Butt, emphasized the potential for blind cricket to empower young players. The tournament, which began in India and moved to Sri Lanka for its final stages, includes teams from Australia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the US, with the final scheduled for next Sunday in Colombo.
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Coach Gambhir questions ‘technique and temperament’ of Indian batters
Indian cricket coach Gautam Gambhir delivered a scathing critique of his team’s batting performance following their unexpected 30-run loss to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Chasing a modest target of 124 on a challenging, turning pitch, India collapsed to 93 all out in the second session of day three. Gambhir emphasized that the pitch was not unplayable but exposed the batters’ lack of technique, mental toughness, and temperament. Only Washington Sundar showed resilience with a gritty 31, while South African off-spinner Simon Harmer dominated with figures of 4-21. Gambhir refused to blame the pitch, stating, ‘Irrespective of how the wicket was, 124 was chaseable.’ He also highlighted the absence of skipper Shubman Gill, who was hospitalized due to a neck injury, as a significant setback. South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma, who scored a defiant 55 not out, acknowledged the pitch’s difficulty but praised his team’s application. The Proteas now aim to secure their first Test series win in India since 2000 as the second Test begins in Guwahati on Saturday.