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2023-08-15 07:14

Fans pray for Anna Cardwell as she poses with Eldridge Toney after Mama June revealed daughter's cancer is 'terminal': 'You got this'
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2023-07-15 13:05

Morocco quake leaves half of village's population dead or missing
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2023-09-11 04:56

Are the United States still the team to beat at the Women’s World Cup?
If you’ve won the past two World Cups, it seems fair to go into the next tournament with confidence. Naturally, the USA are comfortable in such a position. “Good luck with that,” Alex Morgan says in a pre-World Cup advert which centres around the topic of ‘how the rest of the world can stop the USA’. The four-time champions head into Australia and New Zealand on a high having formally signed their historic equal pay agreement last year - they filed their discrimination lawsuit against US Soccer before the previous World Cup in 2019. On the pitch, for the past eight years they’ve been the best, and they know it. But for how much longer? That will really be the defining question of this World Cup. At the Tokyo Olympics they were stunned by Sweden and then in the semi-finals by Canada, only finishing with a bronze medal. Last year, they lost three consecutive games to England, Spain and Germany. Europe, where the growth of women’s football has been driven by the European club game, is catching up. The USA squad is four years older: Morgan is 34, Megan Rapinoe, who will be retiring at the end of the season, is 37, and although several stars of the 2019 side remain, such as Rose Lavelle and Crystal Dunn, head coach Vlatko Andonovski’s squad contains 14 players who will be making their first appearances at the World Cup. There are two distinct generations in the squad, the old and the new, but it’s been some time since a USA team has been this inexperienced coming into a World Cup. Losing captain and centre-back Becky Sauerbrunn and star forwards Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario to injury just months before the tournament were key blows, as well. But the flip side is it gives the next generation the chance to shine. There are high hopes for Sophia Smith, who is the reigning USA player of the year, while the youngest member in the squad is the 18-year-old forward Alyssa Thompson. The first pick in the NWSL Draft last year is a potential breakout star. The USA should progress comfortably, although a rematch of the 2019 final against the Netherlands is one of the best fixtures in the group stage. The Dutch still have an impressive array of talent at their disposal, despite losing their star forward Vivianne Miedema to an ACL Injury, but a repeat of the performance four years ago would be a surprise. Both Portugal and Vietnam will be making their World Cup debuts and face experienced campaigners having drawn the finalists from last time out. United States Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars) Defenders: Alana Cook (OL Reign), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns), Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Kelley O’Hara (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign) Midfielders: Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville), Julie Ertz (Angel City), Lindsey Horan (Lyon), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit) Forwards: Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham) Group fixtures (all times BST) Saturday 22 July: USA vs Vietnam (02:00, Eden Park) Thursday 27 July: USA vs Netherlands (02:00 local time, Wellington Regional Stadium) Thursday 1 August: Portugal vs USA (08:00 local time, Eden Park) Key player Alex Morgan, the face of the US team and joint top scorer in France four years ago, is back for her fourth World Cup, arguably better than ever. Since helping the US to back-to-back titles, Morgan has given birth to her first child and at 33 is still scoring regularly in the NWSL. With forwards Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario, who would have competed for Morgan’s place in the side, out due to injury, the USA need their leader more than ever. The coach Vlatko Andonovski took over from Jill Ellis following the 2019 World Cup, faced with the task of taking a winning yet ageing team and transforming the squad. Perhaps there were always going to be bumps in the road and the 3-0 defeat to Sweden at the 2021 Olympics, which ended the team’s 44-match unbeaten run, was a sign of the challenge the Macedonian-American faces. Injuries before the World Cup have not helped. What are their chances? No other team comes close to the USA’s history in the World Cup. With titles in 1991, 1999, 2015 and 2019, they are looking to become the first country ever to win three World Cups in a row, men’s or women’s. As always, the expectation will be high. The US has the biggest following of any team at the tournament and anything less than a fifth World Cup will be considered to be a huge disappointment. The rise of the leading European teams, England, Spain, France and Germany, means the competition has never been greater. Netherlands Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Daphne van Domselaar (FC Twente), Lize Kop (Ajax), Jacintha Weimar (Feyenoord) Defenders: Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City), Caitlin Dijkstra (Twente), Merel van Dongen (Atletico Madrid), Stefanie van der Gragt (Inter Milan), Dominique Janssen (Wolfsburg), Aniek Nouwen (AC Milan), Lynn Wilms (Wolfsburg) Midfielders: Jill Baijings (Bayer Leverkusen), Danielle van de Donk (Lyon), Damaris Egurrola (Lyon), Jackie Groenen (PSG), Wieke Kaptein (FC Twente) Victoria Pelova (Arsenal), Jill Roord (Wolfsburg), Sherida Spitse (Ajax) Forwards: Lineth Beerensteyn (Juventus), Esmee Brugts (PSV), Renate Jansen (FC Twente), Lieke Martens (PSG), Katja Snoeijs (Everton) Group fixtures (all times BST) Sunday 23 July: Netherlands vs Portugal (08:30, Dunedin Stadium) Thursday 27 July: USA vs Netherlands (02:00, Wellington Regional Stadium) Thursday 1 August: Vietnam vs Netherlands (08:00 local time, Dunedin-Stadion) One to watch With Vivianne Miedema one of a number of star players across the World Cup to be ruled out with an ACL injury, the Netherlands will turn to a relatively unknown prospect for goals. Fenna Kalma only made her international debut in September but comes into the World Cup having scored 30 goals in just 20 appearances for FC Twente last season. Whether Kalma can take the step up is another question, but Lieke Martens, Danielle van de Donk and Jill Roord will hope to provide her with plenty of service. The coach Having won the Euros in 2017 and reaching the World Cup final in 2019, Sarina Wiegman left big shoes to fill upon departing the Netherlands. Mark Parsons, the Englishman, did not last long after the Dutch were knocked out of the Euros last summer in the quarter-finals, but Andries Jonker appears to be a more natural fit. An assistant to Louis van Gaal at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Jonker’s tactics appear to be inspired by his former boss. What are their chances? The Netherlands’ golden years under Wiegman and the amount of talent in Jonker’s squad have created the impression that the Dutch should be contenders in Australia and New Zealand this summer. It’s hard to read where the team are actually at, however. Results have been inconsistent over the past year and although they should reach the knockout stages without too many problems, their performance against the US should tell us more about their chances. Portugal Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Rute Costa (Benfica), Ines Pereira (Servette), Patricia Morais (Braga) Defenders: Ana Seica (Benfica), Carole da Silva Costa (Benfica), Catarina Amado (Benfica), Diana Gomes (Sevilla), Joana Marchao (Parma), Lucia Alves (Benfica), Silvia Rebelo (Benfica) Midfielders: Ana Rute (Braga), Andreia Norton (Benfica), Andreia Jacinto (Real Sociedad), Dolores Silva (Braga), Fatima Pinto (Deportivo Alaves), Kika Nazareth (Benfica), Tatiana Pinto (Levante) Forwards: Ana Borges (Sporting CP), Ana Capeta (Sporting CP), Carolina Mendes (Braga), Diana Silva (Sporting CP), Jessica Silva (Benfica), Telma Encarnacao (CS Maritimo) Group fixtures (all times BST) Saturday 23 July: Netherlands vs Portugal (08:30, Dunedin) Thursday 27 July: Portugal vs Vietnam (08:30, Hamilton) Thursday 1 August: Portugal vs USA (08:00, Auckland) Star player Jessica Silva is a baller who belongs on the World Cup stage. The Benfica forward has a tall and languid style but is devastating on the ball and is one of the most skillful attackers in the game. The coach Francisco Neto has helped Portugal along its steady upward trajectory since taking charge in 2014. They enter their first World Cup ranked at their highest ever position of 21st in the world, but will be looking to show they should still be much higher. What are their chances? Portugal will look to soak up pressure and sit back on their defensive organisation before hitting on the counter-attack. It frustrated England in a 0-0 draw before the World Cup, and could trouble the USA and Netherlands. But this is undoubtedly a hard group. Vietnam Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Tran Thị Kim Thanh (Ho Chi Minh), Khong Thị Hang (Than KSVN), Dao Thị Kieu Oanh (Hanoi) Defenders: Chuong Thi Kieu (Ho Chi Minh), Tran Thi Thu Thao (Ho Chi Minh), Tran Thi Thu (Ho Chi Minh), Hoang Thi Loan (Hanoi), Tran Thi Hai Linh (Hanoi), Le Thi Diem My (Than KSVN), Luong ThiThu Thuong (Than KSVN), Nguyen Thi My Anh (Thai Nguyen), Tran Thi Thuy Nga (Thai Nguyen) Midfielders: Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung (Ha Nam), Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy (Ho Chi Minh), Tran Thi Thuy Trang (Ho Chi Minh), Ngan Thi Vạn Su (Hanoi), Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha (Hanoi), Thai Thi Thao (Hanoi), Duong Thi Van (Than KSVN) Forwards: Phạm Hai Yen (Hanoi), Vu Thi Hoa (Ho Chi Minh), Nguyen Thị Thuy Hang (Than KSVN), Huynh Nhu (Lank Vilaverdense) Group fixtures (all times BST) Saturday 22 July: USA vs Vietnam (02:00, Eden Park) Thursday 27 July: Portugal vs Vietnam (08:30, Hamilton) Thursday 1 August: Vietnam vs Netherlands (08:00 local time, Dunedin-Stadion) One to watch As the only player in the Vietnam squad to play their football outside of the country and in Europe, striker Huynh Nhu will be familiar with some of her Group E rivals. The 32-year-old, who is Vietnam’s record goalscorer, plays for Portuguese side Lank Vilaverdense. The coach The experienced coach Mai Duc Chung, taking charge of his first and last major tournament, will look to bring the defensive organisation that earned Vietnam their historic place in the World Cup finals. Vietnam are one of the youngest teams in the tournament, with the women’s team only formed in 1990. What are their chances? Vietnam are featuring in their first ever World Cup, men’s or women’s, and the size of their task is clear. The USA and the Netherlands are two of the most experienced sides at the tournament, while Portugal have quality they could only dream of. Vietnam have plenty of spirit but getting at least a point would be considered a success. Read More Who are the threats to the Lionesses at the Women’s World Cup? Can Spain regroup from mutiny to challenge for the Women’s World Cup? The inspiration behind Australia’s shot at home World Cup glory ‘Empowered’ England won’t be distracted by bonus row, Lucy Bronze insists Germany and Alexandra Popp are out for revenge - the World Cup is the perfect chance Can Sweden turn heartbreak into Women’s World Cup history?
2023-07-19 15:13

Bundesliga top scorers 2023/24: Will Harry Kane be prolific at Bayern Munich?
Here are the players in the Bundesliga that could rival Harry Kane in the Bundesliga this season when it comes to goals.
2023-08-17 22:20

Who are Brianna Lafoe and Sierrah Newell? Women charged for tossing baby back and forth ‘like a toy’ outside Florida bar
Brianna Lafoe, aged 19, and Sierrah Newell, aged 20, were apprehended outside the Coyote Ugly Saloon on September 14
2023-09-19 17:03

Jessica Pegula reaches quarterfinals at Korea Open. Ons Jabeur wins opener at Zhengzhou Open
Jessica Pegula advanced to her 12th quarterfinal match of the season by beating Ashlyn Krueger 6-3, 6-1 at the Korea Open
2023-10-12 22:30

Boyhood Man Utd fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe poised to secure 25 per cent stake
The Glazer family’s search for new investors in Manchester United reaches the one-year mark on Wednesday, with boyhood fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe still poised to take a 25 per cent stake in the club in the coming days. The United owners announced on November 22 last year – during the Premier League’s World Cup recess – that they were “exploring strategic options” including a full sale of the club. One year on, Ratcliffe, the billionaire founder of chemicals company Ineos, is understood to be on the verge of a £1.25billion deal to secure a 25 per cent stake in United, but sources have indicated that an announcement may not come now until next week. If, as is anticipated, no deal is announced on the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, Monday would be the next earliest date that anything could be confirmed, with the Thanksgiving holiday period in the United States starting on Thursday. Ratcliffe is set to acquire significant control of football operations at United as part of his investment when it is ultimately confirmed, while it has also been reported that he would provide an additional £245million to upgrade club infrastructure. A takeover had been on the cards at one stage, with Ratcliffe and Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim the two publicly announced figures in contention to complete a buyout of the Glazers. Sheikh Jassim’s interest was first confirmed in February, but he withdrew from the process last month. The Sheikh Jassim bid was understood to have eventually reached around double the 3.2billion dollar (£2.6bn) market valuation of the Premier League club as it stood in October. The Qatari was believed to have also been prepared to pledge an additional 1.7bn dollars (£1.4bn) for infrastructure projects. The Glazers took over at United with a £790m leveraged buy-out in 2005, but throughout their tenure have faced significant opposition from supporters, which has only grown in recent years at a club that have not won the Premier League since 2013. Tensions rose noticeably in 2021 when the owners were heavily involved in plans to launch a European Super League, which were swiftly abandoned amid fan protests and opposition from football’s domestic and international governing bodies. United announced last week that Richard Arnold was stepping down as chief executive after less than two years in the job. Sources close to Ineos indicated they were not involved in Arnold’s departure, but it seems likely that further changes would be afoot once the deal is signed. Read More Saracens issue Ben Earl Six Nations injury update Gareth Southgate reveals what he learned from England’s November double-header Kyle Walker urges England to get mentality right in bid for Euro 2024 glory Phil Taylor to retire at the end of World Senior Darts Tour in 2024 On this day in 2007: England fail to qualify for Euro 2008 after Croatia defeat Jalen Hurts grabs double as Philadelphia Eagles avenge Super Bowl loss
2023-11-22 00:09

'Rust' movie armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed pleads not guilty, trial set for December 6
"Rust" film armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence in relation to the fatal shooting of the movie's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, court documents filed Wednesday and obtained by CNN show.
2023-08-11 06:13

Robinhood posts smaller-than-expected loss; shares rise
(Reuters) -Robinhood Inc posted a smaller-than-expected quarterly loss as the brokerage's margin trading business benefited from rising interest rates, while
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Klopp relishes Liverpool's titanic clash with Man City
Jurgen Klopp says he would watch Liverpool take on Manchester City "wherever I am on the planet" as he prepares his team for Saturday's eagerly...
2023-11-24 23:45

Nissan Shares Rise After Profit Outlook Tops Estimates
Nissan Motor Co. shares rose the most in almost a year after the carmaker raised its operating profit
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