List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

England head coach Sarina Wiegman has hailed the Lionesses’ “incredible” World Cup welcome in Australia. Around 3,000 spectators watched England train during an open session at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Queensland. “To see so many fans join us today was incredible,” Wiegman said. “We have received such a warm welcome from everyone since we arrived, it really feels like a home away from home for us and we are delighted to be here. “With the brilliant facilities and the excellent climate, we can’t think of anywhere better to get to work and finalise our preparation for the tournament.” England will step up their World Cup preparations with a behind-closed-doors game against Canada on Friday before travelling to Brisbane three days later, where they face their opening group match against Haiti on July 22. They will also meet Denmark in Sydney and China in Adelaide during the competition’s group stage.

Roberto Mancini agreed a new five-year contract with Manchester City on this day in 2012. However, just 10 months later the City dream had soured and the title-winning manager wound up being sacked. The Italian manager took charge at the Etihad Stadium in 2009 and helped accelerate the club’s revolution under owner Sheikh Mansour. Mancini was rewarded with a long-term new deal after steering City to their first top-flight title in 68 years, when the Manchester side won the 2011-12 Premier League. Sergio Aguero’s last-ditch winner toppled QPR and saw City edge out rivals and neighbours Manchester United to claim the league crown. Mancini replaced Mark Hughes in December 2009, leading his side to the 2011 FA Cup before swiping the English championship a year later. “I am delighted to be able to give all of my efforts to Manchester City for a further five years,” said Mancini on completing his new extended deal. “The opportunity which exists to build on our recent success is enormous.” Sadly for Mancini, that enormous opportunity for City did not extend to him for much longer. City lost the 2013 FA Cup final 1-0 to Wigan, with the Latics suffering Premier League relegation to sit alongside their cup glory. That proved the final straw for City’s owners, after United had already sewn up the Premier League title with two games to play. Mancini was unseated by City on May 13, 2013 – just two days after that FA Cup final defeat. Assistant Brian Kidd took charge for the final two league games, with United eventually ending with an 11-point margin on second-placed City. Mancini would move on to further club management roles with Galatasaray, Inter Milan and Zenit St Petersburg before claiming Euro 2020 glory as Italy coach. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Day four of third Ashes Test: England chasing 251 for victory at Headingley Wimbledon set for first Ukraine-Belarus clash of this year’s tournament Nasa Hataoka defies Pebble Beach conditions to seize US Women’s Open lead

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James Trafford saved a stoppage-time penalty to earn England European Under-21 Championship glory for the first time in 39 years as they edged past Spain. The Burnley goalkeeper repelled Abel Ruiz’s spot-kick, awarded after a VAR review in the sixth minute of added time, and then kept out substitute Aimar Oroz’s follow-up at the end of a pulsating contest at the Batumi Arena in Georgia. In the process, he became the first man to keep six clean sheets at the finals to help his side claim glory courtesy of a 1-0 victory, having not conceded a single goal at the tournament. Liverpool Curtis Jones’ had earlier given England, playing in front of senior boss Gareth Southgate, the lead in first-half stoppage time when he deflected Cole Palmer’s free-kick past keeper Arnau Tenas. A third title and a first since 1984 was delivered on a dramatic evening in Georgia which saw England coach Ashley Cole and one of his Spanish counterparts, as well as substituted midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Spain’s Antonio Blanco, sent off on the sidelines. Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon made his presence felt early on, cutting inside from Emile Smith Rowe’s pass to force Tenas into a fifth-minute save, with Palmer unable to convert the rebound, then turning smartly and crossing unselfishly to hand Gibbs-White a tap-in, had it not been for defender Jon Pacheco’s intervention. The Spanish response was concerted as Manchester City’s Sergio Gomez and Braga striker Ruiz brought their influence to bear. Trafford was sent sprawling across his goal by Alex Baena’s 16th-minute strike before defender Aitor Paredes glanced Gomez’s corner across goal, with Ruiz unable to reach the ball before it ran out of play. England, who had been guilty of repeatedly surrendered possession cheaply, started to fire, Palmer warming Tenas’ hands with a well-struck 25-yard drive and defender Levi Colwill heading Palmer’s free-kick against a post with the keeper beaten. But the Manchester City man played a key role as the deadlock was broken on the stroke of half-time. After Palmer had been tripped by club-mate Gomez, Jones, making a nuisance of himself in front of the defensive wall, unwittingly deflected his free-kick past the helpless Tenas. Colwill and Oihan Sancet were booked and England coach Cole and one of his Spanish counterparts sent off amid a melee in the wake of the goal, but the former Arsenal and Chelsea full-back’s side led at the break. Ruiz thought he had levelled within six minutes of the restart, but his bullet header from a Gomez free-kick was correctly ruled offside, although England looked rattled with Spain making a big push in the early stages of the half. However, they rallied and, with full-back Max Aarons providing another outlet down the left, began the threaten once again and Gibbs-White might have done better from Gordon’s 64th-minute pull-back, with the Spanish stretched. Tenas kept Spain in it by clawing away Jones’ attempt at the end of a pacy break seconds later and Ruiz should have levelled when he got his head to to Gomez’s 68th-minute cross, but missed the target by inches. But as the clock ticked towards the 96th minute, Norwegian referee Espen Eskas was advised to take a second look at Colwill’s challenge on Ruiz and ultimately pointed to the spot, but Trafford’s heroics sparked wild English celebrations. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Mark Cavendish’s Tour de France record attempt ends with stage eight crash Blink and it’s over – Aryna Sabalenka races into fourth round at Wimbledon Carlos Alcaraz made to work hard for place in fourth round at Wimbledon

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David de Gea has confirmed his departure from Manchester United after the expiry of his contract, sending a message to supports on social media to thank them for an “unforgettable and successful period”. The statement from the Spanish goalkeeper read: “I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years. We’ve achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club. I took incredible pride everytime I pulled on this shirt, to lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world was an honour only bestows upon a few lucky footballers. “It’s been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here. I didn’t think from leaving Madrid as a young boy we would achieve what we did together. “Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings. “Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me.” More to follow... Read More Man United transfer news: Mount signs and bid made for Onana Man Utd to continue David de Gea contract talks after current deal expires Tottenham Supporters’ Trust criticise ‘excessive’ rise in ticket prices

Former Netherlands and Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar’s condition remains stable but “still concerning” after suffering bleeding around his brain. The 52-year-old was admitted to intensive care on Friday and his family have expressed their gratitude for the messages of support they have received. “Edwin van der Sar will remain in intensive care for the time being,” said a statement by Ajax, where the Dutchman was chief executive until the end of last season. “His condition is stable but still concerning. Ajax shares this information on behalf of Annemarie van der Sar, Edwin’s wife. “The Van der Sar family, along with Ajax, is grateful and deeply touched by the many messages of support.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust has criticised the club’s plan to increase match day ticket prices for the 2023-24 season. Spurs announced in April that season-ticket prices would be frozen for the forthcoming campaign, the second year in a row they had kept prices the same with the cost-of-living crisis cited as a reason behind the decision. However, the supporters’ trust has revealed they were told on Friday about an increase in match day tickets that is due to be brought in for the upcoming season while there is now set to be six Category A fixtures, the most expensive ticket, with Newcastle bumped up from Category B. In addition to describing the increase as “excessive”, THST expressed their frustration over a lack of dialogue with the club. “We are aware of the club’s plans to increase match day ticket prices for the 2023/24 season. Our ticketing team was informed of the plans to increase match day pricing on Friday morning,” a statement from the supporters’ trust read. “The club is aware THST lobbied for a price freeze on all match day pricing and, having been informed this (Friday) morning, we along with the wider fanbase have been told rather than consulted. This must change if dialogue is to happen and supporter input is genuinely desired. “The club knows this is something THST cannot support and we feel an increase of this magnitude is excessive. “Our match tickets are already amongst the most expensive in the Premier League and fans should not have to dig further into their pockets when they are already seeing their living standards squeezed by the cost-of-living crisis. The club knows this is something THST cannot support and we feel an increase of this magnitude is excessive Tottenham Supporters' Trust “Whilst we recognise the increased operational costs and lack of European revenue for this coming season, we believe there are other ways the club can generate this lost revenue. This burden should never be pushed on to match-going supporters.” The PA news agency approached Tottenham for comment and a club spokesperson said: “We are fully aware of the current rising cost of living – and as such are one of only three Premier League clubs to freeze Season Ticket prices for the coming season. “Our match ticket prices are comparable to other London clubs, with a wide range of price points available for fans to choose from.” Meanwhile, Spurs captain Hugo Lloris’ future at the club remains uncertain despite being present for the first week of training under new boss Ange Postecoglou. Lloris has spent 11 seasons at Tottenham but made clear last month his desire to try a new challenge, with only 12 months left on his current contract. Spurs fly out for their pre-season tour of Perth, Bangkok and Singapore on Friday and a decision will need to be made over whether captain Lloris is part of the travelling party given interest from Inter Milan. Tottenham are open to selling Lloris for the right offer and an agreement could even be reached to terminate his terms a year early, the PA news agency understands. If Lloris was not to travel on Spurs’ pre-season tour, vice-captain Harry Kane may be asked to take on captaincy duties. Kane will return to training next week after time off following his involvement in England’s qualifiers at the start of June. Speculation over his future continues to intensify with only a year left on his deal, but PA understands Tottenham have offered the forward a new contract that is an increase on his current £200,000-a-week terms. While Kane is yet to make a decision on the contract, Spurs’ stance remains the same with their star striker not for sale despite Bayern Munich’s growing interest.

Rhiannon Roberts wants Wales to embrace “the show” as part of the United States’ Women’s World Cup send-off in California. Wales have made a 5,000-mile trip to take on the reigning World Cup holders and four-time champions in what will be a colourful occasion at San Jose’s PayPal Park. “We’re looking forward to the show and the way that they’re going to deliver everything,” Wales defender Roberts said ahead of Sunday’s meeting with the world’s number one ranked side. “But we’re also looking forward to testing ourselves against the best in the world. “If you play better teams you’re going to get better yourselves and, because we’re in the top league of the Nations League, we’ll be playing the best there as well. Sunday is a good place to start.” Wales have made great strides over recent years and narrowly missed out on making a first major tournament appearance at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Gemma Grainger’s side have regrouped after losing a World Cup play-off final to Switzerland to a last-minute goal and return to competitive action in September, with Denmark, Iceland and Germany for Nations League company. Roberts said: “We don’t see ourselves as the underdogs anymore. We’ve known for years that we can compete against the big nations. “Yes, it’s taken a little bit of time, but we’ve always had that belief we can do well against big nations. This is another learning curve for us before our Nations League matches.” Tottenham midfielder Angharad James will lead Wales in the absence of Chelsea’s Sophie Ingle, who is suspended after being sent off in the April draw with Portugal. But Wales expect to have Jess Fishlock, their most capped player, available even though the 36-year-old midfielder is set to play for her American club OL Reign in Florida just 45 hours before the California clash. “She’ll probably run off the plane to play,” said Roberts. “That’s something Jess would do. She’d rock up and say she’s good to play.” Roberts’ five-year spell at Liverpool came to an end this summer and the 32-year-old will play for Spanish club Real Betis next season. She said: “I was ready to leave Liverpool and I did have offers to stay in the UK. “But I fancied a new challenge and my husband was managing in Gibraltar. “So that’s why I was looking at clubs in Spain, especially the southern side of Spain. He’s come home now so that’s fun! “Betis is a massive club and Seville is a beautiful city. It’s a different culture and a different language, one I’m really looking forward to learning.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Leona Maguire in touch as Bailey Tardy leads US Women’s Open On this day in 2017: Owen Farrell secures series draw for Lions in New Zealand Day three of third Ashes Test: England eyeing early wickets with storms forecast

Northwestern University has suspended head football coach Pat Fitzgerald for two weeks without pay following an investigation into allegations of hazing within the Wildcats' program, the school announced Friday.

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Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was not a fan of his former Penn State head coach James Franklin being all about in-class attendance in college and all that good nerd book stuff.Oh, James Franklin would have hated me so much in college...There are people who go to class, and the...