Analysis: 10 favorites found different ways to win Sunday around the NFL
Dallas dominated
2023-11-20 19:16
Talking points as Wales look to pip Croatia to Euro 2024 spot in final round
Wales welcome Turkey to Cardiff for their final Euro 2024 qualifier on Tuesday.Rob Page’s side must win and hope Croatia do not beat Armenia in order to secure automatic European Championship qualification and avoid the play-offs in March. Here, the PA news agency studies some of the main talking points surrounding the game. Favour needed Wales’ disappointing 1-1 draw in Armenia on Saturday took automatic qualification out of their hands heading in to the final round of matches. Croatia seized advantage by winning 2-0 in Latvia to move in to the box-seat and claim the second spot behind Turkey. The mathematics for Wales are simple: nothing other than beating Turkey will do, while praying Croatia do not finish with victory. Armenia have been Wales’ bogeymen in this group by taking four points from them, but they now need a huge favour from the team ranked 95 in the world. Play-off lifeline Amid the gloom of a flat performance against Armenia in Yerevan and Croatia’s subsequent success a few hours later, it was overlooked that Wales actually secured a play-off spot on Saturday due to other results across Europe. Wales would have suffered the agony of missing out on the play-offs had three from Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland and the Czech Republic missed out on automatic qualification. While Italy and the Czechs await their fate on Monday, Netherlands’ 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland and Switzerland’s 1-1 draw with Kosovo secured their places at Euro 2024 and gave Wales a play-off safety net. Wales now hope Italy and the Czech Republic confirm their places in Germany next summer and provide them with a home play-off semi-final in March. Will the real Wales stand up? Two months, two games, two very contrasting displays. October saw Wales produce one of their best performances of recent times as Croatia, World Cup semi-finalists less than 12 months ago, were downed in 2-1 in Cardiff. Confidence was running high going into November’s camp but, having been stunned by an early Armenia goal, Wales were disjointed and fortunate not to lose again to a team ranked 67 places below them in FIFA’s world order. Boss Rob Page’s task now is to rediscover the fizz and fluency that swept aside Croatia and shelve the anxiety and hesitancy that bedevilled them in Armenia. Defensive Locks? Wales must make at least one change with defender Chris Mepham suspended after collecting a third booking of the campaign in Armenia. Tom Lockyer has had an eventful time over the last six months – winning promotion with Luton and requiring heart surgery after collapsing on the Wembley turf in the Championship play-off final. But Lockyer, known as ‘Locks’, might get the nod over Ben Cabango to join Joe Rodon and skipper Ben Davies in Wales’ three-man central defence against Turkey. Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson could also be restored to the attack, despite an underwhelming second-half performance off the bench in Armenia. Talented Turkey Turkey are on the rise again after missing out on the 2022 World Cup and underperforming at the last two European Championships when exiting at the group stage. Having sacked Stefan Kuntz and appointed Vincenzo Montella as head coach halfway through Euro 2024 qualification, Turkey have won five of their seven games and sewed up a top-two spot last month. Turkey avenged a solitary defeat to Croatia by winning 1-0 in Osijek, and their soaring confidence was underlined by a 3-2 friendly victory over Germany in Berlin on Saturday. Real Madrid’s Arda Guler, who scored in sensational style against Wales in June, and Kenan Yildiz, of Juventus, are both 18-year-old attacking midfielders and rated two of the brightest prospects in European football. Read More Australia handle pressure as India come up short – Cricket World Cup uncovered On this day in 2015: Eddie Jones appointed England’s first overseas head coach The sporting weekend in pictures Steve Clarke happy to toast Scotland fans after ‘strange’ draw with Norway Gareth Southgate targeting top of the world as England drive for Euros glory Rico Lewis hopes his versatility helps him make late push for Euro 2024 squad
2023-11-20 18:59
Is North Macedonia vs England on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Euros qualifier tonight
England conclude their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign as they travel to face North Macedonia on Monday night. Gareth Southgate’s side laboured to a 2-0 draw against lowly Malta at Wembley on Friday night and will be looking for a much-improved performance in what is one of their last competitive fixtures before next summer in Germany. North Macedonia sit fourth in Group C although they gave Italy a scare on Friday night before eventually fading to a 5-2 defeat to leave the Azzurri on the brink of qualification for Euro 2024. Here’s everything you need to know. Get all the latest football betting sites offers here. When is North Macedonia vs England? North Macedonia vs England is due to kick off at 7.45pm GMT tonight, Monday 20 November, at the National Arena Tose Proeski in Skopje. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Channel 4, with coverage on the channel from 7pm GMT. A live stream will be available via the Channel 4 website and app. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider. Team news Gareth Southgate has had to deal with a host of injuries in this camp with Jude Bellingham, James Maddison, Levi Colwill, Callum Wilson and Lewis Dunk all pulling out, while Kalvin Phillips was unavailable for personal reasons. Kieran Tripper has since also departed the squad due to a personal matter, Jarrod Bowen is injured, while Marcus Rashford might not be risked on Monday after being substituted following a collision with Trent Alexander-Arnold in the game against Malta. North Macedonia head coach Blagoja Milevski, meanwhile, may look to rotate his team following their defeat against Italy, with Jani Atanasov - scorer of a brace off the bench against Italy - potentially in line for a start. Predicted line-ups North Macedonia XI: Dimitrievski, Ashkovski, Serafimov, Musliu, Dimoski, Atanasov, Elezi, Alioski, Ristovski, Bardhi, Elmas. England XI: Pickford; Walker, Konsa, Maguire, Lewis; Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Gallagher; Grealish, Kane, Saka. Odds North Macedonia win 18/1 Draw 13/2 Malta win 1/7 Prediction A much-improved England performance, albeit against sterner opposition. North Macedonia 1-4 England. Read More Scotland sign off on successful Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with six-goal thriller Gareth Southgate wants vastly-improved display from England in North Macedonia Jarrod Bowen adds to England withdrawals after injury in training Kieran Trippier withdraws from England squad ahead of trip to North Macedonia Is Scotland vs Norway on TV? Channel, time and how to watch Wales relying on a Croatia slip-up after only drawing in Armenia
2023-11-20 18:50
Why Katie Taylor’s rematch with Chantelle Cameron has all the makings of a classic
It was a hard, hard night back in May for Katie Taylor when she lost for the first time as a professional boxer. This Saturday, back in Dublin, she fights Chantelle Cameron again and this time it is personal. The belts mean nothing, it is all about revenge and for Cameron it is all about respect. In many ways, Cameron was the underdog the first time, she was defending her four belts at super-lightweight, but she was the opponent for Taylor’s triumphant return to Ireland. She knew her role, played it perfectly all week and then ruined the fairytale on fight night. This time it is different, and she will not play the loser once the week’s events start. She will start as the favourite, the champion, the conqueror. But it will probably still all be about Katie. “I’m the champion and I need to start getting a bit more respect,” said Cameron. She is not angry, just looking for a bit more recognition for her role in the fight. Cameron is unbeaten in 18 fights and arguably the No 1 attraction in the women’s game; beating Taylor comes with benefits. Back in May, there was tremendous pressure on Taylor and that was part of the attraction, part of the fight’s story; Taylor could have picked an easy fight for her return to Ireland, but she picked the unbeaten, four-belt champion from the weight above. It was a bold move; Cameron praised her at the time. Taylor is now 37, the Cameron fight was her 17th consecutive world-title fight. She was, for years, untouchable as an amateur and won Olympic, European and World championships. She once went on a winning streak of 62; she does not like losing and the build to this rematch has been intense. It was a very personal defeat for Taylor, a loss she was never going to take in her stride. “I have watched the fight, made some adjustments,” said Taylor. “I’m not concerned with what Cameron is doing; I’m only concerned with what I can do.” In the lexicon of Katie Taylor quotes, that is close to trash talk. In May, Cameron started fast, stayed fast and it took Taylor four or five rounds to get going; it was tight in the last few rounds, but Cameron secured victory in the first five. One judge scored a draw, the other two went for Cameron by two rounds. Taylor never complained and, more importantly, the capacity crowd of 10,000 never booed. It was a great fight. The rematch was obvious from the last bell, perhaps even sooner. There was talk of the fight being in Cameron’s hometown of Northampton, but the romantic pull of Dublin, revenge, redemption and one of the world’s smartest audiences, led the two women back to the venue, the 3Arena on the banks of the Liffey. The money was also in Dublin. Cameron will deliver her four super-lightweight belts again on Saturday night, Taylor will move up in weight once again, and their rivalry will lead to a fierce fight. The rematch might be better; Taylor has to win. And Cameron knows that she can repeat the first victory; there are a lot of big, big fights for Cameron, who is 32, if she can win. There are, arguably, even bigger fights for Taylor if she can win; one of those fights might be a scuffle with reason, and the pull of finally walking away. Taylor has devoted nearly 30 years of her life to this unforgiving business. All fighters want to leave on a high, after a great win. Make no mistake, Taylor will always be boxing’s queen. There is far more pressure on Taylor this time and far less pressure on Cameron; they both have a calmness in fight week that is deceptive. This week might just be different as Taylor seeks revenge, and Cameron another win. She is also determined to get the credit that she has perhaps not quite received in full from the first dramatic fight. A repeat is likely, a classic is certain. Read More Taylor questions whether women’s boxing is capable of switch to three-minute rounds Katie Taylor ‘aware of what is at stake’ in Chantelle Cameron rematch What is an exhibition fight and how is it different to a professional bout? What is an exhibition fight and how is it different to a professional bout? The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings Tyson Fury unleashes explosive verbal assault on Oleksandr Usyk at face-off in London
2023-11-20 18:24
Bronny James warms up before USC game for first time this season
Bronny James warmed up with his USC teammates before a game for the first time this season according to a school spokesman after suffering a cardiac arrest in July
2023-11-20 15:17
Esports superstar Faker's team wins trophy at the League of Legends World Championship
South Korea’s esports powerhouse T1 has won the League of Legends World Championship by defeating China-based Weibo Gaming
2023-11-20 14:54
James scores season-high 37, hits go-ahead free throw as Lakers hold off Rockets 105-104
LeBron James scored a season-high 37 points, including the go-ahead free throw with 1.9 seconds remaining, and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the Houston Rockets 105-104
2023-11-20 13:49
Wilson, Sutton hook up for winning TD as Broncos rally to end Vikings' 5-game winning streak, 21-20
Russell Wilson's 15-yard touchdown throw to Courtland Sutton with 1:03 remaining propelled the Denver Broncos past the Minnesota Vikings 21-20
2023-11-20 13:20
Durant leads Suns past Jazz for second time in three days
Kevin Durant totaled 39 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 140-137 double overtime win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday night
2023-11-20 12:52
Gilgeous-Alexander has 28 points and OKC Thunder routs Blazers 134-91 for 5th straight win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 28 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder won their fifth straight game with a 134-91 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers
2023-11-20 12:50
Jets' Saleh non-committal on his starting QB after Wilson was pulled for Boyle vs. Bills
New York Jets coach Robert Saleh opened the door to a potential quarterback shuffle after benching Zach Wilson and going with backup Tim Boyle for the final 17 minutes of a loss to the Buffalo Bills
2023-11-20 12:26
Kristaps Porzingis scores 26, including winning dunk with a minute left as Celtics defeat Grizzlies
Kristaps Porzingis scored 26 points, including the winning dunk with 1:01 left as the the Boston Celtics held on for a 102-100 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies
2023-11-20 12:22