Wednesday 3 July 2024
ADIDF1 MERCEDES-AMG
🚨Adidas will replace Puma and leisurewear partner Tommy Hilfiger next season.
- Mercedes are preparing for life without Lewis Hamilton, who is heading to Ferrari.
- The new sponsorship deal is expected to exceed the current £6 million per year agreement.
- Adidas will become the official team clothing and merchandising partner for the Formula One team next season.
Tuesday 2 July 2024
CRISTIANO RONALDO CONFIRMS EURO 2024 WILL BE HIS LAST
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the European Championship in Germany will be "without a doubt" the last of his impressive career.
The 2024 Euros mark Ronaldo's record-breaking sixth appearance in a European Championships.
The next tournament will be hosted by the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland in four years, when Ronaldo will be 43.
"Without a doubt it's the last Euro [for me], of course it is," Ronaldo told Portugal TV's RTP.
"But I'm not emotional about that. I'm moved by everything that football entails, by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm I see in the fans, having my family here, people's passion... it's not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win?"
Ronaldo, who made his debut with Portugal in 2003 and won the tournament 2016, is the men's all-time leading scorer with 130 goals.
"The most important thing about the journey I've been on is the enthusiasm I still have for being here," he said.
"It's 20 years representing and playing with the national team, bringing joy to people, to the family, my children, that is what motivates me most."
Ronaldo's mental strength was tested on Monday when he saw his 114th-minute penalty shot kept out by Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Portugal won the round-of-16 game, beating Slovenia in a penalty shootout that saw Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa save all three of Slovenia's attempts.
The Al Nassr superstar broke down in tears as the game went to a penalty shootout and had to be consoled by his teammates.
"It's football; those who fail are those who try, too," Ronaldo said. "I will always do my best for this shirt, whether I fail or not.
"As you saw, I missed the penalty but I wanted to be the first to score [on the penalty shootout] because you have to take responsibility when the team has to. You can't be afraid, I've never been afraid to face things head on, sometimes I get it right, sometimes I don't, but giving up is something you'll never hear from my name."
Ronaldo, who is the record goal scorer in the history of the competition with 14 goals, has yet to find the back of the net in Germany.
"Obviously it's frustrating when we can't score, but it's football," the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said.
"In the end, the result was positive was the most important thing.
"I lose twice this year on penalties [to Al Ain in a penalty shootout in the Asian Champions League quarterfinals and to Al Hilal in the King Cup of Champions final], and now I won.
"I think football sometimes has to be fair, and it was fair because I think Portugal deserved to win."
Portugal will now face France in the quarterfinals on Friday.
"We will now have a difficult game against France, who are the favourites to win the competition along with Germany and Spain," Ronaldo said.
"But we are going to war -- this is football. The team is doing well, this [win against Slovenia] was a boost of energy that the team had, and we will fight until the end."
EURO 2024 UPDATES: MBAPPÉ STRUGGLES AGAIN AS FRANCE GET LUCKY
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| Kylian Mbappe cuts a frustrated figure after he again failed to find for against Belgium. Marius Becker/picture alliance via Getty Images |
The lead: France vs. Belgium
DÜSSELDORF, Germany -- Thanks to Euro 2024's top scorer -- an own goal by Jan Vertonghen being the ninth time at this tournament a player has put the ball into their net -- Kylian Mbappé will get another chance to make his mark in Germany. Vertonghen deflected substitute Randal Kolo Muani's late effort into his own net as pre-tournament favourites France beat Belgium to advance to the quarterfinals, but the masked Mbappé once again struggled to make an impact.
France fans did everything they could to help him feel comfortable, some sporting masks in solidarity with their star player after he broke his nose in their opening game against Austria, but the Real Madrid forward is struggling to find his best football. He managed five shots against Belgium and now has a tournament-high 15 in total -- joint with Germany's Kai Havertz, who has played one game more -- but has just one goal to show for his efforts: a penalty against Poland.
Having had the chance to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly and against Poland while wearing the mask, the expectation was he would take centre stage against Belgium. However, he looked out of sorts on the left, with coach Didier Deschamps opting to keep Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann pinned to the flanks. The roars of expectation that greeted his early touches slowly petered out, although that was in part due to the fact this quickly turned into a drab affair. Belgium were happy to sit back and wait for their chance. France were unable to create much in the final third other than long-range strikes from Aurélien Tchouaméni, the majority of which landed in the Rhein river.
If anything, it looked like the remaining vanguard of Belgium's Golden Generation might nick it in front of the red wall of Belgian support behind Mike Maignan's goal. Maignan, though, saved brilliantly, first from Romelu Lukaku and then Kevin De Bruyne to keep the game on a knife's edge. Two minutes after De Bruyne's 83rd-minute shot, which was well struck, the winner arrived. Kolo Muani's shot was off target, but it deflected off 37-year-old Vertonghen and found the back of the net. De Bruyne sunk to the floor, aware of how the tie had just been decided by the finest of margins.
At full-time, though, it was still Mbappé the cameras honed in on. A young fan raced onto the pitch, security hunting him down. But Mbappé told them to let him stay for a few seconds and grab his selfie. Then he headed off to celebrate in front of the France fans, finally able to free himself of a mask which he says has been difficult to get used to. He will hope his act of kindness with the selfie-hunter will earn him some good karma in the quarterfinal against Portugal, when he will get another chance to make this tournament his. -- Sam Marsden
Ronaldo, who was in tears after Jan Oblak saved his spot-kick, scored in the shootout and immediately held up his hands to apologise to the Portugal fans for his earlier error. In the end it didn't matter because Costa first denied Benjamin Sesko when the RB Leipzig striker was sent clean through by a Pepe mistake and then saved all three Slovenia penalties in the shootout. Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva scored to set up a quarterfinal tie against France in Hamburg on Friday.
Head coach Roberto Martinez wore a beaming smile as Silva scored the decisive kick, but he will know he's got problems to solve before facing France. The issue of whether Ronaldo should be starting or not aside, his team boast some of the best attacking players in the world but they struggled to break down a stubborn Slovenia side.
Oblak made a fantastic save to stop Ronaldo's penalty, but had very little else to do except watch his defenders crowd the box and head clear the flurry of crosses aimed at the Al Nassr striker.
At times, Ronaldo looked overtaken by desperation as he tried everything to score his first goal of the tournament. He will get another chance against France, but unless Martinez solves some of the issues around how his team attack, Portugal's journey will end there. -- Rob Dawson
The beers are on me
Each of the venues at Euro 2024 is serviced by hundreds of volunteers, and one in particular has become well known for a very special talent.
Fans who have attended games in Germany have been helped around the stadiums by people wearing green jackets, with one working at Cologne's RheinEnergieStadion becoming famous for his ability to carry jugs of beer on his head.
He's been spotted at each of the group games Cologne has hosted, and he was in action again ahead of Spain's round-of-16 4-1 victory against Georgia on Sunday night.
Walking around the stadium with six jugs of beer perched on his head, he was routinely stopped by supporters and other stadium workers to pose for pictures. He obliged everyone before carrying on his journey and, most importantly, not a single drop of beer was spilled.
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| A Euro 2024 volunteer expertly balances beer on his head. Rob Dawson |
Bellingham hits the right notes
England star Jude Bellingham is impacting on the music scene as well as the scoring charts at Euro 2024, with a surge in downloads of the Beatles classic "Hey Jude."
According to data released by Spotify, streams of Hey Jude increased by 35% in the hours after Bellingham's stoppage-time equaliser against Slovakia on Sunday. Bellingham's goal saved England from defeat and elimination before Harry Kane scored to seal a 2-1 win after extra time.
England's win also saw other songs enjoy a spike in popularity, with streams of "Southgate, You're the One" up by 137%.
Streams of Baddiel, Skinner and Lightning Seeds' "Three Lions (Football's Coming Home)" jumped by 146%, and Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" went up by 48%.
Rice hits back at Slovakia
England midfielder Declan Rice carried the fight to Slovakia long after the final whistle of Sunday's win.
As players, staff and match officials exchanged words and handshakes at the final whistle, Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona pushed Rice in the chest as he tried to talk to Turkish referee Umut Meler.
Rice allegedly offered some choice language in return. Lipreading expert Jeremy Freeman has claimed Rice made a derogatory comment about Calzona's baldness, and the pair had to be separated.
Calzona gave his version of events shortly afterward. "Rice was supposed to go to the referees and say goodbye and leave," he began. "I had to speak to the referees and he was carrying on and continuing to speak then he apologised and it all ended there."
Although it didn't. Rice was still clearly irked by prematch suggestions from the Slovakia camp that their greater team unity could outmatch England's individual quality.
"There's that inner fight and spirit in us that a few Slovakian players before the game said that we didn't have," Rice said. "We've got that togetherness, we proved that out there tonight. We'll die for each other out there. We'll do anything to protect this manager, protect each other."
The standard of England's general play has been well short of expectations, despite reaching the quarterfinals, but Rice is making sure their hunger still comes to the fore.
Rock, paper, scissors ... water
As Spain's squad celebrated their win over Georgia in front of their supporters in Cologne, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal remained in the middle of the pitch playing rock, paper, scissors.
For some reason, there was only one water bottle available and this was their way of settling who got to drink first. First round? Rock and rock, draw. Second round? Paper and paper, draw. Third round? Scissors and paper, the spoils -- and the water -- to Williams.
Williams and Yamal have been two of the stars of Spain's run to a quarterfinal with hosts Germany on and off the pitch. They tore Georgia apart -- Williams scored one goal and assisted another, while Yamal had one assist -- and then treated fans to some of their latest dance moves, which have been TikTok-perfected during the tournament. There is a real bromance developing. It was an extra special night for Williams, too, who had his brother, Athletic Club teammate Iñaki, in the stands cheering him on. -- Sam Marsden
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| Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have danced their way through the tournament. Image Photo Agency/Getty Images |
Musiala enters Germany record books
Jamal Musiala has already carved his name into Euro 2024 as one of the stars of the tournament, and the Germany forward has now created his own piece of history for the national team, too.
Musiala, 21, is a leading contender for the tournament's Golden Boot award having scored three times for Julian Nagelsmann's team and his goal in Saturday's 2-0 round-of-16 win against Denmark has been recorded as the 1,000th goal scored by Germany in a competitive match.
There are some iconic names on the list of previous German goal scorers including Gerd Muller, Jurgen Klinsmann, Lothar Matthaus and Miroslav Klose, but Musiala now holds the distinction of taking Die Mannschaft to the landmark.
For the record, Germany have conceded 394 goals in competitive football, so they go into Friday's quarterfinal against Spain in Stuttgart with a goal difference of +606.
In matches at a European Championship, Germany have 88 goals and 57 goals conceded (goal difference: +31). -- Mark Ogden
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| Jamal Musiala celebrates after scoring Germany's 1,000th goal. Ralf Ibing - firo sportphoto/Getty Images |
Yakin the fashion icon
Switzerland and their head coach, Murat Yakin, have been a big hit in this tournament after some impressive performances -- including Saturday's 2-0 win over Italy in the round of 16. What has also been a big hit are the glasses worn by Yakin. He has become a bit of a fashion icon on social media and his look is being heavily commented on, especially by women.
Yakin has worn two different pairs of glasses in these Euros. One is a set of retro glasses with a distinctive black frame from the Zurich optician label Götti. The model is called Reyes and costs around €515 euros.
The other set is semi-transparent and from the Swiss designer brand Nirvan Javan. They were made by the opticians at Bellevue Optics in Zurich. The model is called Tokyo 04:01 (JST) and costs €545, according to the website.
Both models have become really popular since Yakin has been seen wearing them. He has also been displaying a Carl F Bucherer watch during the tournament and is an ambassador for the watchmaker from Lucerne. The Patravi TravelTec II model on his wrist is worth ... €11,000. -- Julien Laurens.
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| Murat Yakin sports his Götti glasses in the win over Italy. Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images via Getty Images |
Stat of the day
Jan Vertonghen's own goal was the ninth scored at Euro 2024, the second-most in a single tournament (after 11 at Euro 2020) -- ESPN Stats & Info
Match previews for Tuesday
Romania vs. Netherlands (Munich; 6 p.m. local / midday ET)
Odds (via ESPN BET): Romania +600, Draw +350, Netherlands -230
Having topped Group E to set up a round-of-16 tie against Netherlands in Munich, Romania now believe they can reach at the least the semifinals of Euro 2024 after being handed a favourable path to the final four.
"We have unity, we have courage and we have determination," goalkeeper Florin Nita said. "We achieved our target before the start of this championship, which was to reach the knockout stages, but after this nice period, the others and I all wish from the bottom of our hearts to go as far as possible in this competition. Why not? Beat Netherlands and, afterwards, Turkey or Austria."
The Dutch go into the game with pressure increasing on the team and coach Ronald Koeman to deliver a performance to match the quality of a squad that only got out of their group as a best third-place team.
And forward Memphis Depay, who scored his first goal of Euro 2024 in the group stage defeat against Austria, says the "friction" around the Dutch can work in their favour.
"The atmosphere is good," Depay said. "But a journey is never perfect. A bit of friction is normal. We are together for a month, focused on getting results. If the results aren't what you want, it's logical that you're irritated. Like I said before, if there's no friction then there's no polish." -- Ogden
Austria vs. Turkey (Leipzig; 9 p.m. local / 3 p.m. ET)
Odds: Austria -105, Draw +230, Turkey +300
After topping a group that included France and Netherlands, Austria have rapidly been promoted to dark horses in many observers' eyes. Coach Ralf Rangnick, never one to display false modesty, accepts that his crew have turned heads with their intense, high-risk, high-reward style.
Against Turkey, they'll be without the suspended Patrick Wimmer, but it's less of a blow since Rangnick loves to rotate in certain positions. Indeed, two of his more experienced players - both of whom started the first two matches but were rested against the Dutch - Konrad Laimer and Christoph Baumgartner -- are likely to start and be rested for this game.
Indeed, midfielders Marcel Sabitzer, Nicolas Seiwald and Florian Grillitsch and right-back Stefan Posch are the only outfield players who have started all three matches, which speaks to Rangnick's vision of interchangeability and freshness.
Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella will need to cope without the suspended Samet Akaydin and, especially, Hakan Çalhanoglu, his captain. At the back, goalkeeper Mert Günok is still not fully fit but is likely to start ahead of Altay Bayindir, who struggled in Turkey's second group stage match.
On the positive front, Abdülkerim Bardakci is back from suspension and teenage sensations Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz have looked impressive. -- Gabriele Marcotti
Betting tip (odds via ESPN BET)
Austria impressed a lot in the group stage, and I expect that fine form to continue. They have been labelled the surprise package of the tournament, which is testament to their performances leading up to this tie with Turkey. Austria advance in 90 minutes. -105 -- Dan Thomas
One big read
Fans of Turkey have flooded the streets on their way to the stadiums. Emin Sansar/Anadolu via Getty Images
It was well past 1 a.m. local time in Hamburg on Wednesday night, but there were still cars racing around the city centre, horns beeping, flags fluttering from their windows.
A few hours earlier, Turkey had sealed their passage into the knockout rounds of Euro 2024 with a 2-1 win over Czechia, and the scene around the Hamburg fan park -- in the shadow of the giant World War II anti-aircraft bunker at Feldstrasse -- could have been Istanbul or Ankara rather than Germany.
The scene was re-created in Dortmund ahead of Turkey's first two group games against Georgia and Portugal, and it will be the same in Leipzig when they meet Austria.
Turkey bid to host Euro 2024 only to be beaten in the vote by Germany, but ferocious support all over the country has made this feel like a home tournament.
- Dawson: Can droves of Turkey fans push their team at Euro 2024?
And finally ...
It looked like any football fan in attendance at Glastonbury would have to miss out on watching England's game against Slovakia after festival organisers decided against screening any European Championship fixtures at this year's event.
However, a saviour emerged in the somewhat unlikely form of a famous pop star who just so happened to purchase a flat-screen TV and then rigged it up in the public area in order to stream the game live.
Louis Tomlinson of One Direction reportedly purchased the TV (and a generator with which to power it) from a store on the morning of the England game and initially attempted to set it up in the VIP section of the site. However, his efforts were thwarted by a weak Wi-Fi signal.
He then relocated his television to the campsite, found a stream for the match and sat and watched with his friends and hundreds of fellow supporters as the drama (slowly) unfolded.
Tomlinson is a known football fanatic and has even previously made an appearance for the reserve side of his beloved Doncaster Rovers in 2013.
- ESPN
Monday 1 July 2024
JAYY-Z WITH LEBRON JAMES, KANYE & FOXY BROWN
Kanye West, Jay-Z, Lebron James and Foxy Brown for XXL (2005)
#kanyewest
#jayz
#lebronjames
#foxybrown
#hiphop
RICK ROSS FLAMES NEPOTISM NARRATIVE ON BRONNY JAMES: "YOU MOTHERF**KERS GOT A JOB BY SOMEBODY YOU KNOW"
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| Rick Ross flames nepotism narrative on Bronny James. (Credits: @bronny/Instagram, @richforever/Instagram) |
When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronny James as the 55th pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft, a nepotism narrative was popularised in the community. Some fans accused LeBron James of abusing his position in the Lakers team to get his son inside the NBA.
However, American rapper Rick Ross has come to Bronny James' aid, countering the hate on social media:
"Nepotism-Nepotism. You all making me sick, every two years you'all coming up with a new word. 'The Narrative', 'Toxicity', 'Toxic', now it is Nepotism. 85% all you motherf**kers got a job by somebody you know."
Ross further said that many are making a big deal out of a 55th-pick signing. He remarked that Bronny James was a bigger star than 95% of the players in the league, with a brand value that surpasses most.He called out the fans for hypocrisy, noting how many seek to get into concerts for free through their connections. Lastly, he asked Bronny to do the iconic chalk dust throw and leg pump celebration that his father made famous in the NBA to shut down the haters.
Bronny James shares his reaction to getting drafted by the Lakers
The never-thought-possible duo of a father and son playing on the same NBA team became a reality when the Lakers drafted Bronny James. The former USC Trojans player shared his reaction by uploading a post by the Los Angeles Lakers on his story and accompanied it with the caption:
The post featured an image of him along with details of his draft pick, welcoming him to the Lakers. Some have been pushing the narrative of nepotism because the athlete did not have the best stats to back him up.
He averaged a modest 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his freshman year at the Trojans. While these numbers are not associated with an NBA draft pick, it's to be noted that Bronny missed most of the season due to a cardiac arrest on the court and required medical care midway through the campaign.He was cleared just before the NBA draft combine, where he impressed many with his skills and ranged shooting prowess.
- Avi Shravan
DEONTAY WILDIER THROWN COMEBACK LIFELINE IN THE FORM OF SHOCK
Deontay Wilder is on the verge of retirement after back-to-back losses in Saudi Arabia.
The American heavyweight previously held the WBC World Title between 2015 and 2020 before coming up against Tyson Fury in their second bout of three and getting knocked out.
Wilder would lose the trilogy in a similar fashion and take a year out of the ring before returning with a one-round blow out of former sparring partner Robert Helenius. Another year of inactivity followed before he decided to pursue the one big-money bout left for him – Anthony Joshua.
To get it, he would have to beat Joseph Parker, but failed to do so, losing wide over the twelve round distance. He had another chance to set up the ‘AJ’ fight with a win against Zhilei Zhang this June whereas a loss, according to Wilder himself, could spell the end of his career. He was knocked out in the fifth.
The 37-year-old hasn’t officially commented on his status in the sport but a number of fighters and pundits have called on him to make good on the retirement promise. One who hasn’t is WBC Bridgerweight Champion Lawrence Okolie, who said he would happily put his belt on the line against ‘The Bronze Bomber.’
Okolie won the relatively new title from Lukasz Rozanski via first round demolition. Bridgerweight fills the gap – albeit one few in the sport believed was there – between cruiser and heavyweight with a limit of 224lbs. Wilder has regularly weighed in comfortably at around 215 throughout his career.
Given the Bridgerweight ranks are sparse for now, the WBC’s President Mauricio Sulaiman has now cleared the path for Wilder to accept Okolie’s challenge by saying the sanctioning body ‘would approve’ it. Should he want to add another weight class to his legacy before retiring, this is now a very real option.
I am sure that if Wilder wishes to fight vs the Bridgerweight champion the WBC would approve but we have not received anything from our dear Deontay camp https://t.co/bDoLgVaKiU
— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) June 30, 2024
- Kerr Ferguson
MCLAREN'S ANDREA STELLA: MAX VERSTAPPEN'S DRIVING UNPUNISHED
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| Andrea Stella said the FIA should tighten the rules around racing incidents. Mark Thompson/Getty Images |
SPIELBERG, Austria -- McLaren team principal Andrea Stella believes the collision between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen at the Austrian Grand Prix was a legacy of the Dutchman's driving style going unpunished during his title battle with Lewis Hamilton in 2021.
The contact between the two drivers at the head of the race at the Red Bull Ring resulted in punctures for both, allowing George Russell to inherit the lead and take the victory.
The stewards gave Verstappen a 10-second penalty for causing the collision, but Stella believes it would not have happened if he had been punished for transgressions earlier in his career.
"The entire population of the world knows who was responsible except for a group of people," The McLaren boss said.
"If you don't address these things honestly, they will come back. They weren't addressed properly in the past when there were fights with Lewis that needed to be punished in a harsher way.
"Like this, you learn how to race in a certain way."
Asked if he was referring specifically to the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix, where Verstappen forced Hamilton off the track in a battle for the lead but was not punished, Stella said: "There were many episodes.
"We have so much respect for Red Bull, and for Max, that they don't need to do this.
"Almost compromise your reputation? Why would you do that? The stewards found Max was fully to blame in this episode. It's not about racing in a driver's way. It's about driving within the regulations.
"The regulations must be enforced in a way that is effective. When a car is out of the race, as a consequence, then the punishment needs to be proportionate to the outcome.
"Before this episode, twice he moved in braking. It is evident that we have to enforce the way to go racing."
Stella called on the FIA to review its rules around racing and enforce stronger penalties or face a situation where Verstappen continues to push beyond the limits of what's acceptable.
"I think that's it. In every kind of human dynamics, if you don't address things, as soon as you introduce competition, as soon as you introduce a sense of injustice, these things escalate. It's like anything.
"Here there was incomplete job, let's say, that comes from the past, and is a legacy that as soon as there was a trigger, immediately there is an outburst.
"Immediately it became a case that escalated. So I think this one like I said before, this episode today should be taken as an opportunity to tighten up, to plump up the boundaries, and in fairness, enforcing some of the rules that are already in place.
"But we need to be very clear that these rules cannot be abused in a way that then leaves a margin to do a couple of times the same manoeuvre, and you know the third time there is going to be an accident.
"Like I say, there is obviously frustration to today, but for me what is important is this is now taken as an opportunity for the FIA, for the sport, so that we can in the future hopefully enjoy more of these battles that means McLaren is in condition to race Red Bull, but knowing that this is not going to end up with a collision.
"For us, there's a lot of points gone. And a victory which I think Lando deserved to have the opportunity to have. It could have been Max, it could have been Lando. That's racing. But racing like with collisions, we don't like it."
- Laurence Edmondson, F1 Editor
NORRIS COLLISION REOPENS DISCUSSION OF VERSTAPPEN RACECRAFT
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| Max Verstappen and Lando Norris battled intensely in Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix, ultimately colliding on Lap 64. EPA/MARTIN DIVISEK |
SPIELBERG, Austria -- It was a case of the famous paradox: an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.
Lando Norris had the faster car at Formula One's Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday, but Max Verstappen held the lead. Both in some way felt entitled to victory; neither could stomach second place.
Ultimately, something had to give. After occupying the top two steps of the podium at five of the six races prior to Austria, there was a sense of inevitability that the two drivers would end up squabbling over the same piece of asphalt sooner or later.
Close friends off the track (to the extent that Verstappen partied with Norris into the early hours when he beat the three-time defending world champion to victory in Miami in May), their on-track rivalry has been ratcheting up in recent races. In Miami and Canada, a safety car period conspired to switch their positions (once in favour of Norris, the next in favour of Verstappen), but at the last round in Spain, Norris put Verstappen on the grass on the crucial run down to Turn 1.
There were always smiles after, along with a recognition of each other's talent, but in Austria, the intensity of the battle made for a very different tone.
Norris made four clear attempts to take the lead from Verstappen at Turn 3 on Sunday afternoon.
The first, on Lap 55 of 71, saw him look to the inside, only to be blocked by Verstappen moving across his front wing. It looked as though the Red Bull driver moved under braking -- one of the biggest taboos in wheel-to-wheel racing -- but with Norris able to take avoiding action and neither driver forced off the track, it passed the fair play test and whetted the appetite for what might come next.
On Norris' second attempt four laps later, he signaled his move to the inside later and launched his McLaren to the right of the Red Bull at the last second. In asking his tyres to turn and slow down simultaneously -- a demand this generation of Pirellis routinely struggle with -- Norris locked up under braking and sailed wide through the corner.
In doing so, he exceeded track limits for the fourth time in the race, meaning he was destined for a five-second time penalty. It would have been an unsatisfactory way to decide such an epic battle, and while Verstappen didn't appear to move under braking anywhere near as much as the first occasion, Norris complained in the hope of getting himself off the hook for the track limits infringement.
"He can't keep moving after I've moved, it's just dangerous," Norris said over team radio. "Otherwise we are going to have a big shunt."
Whatever Verstappen was doing under braking, it was keeping Norris behind and, up to that point, avoiding the attention of the stewards. Pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable during wheel-to-wheel racing is all part of Verstappen's driving style -- a hardwired desire to keep the position at all costs.
He routinely gives his rivals the choice of colliding or backing off, but very rarely the option of a clean overtake. It was a trait exposed multiple times during his intense 2021 title battle with Lewis Hamilton, famously resulting in a collision at Monza, and in putting both cars deep in the run-off area in Brazil.
Verstappen's dominance of the following two seasons meant he could more often rely on the performance of his Red Bull to get him out of trouble and rarely had to engage his most uncompromising mindset. On Sunday, though, it was different: If he lost the lead to the McLaren, it was unlikely he'd get it back.
- Laurence Edmondson, F1 Editor
CAVENDISH STRUGGLES, BARDET WINS STAGE 1 OF TOUR DE FRANCE
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| Dario Belingheri//Getty Images |
RIMINI, Italy -- Two-time podium finisher Romain Bardet won the opening stage of the Tour de France and claimed the yellow jersey on Saturday as cycling's biggest race began in Italy for the first time.
Combined with severe heat, one of the most challenging opening legs in recent memory created problems for Mark Cavendish and many other riders.
Tadej Pogacar, who is aiming to follow up his Giro d'Italia title with a third Tour trophy, and two-time defending champion Jonas Vingegaard both finished safely in the main pack, though.
Vingegaard's performance was especially encouraging, considering he was hospitalized for nearly two weeks in April following a high-speed crash in the Tour of the Basque Country. He sustained a broken collarbone and ribs and a collapsed lung and had not raced since.
Bardet, the Frenchman who finished second in 2016 and third in 2017 and is racing his last Tour, attacked with slightly more than 50 kilometers (30 miles) to go. He caught up with his DSM-Firmenich PostNL teammate Frank van den Broek, who was in an early breakaway, and the pair just barely held off the onrushing peloton in the flat finish.
Bardet surged ahead of his teammate at the line and pointed to him to say, "Thank you."
It was Bardet's fourth career stage win in the Tour, and first since 2017.
"The yellow jersey was the last goal of my career. But, to be honest, I had come to terms with it," said Bardet, who had announced he will retire this year. "I've been really close before. I've been within touching distance. I've just never been able to do it. Today, I wasn't sure it was going to happen but I had a great teammate with me."
The 206-kilometer (128-mile) route from Florence to the Adriatic coastal resort of Rimini featured seven categorized climbs and more than 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) of ascending. The temperature soared to 36 degrees (97 F).
Cavendish vomited twice and dropped far behind on the very first climb, putting at risk his pursuit of breaking a tie with Eddy Merckx for the most career stage wins in the Tour. But he just finished within the time limit. Cavendish and Merckx have 34 wins each.
World champion Mathieu Van der Poel was dropped midway through the stage when Pogacar's UAE Team Emirates squad started accelerating at the front of the peloton up the fourth climb of the day.
The opening four stages are in Italy, marking the first time in the 121-year history of the Tour that the race has begun in France's southern neighbor.
Bardet and Van den Broek finished with the same time of slightly more than five hours.
Wout van Aert won a sprint for third, crossing five seconds behind, and Pogacar crossed fourth with the same time.
"It was incredibly hot, and then we had the wind in our faces, so it was a really extraordinary scenario that we were taking on," Bardet said.
In the overall standings, Bardet leads Van den Broek by four seconds with Van Aert 11 seconds back in third. Pogacar stands fourth, 15 seconds back - the same gap as Vingegaard.
There was an early mishap for Czech rider Jan Hirt, who broke three teeth when he collided with a spectator's backpack in the neutral zone before the actual start of the stage. A key support rider for Remco Evenepoel at Soudal-Quick Step, Hirt still managed to complete the stage.
Stage 2 on Sunday is also hilly, following a 199-kilometer (124-mile) route from Cesenatico to Bologna. The stage is dedicated to 1998 Tour champion Marco Pantani, who was from Cesenatico, and will pass by a museum dedicated to the Italian rider, who died in 2004.
Because of a clash with the Olympics, the Tour will finish in Nice on July 21, five days before the Paris Games open.
- Associated Press
EURO 2024: ENGLAND'S JUDE BELLINGHAM UNDER UEFA INVESTIGATION
Jude Bellingham is being investigated by UEFA for allegedly "breaching the basic rules of decent conduct" by motioning to grab his crotch in front of the Slovakia bench after scoring a stoppage-time equaliser during England's Euro 2024 round-of-16 win in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on Sunday.
Bellingham, 21, said on social media that the action was an "inside joke to friends," but UEFA has instructed its disciplinary body to investigate the gesture.
A source has told ESPN the Real Madrid midfielder could face a fine or ban if found guilty, but UEFA are still investigating at this stage.
Previous instances of a similar gesture from Cristiano Ronaldo and Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone in the Champions League in 2019 were met with €20k fines but no bans.
England are due to play Switzerland in the quarterfinal in Düsseldorf on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Monday, UEFA said: "A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match.
"Information on this matter will be made available in due course."
The English FA have also been charged by UEFA with supporter-related issues following the Slovakia game.
UEFA are investigating a "lack of order or discipline by supporters" and the "lighting of fireworks."
- Mark Ogden, Senior Writer, ESPN FC
EURO 2024: JUDE BELLINGHAM QUOTES QUOTES ROOSEVELT AFTER ENGLAND WIN
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| Jude Bellingham scored the equaliser in the 96th minute of stoppage time for England against Slovakia. Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/2024 AMA Sports Photo Agency |
Jude Bellingham has quoted former American president Theodore Roosevelt in response to his critics after scoring a crucial equaliser six minutes into stoppage time during England's Euro 2024 round of 16 win against Slovakia.
Bellingham, who marked his 21st birthday on Saturday, saved England from defeat with a scissor-kick goal with just seconds remaining in Sunday's game in Gelsenkirchen.
The Real Madrid midfielder turned away and mouthed 'Who Else?' as he celebrated his goal which took the tie into extra-time before England captain Harry Kane headed a winning goal to seal a 2-1 win and secure a quarterfinal spot against Switzerland on Saturday.
After a series of poor performances in Germany, Bellingham had been under pressure to live up to his reputation as one of the game's greatest young talents for Gareth Southgate's side.
Following his goal-scoring contribution, Bellingham posted an extract of 'The Man In the Arena,' part of a speech made famous by Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, after it was delivered in Paris in 1910.
Bellingham posted on Instragram: "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming.
"But who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause.
"Who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
Bellingham said in his post-match interview that playing for England is "difficult" and talked of a "pile on" of criticism.
"Playing for England is an enjoyable feeling but it's also a lot of pressure," he said.
"You hear people talk a lot of rubbish. It's nice when you can deliver and give them a little bit back.
"It's very difficult when you talk in press conferences and interviews to talk as openly as footballers want to because they're always judged. For me, football, being on the pitch, scoring goals and celebrating is my release.
"People talk a lot. You do have to take it personally a little bit. We work so hard at this game.
"We come in every day, we work hard to put on a performance for the fans, sometimes it doesn't go well and sometimes it feels like there's a a bit of a pile on, it's not nice to hear.
"But you can always use it and for moments like that, it's nice to throw it back to some people."
England manager Southgate will be forced to make at least one change to his team against Switzerland after defender Marc Guéhi received a yellow card against Slovakia that triggered a one-match suspension for the quarterfinals.
- Mark Ogden, Senior Writer, ESPN FC
PAUL POGBA WITH FRENCH FANS BEFORE THE BELGIUM GAME
Paul Pogba takes a selfie with the France fans before the France vs Belgium game.
MAN UNITED STEP UP PURSUIT OF DE MATTHIJS DE LIGT - SOURCES
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| Matthijs de Ligt is being lined up by Manchester United. Mateo Villalba/Getty Images |
Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, sources have told ESPN.
United have made contact with De Ligt's representatives and an official approach to Bayern is expected soon.
The club have turned their attention to the Netherlands international, who is available from Bayern, after reaching an impasse in their talks with Everton over a deal for Jarrad Branthwaite.
United have already seen a bid of £43 million including add-ons rejected by Everton, who value the 22-year-old at around £70m.
Manager Erik ten Hag is keen to bring in at least one centre-back this summer to replace Raphaël Varane, who left Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of the season. Sources have told ESPN that there is also interest in Lille's Leny Yoro and Marc Guéhi at Crystal Palace.
Real Madrid are leading the race to sign 18-year-old Yoro and Liverpool are also interested in Guehi, who has impressed for England at Euro 2024.
Signing at least one centre-back is a key part of United's summer recruitment plan, as well as bringing in a striker and a central midfielder. United have followed De Ligt since his breakthrough at Ajax and were interested before he moved to Juventus in 2019.
He joined Bayern in 2022 but has slipped down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena. The Bundesliga giants signed Kim Min-Jae from Napoli last summer and are keen to bring in Germany international Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen before the start of the new season.
United are open to offers for Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire this summer. Fenerbahce are interested in Lindelof, who has a year left on his contract, but there has not yet been a formal approach to United.
The club remain in talks with Jonny Evans about a new contract. If Lindelof or Maguire leave, United will push to bring in two centre-backs, although the recruitment department are conscious that finances are tight and the squad needs another striker to replace Anthony Martial, who has left after the expiry of his contract.
- Rob Dawson, Correspondent
PAUL GEORGE AGREE TO 4-YEAR, $212M DEAL WITH 76ERS, SOURCES SAY
Free agent forward Paul George has agreed on a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources told ESPN early Monday morning.
George's deal -- which sources said includes a player option on the final season in 2027-28 -- brings him back to the Eastern Conference to partner with MVP center Joel Embiid and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey in pursuit of upending the NBA champion Boston Celtics.
George and his agent, Aaron Mintz of CAA, met in Los Angeles with a 76ers contingent that included owner Josh Harris, president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, general manager Elton Brand and Sixers legend Julius Erving, sources said. The Sixers even brought a front office executive, Peter Dinwiddie, who is a familiar face and friend of George's from their years together with the Indiana Pacers, sources said.
The meeting came on the heels of months of unsuccessful negotiations between George and the LA Clippers on a deal to stay in his Southern California home.
Embiid, Maxey and George were All-Stars last season and form one of the most formidable big threes in recent NBA history -- featuring an ideal roster balance among an explosive lead guard in Maxey, an elite two-way wing player in George and a dominant big man in Embiid.
George, a 34-year-old nine-time All-Star, spent the past five seasons with the Clippers and averaged 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals over 263 regular-season games with LA.
But now George, traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017 before a trade to the Clippers two years later as part of LA's move to sign Kawhi Leonard as a free agent, has moved on. The Clippers and George had been speaking for months about a potential deal but never came close to an agreement. George wanted four years on a new deal, and the Clippers offered three, sources said.
The Clippers issued a statement Sunday saying that George had told them he planned to sign with another team.
"Paul is a tremendous talent and an elite two-way player. We feel fortunate for the five years we spent with him," the Clippers said. "Over that span, he went to three All-Star Games, made the most 3-pointers in franchise history and helped lead the team to a place it had never been. His performances in Games 5 and 6 against Utah in 2021 won't be forgotten by anyone associated with the Clippers.
"We traded a lot to pair Paul and Kawhi [Leonard], and in exchange, we had five seasons of contention. Even though we fell short of our ultimate objective, we appreciate the chances we had with Paul."
Now George will be hoping to reach that ultimate objective -- winning an NBA championship -- alongside Embiid and Maxey in Philadelphia. George's arrival could give the Sixers the firepower to take on the Celtics.
One important development late Sunday for George, sources said: the Sixers' agreement on a two-year, $16.3 million deal with shooting guard Kelly Oubre Jr. The 76ers also reached agreements with veteran guard Eric Gordon and center Andre Drummond on Sunday, sources said.
Since the Pacers drafted him 10th overall in 2010, George has become one of the NBA's preeminent wing players -- even while recovering from a devastating leg injury suffered ahead of the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
George is one of eight players to make at least nine All-Star teams since he entered the league, joining LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, James Harden, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis. He's also a six-time All-NBA selection, including a first-team selection in 2019.
After missing most of the 2014-15 season, George has reestablished himself as one of the top two-way perimeter players in the league, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists this past season.
ESPN's Tim Bontemps contributed to this report.
- Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN
JAPAN ACE DAICHI KAMADA SEALS PREMIER LEAGUE MOVE WITH CRYSTAL PALACE
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| Japan international Daichi Kamada has sealed a move to Premier League outfit Crystal Palace on a two-year deal after leaving Lazio on a free transfer at the end of last season. Kenta Harada/Getty Images |
Japan international Daichi Kamada has secured a move to the Premier League after signing a two-year deal with Crystal Palace, subject to international clearance.
Palace announced the free transfer on Monday, confirming a move that was long rumoured since it became increasingly likely that Kamada would not be extending his stay with Lazio after just one season with the Serie A outfit.
In moving to Selhurst Park, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder will reunite with manager Oliver Glasner, whom he played under with Eintracht Frankfurt when the Bundesliga club won the Europa League back in the 2021-22 season.
Having began his career in the J1 League with Sagan Tosu, Kamada got his big move to Europe when he signed for Frankfurt in 2017 but initially had to find his feet on loan at Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truiden.
An impressive campaign that saw him score 16 goals in 36 games eventually earned him a chance to prove his worth in Germany, where he would go on to notch a commendable tally of 40 goals and 33 assists in 179 appearances for Frankfurt.
"I'm excited to be joining Crystal Palace, and to be working with Oliver -- who is a coach I know well -- again," Kamada said on the club's official website.
"I am looking forward to testing myself in the Premier League, and hopefully the club and I can achieve all of our objectives together."
Palace charirman Steve Parish expressed delight at Kamada's capture, stating: "Daichi is a truly exceptional talent.
"He has been one of Europe's best attacking midfielders in recent reasons and his experience, technical quality and commitment mark him out as an excellent addition to our already talented squad.
"I am delighted that Daichi has chosen to join Crystal Palace from the many options he had and work once more with Oliver. I am certain Palace fans will relish watching him in the weeks, months and years to come at Selhurst Park."
Palace are coming off a fine campaign that saw them finish in the top half of the Premier League for the first time since 2014-15.
Nonetheless, with a host of star names -- including Michael Olise -- potentially on their way out, the South London outfit have wasted no time in bringing in reinforcements -- with Kamada's arrival following that of Morocco international Chadi Riad.
Kamada's move to Palace takes Japan's contingent in the Premier League to four as he joins Samurai Blue captain Wataru Endo of Liverpool, Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu and Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma while Daiki Hashioka is also on the books of Luton Town, although they suffered relegation last term.
Since wining his first senior cap in 2019, Kamada has established himself as one of Japan's best players and featured at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
ALCARAZ, SINNER AND GAUFF HEADLINE OPENING DAU ACTION
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| Reuters |
Carlos Alcaraz will be the main attraction on the opening day of Wimbledon as the Spaniard begins his quest to retain the title while later in the day world number one Jannik Sinner will look to put down an early marker in his opening match.
Alcaraz, 21, beat Novak Djokovic to the title a year ago and has since taken his Grand Slam haul to three after winning the French Open earlier this month and despite being seeded three will be favourite to rack up number four.
He will open Centre Court action against Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal in the first of what he hopes will be seven matches to become only the fourth player in the professional era to win four Slams at age 21 or under.
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| Reuters |
World number 269 Lajal, who is one week younger than Alcaraz, is bidding to become the third man in history to defeat the defending champion in the first round at Wimbledon.
"Obviously I want to put my name on that short list to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year," Alcaraz, who could join Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer and Djokovic by achieving that feat, told reporters.
"I know that it's going to be a really difficult and big challenge for me, but I think I'm ready to do it."
Italy's Sinner, who won this year's Australian Open and knocked Novak Djokovic off the top of the rankings, faces a vastly more experienced opponent in Germany's Yannick Hanfmann.
There will be home interest on Centre Court's opening day schedule with Emma Raducanu returning after missing out last year because of injury.
The 2021 U.S. Open champion, who required a wildcard as she works her way back up the rankings, faces a tough test against Russian 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.
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| Reuters |
"For me, I feel like it's just a great opportunity to try to get a good scalp, try to enjoy playing how I have been in the last few weeks, and just get back into it," Raducanu said.
Coco Gauff, enjoying a strong season, concludes Centre Court action on the opening day as the women's second seed takes on fellow American Caroline Dolehide while on Court One, Aryna Sabalenka, the third seed and many people's favourite for the title, opens against American Emina Bektas.
"I think everybody has an equal shot and it's just about who can perform better that week," Gauff said.
Russian Daniil Medvedev is first on Court One with Sinner book-ending the day on the second-biggest court.
Fans flooding in to the All England Club, many having camped out overnight, will be spoilt for choice with big names in action across the outside courts with Norway's eighth seed Casper Ruud, who has more wins than any player on the ATP Tour this year, up against Australian Alex Bolt.
- Martyn Herman
LYLES, MCLAUGHLIN-VORONE LEAD US OLYMPIC TEAM AFTER IMPRESSIVE TRIALS
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| USA TODAY Sports |
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's world record run in the 400 hurdles wrapped up the U.S. Olympic trials in style on Sunday in Eugene, Oregon, where Noah Lyles showed he will have a real shot at taking the sprint double in Paris.
McLaughlin-Levrone broke the world record for the fifth time in her career, taking the tape in 50.65 seconds to the delight of track fans at Hayward Field.
"There's something really exciting about trying to figure out how to improve upon history," she told reporters.
Three years after the U.S. men failed to collect a single individual track gold in Tokyo, Lyles emerged as his country's brightest hope in both the 100 and 200.
He equaled his personal best to win the 100m in 9.83 before posting the fastest time of the year - 19.53 - in the longer sprint, his signature event.
"I definitely thrive off pressure. I thrive off big moments," he told reporters. "The bigger the moment, the faster I run."
Sha'Carri Richardson dominated the women's 100 with the season's fastest time 10.71, three years after a positive test for cannabis shattered her dream of competing at the Tokyo Games.
The world champion and U.S. fan favourite left Hayward Field with a smile despite coming up short in the 200, where she finished fourth.
In the 200, Tokyo bronze medallist Gabby Thomas had the world lead in the semi-finals and the second-fastest time of the year in the final, underlining her claim as the top Paris contender.
"In our sport, especially with the women, there are always going to be some really good contenders on the line and I think I've proven I can line up with anyone and come out on top," said Thomas.
Olympic men's 400 hurdles silver medallist Rai Benjamin cruised to victory in 46.46, the fifth-fastest performance of all time.
Three-time world champion Grant Holloway won the 110 hurdles in a blistering 12.86, with Freddie Crittenden (12.93) and Daniel Roberts (12.96) joining him as the only three men to crack 13 seconds this year.
The 10-day trials stuck largely to the script but was not without surprises, with Olympic champion Athing Mu missing out on a trip to Paris when she tripped and fell in the 800 final.
And Masai Russell (12.25) overcame an experienced field that included 2019 world champion Nia Ali and Tokyo silver medallist Keni Harrison to win the 100 hurdles and book her first trip to the Games.
In the field, shot put world record holder Ryan Crouser won his event with a throw of 22.84 metres after overcoming injuries earlier this season.
Tokyo gold medallist Valarie Allman sent a message with a 70.73 throw to win the discus, while world champion Chase Jackson won the women's shot put with 20.10.
Tara Davis-Woodhall overcame early nerves to win the women's long jump in 7.00 metres, underlining her claim as the favourite in Paris.
- Reuters
EXCLUSIVE PEEK INSIDE: ERLING HAALAND EXPLORES HIS FATHER'S OPULENT MARBELLA PENTHOUSE ALONGSIDE HIS GIRLFRIEND
The Maп City star already owпs a home iп the Costa del Sol resort Ƅυt is lookiпg to add aпother property to his portfolio.
It is kпowп that his father – former Leeds aпd Maп City midfielder – Mr. Alf-Iпge Haalaпd, receпtly Ƅoυght a property at the пew Epic MarƄella complex, a deʋelopmeпt of 74 apartmeпts iп the heart of the famoυs Goldeп Mile. the soυпd of the towп.
Weariпg aп oraпge shirt aпd shorts, Haalaпd aпd his girlfrieпd Johaпseп, iп jeaпs aпd a simple T-shirt, were spotted strolliпg aroυпd oп a golf cart Ƅefore leaʋiпg the property oп Thυrsday morning
Accordiпg to the project’s weƄsite, the askiпg price for a foυr-Ƅedroom, three-Ƅathroom peпthoυse starts at more thaп 3 millioп eυros (£2.5 millioп). The complex iпclυdes a ciпema room, a state-of-the-art fitпess ceпter aпd a spa with a heated iпdoor pool, dedicated treatmeпt rooms, two saυпas aпd other ameпities.
Haalaпd will retυrп to actioп oп Satυrday as Maп City coпtiпυe their qυest for a secoпd coпsecυtiʋe treƄle Ƅy hostiпg Newcastle iп the FA Cυp qυarter-fiпals.
Maп City are third iп the Premier Leagυe staпdiпgs, oпe poiпt Ƅehiпd Arseпal aпd Liʋerpool after a 1-1 draw at Aпfield last Sυпday.
The Premier Leagυe champioпs will host Arseпal at the Etihad oп Sυпday aпd will fiпd oυt their oppoпeпts iп the Champioпs Leagυe qυarter-fiпals oп Friday.
Despite Ƅeiпg aƄseпt for пearly 2 moпths dυe to aп aпkle ιпjυry, Haalaпd still scored 29 goals iп 33 appearaпces this seasoп. The Norwegiaп player coυld пot haʋe had a more impressiʋe deƄυt seasoп after joiпiпg Maп City from Borυssia Dortmυпd for £51 millioп iп the sυmmer of 2022, wiппiпg the treƄle aпd settiпg a record for scoriпg iп a seasoп. Premier Leagυe with 36 goals/38 matches.
Up to пow, Haalaпd has scored 81 goals iп 86 appearaпces for Maп City aпd Ƅecame the seʋeпth highest goal scorer iп the clυƄ’s history.
- Football Today-24h
FORMER YOUNG AFRICANS SPORTS CLUB SPONSOR & CHAIRMAN YUSUF MANJI HAS PASSED AWAY IN FLORIDA
The businessman was undergoing treatment in Florida. No further information about what caused his demise but speculation has it that he had heart problems.
The news of his passing was availed by his son, Mehbun Manji.
SABINA CHEBICHI | KENYAN 🇰🇪 ATHLETICS HISTORY
Meet Sabina Chebichi. Born on 13/5/1959 in Nairobi Kenya, she won her first marathon in 1973 while barefoot and wearing nothing but a petticoat. Sabina went on to become the first Kenyan 🇰🇪 female athlete to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games in 1974
#talykenya
THE FRENCH BASKETBALL REVOLUTION ARRIVES AT THE 2024 NBA DRAFT
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| Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (left) and Washington Wizards center/forward Alexandre Sarr during the 2024 NBA draft June 26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images |
NEW YORK – On the 101st floor of the Edge building, NBA draft prospect Alexandre Sarr appeared on top of the world with the spotlight on him and France.
During a panel discussion with Kenny “The Jet” Smith, Australia National Basketball League commissioner Jeremy Loeliger turned to Sarr and said, “There is something in the water in France. It’s a special time in France.”
Those words certainly rang true as France waved its flag high during the first round of the 2024 NBA draft on Wednesday. The San Antonio Spurs selected Victor Wembanyama No. 1 in 2023, and another Frenchman was the first overall pick in the draft when the Atlanta Hawks selected Zaccharie Risacher on Wednesday. Fellow Frenchmen followed, with Sarr going second to the Washington Wizards, Tidjane Salaün going sixth to the Charlotte Hornets and Pacôme Dadiet going 25th to the New York Knicks. French forward Melvin Ajinça is a candidate to be drafted in the second round on Thursday.
“That’s amazing. We are trying to represent our country, and I’m so glad to be a part of it,” Risacher said. “There are more players coming in. I’m really proud of being a part of the success of my country. Trying to understand what Victor, [Minnesota Timberwolves center] Rudy [Gobert] or other French players [went through] really helped me to develop myself as a player, first of all, in France, and hopefully now in the NBA.”
The first draft for the NBA, then known as the Basketball Association of America, took place in 1947 with Clifton McNeely selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Ironmen. The first international player selected first overall was Mychal Thompson of the Bahamas by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1978. Through the 2022 NBA draft, Bahamas, Nigeria, Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, China, Australia, Italy and Canada all had No. 1 picks.
It wasn’t until the 2023 draft that France finally had a No. 1 selection when Wembanyama was taken by the Spurs. A record 14 French players were on opening-night rosters last season, and the NBA says the level of talent coming out of France is driving significant interest in the country.
Suddenly, France appeared to become a basketball hotbed.
“We have a lot of young kids that believe,” Gobert told Andscape. “It started with the older generation that paved the way for us and now we are paving the way for the younger guys. And now, any kid that grows up in France dreams and believes they can make it to the NBA one day.”
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| NBA draft prospects Alexandre Sarr (left) and Tidjane Salaün (right) attend the 2024 NBA draft June 26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.MIKE LAWRENCE/NBAE VIA GETTY IMAGES |
The 2024 NBA draft was the first time that three players outside the United States were taken within the first 10 picks in the modern draft era (since 1966). Two of the three players from Europe taken first overall – Risacher, Wembanyama and Andrea Bargnani (Italy) – are from France. With the selection of Sarr, it was the first time in NBA history that the first two picks were French and international. Salaün, who turns 19 on Aug. 10, is also the youngest French player to get drafted since Ian Mahinmi was drafted by the Spurs in 2005.
Risacher says he wasn’t surprised that France had three players taken in the top 6. Sarr and Salaün agreed.
“The basketball in France has improved, and that’s why we are here in this draft. Three French players in the top 10, it’s not nothing,” said Salaün, whose mother is of Malian and Guadeloupean descent.
“It just shows the amount of talent that we have in France,” Sarr said.
“Thirty years ago, we decided to mostly focus on French and African players. And people were telling us that we were crazy and we would never make money because the best players were American. We had two clients at that time, but you know the game is becoming global.”
— Bouna Ndiaye, co-founder and CEO of Comsport
So how did the NBA’s French revolution begin?
Rudy Bourgarel, Gobert’s father, played forward at Marist College from 1985 to 1988 with center Rik Smits, who went on to play for the Indiana Pacers. The 7-foot Bourgarel averaged 10.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks during his junior year but was not drafted by the NBA in 1989 despite interest. Bourgarel ended up playing professionally in France and eventually moved to Guadeloupe.
“I heard he was going to get drafted, but the French national team wanted him to play for them, so he had to pass on the workouts and the draft in order to do that,” Gobert told Andscape in 2020. “He told the French team no. The French national team made him come back to France to do to his military service. Those days, you had to do it. He didn’t end up doing any military service, but he was forced to come back to France, so he couldn’t do NBA workouts.
“But if he went to the NBA, I wouldn’t be here. It’s destiny. After that happened, he ended up playing in France. He played in Paris and Saint-Quentin, where he met my mom.”
In 1997, former NBA forward Tariq Abdul-Wahad, formerly Olivier Saint-Jean, was the first French player drafted in the NBA who played in the league. The former San Jose State star was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the 11th overall pick. The defensive specialist averaged 7.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 236 games while playing for Sacramento, the Orlando Magic, the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks from 1997 to 2003.
Abdul-Wahad is still very proud of the French history he made and had an intriguing take on it.
“Being the first is always the hardest …,” Abdul-Wahad told Andscape. “The Senegalese soldiers saved France in World War I and World War II, especially World War II. It was an African regiment they used to send first. That is kind of what it feels like, because you’re going to catch the first bullet. In other words, you’re the standard. Whatever happens to you good, bad or indifferent, it is going to be blown out of proportion or be an event because you’re the first to do it.
“But now there has been 30 players in the league who have been drafted, cut, extended, got hurt. Everybody went through whatever an NBA player went through. So, it’s no longer a story. Now it’s easier to put my journey into perspective with all the other players.”
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| Dallas Mavericks forward Tariq Abdul-Wahad (left) talks with San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (right) during Game 5 of the Western Conference finals at SBC Center on May 27, 2003, in San Antonio.JED JACOBSOHN/GETTY IMAGES |
Wembanyama’s co-agent Bouna Ndiaye is the co-founder and CEO of French company Comsport. Ndiaye and fellow Frenchman Jeremy Medjana share the duties of representing Wembanyama. Ndiaye represents multiple NBA players from France, including Wembanyama, Gobert, Nicolas Batum, Evan Fournier and Bilal Coulibaly, who was selected by the Washington Wizards with the No. 7 pick last year.
Ndiaye said his colleagues laughed at him when he decided to focus on representing French and African basketball players in 1999.
“Thirty years ago, we decided to mostly focus on French and African players,” Ndiaye said. “And people were telling us that we were crazy and we would never make money because the best players were American. We had two clients at that time, but you know the game is becoming global.
“Less than 4% of players in the NBA in 1999 were French. There was Tariq Abdul-Wahad and Tony Parker. Tony Parker broke the mental barrier of even if you’re not a big guy you can make it as a guard. He changed the mindset of everyone. Now with Victor coming, he’s looking like he is going to be the face of this league.”
The respect for French basketball intensified with Parker’s arrival in 2001. Parker wasn’t a heralded draft pick by any means, selected with the 28th overall pick by the Spurs in 2001. The 6-2 point guard became a six-time NBA All-Star and a four-time champion. Parker became the first European to win NBA Finals MVP in 2007. The 18-year NBA veteran was named to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
There has been many successful French basketball players in the NBA since Parker entered the league. Gobert is one of the greatest French players of all time as a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a projected Hall of Famer. Batum, now with the Philadelphia 76ers, has been playing for 16 seasons. Boris Diaw was the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2006 and won a title with the Spurs in 2014. Wembanyama was the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year. Four Frenchmen, Wembanyama, Coulibaly, Rayan Rupert and Sidy Cissoko, were drafted in 2023.
“We’re having good players each and every year,” Coulibaly said. “Sidy and Rayan also got drafted. So, everyone is thinking, ‘Yeah, we can do it, too.’ ”
Other notable French NBA players include Mahinmi, Fournier, Ronny Turiaf, Mickael Pietrus, Frank Ntilikina, Sekou Doumbouya, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Killian Hayes, Ousmane Dieng and Alexandre Sarr’s brother Olivier. Alexandre Sarr said Parker had a major influence on him.
“Just seeing the [championship] rings and how successful he was in the NBA, he makes you dream of being successful, too,” Sarr told Andscape.
Risacher says he was inspired when Wembanyama and Coulibaly were selected last year. But of all the French basketball players, Risacher said, he was most motivated by his father. Stéphane Risacher was a six-time French League All-Star who played in France, Spain and Greece and won a silver medal in the 2000 Summer Olympics for France.
“It’s been my father for [many] years,” Risacher told Andscape. “I’m the kind of guy who can take inspiration off a lot of people. I’m really curious. I want to take pieces from everywhere. Even last season, Bilal and Victor really inspired me, too. Growing up there were a lot of French players who inspired me …
“[My father] was the first player I ever watched. And when I got my first iPhone I used to watch his highlights on YouTube.”
Sarr’s father, Massar, also has been a huge basketball influence for him as he played professionally in France after coming from his native Dakar, Senegal. Abdul-Wahad, who played with Stéphane Risacher, said: “Now the floodgates are open and there are kids playing whose fathers were from my generation. That is an interesting development.
“French basketball is going to produce players. It doesn’t mean it’s going to produce Hall of Famers. It doesn’t mean that it’s going to present players that have long careers. But what it means is there is a conflation of things. Talent-level, Afro-heritage, training regimen, style of play.”
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| San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (right) with Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly (left) after the game Jan. 20 at Capital One Arena in Washington.STEPHEN GOSLING/NBAE VIA GETTY IMAGES |
Risacher said that it’s special for him, Sarr and Salaün to realize their dream together. It’s also a special time for French basketball. France is hosting the 2024 Olympic Games with a men’s basketball team led by Gobert, Wembanyama and Coulibaly. Risacher, Sarr and Salaün were not on the preliminary national team roster announced in May, but considering the increase in talent from French basketball, the country is expected to have a major impact in the NBA and international basketball.
“I was trying to tell people last year we got more people coming. That’s what is happening. I’m a proud French person. We know basketball in France is getting bigger. So, I’m happy,” Coulibaly said.
Say hello to the new generation of French stars — Wembanyama, Coulibaly, Risacher, Sarr and Salaün — who are inspiring the next generation of Frenchmen. Risacher says more are on the way.
“I feel like French players are going to take some inspiration, and that’s going to be better and better for us,” Risacher said. “I really feel lucky because there’s so many young players that are good.”
The NBA is truly a global game now.
“It’s very cool to see,” Gobert told Andscape. “Credit to the NBA for doing such a great job promoting the game worldwide, and credit to all the coaches and people in France that put their energy into helping these kids develop. It’s great to see that kids from anywhere in the world can now dream of making it to the NBA.”
Marc J. Spears is the senior NBA writer for Andscape. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasn’t been able to in years and his knees still hurt.