MERIDIAN BET
MeridianBet Online Casino
Monday, 31 March 2025
FORMULA ONE: YUKI TSUNODA TARGETS PODIUM FINISH IN JAPAN. AFTER
Yuki Tsunoda has targeted a podium finish at his home Japanese Grand Prix this weekend after his “unreal” promotion to the Red Bull team in place of the axed Liam Lawson.
Tsunoda will race alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen after Red Bull ruthlessly pulled the plug on underperforming New Zealander Lawson last week, just two races into the F1 season.
Tsunoda said it felt “unreal” to be driving for one of the top teams on the grid and set his sights on making an instant impact in front of the Japanese fans at Suzuka.
Tsunoda steps up from Red Bull’s junior team Racing Bulls (RB), with Lawson moving back down to RB, where he was last season.
Tsunoda said he did not expect to be racing for the team in Japan, after being passed over for Lawson when Mexico’s Sergio Perez left Red Bull at the end of last season.
“It has all fallen into place and now I’m standing here, and that’s thanks to the support of everyone.”
Tsunoda has never finished on the podium in four full seasons in F1 but he has shown pace on both race weekends this year.
He was 12th in the season opener at Melbourne and only finished out of the points at Shanghai because of RB’s flawed two-stop pit strategy.
Tsunoda urged Japanese fans to get behind him at Suzuka for his Red Bull grand prix debut.
“The thing that I’m looking forward to most is that there couldn’t be a more pressurised, challenging situation than this,” he said.
“It’s also my debut, so with all these things added up I think it’s going to be an unbelievably exciting race.”
Lawson was knocked out at the first stage of all three qualifying sessions this season and has yet to score a point.
The New Zealander struggled to control the Red Bull but Tsunoda said he “didn’t think it was that challenging a car to drive” after two days on a simulator.
“Everyone says the car is very responsive and I got that impression too, but it didn’t seem to act in a strange, tricky manner.”
- AFP
JAKUB MENSIK STUNS NOVAK DJOKOVIC TO CLAIM MIAMI OPEN
 |
| Foto via Twitter @AustralianOpen |
Jakub Mensik scores an incredible upset over Novak Djokovic to win the Miami Open, securing his first ATP title and marking a turning point in his career.
This victory marks Mensik’s first ATP title and places him as the second-youngest champion in Miami Open history, with only Carlos Alcaraz winning at a younger age. The match featured a dramatic beginning, marked by a rain delay of over five hours, as they took to the court around 8:37 p.m. local time.
Mensik showcased an impressive display of powerful serving and strategic shot-making throughout the match. He recorded a total of 14 aces and won 77% of his first serve points. The match began with Mensik breaking Djokovic’s serve, taking a quick lead of 2-0, before Djokovic rebounded to level the set at 4-4. The first set finished in a tiebreak, where Mensik dominated, quickly racing to a 5-0 lead. He eventually sealed the set 7-6 (4) after executing a difficult overhead smash, marking the first set Djokovic had lost during the tournament.
The second set echoed the tension of the first, with both players refusing to yield an inch. As both players approached another tiebreak, Djokovic showed signs of struggle, reportedly battling an eye infection that appeared to affect his vision during play. Mensik controlled the second tiebreaker similarly to the first, holding his nerve against the veteran’s experiences. With Djokovic down 4-0 in the tiebreak, Mensik maintained his momentum and ultimately clinched the victory with a serve.
After the match, Djokovic acknowledged Mensik’s accomplishment, stating, “Congratulations to Mensik and his team… In the clutch moments, you delivered the goods. Unbelievable serving and just a phenomenal effort mentally to stay tough in a difficult moment.” Reflecting on the emotional victory, Mensik expressed his awe at the moment, saying, “When I was young, I started to play tennis because of you. There is no harder task for a tennis player than to beat you in the finals of a tournament.”
This triumph not only moves Mensik’s ATP ranking up but also signifies the emergence of a new star in tennis. After cruising through the tournament, defeating Top 10 players like Taylor Fritz and Jack Draper along the way, Mensik’s confidence is clearly on the rise, as he declared post-match, “I’m still 19 years old, so I have all of my career in front of me. I’m hungry for more.”
Inside the Baseline…
The impressive display by Mensik serves as a message to competitors and fans that the youth in tennis today are not just players of the future but contenders for the present. This match exemplifies how new talent, equipped with skill and resilience, can challenge even the most established champions in the sport. The results of this encounter may signal a transformative period in tennis, where legends must consistently fend off the relentless ambition of rising stars like Mensik. Mensik was right about beating Novak in a final–that it is one of the hardest feats in tennis, and he has done it.
- Kelly Keller
THE FIRST WOMAN TO EARN THE TITLE OF GRANDMASTER | NONA GAPRINDASHVILLI
On January 11, 1965, Nona Gaprindashvili—the first woman to earn the title of Grandmaster and the fifth Women’s World Champion (‘62-‘78) playing against 28 men at once in Dorset, Great Britain.
#chess #chessgame
Sunday, 30 March 2025
RED BULL 'NEVER CONSIDERED' DANIEL RICCIARDO APPROACH TO REPLACE LIAM LAWSON
 |
| Getty |
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is adamant that the team “never considered” approaching Daniel Ricciardo about a possible Formula 1 return to replace Liam Lawson
Earlier this week, Red Bull announced that Lawson’s stint with the senior team had been cut short two rounds into 2025 amid a disastrous beginning to the campaign.
Lawson’s demotion has seen Yuki Tsunoda become the fifth driver to partner Max Verstappen since 2019 in a spot that has become renowned as a poisoned chalice.
Red Bull’s strive to resolve the team’s ongoing second driver conundrum had even extended to granting Ricciardo a reprieve with the group’s sister squad in mid-2023.
However, the Australian was unable to produce the results to inspire a dream avenue back to Red Bull, prompting him to be dropped with six rounds to go last season.
But with Ricciardo remaining the most competitive team-mate Verstappen has had, Marko was asked whether Red Bull had contemplated getting in contact with him.
“No, that was never considered,” Marko, who allegedly wanted to curtail Ricciardo’s comeback with Racing Bulls even earlier in 2024, retorted to Motorsport.com.
“Daniel had his last race and has since completely distanced himself from Formula 1.
“He was briefly in Australia [for the Grand Prix], yes, but I think he left again on Thursday. It was never a topic.”
Ricciardo indicated F1 career was done
Ricciardo had indicated once the curtain came down on his last race in Singapore that his failure to reunite with Verstappen at Red Bull had spelt an end to his career.
“I think [I] acknowledge also why I came back into the sport, sometimes you see the big picture,” Ricciardo told media including Motorsport Week at the time.
“I always said I don’t want to be a guy who’s just here on the grid and fighting for a point every now and then which has kinda been how this year’s gone.
“Obviously this year the purpose was to try and do good enough to get back into Red Bull and fight for wins again, see if I’ve still got it.
“I felt like I came up short with that, so I think it’s then, ‘ok what else am I fighting for here, what else is going to give me fulfilment’.
“I’ve been a young driver as well and at some point I don’t just want to take up space also, obviously you have to be selfish.
“But for me if I’m not able to fight at the front with Red Bull I have to ask myself what am I staying on the grid for, that’s something I’ve also come to peace with.”
- Taylor Powling
NIGERIAN BOXER DIES IN THE RING AT GHANA'S POPULAR BUKOM BOXING VENUE
TRAGIC NEWS: A Nigerian boxer passed away during a bout last night.He was fighting a Ghanaian boxer at the Bukom Arena when he fell.
#bukom #tragic #ghana #nigeria # boxing
ANDREA BERTA IMMEDIATELY PUT TO WORK AS 'ARSENAL' 'WANT' NEW SPORTING DIRECTOR 'TO SECURE' £51M TRANSFER CAPTURE
Arsenal have announced the arrival of the vastly experienced Andrea Berta as their new sporting director.
The 53-year-old left his role as Atletico Madrid sporting director earlier this year, and he has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium as the replacement for Edu.
Berta's arrival in North London has now been confirmed, and he has a huge reputation in the world of football, having been instrumental to Atletico's recent success, while he has worked in technical roles for both Parma and Genoa.
The Italian has said that he is making the move to Arsenal during "a hugely exciting period for the club", with the Gunners establishing themselves as serious contenders for the Premier League title in recent seasons.
Arsenal confirm Berta appointment, as Italian replaces Edu
"I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club," he said in a statement on the club's official website.
"I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.
"The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team. I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game at Emirates Stadium together with our supporters."
Meanwhile, the club's co-chairman Josh Kroenke added: "Anyone who knows football knows Andrea is an impressive figure. He has vast knowledge of the game, a great track record, a strong network and an insatiable desire to build winning teams.
Andrea will be a great addition to our club. He understands our values and what we stand for and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.
"We undertook a thorough recruitment process and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea's experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out. "We are really looking forward to working together and welcoming him into the Arsenal family."
Berta 'tasked' with securing deal for Real Sociedad's Zubimendi
According to The Mirror, Berta has been immediately tasked with securing a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Spain international famously turned down the chance to make the move to Liverpool last summer, but he is expected to leave at the end of this season, with a number of clubs interested in his signature.
Real Madrid appear to be Arsenal's main competition for the Euro 2024 winner, but it is understood that the Gunners are confident of winning the race for a player who has a £51m release clause in his contract.
Arsenal are said to be hopeful that Berta's expertise will help them get a deal over the line for Zubimendi, with the bulk of the framework already being completed, as the North London club view him as a priority signing this summer.
The 26-year-old has again been a vital player for La Real during the current season, making 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and registering two assists in the process.
- Matt Law
HERSI: YANGA (YOUNG AFRICANS) STAND FIRM ON DAR ES SALAAM DERBY DISPUTE
 |
| YOUNG Africans Sports Club (Yanga) president, Engineer Hersi Said |
YOUNG Africans Sports Club (Yanga) president, Engineer Hersi Said, has reaffirmed the club’s stance regarding the postponed Dar es salaam Derby against Simba SC, emphasizing that the club has clearly conveyed its position to the government and football authorities.
Hersi (pictured) made the remarks following a high-profile meeting held on Thursday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The meeting, convened by Minister of information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, brought together officials from the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB), and representatives from both Young Africans and Simba to discuss the unresolved issue of match number 184 of the Mainland Premier League.
“The Yanga leadership, including the executive committee, met with the minister, deputy minister, secretary-general, deputy secretary-general, and the chairman of the National Sports Council,” Hersi stated.
He explained that the purpose of the meeting was to present Young Africans’ position on the matter.
“Yanga had the opportunity to convey the most fundamental facts regarding the match. The ministry wanted to hear directly from the club’s leadership about the circumstances surrounding the game,” he said.
Hersi further stressed that Young Africans’ responsibility as an institution is to protect its interests and those of its members and fans.
“As leaders, our duty is to safeguard the interests of our institution, which in turn represents our members and the team. We have made it clear where we stand, and the minister and his team listened attentively. They asked questions, and we responded accordingly,” he added.
According to Hersi, Minister Kabudi emphasized that the meeting was not meant to decide the fate of the match but rather to facilitate discussions and explore possible solutions.
“The minister clarified that this is not a decision-making forum but rather an opportunity to understand the issue better and find a way forward,” Hersi noted.
Despite the ongoing deliberations, reports from the meeting indicate that Young Africans have not wavered in their demand to be awarded three points rather than rescheduling the game against Simba.
The club argues that its stance is justified based on the circumstances surrounding the initial postponement of the highly anticipated fixture, which was originally scheduled for March 8, 2025.
Hersi assured Young Africans’ supporters that the club’s leadership remains resolute and is committed to securing the best possible outcome.
“I want to tell Yanga members and fans that we are here to manage the club’s interests. They should be assured that their leaders are strong and working to protect the institution. We urge them to remain calm as we continue engaging in discussions. We will return to inform them of any developments,” he said.
Meanwhile, sources suggest that Minister Kabudi insisted on hearing all perspectives before determining the next course of action.
With both Young Africans and Simba standing their ground, it remains to be seen how football authorities will navigate the standoff and whether a resolution will be reached in the coming meetings.
- Seth Mapoli
Saturday, 29 March 2025
BRAZIL EYE PEP GUARDIOLA AFTER SACKING DORIVAL JUNIOR
- Brazil dismissed manager Dorival Junior on Friday after defeat to Argentina
- Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti a long-term target for CBF
- Report adds Guardiola's name to the mix
The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) have added Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola to their list of targets after parting ways with Dorival Junior, a report has claimed.
Dorival's future came into the spotlight after the crushing 4-1 defeat to Argentina earlier this week and his dismissal was formally confirmed on Friday evening, leaving the CBF hunting for a new manager to continue their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
DEION SANDERS IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST-PAID COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACH
The Buffs just extended his contract until 2029 🔥
(via BrianHowell33/X)
CHESS PRODIGY | SAMUEL RESHEVSKY
Samuel Reshevsky is the only player to ever play with eleven of the first twelve World Champions from Emmanuel Lasker to Anatoly Karpov. He defeated seven different World Champions including Lasker, Alekhine and Fischer.
#chess #chessgame
Friday, 28 March 2025
HELMUT MARKO REVEALS MAX VERSTAPPEN "NOT HAPPY" AFTER LIAM LAWSON EXIT
According to Helmut Marko, Max Verstappen is "not happy" with Red Bull's decision to replace Liam Lawson after just two race weekends.
 |
| Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Photo by: Getty Images |
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that four-time champion Max Verstappen is "not happy" after the team decided to drop Liam Lawson ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
After just two race weekends of his rookie Formula 1 season, Red Bull announced that Lawson is moving back to its sister team Racing Bulls, and Yuki Tsunoda will be taking the spot alongside Verstappen from the Japanese Grand Prix onwards.
The Milton Keynes squad assessed both Lawson and Tsunoda in the latter stages of the 2024 season to decide who would replace Sergio Perez in the team for 2025. Despite the Japanese driver's four-year experience in Racing Bulls, they opted to sign Lawson, citing his ability to consistently perform under pressure. However, after just three races, including the sprint race in China, the team has made a U-turn on this choice.
After the announcement was made yesterday, Marko has revealed to De Telegraaf that Verstappen is not happy with the decision. He explained:
"We know Max is not happy. But we need two cars at the front. Not only for the constructors' championship but also to help Max to his fifth world title. Then you can achieve more strategically in races. We can use Yuki's experience and form now. That counts.
"At the end of the day, that is to the advantage of the team, and that also means to the advantage of Max."
Speaking before the team made the final decision, Marko also explained why the team didn't choose Tsunoda in the first place:
"Yuki was too inconsistent. That's why we unanimously decided on Lawson. But under the increased pressure, he couldn't deliver, right from the first day in Australia. Then he went into a downward spiral. It's like a battered boxer; it's very difficult to get out of it. In that sense, it was a mistake."
The Japanese Grand Prix weekend is the first opportunity Tsunoda will have to get behind the wheel of the RB21.
- Lydia Mee
NBA ROUNDUP: JOSH GIDDEY, BULLS STUN AT BUZZER
Josh Giddey buried a miracle shot from beyond halfcourt at the final buzzer as the Chicago Bulls overturned an 18-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 119-117 on Thursday.
The Bulls trailed 115-110 with 12.6 seconds remaining before delivering down the stretch with a wild sequence of plays. Patrick Williams and Coby White hit 3-pointers for Chicago before Los Angeles' Austin Reaves made a layup with 3.3 seconds left, setting the stage for Giddey's heroics.
Giddey finished with 25 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists for his fifth triple-double of the season, while White scored 26 points and Kevin Huerter added 21 for Chicago. The Bulls won their fourth game in a row.
Reaves scored 30 points for the Lakers, and Luka Doncic had 25 points, 10 boards and eight assists. Los Angeles took its fourth loss in five games.
Pacers 162, Wizards 109
Nine players scored in double figures as Indiana set multiple franchise records in a blowout of host Washington.
The Pacers began to pull away with a 12-0 run in the first quarter. That spurt set Indiana on its way to scoring 83 first-half points, just three shy of matching the franchise's single-half record. But while the Pacers did not quite reach a half scoring mark, they broke their single-game record of 157 points reached twice last season.
Tyrese Haliburton's 29 points led the Pacers. Haliburton hit 7 of 10 from 3-point distance, helping Indiana set another organization record for 3-point makes with a 27-of-47 night from beyond the arc as a team. Alex Sarr scored 22 points in the most lopsided loss in Wizards history.
Heat 122, Hawks 112
Tyler Herro scored a game-high 36 points on 13-for-17 shooting, helping guide Miami over visiting Atlanta.
Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell added 16 points apiece for the Heat, who have won three consecutive games. Bam Adebayo collected 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Trae Young had 29 points and 12 assists for Atlanta, which dropped its second in a row. Caris LeVert scored 17 points off the bench.
Cavaliers 124, Spurs 116
Jarrett Allen scored 29 points and grabbed 15 rebounds and Darius Garland produced five key points in the final 1:16 as host Cleveland defeated San Antonio.
Donovan Mitchell added 25 points, 14 assists and eight rebounds for the Cavaliers, who have won three straight games. Max Strus scored 18 points.
Stephon Castle led San Antonio with 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Devin Vassell also had 22 points as the Spurs dropped their second game in a row.
Mavericks 101, Magic 92
Jaden Hardy scored 22 points and Anthony Davis added 15 to go along with seven rebounds, fueling Dallas to a victory at Orlando.
Brandon Williams scored 14 points and Klay Thompson and Max Christie each had 12 for the Mavericks, who changed the complexion of the game by erupting for a 20-2 run to end the third quarter.
Orlando's Paolo Banchero finished with 35 points to eclipse the 30-point plateau for the fifth straight game, and he grabbed 10 rebounds. Franz Wagner recorded 20 points and nine rebounds as the Magic saw their three-game winning streak end.
Rockets 121, Jazz 110
Alperen Sengun totaled 33 points and 10 rebounds to boost Houston to a victory over Utah in Salt Lake City.
Jalen Green added 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists as the Rockets posted their 11th win in 12 games. Amen Thompson and Tari Eason each had 15 points, and Thompson pulled down 10 rebounds.
Collin Sexton led Utah with 21 points, but the Jazz fell for the fourth consecutive outing. Brice Sensabaugh and Keyonte George each contributed 17 points off the bench.
Thunder 125, Grizzlies 104
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points to lead Oklahoma City over visiting Memphis, the Thunder's eighth straight victory.
Gilgeous-Alexander added six assists and three steals and didn't have a turnover. Oklahoma City All-Star Jalen Williams scored 20 points in his return from a hip injury. Isaiah Hartenstein scored eight of his 18 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 11 rebounds.
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 27 points to lead the Grizzlies, who have lost four of their last five to drop to fifth in the Western Conference standings. Scotty Pippen Jr. added 17 points.
Kings 128, Trail Blazers 107
Zach LaVine scored 29 points on 13-of-18 shooting to help Sacramento break a four-game losing streak with a win over visiting Portland.
Domantas Sabonis recorded 22 points, 19 rebounds and six assists and DeMar DeRozan had 21 points and 10 assists for the Kings, who shot a season-best 64.9 percent.
Deni Avdija registered 24 points and nine rebounds and Shaedon Sharpe added 22 points and seven rebounds for Portland, which clinched a losing season with a third straight loss.
--Field Level Media
YOUNG BOBBY FISCHER TAKES ON SENIORS At MANHATTAN CHESS CLUB
On October 7, 1957, 14-year-old Bobby Fischer takes on a group of senior memebers in an simultaneous match in Manhattan Chess Club. He beat them all in half an hour.
#chess #chessgame
Thursday, 27 March 2025
TOP 7 MOST HOTTEST FEMALE FOOTBALLERS IN THE WORLD
Explore the Top 7 Most Hottest Female Footballers in the World who are turning heads both on and off the pitch.
Beautiful game, beautiful faces — the Top 7 Most Hottest Female Footballers In the World bring more than just talent to the pitch.
Women’s football continues its meteoric rise and these female stars are gaining fans not just for their impressive skills, but also for their stunning looks, charisma, and personal style.
From the UEFA Women’s Champions League to domestic competitions around the globe, these women are redefining what it means to be a football icon.
With the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup shattering viewership records and women’s football reaching new heights, the interest in individual players has surged.
Beyond their athletic achievements, these women have captivated audiences worldwide for their fashion sense, charm, and commanding presence.
Pulse Sports dwelves the list of these stunning stars who continue to shape the future of women’s football — and steal the spotlight while doing so according to The Guardian.
7. Taylor Hinds (Liverpool)
Taylor Hinds is one of the rising stars in English football, currently playing for Liverpool Women.
 |
| Taylor Hinds. IMAGE/ Imago. |
Hinds is known for her electric pace and aggressive style of play and has carved out a reputation as a dependable defender with flair. Her football journey began with Arsenal’s youth setup and later progressed through Everton before finding her place at Liverpool.
Off the pitch, Hinds is celebrated for her bold fashion sense and radiant smile. She regularly shares glimpses of her life with fans through social media, where she commands a growing following. Her unique style and strong social media presence have made her a role model for young fans looking up to female athletes.
Combining her athleticism with undeniable beauty, Taylor Hinds is a perfect example of modern female football excellence. Her rising profile both on and off the field is proof that she belongs on the list of the Top 7 Most Hottest Female Footballers in the World.
6. Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash)
Michelle Alozie is a standout for the Houston Dash in the NWSL and also a regular for the Nigerian national team. She played a key role in Nigeria’s strong showing at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and continues to grow as a global football talent.
 |
| Michelle Alozie |
In addition to her footballing skills, Alozie is a biomedical science graduate and works part-time in cancer research—talk about beauty and brains! Her Instagram feed is full of travel shots, fashion looks, and fitness content, giving fans an intimate glimpse into her multifaceted life.
Alozie’s powerful on-field presence and striking appearance have helped her gain international fame. Her place in the Top 7 Most Hottest Female Footballers in the World is more than deserved thanks to her remarkable mix of talent, intelligence, and charm.
5. Madelene Wright (Chesham United Women)
Once part of Charlton Athletic, Madelene Wright is now playing with Chesham United Women. While her football career took a detour due to off-field controversies, she has since rebranded herself as a media personality and fitness influencer. She continues to maintain ties to football while thriving on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
 |
| Madelene Wright. IMAGE/ Instagram |
Madelene is known for her glamorous lifestyle and head-turning looks. Her strong presence online has helped her amass hundreds of thousands of followers, who admire both her beauty and transparency about personal growth and redemption.
Despite stepping away from top-tier football, Wright remains a compelling figure in the women's football community. Her confidence and stunning beauty undoubtedly secure her a spot among the Top 7 Most Hottest Female Footballers in the World.
4. Alayah Pilgrim (Roma)
Alayah Pilgrim is one of the most exciting young players in European football. Now playing for Roma in Italy, the Swiss international is known for her blistering speed, creativity, and ability to score from nearly anywhere on the pitch. At just 21, her ceiling is sky-high.
 |
| Alayah Pilgrim. IMAGE/ X |
But it is not just her football talent that’s drawing attention. Alayah is an absolute stunner, often spotted turning heads with her edgy style, flawless skin, and captivating confidence. Whether she is celebrating a goal or walking into a team event, she owns every moment.
With her mix of elite athleticism and show-stopping beauty, Alayah Pilgrim is making waves beyond Italy’s borders. It’s no surprise she holds a firm place on the list of the Top 7 Most Hottest Female Footballers in the World.
3. Shafira Ika Putri (Asprov DKI Jakarta)
Shafira Ika Putri is a name quickly gaining attention across Southeast Asia. Playing for Asprov DKI Jakarta in Indonesia, Shafira has become a beacon for the sport in a country where women’s football is still developing. Her elegant style of play and leadership qualities are undeniable.
 |
| Shafira Ika Putri. IMAGE/ Instagram |
Her graceful features, long dark hair, and charming demeanor have earned her legions of fans. Shafira is also a frequent collaborator with fashion and beauty brands in Indonesia, combining her love for the game with a passion for modeling and style.
As one of the most recognized footballers in Southeast Asia, Shafira’s beauty and influence are impossible to ignore. She shines both in her homeland and abroad, rightly earning her spot in the Top 7 Most Hottest Female Footballers in the World.
2. Ana Maria Markovic (SC Braga)
Often dubbed the “world’s most beautiful footballer,” Ana Maria Markovic plays for SC Braga in Portugal and represents the Croatian national team. Her mix of classic European beauty and raw athletic ability has helped her build an enormous social media following.
 |
| Ana Maria Markovic |
Ana Maria balances football with modeling gigs and sponsorship deals. Her Instagram is a curated blend of football action, lifestyle content, and stunning photoshoots that highlight her natural beauty and fashion sense. Fans are captivated by her elegance and down-to-earth personality.
With her high cheekbones, striking eyes, and silky blonde hair, Ana Maria Markovic is undoubtedly one of the biggest icons in women’s football today. Her position in the Top 7 Most Hottest Female Footballers in the World is absolutely well-earned.
1. Alisha Lehmann (Juventus)
Topping the list of the Top 7 Most Hottest Female Footballers in the World is none other than Alisha Lehmann. The Swiss international, now playing for Juventus, has taken the world by storm. Known for her pace, power, and sharp attacking instincts, Lehmann is as fierce on the pitch as she is fashionable off it.
Her signature long blonde hair, striking blue eyes, and athletic figure have made her one of the most followed female footballers on social media. Alisha has graced countless magazine covers and has become a brand ambassador for several high-profile companies in sports and fashion.
Lehmann embodies everything the modern female football star should be: talented, beautiful, confident, and authentic. Her global appeal and superstar looks make her the undisputed No. 1 on the Top 7 Most Hottest Female Footballers in the World list.
. Festus Chuma
ALPHONSO DAVIES' AGENT HITS OUT AT JESSE MARSCH AMID KNEE INJURY IN CANADA V USA
Alphonso Davies' agent has hit out at the Canada FA after the Bayern Munich star suffered an ACL tear in their clash against the USA.
The left-back lasted just 12 minutes before hobbling off with a knee injury, which has now seen him ruled out for at least six months after the seriousness of the issue was revealed following a scan.
But reacting to the news, Davies' agent Nedal Huoseh has now spoken out against the national team in a statement to OneSoccer in which he has revealed that the 24-year-old was supposed to be rested for the game as he wasn't fully fit.
Davies' Agent Hits Out
Bayern Munich star out for 6-9 months
In a statement released to OneSoccer, Huoseh claims that Davies felt pressured by the national team manager Jesse Marsch to play which ultimately led to his long-term injury.
“I am very disappointed. Alphonso was not 100% after the Mexico game and it was planned that he was not going to start against the USA. On Saturday night the expectation was he would not be in the XI.
"As a captain I feel he was pressured to start the game by the coach. Alphonso is not the kind of guy to say no in those moments. He ended up playing and look what happened.
"Canada Soccer needs to do a better job managing these players, in my opinion. Alphonso is down and obviously really disappointed about this injury.
'Thankfully he is in wonderful hands with a world-class group at Bayern who will take great care of him. He is expected to have the surgery within the next 24 hours.”
Davies recently signed new long-term contract with the Bundesliga giants to commit his future to the club after strong links to Real Madrid and Manchester United.
But he will now miss the Champions League quarter-finals against Inter Milan, as well as the run-in for the German league title race as they look to wrestle back the title from Bayer Leverkusen.
Davies will undergo surgery in the next 24 hours before beginning rehabilitation, the hope being that he will return before the end of 2025.
- Daniel Feliciano
Wednesday, 26 March 2025
Tuesday, 25 March 2025
"IT'S A DISGRACE": THE REAL REASON HAMILTON, LECLERC AND GASLY WERE EXCLUDED (AND IT'S SHOCKING)
I must admit, I never imagined seeing three renowned drivers disqualified simultaneously in Formula 1. Yet, at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly all lost their positions following a post-race technical inspection. So, why exactly were these drivers penalized? Hold onto your seatbelts—these reasons might surprise you.
Hamilton Penalized: A Worn Skid Block Costs Dearly
Let’s begin with Lewis Hamilton, a six-time world champion who crossed the finish line in sixth place in Shanghai. During the post-race checks, officials discovered excessive wear on the skid block beneath his Ferrari. According to Article 3.5.9 of the FIA regulations, the skid block’s minimum thickness (9 mm) must be strictly respected. Unfortunately, Hamilton’s car exceeded the allowable wear limit, resulting in immediate disqualification. Ferrari acknowledged the technical oversight, explaining, “We underestimated the wear during the race.”
Leclerc and Gasly: 1 kg Too Light, Instant Disqualification!
For Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly, the issue was equally embarrassing. Leclerc finished fifth, while Gasly crossed the line in eleventh position. But to everyone’s astonishment, their cars weighed exactly 799 kg during inspection, falling 1 kg short of the FIA’s minimum required weight of 800 kg (Article 4.1). Ferrari explained their single-stop strategy had excessively worn the tires, resulting in this critical drop in weight. Alpine also recognized their error, stating, “This is a mistake we must take responsibility for,” according to the French team’s management.
A Completely Shaken-Up Classification
The consequences were severe for these drivers, but other competitors gladly benefited from this unexpected shake-up. Esteban Ocon climbed from seventh to fifth position. Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Alexander Albon inherited sixth and seventh places respectively. Oliver Bearman, Lance Stroll, and Carlos Sainz also climbed the standings, earning valuable championship points.
Mixed Reactions from Ferrari and Alpine
As expected, disappointment prevailed among the penalized teams. Ferrari pledged to learn from these incidents to avoid future technical setbacks. Alpine echoed similar sentiments, promising to tighten their pre-race inspection protocols. I fully understand their embarrassment regarding such mistakes at this elite level of competition.
Was it Negligence or Just an Honest Mistake?
Ultimately, these multiple disqualifications open up an interesting debate. At this pinnacle of technical excellence, how can we explain such oversights? Are the teams overly confident, or are these risks simply inherent to motorsport competition?
And what about you—do you think these disqualifications are acceptable technical errors in Formula 1, or do they indicate unforgivable negligence by the teams involved?
- James-Fiorucci
Monday, 24 March 2025
FERRARI NEED HARD RESTART AFTER CHINESE GP DEBACLE LEAVES TEAM IN TRICKY SPOT
 |
| Getty |
Before the Formula One season began Lewis Hamilton had taken his motorhome to Ferrari’s Maranello factory, living alongside his new colleagues in order to bond with them and better learn their methodologies in an effort to make his transition into the Scuderia as seamless as possible. After he and his teammate, Charles Leclerc, were disqualified from Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix, he may have to consider taking up residence again, hands on as a rocked Ferrari deal with a disheartening opening to the season.
Ferrari have never suffered a double disqualification before in the 75 years they have participated in F1, an embarrassment to which they held up their hands. They conceded that the skid block on the floor of Hamilton’s car had been worn 0.5mm below the limit, while Leclerc’s ride was 1kg below the minimum weight requirement. They said it was “genuine error” and a “mistake” they would endeavour not to repeat.
What made the events even more striking was the extraordinary turnaround they represented; that what had opened so well could come clattering down about their ears with such calamity. Hamilton had taken pole and the win in the sprint race on Saturday with absolute elation at his first success with the team. Finally, here was the Ferrari that had been expected this season, a competitive car mixing at the very front.
Twenty-four hours later, the picture had changed drastically. Ferrari made changes to the set-up of the car before the race, which Hamilton said he believed were a mistake. It is hard to argue.
After a strong sprint, Hamilton and Leclerc qualified fifth and sixth and the race did not improve from there. Hamilton struggled for pace almost from the off, to the extent he offered to move over for Leclerc and duly let his teammate through. New tyres made no appreciable difference to Hamilton’s pace and the pair never came within a sniff of the leaders.
The disqualification three hours later brought the curtain down with bleak finality. It cost the team 18 points. They are 61 behind the leaders, McLaren, after only two meetings and, almost unthinkably, equal with Williams. Ferrari called it a misjudgment. It is the sort of misjudgment they can ill afford if they intend on challenging for a title any time soon. Nor should it be one they take easily, not least because we have been here before.
In 2023, Hamilton, driving for Mercedes, and Leclerc, for Ferrari, were disqualified at the US Grand Prix for excessive wear to the skid block, or plank as it is commonly known. The plank – not made of wood but of glass-reinforced plastic – sits beneath the car. Its purpose is simple: to prevent teams from running their cars too low, a limit imposed to maintain some control on the top speeds because the lower they run the quicker they can go. Excessive wear is a straight disqualification, there are no grey areas.
Both teams offered mitigation at the time. That the track was bumpy, that it being a sprint weekend minimised the time they had to set up the car. China, too, was a sprint weekend but no other team suffered excessive wear, while the track, just resurfaced, was praised for its smoothness, making such a miscalculation even more egregious.
It may as much have been the result of a team pushing every margin. “We have to be at the limit on every single item of the car,” the team principal, Fred Vasseur, told the Race last year. “We have to be aggressive and it’s a challenge to be at the limit of the weight, to be at the limit of the plank, to be at the limit of the cooling, to be at the limit of the fuel. It’s a challenge because in the end you are taking more and more risk.”
Vasseur and his team will be under enormous scrutiny between now and the next round in Japan in two weeks. A notable feature of his time in charge is calm, stable management. He has made a point of eliminating blame culture and ensuring the team do not swing from highs to lows, to protect team members and allow them to flourish. Those strengths, Leclerc believes, have made a huge difference.
The reaction to this setback will be key, both understanding why it happened and how to deal with it. Were the team trying too hard, aware they weren’t close enough to McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull? Was pressure applied to find solutions for a car the team admit swings in and out of the performance window according to the vagaries of its tyres? The debrief may be painful.
In the past, similar circumstances have led Ferrari into injurious internal contortions and even bloodletting so this difficult opening to the season is a tremendous test. They will need to refocus and restart but crucially remain unified. Pulling together will surely be Vasseur’s goal and doubtless Hamilton’s too.
- Giles Richards
MOST VALUABLE XI | XI MARKET VALUE €1.22BN
The most valuable Premier League XI, featuring FIVE Arsenal players. 💰
🇪🇸 David Raya (€40m)
🇧🇷 Gabriel Magalhães (€75m)
🇫🇷 William Saliba (€80m)
🏴 Declan Rice (€110m)
🏴 Bukayo Saka (€150m)
#pl #arsenal
SPAIN INTO UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL WITH PENALTY SHOOT-OUT VICTORY OVER THE NETHERLANDS
Spain have made it into the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League after a nervy penalty shoot-out victory over The Netherlands, which came after a 5-5 aggregate scoreline across two legs.
In Thursday’s first leg in Rotterdam, Spain found the opening goal inside the opening 10 minutes, and they did so again at the Mestalla. On this occasion, Mikel Oyarzabal was fouled inside the penalty area by Jean Paul van Hecke, and that allowed the Real Sociedad captain to step up and score from 12 yards.
La Roja would hold their lead until half time, but on 54 minutes, they were pegged back. Robin Le Normand was adjudged to have fouled Memphis Depay inside Spain’s penalty area, and that gave the opportunity for the former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid striker to score, which he managed to do.
15 minutes later, Spain would find themselves back in front, and it was Oyarzabal that scored again after he was set up following great work in the build-up from Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on the counter-attack, which ended in the 27-year-old heading home after his initial effort was saved.
 |
| Lamine Yamal scored a wonderful goal during Spain’s 3-3 UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg draw against The Netherlands |
However, La Roja could not hold on to book their place in the Nations League semi-finals as the Dutch found another equaliser, with defender Ian Maatsen blasting past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon from inside the penalty area to restore parity on the night and on aggregate.
That goal meant that extra time was needed at the Mestalla, and in the first half of the additional 30 minutes, Spain thought that they scored the winning goal in the tie, and it was a special one from Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. It was a wonderful pass over the top from Dean Huijsen, and the 17-year-old controlled brilliantly before firing into the far corner. But again, they were pulled back into a stalemate as Xavi Simons netted a penalty to make it 3-3.
That meant penalties were required, and it was Unai Simon that came up clutch at the end to save Donyell Malen’s effort. That gave Pedri the chance to secure the victory for Spain, and he did, with La Roja winning 5-4 in the shoot-out. And it means that they will take on France – who also won a penalty shoot-out in their quarter-final tie against Croatia – in the semi-finals this summer, before a possible final against Portugal or Germany.
- John Menzies
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)