Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Friday, 24 July 2026
Monday, 6 July 2026
Sunday, 21 June 2026
FIFA WORLD CUP: GERMANY INTO KNOCKOUT ROUNDS AS NETHERLANDS AND JAPAN WIN
The Netherlands moved closer to qualification with a 5-1 win over Sweden, while Japan beat Tunisia 4-0 in the 1,000th World Cup match.
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| Undav came off the bench to rescue Germany, scoring the equaliser in the 68th minute before calmly netting the winner deep into stoppage time in Toronto. Getty Images |
GERMANY reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2014 with a 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast on Saturday, while Curacao claimed their first-ever World Cup point after holding Ecuador to a goalless draw.
Substitute Deniz Undav scored twice for Germany, including the winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time, to send Julian Nagelsmann's side into the last 32. Curacao's 0-0 draw later in the day also ensured Germany finished top of Group E with one game remaining.
The Netherlands moved closer to qualification with a 5-1 win over Sweden, while Japan beat Tunisia 4-0 in the 1,000th World Cup match. On Sunday, Spain will look to bounce back from their opening draw when they face Saudi Arabia.
Undav came off the bench to rescue Germany, scoring the equaliser in the 68th minute before calmly netting the winner deep into stoppage time in Toronto.
The result sends Germany into the knockout rounds for the first time since 2014 after first-round exits in the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
"This is exactly what we hoped for and I'm very happy for my team," Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said.
Germany's victory was followed by Curacao's surprise 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Kansas City. Curacao, the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for the World Cup, with around 160,000 inhabitants, earned their first-ever point at the tournament.
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The result confirmed Germany as Group E winners with a match to spare.
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made a record 15 saves, the most ever in a World Cup game not involving extra time, to help his side secure the draw.
Dutch Crush Sweden
In Houston, the Netherlands strengthened their chances of reaching the knockout stage with a 5-1 win over Sweden.
Sweden, who opened Group F with a 5-1 victory over Tunisia, knew a win would seal qualification.
Instead, Graham Potter's side fell behind early as Sunderland's Brian Brobbey scored twice in the opening 17 minutes.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo added two more goals in the first nine minutes of the second half to make it 4-0 before Anthony Elanga scored Sweden's only goal.
Crysencio Summerville completed the scoring in the 89th minute.
The Netherlands, who drew 2-2 with Japan in their opening match, now have four points and a plus-four goal difference, which is almost certain to be enough to secure a place in the last 32 of the expanded 48-team tournament.
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Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman praised his team's display.
"If you look further at the goals we scored, that will cause fear among opponents," Koeman said. "The way those goals came about, in transition with a lot of pace and a lot of quality, we can be incredibly dangerous."
It was the first time Sweden had conceded five goals in a World Cup match since losing 5-2 to Brazil in the 1958 final.
Japan Mark 1,000th World Cup Game
Japan celebrated the 1,000th match in World Cup history with a 4-0 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico.
After drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands in their opening match, Japan moved level with the Dutch on four points following a dominant display against Tunisia, who rarely threatened.
Daichi Kamada, Ayase Ueda, who scored twice, and Junya Ito were on target as the Blue Samurai left Tunisia facing elimination.
On Sunday, European champions Spain will try to recover from their opening draw with Cape Verde when they face Saudi Arabia.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said his players had responded to the criticism following that result.
Teenager Lamine Yamal made only a second-half substitute appearance after returning from injury as Cape Verde, an African archipelago with a population of just over 500,000, secured a draw.
"This generation of footballers is highly competitive and really fired up... It's going to be a completely different story (on Sunday)," De la Fuente said in his pre-match press conference.
- Eastern Eye
Monday, 15 June 2026
Monday, 1 June 2026
Monday, 6 April 2026
Sunday, 29 March 2026
Friday, 27 March 2026
Tuesday, 24 March 2026
RANKING THE BEST KITS AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP INCLUDING SOUTH AFRICA'S GENERATIONAL AWAY SHIRT
Many teams have unveiled their new home and away kits for the 2026 World Cup, but a handful stand out amongst the rest.
Can you believe it? We are just 80 days away from witnessing the opening match at this summer's World Cup, an event that will be welcomed by kit-lovers all over the world.
The tournament will get underway on June 11 as co-hosts Mexico welcome South Africa to the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Mexico will wear a shirt that pays homage to one of their most iconic jerseys, the 1998 World Cup design worn in France, while South Africa are expected to don their viral green and gold striped kit.
Inspired by the kit they wore on home soil at the 2010 World Cup, the kit that features traditional patterns and stripes could be a fan favourite at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Someone on social media described the design as a masterpiece, while another commented: "The best national jersey I've seen".
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| Adidas home kits for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
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| Adidas away kits for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Getty |
Most of those taking part in the 48-team tournament have been introduced to their new-look kit, with the likes of Adidas and Nike launching their designs to the wider public in recent months.
So, which kits stand out amongst the rest?
SPORTbible have decided to pick out some of our favourites ahead of this summer's showpiece event, and before you mention it, yes, we enjoy the classic Adidas trefoil logo, but who doesn't?
Scotland – Away
Blending heritage with a contemporary aesthetic, Scotland have returned to scarlet red – last used in the 1980s – for this summer's World Cup.
The design draws on some of Scotland’s most iconic away kits, with its vertical purple pinstripes "adding depth and detail to create a dynamic look that stands out on the international stage."
Sometimes, simple is best. SPORTbible rating: 9/10
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| Scotland's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
South Africa – Away
Inspired by the kit they wore on home soil at the 2010 World Cup, South Africa might just scrape the award for best kit at this year's World Cup.
The updated design pays tribute to South Africa's 12 official languages, which is described by Adidas as "a powerful reflection of the nation's diversity, unity, and shared love for football."
Moreover, the subtle graphic elements woven into the fabric symbolise "the many voices that rise together in stadiums across the country and around the world."
Everything about this kit is sublime. From the dark green and gold colour combination to its stripes and traditional patterns, it really is a thing of beauty. SPORTbible rating: 10/10.
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| South Africa's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
Chile – Away
Chile's vibrant away kit for this summer's World Cup pays homage to the Desierto Florido, a rare natural phenomenon that occasionally transforms the Atacama Desert into a colourful bloom.
A recurring theme in this list is Adidas and its wonderful retro trefoil logo. For the first time in 36 years, the classic logo has returned to the international football stage, and we couldn't be happier about it.
The classic Originals look injects a 90's vibe to proceedings and this kit, with its striking floral graphic and earthy crackle design, is a joy to behold. SPORTbible rating: 9/10
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| South Africa's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
Costa Rica – Away
Inspired by the colourful toucan, a bird that symbolises social connection, this all-over blue and fuchsia design embodies the spirit of Costa Rica's friendly and joyful culture. One thing is for sure, it will stand out on match day.
The pastel pinks and blues are wonderful. Not everyone's cup of tea but we're a big fan. SPORTbible rating: 8.5/10
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| Costa Rica's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
Germany – Home
Like so many of the other shirts at this summer's tournament, Germany has paid homage to some of the nation’s most iconic jerseys in years gone by, with its diamond shape and chevron detailing.
For us, long-sleeved shirts are a winner. A timeless classic which will be the last Adidas release before Nike take over. SPORTbible rating: 8.5/10
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| Germany's home kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
Curacao – Away
Another contender for the best kit at this summer's World Cup. The Curacao away kit celebrates the capital city, Willemstad, and the colourful buildings that reside in its Punda and Otrobanda districts.
A colourful tribute to Curacao's distinctive architecture, the shirt is predominantly pastel yellow, with bold pink, turquoise, and orange stripes, as well as blue details on its sleeves and cuffs.
A stunning jersey for the country’s first-ever World Cup. SPORTbible rating: 9.5/10
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| Curacao's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
Germany – Away
For the second time in this list, Germany has been given a mention. And can you blame us? This shirt is a nod to the blue quarter zips worn in 1954, as well as the classic training tops of the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Adding to the retro aesthetic, a continuous zigzag pattern of diagonal jagged stripes runs across the fabric, drawing inspiration from classic Adidas shoebox designs.
"I find a Germany jersey in this color unusual – but really good,” said Germany's Florian Wirtz. We agree. SPORTbible rating: 9/10
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| Germany's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas |
Japan – Away
The shirt features 12 vertical stripes over an off-white base, with eleven of those lines representing the players on the field. The red one in the middle? Well, that embodies the red sun of the national flag.
This design is reminiscent of baseball shirts, with the sport being one of the most popular in Japan. Simple, but effective. SPORTbible rating: 8/10
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| Japan's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Adidas. Image credit: Adidas |
France – Away
The only Nike representative on this list. (Sorry, we just love the trefoil logo).
France’s glacier green away kit for the World Cup pays homage to the Statue of Liberty, with its colours mimicking those of the statue, a gift to the US from France in 1886. In fact, this jersey is called "Liberté".
Meanwhile, the copper-colored rooster is another homage to the colour of the Statue of Liberty before its oxidation. SPORTbible rating: 8.5/10
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| France's away kit for the 2026 World Cup. Image credit: Nike |
Thoughts on our list? Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Adidas
- Jack Kenmare
Thursday, 12 March 2026
Thursday, 5 March 2026
Monday, 2 February 2026
CAN HONDA HRC CASTROL RETURN TO WINNING WAYS IN MOTOGP 2026?
Honda HRC Castrol has become the last team to reveal its 2026 MotoGP livery.
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| Joan Mir, Luca Marini, on 2026 factory Honda MotoGP bikes. Credit: Honda Racing Corporation. |
Honda has unveiled its factory MotoGP livery for the 2026 season in an online event, becoming the final team to show off its 2026 colours.
The livery is largely similar to what it used in 2025, which was the first season of HRC’s partnership with Castrol on its factory MotoGP team after Repsol ended its lengthy association with the team at the end of 2024.
The colours are not all that is the same between Honda’s 2025 look and its 2026 image, as both Luca Marini and Joan Mir stay on for a third year of their partnership at the team. For Mir, it will be a fourth season with HRC after joining from Suzuki at the end of 2022, while Marini has been at Honda since the end of 2024.
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| 2026 Honda HRC Castrol MotoGP bikes. Credit: Honda Racing Corporation. |
“It’s a pleasure to begin another season with Honda HRC Castrol,” said Marini.
“The progress we showed in 2025 was incredibly rewarding and all winter I have been working to improve myself and begin this new season in 2026.
“Our objectives are clear: to be there fighting near the front and take full advantage of any and all opportunities which are presented to us. Everyone in this project has done their homework over the winter and I am itching to get back on the Honda RC213V and ride again.
“In the last year of the 1,000cc we need to finish in a good way and enjoy the beautiful moments along the way.”
Joan Mir added: “Another beautiful bike that I am proud to ride, being part of Honda HRC Castrol is something very special. In 2026 we need to find the consistency we struggled with last year, we showed that both myself and the Honda RC213V have the speed and ability to make Honda HRC proud.
“These two pre-seasons test will be very important to prepare everything well for the start of the year, I am certain that all the Honda HRC engineers have been working diligently during the winter.
“There is no time to wait around, we need to be working from the first lap to achieve our maximum and return Honda HRC to where it belongs.”
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| 2026 Honda HRC Castrol MotoGP bike. Credit: Honda Racing Corporation. |
Both riders are out of contract at the end of this year, and Honda has reportedly already signed Fabio Quartararo to fill one of its factory seats in 2027. Diogo Moreira, who was revealed in his Pro Honda LCR colours for his rookie season in the Italian team’s launch on 1 February, is also potentially in-line for a factory promotion in 2027 should he perform well enough this year. The Brazilian’s current contract with HRC expires in 2028.
Honda’s position in the rider market has been improved by the developments it made during 2025, especially in the second half of the season in which it claimed podiums in both Japan and Malaysia with Mir.
- Alex Whitworth
Saturday, 6 December 2025
Monday, 17 November 2025
DATSUN ROADSTER | DATSUN SPORTS | DATSUN FAIRLADY
The car pictured is a Datsun Roadster, also known as the Datsun Sports or Fairlady in some markets.
This lightweight sports car was produced by Nissan in the 1960s.
The Datsun Roadster model S211 line was first launched in 1959.
The second generation, designed for mass production, made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1961.
It served as a precursor to Nissan's future "Z" series of cars .
Sunday, 9 November 2025
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