Goals scored by Linda Caicedo, Sam Kerr and Bia Zaneratto at the Women’s World Cup are among 11 nominated by FIFA for the annual Puskas Award

What made last Sunday’s pulsating Singapore Grand Prix so captivating was a genuine battle at the front: a battle for first, from lights out to the chequered flag. But it was only made possible by a clanger of a weekend from runaway constructors leaders Red Bull, whose perfect win-streak in 2023 came to an abrupt end amid the tight twists and turns of the city-state. Yet briskly onto Japan, a more conventional racetrack, would the status quo be restored? It certainly seems so. Judging by initial signs from Friday practice at Suzuka – a driver-favourite on the calendar due to its heart-shredding high-speed corners – it would be a major shock if Max Verstappen did not claim his 11th win in 12 races come Sunday. The flying Dutchman, closing in on the home-straight in his irrepressible march to a hat-trick of world titles, was fastest in both free practice sessions. And by some distance too. Six-tenths of a second in FP1, narrowed down to three-tenths by FP2. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris, in consistency unexpected from practice, were the next-best in both sessions. “It felt really good today,” said Verstappen, back to his customary satisfied self after the anomaly of Singapore. “From lap one, the car was really enjoyable to drive again. It seems we had a strong day on short runs and long runs. So far, we have a good start to the weekend. “It looks tight behind me between Ferrari and McLaren, they’re close. But we just focus on ourselves, try to optimise our performance and if we do that, then I’m confident we’ll fight for pole.” Last year’s frenetic Suzuka race in the rain, memorable for Pierre Gasly’s close shave with a repair vehicle, saw Verstappen crowned a two-time champion following a dramatic end with Leclerc handed an position-changing penalty. For so long, it seemed Suzuka would be the venue for his crowning glory again in 2023. But all Singapore did was delay the inevitable by a race: that moment is likely to come amid the sprint weekend in Qatar at the start of October. Norris, still chasing his first win after recording a ninth Formula 1 podium last week, struggled to hide his deflation at realising Christian Horner’s team were back in their usual flow. “I doubt it’s going to be pole [for us], Red Bull is normal Red Bull,” the Brit said. “The pace was there… but the car feels pretty all over the place. A handful. “I don’t think we’re far away. Challenging for pole is a big task and probably a bit too far – challenging Mercedes, Ferrari and Astons has to be our battle for tomorrow.” Mind you, Mercedes might count themselves fortunate to be included in that list, given their performance on Friday. Neither driver was in the top-10 in first practice, while Lewis Hamilton only managed a best-result of 14th in FP2. “It was a very challenging day for us out there,” said the seven-time world champion and five-time winner in Japan. “I had a lack of confidence in the car and that contributed to our struggles. It was difficult to find the right balance and we didn’t manage to get on top of it by the end of FP2. The tyres were overheating and that left us quite far off the top of the timing sheets. “We know we’ve got a lot of work to do tonight to pick up the performance. I do believe we can make improvements though. We have had similar Friday’s this season and come back stronger on Saturday. We will see tomorrow if we have done so again. We will be putting in the effort this evening to give us every chance of getting ourselves higher up the order.” Higher up the order is certainly obtainable. What is not, it seems, is a major weekend challenge to Verstappen. Last week was nothing but a blip. Stranger things have happened – and the last two pole positions have been claimed by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz – but even on race simulations on Friday, the Red Bull was about a second-a-lap quicker on average than anyone else. Following qualifying on Saturday – bright and early in the UK (7am BST) – the racing on Sunday looks once again likely to be behind the champion-in-waiting. Read More Lewis Hamilton says ‘something’s up’ at Red Bull – if Max Verstappen struggles in Japan ‘Buzzin corner’: Sebastian Vettel reunites with F1 grid for ‘bee hotels’ in Japan Lando Norris calls for ‘harsher penalties’ after Max Verstappen incident How to buy tickets for the 2024 British Grand Prix at Silverstone ‘Buzzin corner’: Sebastian Vettel reunites with F1 grid in Japan F1 Japanese Grand Prix LIVE: Practice updates and times at Suzuka

Tributes poured in on Friday (22 September) for Maddy Cusack, a Sheffield United footballer, who has died aged 27. Cusack played more than 100 games for the club, where she has been based since 2019. She also worked for Sheffield United as a marketing executive. The cause of death was not disclosed. Sheffield United said discussions over how to pay tribute officially will take place behind closed doors, and asked for a period of privacy for Cusack’s family. Stephen Bettis, Sheffield United’s chief executive, described the news of her death as “heartbreaking”. “Maddy had a unique position of being part of a number of teams at Sheffield United and was popular with everyone that she came into contact with. “Her personality and professionalism made her a credit to her family – she will be sadly missed. “While taking in the news and moving forward, the club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.” Cusack had just entered her sixth season and was the first player to reach 100 appearances for Sheffield United. Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, said: “We are all devastated to learn about the passing of Maddy Cusack. “On behalf of the FA, the Lionesses, the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Maddy’s family, friends, teammates and everyone at Sheffield United. “Maddy also represented England at age-group level and we will pay tribute to her at an appropriate point. “We are in contact with the club and will continue to offer them our full support during this incredibly sad time.” Cusack’s previous club, Birmingham City, also released a statement. It said: “The club are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Maddy Cusack. All of our thoughts are with Maddy’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.” Leah Williamson, the Arsenal and England player, wrote on X/Twitter: “Sending all my love and condolences to Maddy’s family at this awful time!” The Professional Footballers’ Association also offered condolences to Maddy’s family, friends and her teammates. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

The United States enjoyed its best-ever start to a Solheim Cup by sweeping the favored European team in all of the foursomes matches in the opening session to take a 4-0 lead in Spain

Organisers of the Berlin marathon pleaded with climate activists on Friday not to disrupt this weekend's race but said they...

Mikel Arteta reacts to Martin Odegaard's new Arsenal contract.

Expected points added is a comparison of game states and a look at how much scoring a team or player has added, on an expected basis, to its point total. It's a

MotoGP apologised to Indian fans Friday for displaying a map of the country without Kashmir -- which is disputed with Pakistan -- on its live...

Sophie Turner is suing Joe Jonas, the 49ers dominated the Giants, NBA makes rule changes and more in the Roundup.

Lexi Thompson starred as the United States romped to a clean sweep of the opening morning foursomes against Europe at the Solheim...

The Deshaun Watson trade has not aged well for the Cleveland Browns. These quarterbacks arguably would be contributing more to the franchise now.

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has made two changes to his forwards and two among the backs in his side for the Rugby World Cup match against Tonga on Sunday in Nice