Overreaction Monday: 5 NFL teams better off blowing it all up after three weeks
We're only three weeks into the NFL season, but these teams are well on their way to a rebuild with how poorly the campaign has started.
2023-09-26 07:23
Rahane and Thakur ride luck to revive India against Australia in world test final
Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur have ridden their luck against Australia to lead India’s revival to 260-6 at lunch on the third day of the World Test Championship final at the Oval
2023-06-09 20:27
The next Rooney or Ronaldo? What Garnacho needs to achieve Man Utd greatness after Everton goal
Erik ten Hag tried to talk about the build-up. There was the switch of play from Victor Lindelof to Marcus Rashford, the underlapping run of Diogo Dalot, the deep cross. And yet, whatever the involvement of others beforehand, strikes of extraordinary, spectacular individual virtuosity don’t tend to be remembered as team goals. “The finish was incredible, fantastic,” Ten Hag said after the 3-0 victory at Everton. “Maybe already the goal of the season.” Perhaps Alejandro Garnacho was still dumbstruck himself, the best part of two hours later, when he described it as “one of the best I have scored”. Maybe it was a teenager trying to express himself in a different language in front of the television cameras. Or maybe he genuinely has scored others of a similar calibre at lower level. If so, the search should be for any footage. But it was astonishing. Facing away from the Everton goal, some 15 yards out, Garnacho connected with such power and precision that there was a temptation to anoint it Manchester United’s finest overhead kick. That mantle may have rested with Wayne Rooney’s 2011 effort against Manchester City, not least because it was a winner in a Manchester derby. The more pedantic could point out the current Birmingham manager actually shinned it. Other comparisons could involve goals United greats scored in other shirts: Mark Hughes’ bicycle kick for Wales against Spain, Cristiano Ronaldo’s overhead kick for Real Madrid against Juventus. And overhead kicks are sufficiently difficult that they can denote a rare talent. They are not solely the domain of the greats, but some of the best have been scored by Gareth Bale, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marco van Basten, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. Admittedly, others came courtesy of Emre Can, Trevor Sinclair, Rory Delap, Christian Benteke and Andy Carroll, who are rarely placed in the same bracket. Nor, at the moment, is Garnacho. But the ability that has been most evident as a high-speed dribbler gives the impression he could end up among the elite. Bruno Fernandes, the captain who was an almost paternalistic presence by his side in a post-match interview, drew an important distinction. “I have big expectations for him,” said the Portuguese. “He is not a great player yet but he has a great future ahead and we expect a lot from him. I am always going to be behind him asking for more but an amazing goal.” The lineage can prompt the question of how good Garnacho could be. United’s teenage wingers over the years have included Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, George Best and Bobby Charlton. There are cautionary tales, too, such as Adnan Januzaj, the revelation of Giggs’ final season but who, at 28, has only played 69 minutes for Sevilla this season. Then there is Garnacho: often an impact substitute, usually strangely ineffectual when he starts, a third-minute goal had a surprise in the timing as well as the execution. Many a young winger is embroiled in a search for consistency and productivity. He is not alone, but he arrived at Goodison Park with one goal in 21 games and departed having scored what the battle-hardened home captain James Tarkowski called one of the best goals he had ever seen and which Sean Dyche, a manager with a similar aversion to getting carried away, branded “an absolute worldie”. Ten Hag has overseen the emergence of young talent at Ajax. He has taken a hardline approach with Garnacho at times, dropping him on the pre-season tour in 2022 for being late. He sees what the Argentinian could achieve, contrasts it with what he has done so far and opted not to liken United’s latest prodigy to Rooney or Ronaldo. “Don’t compare, I don’t think it is right,” he said. “They all have their own identity but for Garnacho to go that way he has a lot to come, he has to work very hard. You have to do it on a consistent basis and so far he has not. But he definitely has high potential to do some amazing things. It's not the first time we saw this, we have already often seen glimpses but if you want to be a player like Rooney or Ronaldo you have to score 20 [or] 25 goals in the Premier League each season. That's not easy to get, you have to work hard, you have to go in areas where it hurts. So [there is] a lot to come. But potential, he has.” Potential can be exciting, tantalising, a promise that produces brilliance or something that goes unfulfilled. Over the last 18 months, it has been clear that Garnacho possesses plenty, but his goal at Everton was still stunning. It was a great goal. The challenge for him is to turn into a great. Read More Ten Hag makes Garnacho claim after stunning bicycle kick goal against Everton Alejandro Garnacho’s astonishing moment of magic inspires Manchester United’s result of the season Gary Neville hails ‘magical’ Alejandro Garnacho bicycle kick for Manchester United against Everton Roy Keane derides ‘absolute rubbish’ from Erik ten Hag after Man United win Bruno Fernandes talks up Alejandro Garnacho after stunning goal at Everton Ten Hag makes Garnacho claim after stunning bicycle kick goal against Everton
2023-11-27 21:18
White scores season-high 31 as Bulls beat Pelicans 124-118
Coby White scored a season-high 31 points, DeMar DeRozan added 24 points and 10 assists, and the Chicago Bulls beat the New Orleans Pelicans 124-118 on Saturday night
2023-12-03 12:26
What is an exhibition fight and how is it different to a professional bout?
Boxing matches tend to be organised as one of three types: professional, amateur or exhibition. But what is the difference between them? Generally speaking, most ‘major’ fights – including title fights – are professional bouts, while exhibition contests are those staged with more of a focus on the audience and entertainment. Most professional fighters have an amateur career before turning pro, and Olympic fights count as amateur bouts. For example, Anthony Joshua’s Olympic gold-medal win in 2012 was part of his amateur career. Meanwhile, his heavyweight title fights with Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022 were professional bouts. Elsewhere, Floyd Mayweather’s recent matches against YouTubers Logan Paul and Deji were exhibitions. All fights – professional, amateur and exhibition – must be licensed by a commission (e.g. fights in Las Vegas are regulated by the Nevada State Athletic Commission), but exhibition bouts do not need to be sanctioned by a governing body. In contrast, the World Boxing Council (WBC) sanctioned Tyson Fury’s three fights with Deontay Wilder, as the WBC heavyweight title was on the line. Professional fights do not need to be title bouts, but they tend to have an effect on the rankings in the weight class in which they take place, as seeded by the governing body sanctioning the fight. I.e. Andy Ruiz Jr is the World Boxing Organization (WBO)’s No 1-ranked fighter below its champions, while Wilder is ranked sixth. If Wilder were to fight and beat Ruiz Jr, Wilder would likely overtake the Mexican-American in the rankings. Furthermore, rules are more flexible in exhibition fights. For example, a world title fight in men’s boxing – a professional bout – will always be scheduled for 12 three-minute rounds; and a women’s world title fight will always be scheduled for 12 two-minute rounds. In contrast, an exhibition fight could be set as six three-minute rounds, or eight two-minute rounds (these are random examples). Fights can of course end earlier if there is a knockout/TKO (technical knockout, where the referee or a ringside doctor halts the action, or a towel is thrown in), but such results are less frequent in exhibition bouts, where wins and losses do not count towards a fighter’s record – and there is often no winner declared at all. For example, former multi-weight world champion Mayweather retired unbeaten in 2017 with a professional record of 50-0, and he has since fought in five exhibitions. While the 46-year-old has been somewhat aggressive in beating three of his exhibition opponents via TKO, two of his exhibition fights lasted the full number of rounds and no winner was declared. Sometimes, however, fights that one would expect to be exhibition bouts are in fact professional contests. For example, YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has boxed six times professionally, taking on former mixed martial arts champions Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley (twice) and Ben Askren, as well as ex-NBA star Nate Robinson and YouTuber AnEsonGib. Readers might expect such fights to be exhibitions, but they have in fact been organised as professional bouts, meaning Paul has a 6-0 record (4 KOs). Read More Who is KSI fighting after beating Joe Fournier? KSI knocks out Joe Fournier with controversial elbow KSI, from ‘endearing’ class clown to YouTuber who has changed the face of boxing
2023-05-14 07:15
Springboks go with Kolbe, Arendse on wings to start Rugby World Cup defense vs. Scotland
South Africa has selected Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse on the wings for the opening game of its Rugby World Cup title defense against Scotland
2023-09-07 02:54
Kokkinakis ends 38-year-old Wawrinka's French Open
Thanasi Kokkinakis knocked 38-year-old Stan Wawrinka out of the French Open on Wednesday in a five-set rollercoaster to book a third round place at Roland Garros...
2023-06-01 00:49
Packers Rumors: Star won’t stop contract negotiations in-season
The agent of Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary indicated that they would be willing to negotiate a new contract with the team during the season.
2023-09-06 12:48
The worst Champions League 'groups of death' ever
The toughest Champions League groups of death in the competition's history, with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Manchester City frequently populating these fiendishly tricky matchups
2023-09-01 21:17
Islam Makhachev stuns Alexander Volkanovski with head-kick KO in first round at UFC 294
Islam Makhachev stunned Alexander Volkanovski with a first-round knockout on Saturday, retaining the lightweight title in their rematch at UFC 294. In February, Makhachev outpointed Volkanovski – who holds the featherweight belt – in the latter’s native Australia, in a competitive clash that left many fans desiring a rematch. Few expected it to come at UFC 294, but 11 days before the event, Makhachev’s original challenger Charles Oliveira suffered a severe cut over his eye. And with that, the door opened for Volkanovski. The 35-year-old relished the chance to avenge his narrow loss to Makhachev, but there was to be no revenge for him – only a repeat as the Russian triumphed again, and in finer fashion this time. Midway through the first round of the main event, southpaw Makhachev skimmed his left shin off Volkanovski’s head, wobbling and dropping the featherweight king. Makhachev, 31, followed up with a fierce flurry of hammer fists to the grounded Aussie, whose brow split open amid the onslaught. Referee Marc Goddard stepped in, confirming an emphatic victory and title defence for Makhachev, the mentee and childhood friend of UFC lightweight great Khabib Nurmagomedov. The result extended Makhachev’s win streak to 13 fights, dating back to 2015, when he suffered the sole loss of his professional career. Meanwhile, Volkanovski was beaten for the third time as a pro, though he remains undefeated at his preferred weight of 145lbs. “Alexander The Great” rebounded from his first loss to Makhachev by stopping Yair Rodriguez in July, retaining the featherweight title against the then-interim champion. He will look to respond to his latest defeat when he takes on his next title challenger – likely Ilia Topuria in January. Meanwhile, Makhachev could be set for a rematch with Oliveira, whom he was originally due to face at UFC 294 and whom he submitted in October 2022 to win the lightweight belt. The 155lbs title was vacant at the time of that bout, which took place in Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena like UFC 294, after Oliveira was stripped of the belt for missing weight in May 2022. Meanwhile, Volkanovski’s featherweight title reign dates back to 2019, when he took the belt from Max Holloway. The Australian has since outpointed Holloway a further two times, while also winning his other three title defences – against Brian Ortega on points, and against Chan Sung Jung and Rodriguez via TKO. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More UFC schedule 2023: Every major fight happening this year UFC rankings: The Independent’s pound-for-pound fighters list When will Conor McGregor return to the UFC? UFC 294 LIVE: Volkanovski vs Makhachev fight updates and results tonight Islam Makhachev demands two words from Alexander Volkanovski ahead of UFC 294 Volkanovski vs Makhachev gamble shows the best and worst of the UFC
2023-10-22 05:27
UFC 292 card: Sean O’Malley vs Aljamain Sterling and all fights this weekend
Rising star Sean O’Malley will challenge Aljamain Sterling for the UFC bantamweight title this weekend, as the pair headline UFC 292. O’Malley’s crisp and flashy striking has seen him win over a lot of fans, though his personality has proven divisive. In any case, the American has managed to set up a title shot without going through the wringer that many fighters do, in large part due to his profile. “Sugar Sean” did, however, take on ex-champion Petr Yan last year, edging past the Russian with a controversial decision win. Sterling also divides fans but is crafting an impressive resume, which features successful title defences against Yan, TJ Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo – all former champions. The Jamaican-American’s grappling skills are expected to be the difference this weekend, though he must beware O’Malley’s ability to produce a one-punch knockout. In the co-main event, two-time strawweight champion Zhang Weili defends her title against Amanda Lemos. Here’s all you need to know. When is it? The prelims are set to begin at 1am on Sunday 20 August (5pm PT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET on Saturday), with the main card following at 3am BST (7pm PT, 9pm CT, 10pm ET on Saturday). How can I watch it? The card will air live on TNT Sports in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also streaming the fights. In the US, ESPN+ will stream the action live, as will the UFC’s Fight Pass. Full card (subject to change) Aljamain Sterling (C) vs Sean O’Malley (bantamweight title) Zhang Weili (C) vs Amanda Lemos (women’s strawweight title) Marlon Vera vs Pedro Munhoz (bantamweight) Neil Magny vs Ian Machado Garry (welterweight) Cody Garbrandt vs Mario Bautista (bantamweight) Marlon Vera vs Pedro Munhoz (bantamweight) Chris Weidman vs Brad Tavares (middleweight) Gregory Rodrigues vs Denis Tiuliulin (middleweight) Austin Hubbard vs Kurt Holobaugh (lightweight) Andre Petroski vs Gerald Meerschaert (middleweight) Andrea Lee vs Natalia Silva (women’s flyweight) Karine Silva vs Maryna Moroz (women’s flyweight) Read More Conor McGregor confirms UFC return and three-fight plan Anthony Joshua takes swig of Conor McGregor’s Irish stout after Helenius knockout Conor McGregor calls out KSI for bare-knuckle fight after Anthony Joshua wins by KO What time does UFC 292 start in UK and US this weekend? How to watch UFC 292 online and on TV this weekend When is the next UFC event?
2023-08-14 20:45
2030 World Cup set to be hosted by Spain-Portugal-Morocco with 3 South American countries added
A unique 2030 World Cup is set to be played in Europe and Africa with the surprising addition of South America
2023-10-04 23:24
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