Max Verstappen took pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix despite an X-rated radio row with his race engineer. Verstappen was embroiled in a squabble with Gianpiero Lambiase after he only just made it through to Q3 during a wet-dry session at Spa-Francorchamps. But the championship leader regained his composure at the business end of qualifying to demolish the opposition, finishing eight tenths clear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc with Sergio Perez third in the other Red Bull. Lewis Hamilton qualified fourth. However, Verstappen will only start Sunday’s race from sixth position as he serves a five-place grid drop for exceeding his gearbox allocation. Follow live updates from the Belgian Grand Prix with The Independent Read More Carlos Sainz interview: ‘All of us at Ferrari expected more – we haven’t done the best job’ Daniel Ricciardo is back - and this time he wants to go out on top Max Verstappen receives penalty for Belgian Grand Prix

Real Madrid face Getafe in La Liga on Saturday. Preview includes team news, predicted lineups, how to watch on television and live stream, prediction and more.

Kaizer Chiefs, the most popular football club in South Africa despite eight seasons without a trophy, sprang a surprise on Wednesday by appointing...

Heinrich Klaasen slammed 174 off 83 balls to lead a South African batting assault against Australia in the fourth one-day international...

Jake McCarthy hit a go-ahead homer leading off the eighth, Corbin Carroll added a two-run shot three batters later and the Arizona Diamondbacks launched three long balls in the inning to beat the Cleveland Guardians 6-3

Social media reacts as Liverpool have two players - Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota - sent off in their Premier League meeting with Liverpool.

The trade market for O.G. Anunoby is ramping up again ahead of the NBA Draft but two possible suitors are reportedly in the market with a dark horse looming.O.G. Anunoby is one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA right now. He's also perhaps the best trade asset that the Toronto Raptors ha...

Sweden struck in either half to retain their World Cup best of the rest status with victory over co-hosts Australia in the third-place play-off. A Fridolina Rolfo penalty and fine Kosovare Asllani strike secured a 2-0 win for Sweden, who never looked in danger of losing to the home favourites in Brisbane. Peter Gerhardsson’s side responded magnificently to their last-minute semi-final exit at the hands of Spain, outclassing Australia to win the third-place play-off for the fourth time in their history. Sweden started quickly and set out their stall early on as Arsenal forward Stina Blackstenius got in on goal within the opening two minutes, her low shot turned away by Mackenzie Arnold. Just as the hosts looked to be getting a foothold in the game, Sweden would take the lead as a penalty was awarded following a lengthy VAR review of Clare Hunt’s trip of Blackstenius’ trailing leg. Rolfo, who scored the winner when the two nations met in the 2020 Olympics semi-finals, made no mistake from the spot with Arnold beaten despite diving the right way. Sweden came close to doubling their lead in first-half stoppage time but a fine low save from Arnold kept out a Filippa Angeldahl strike that flashed through a crowded penalty area. Having beaten England to finish third four years ago in France, Sweden all-but secured another bronze medal as they widened the margin just after the hour. A pacey counter-attack saw Blackstenius shake off the attentions of the Australia defence before squaring for Asllani to hit one of the goals of the tournament, beating Arnold with a strike from the edge of the box. Any hopes that Australia could launch an unlikely comeback suffered a blow when captain Sam Kerr hobbled off for treatment on her foot. The Chelsea striker suffered a calf injury on the eve of the finals, dampening her impact as she was not fit enough to start a game until the semi-final loss to England. She returned to the pitch but, by that stage, Sweden were in control of the tie and left the home fans cheering a valiant effort from Australia, who had to settle for fourth place. Read More Olga Carmona fires Spain into first Women’s World Cup final amid late drama How England changed the World Cup and found their greatest strength Jorge Vilda: Spain’s World Cup coach at the heart of a civil war

Every Australian player in international and domestic cricket will be required to wear neck protectors while batting from next month or face sanctions under new rules set to be introduced by Cricket Australia

Chris Paul was sent to the Washington Wizards in the Bradley Beal trade but that might not be his final landing spot. Here is where he could play next year.Twelve-time All-Star and five-time assist champ Chris Paul has been a part of one of the biggest trades so far this offseason. The trade sen...

For the first time in their history as Major League Soccer rivals, the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers played to a 0-0 draw in a match where scoring chances were limited and neither goalkeeper was tested

Eagles newly minted wideout Julio Jones is ready to make an impact this season.