List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

The Cheez-It Bowl will no longer be a fixture at the end of the college football season, as Pop-Tarts will be taking over as the official sponsor.The most anticipated portion of the college football campaign is bowl game season. This presents programs with the opportunity to end their seasons wi...

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says the chance to stop Manchester City’s treble charge provides no extra motivation heading into the FA Cup final. The eyes of the footballing world will be on Wembley on Saturday afternoon for the first-ever all-Manchester cup final. United head to the capital looking to end a promising first season under Ten Hag by winning both domestic cups in the same campaign for the first time. Neighbours City already have the Premier League title under their belt and are looking to lift the FA Cup a week before heading to Istanbul to take on Inter Milan in the Champions League final. Lifting both of those trophies would see Pep Guardiola’s men join Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1999 treble heroes as the only English sides to achieve the feat – something United supporters are desperate to stop. “I know what is the thinking from the fans,” Ten Hag said. “But what we want is to restore Manchester United by winning trophies. If it’s important for the fans then it’s important for us, so we will give everything to win the cup Erik ten Hag “So, on Saturday we have an opportunity to win a trophy and we don’t want to be distracted by anything. “If it’s important for the fans then it’s important for us, so we will give everything to win the cup.” Asked why he would not use the chance to extinguish City’s treble hopes as extra motivation at Wembley, Ten Hag said: “Because it is not necessary. “That will not give more motivation to the team because their motivation is already enough. That can’t be more. “They want to win the cup and they have an opportunity. They want to set a crown on the season, so what do you need more? What is more motivation?” This will be the Manchester clubs’ third meeting of the season, with City winning 6-3 in October before United triumphed 2-1 at Old Trafford in January. Those were the first times that Ten Hag and Guardiola have faced each other in management but their relationship goes back a decade. The Dutchman spent two years as Bayern Munich II head coach as the now City boss coached the perennial Bundesliga champions’ senior side. Asked what makes Guardiola so special, Ten Hag said: “Oh, I don’t tell! It’s obvious we have seen what he is doing, he’s doing a brilliant job. “What he can do is he can construct not only winning teams but also winning in a very attractive way, so that is why I think we all admire him so.” Ten Hag says winger Antony is expected to miss the final and United confirmed earlier this week Anthony Martial would be absent due to a muscular tear. The 27-year-old’s future is unclear after an injury-hit season but it appears the recovery time from this issue may hamper any chances of moving him on. “It’s going to be a long one but how long we don’t know,” Ten Hag said. “We have to do more assessment.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Man City players will give everything to win FA Cup final – Pep Guardiola French Open day six: Norrie out as Djokovic, Alcaraz and Sabalenka march on First Lionel Messi, now Sergio Ramos – Veteran defender waves goodbye to PSG

Pep Guardiola has promised Manchester City fans his side will “give everything” to beat rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final. The neighbouring clubs clash in the competition’s Wembley showpiece for the first time as the domestic season reaches a mouth-watering climax on Saturday. There is plenty of incentive for City as they look to claim the second leg of the treble and move a step closer to matching United’s 1999 haul of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies. Yet even just taking the game in isolation, City manager Guardiola is well aware of how much simply beating United in a major final – after plenty of suffering at their hands in the past – would mean to supporters. With that in mind, and his players fully focused, Guardiola has urged fans to savour the occasion. He said: “I will ask to our fans, behave properly first and, secondly, go there to enjoy an incredible event, knowing the players will give everything to beat Man United. “The consequences and the result, who knows it? I don’t know it. (United manager) Erik ten Hag doesn’t know it. “It’s a football game. Enjoy the moment and enjoy next week to prepare for the (Champions League) final, to dream of seeing the team. It’s the best way. “You have to understand anything can happen but we are going to do everything to beat United. “I understand completely for City fans, who were in the shadow for decades behind United. “We’ll try to do the best game as possible. So I would say have fun, enjoy the right portion of beers before the game and, that’s all. Enjoy it.” The fact City are bidding for the treble could also give United extra motivation, however, as they not only look for a derby cup triumph but to preserve the uniqueness of their club’s own achievement 24 years ago. “I could understand that, it belongs to them,” said Guardiola. “That’s normal. Sport is like that. It’s completely understandable. “But it’s a football game. Who will be better will win.” We know what we are playing for. I don't have to tell them. It is the final of the FA Cup against United. Pep Guardiola After an intensive schedule in the closing weeks of the Premier League season, City have had a full week to prepare of the fixture. Guardiola even had time to attend a Sir Elton John concert in Manchester while some of the players went to watch Coldplay at the Etihad Stadium. The City boss has no doubt the mental break has done his players good. He said: “When you have these events in this city – and one of the legends, Sir Elton John – you have to use them. “They’ve trained really good these last two training sessions. There’s a good mood in the locker room and on the pitch. “We know what we are playing for. I don’t have to tell them. It is the final of the FA Cup against United, the chance to add another trophy. This is the mentality we have right now.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live French Open day six: Norrie out as Djokovic, Alcaraz and Sabalenka march on First Lionel Messi, now Sergio Ramos – Veteran defender waves goodbye to PSG Rafael Nadal undergoes surgery in bid to overcome troublesome hip injury

Sergio Ramos will follow Lionel Messi out of Paris St Germain with the French champions confirming the veteran Spanish defender’s exit at the end of his contract. Ramos has spent the past two seasons at the Parc des Princes after joining from Real Madrid on a free transfer, but he stands to make his final appearance in Saturday’s match against Clermont Foot. The 37-year-old has won back-to-back Ligue 1 titles with PSG, scoring five goals in 57 appearances, although his form was often questioned and his departure is not seen as a surprise. “Wearing the Red and Blue shirt for the last two years has been a wonderful experience,” Ramos said in a statement. “I’ve had an unforgettable adventure in Paris and I’d like to thank you all for your support and love. Allez Paris!” He later added on Twitter: “Tomorrow will be a special day, tomorrow I will say goodbye to another stage of my life, goodbye to PSG.” Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: “We would like to express our immense gratitude to Sergio Ramos for the two years he has spent with us. “Sergio’s leadership, team spirit and professionalism, combined with his experience at the highest level, make him a true football legend, and it was an honour to have him in Paris. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Joao Moutinho and Diego Costa are to leave Wolves when their current contracts expire with Adama Traore still in talks over an extension. The Premier League club’s sporting director Matt Hobbs has confirmed that 36-year-old Portuguese midfielder Moutinho and Brazil-born Spanish striker Costa, 34, will officially depart at the end of this month. Hobbs told the club’s official website: “Joao’s going to go down as one of the best players to ever pull on the old gold, in my opinion. “He was an integral part of the team the entire time he was here. Our success over the last four or five years, he’s been instrumental in. So, he now departs with nothing but thanks from the football club. “We thank Joao for all he did at Wolves and wish him the best of luck for the future.” Moutinho joined the club from Monaco in July 2018 and made 212 appearances for Wanderers. On former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea frontman Costa, Hobbs added: “It feels the natural time to part ways because he was on a one-year contract. There was some internal conversations and we felt this was right. “I’ve got no doubt that Diego will get another club off the back of his performances for sure. If a club calls me to ask about the person, he’ll get nothing but praise from me.” Traore, however, could yet have a future at Molineux with manager Julen Lopetegui keen to keep the 27-year-old and discussions are ongoing. Hobbs said: “He’s now out of contract, but it doesn’t mean there’s not an opportunity to still come to an agreement, so conversations will be ongoing. He’s probably earned the right to understand what else is out there. “Sometimes it’s not possible, but we’ll certainly be trying. We hope we can come to an agreement but let’s see what happens over the next few weeks.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

A return to the Big 12 could be exactly what Deion Sanders needs to turn Colorado around.While Colorado has largely struggled on the football field since leaving the Big 12 for the Pac-12 over a decade ago, a potential return to its former conference could be huge for Deion Sanders' program...

Baylor's Keyonte George has NBA Draft lottery potential with his compelling blend of shot creation and defensive toughness on the perimeter.Keyonte George was fairly prolific in his freshman season at Baylor, making the All-Pac 12 team and winning conference rookie of the year. He averaged ...

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey is not going to hear any criticism you may have of his league sticking with eight conference games in 2024.While this could be amended over time, the SEC is going to go with an eight-game schedule in 2024 once Oklahoma and Texas join the league.Commissioner Greg ...

Barcelona boss Jonatan Giraldez believes experience will be key in the Women’s Champions League final against Wolfsburg. The teams face off in Eindhoven on Saturday with Barca going for a second title and Wolfsburg a third. Barca have won one – in 2021 – and lost two – in 2019 and last year – of the finals they have played. Wolfsburg have been beaten finalists three times, most recently in 2020, and won the competition in 2013 and 2014. Giraldez said: “Experience is one of the most important things and that goes for all areas of life. The more experience you have the better you will do. “That doesn’t just go for Barcelona but also national teams. The more finals you have played in the better you know how to approach the week leading up to it, the match itself, mentally. “All of that is important in football and sometimes you need time to gain that experience.” Barca travelled to Eindhoven on Friday with a fully-fit squad after Lucy Bronze and Fridolina Rolfo were passed fit. Giraldez added: “We need to minimise their strengths. We will be wary of their quick attacks and set-pieces. We want to dominate the game and not let them show their strengths.” Experience is one of the most important things and that goes for all areas of life. The more experience you have the better you will do Jonatan Giraldez Wolfsburg finished second to Bayern Munich in the Frauen-Bundesliga this season and boss Tommy Stroot believes they can capture the title in Holland. He said: “It is a realistic objective, I have made so many positive experiences. This final is very special for me and it’s always been an objective. “It’s always the same thing for us, to decode the structure, to see what kind of frequencies they use. That is our daily work and my players know that as well. “It’s a final but it’s no different to the semi-final against Arsenal. We try to watch even more games and decode even more things just to be prepared for every scenario possible. “Our players are ready. It’s something special, not many teams have that privilege in a final. We have all the options to react on anything.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live England declare with victory in sight after Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett heroics Government appoints independent advisers to aid rugby union rescue effort Ben Duckett breaks Lord’s record as Ollie Pope piles on runs for bullish England

Manchester United were pointless and headed for humiliation. As Brentford scored four goals in a half – and the first half at that – and Erik ten Hag’s reign began amid farce, a footballer who had starred in four Champions League final victories reached for his phone. United’s most high-profile transfer target texted his agent. But not to back out of a deal. The message, instead, was to tell United he would “fix” it. It was a sign of Casemiro’s confidence. If that self-assurance is a product of a career of rare success – the Carabao Cup took his trophy count to 21 – many another would have been deterred by the impression United were in crisis. They might have stayed at Real Madrid. Not him. “No second thoughts at all,” he recalled. “But to be honest I did say that. I was speaking to my agent, and with John [Murtough, United’s director of football] too about this afterwards. I’d said this after it had happened because I was also very excited and I was aware that my period at Real Madrid had come to an end and I was really upbeat about coming here and taking on this new project, this new challenge. It was clear in my mind.” Eight months later, it is tempting to contemplate an alternative reality where, after missing out on Frenkie de Jong last summer, Casemiro was put off by the shambolic display at Brentford, where instead of being a £63 million method of transforming a team, there was still a void at the heart of the midfield. “I knew that it wouldn’t be an easy challenge because it was a tough defeat to take but I think the excitement of coming here and making a change,” he reflected. Which he did: Casemiro provided a boost to United’s self-esteem even before he played, his unveiling at half-time of the win over Liverpool a sign of the club’s status. United only lost three of the first 32 games he started. He scored and was player of the match in the Carabao Cup final. United took 75 points from the 36 league matches after he joined and finished third. “We knew that it was a project in which you wouldn’t start winning things overnight,” he said, but they could complete a cup double at Wembley on Saturday. It appears as though he has fixed it. “It’s impossible for a single player to change performances but as a squad you can,” he demurred. Yet a turning point was October’s 6-3 defeat to Manchester City. Casemiro watched two-thirds of it from the bench: Ten Hag was still picking Scott McTominay ahead of him and if the Dutchman has made relatively few missteps, that seems one. The Brazilian marked his first Premier League start with an assist for Cristiano Ronaldo’s winner at Everton the following week. His first goal came a couple of weeks later, an injury-time equaliser at Chelsea. Each was a sign he tended to make telling contributions. Tallies of seven goals and six assists may be more than most expected; so, in a different way, are his two red cards. But they underline his centrality. He has been a fulcrum for United, the man at the heart of everything. Which is how he thinks it ought to be. City’s galaxy of gifted midfielders mean Casemiro’s skills as a nullifier will be required if Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva are to be kept quiet at Wembley. “When people talk about central defensive midfielders, they forget that you need to help your teammates, you need to defend, to slot in between the centre-backs, cover any gaps that the full-backs or midfielders leave,” said a man who forged a reputation as the world’s best holding midfielder in Madrid, before offering an explanation for his greater productivity. “These are the basic principles for a central defensive midfielder. Of course, beyond that, people want you to score goals, to pass the ball, to get the team playing because football’s changed. In the past it would be the No. 10 that would be required to do that.” He can be both destructive and constructive presence, which he sees as a sign of the evolution in tactics. “I saw an interview with [Juan Roman] Riquelme once talking about central defensive midfielders and specifically [Sergio] Busquets,” Casemiro explained. “He said that often the team didn’t play well because the central holding midfielder hadn’t played [well] and people forget that throughout the history of football, it was the No. 10 who was the playmaker. The central defensive midfielder was always someone that helped the centre-backs, helped in the midfield, helped the full-backs, filled in and stopped counter attacks. The way that central defensive midfielders have had to adapt has changed a lot.” But he will hope some things stay the same. He has an outstanding record in finals; with Real, United and Brazil, he has only lost one, in the 2018 European Super Cup. “Without doubt it’s a significant stat,” he said. He also has experience of getting the better of City; Real trailed for 178 minutes of the Champions League semi-finals last season and yet still overcame Pep Guardiola’s team. “They play very good football and have a great manager and great players but every game is a different story, a different film,” he said. But if the movie of United’s season started in ignominy and ended in glory, the Casemiro biopic might have a certain monotony, if only because he has won so much, so often. Read More Manchester United are obsessed with stopping Man City – their history depends on it The unlikely Manchester United answer to derail Man City’s treble hopes How Raphael Varane transformed Manchester United: ‘You need the character to fight’ Andre Marriner retires from refereeing Bruno Fernandes nets Man Utd winner in comeback against Fulham to clinch third Manchester United owe Champions League return to one man

Nick Saban questions the lack of parity in college football, particularly when it comes to NIL.Leave it up to Alabama head coach Nick Saban to question the lack of parity across major college football.The Crimson Tide have been nothing short of dynastic since Saban took over in Tuscaloosa in...

West Ham players walked off the pitch during a seven-a-side tournament in America after alleged racial abuse. The issue happened against Dallas United in the The Soccer Tournament event on Thursday. Dalles have withdrawn from the £1million competition following the allegation, which came towards the end of the game with Dallas leading 2-0. Former Hammers Anton Ferdinand, Carlton Cole, Matt Jarvis, Marlon Harewood, Zavon Hines and Jimmy Walker are among those taking part in North Carolina. It is unclear what was said – or to which player – but Ferdinand reportedly told media at the game the Hammers walked off due to racism. A statement from TST read: “After conducting an investigation into the final moments of the match between West Ham United and Dallas United, we have concluded that Dallas United violated TST’s code of conduct. “We have been in dialogue with leadership from both clubs and we are all aligned that the best path forward is Dallas United withdrawing from competition. All parties involved are unified in wanting to make a statement against racial insensitivity. “We seek to run an event that is not only fiercely high stakes for all competitors, but also one in which all competitors feel safe and protected. As a result, tomorrow’s game between Dallas United and Far East United has been cancelled.” The referee reportedly told players he did not hear what was said, before West Ham decided to walk off. Dallas United wrote on Twitter: “In light of the shadow cast by an opposing player’s accusation during tonight’s match, the Dallas United players unanimously decided to withdraw from the remainder of the competition. “Our coaches and staff fully support the team’s decision. We thank @TST7v7 for the opportunity to compete in the tournament.” Wolves, Borussia Dortmund and Wrexham are among the teams taking part.