List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

A partial solar eclipse took place in Nashville in a game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs.

Who holds the edge in the Washington Huskies vs. Oregon Ducks all-time series ahead of their Week 7 matchup?

Sheikh Jassim has withdrawn from the process to buy Manchester United, the PA news agency understands. Fans have protested against the Glazer family since their controversial leveraged takeover in 2005 and last November’s announcement of a strategic review brought hope of change. The possibility of a full sale was mentioned and Sheikh Jassim became the first bidder to publicly confirm he had made an offer for the Old Trafford giants. Sir Jim Ratcliffe swiftly followed but the interminable potential takeover process has rumbled on as the demanding Glazer family dragged their heels. It is now understood that, following further discussions, a frustrated Sheikh Jassim has withdrawn from the process to buy the Premier League club. The Qatari banker informed the United owners of his decision in the last few days. Sheikh Jassim’s team announced in February that he had submitted a bid to buy 100 per cent of the club, promising a completely debt-free takeover via his Nine Two Foundation. The bid is understood to have eventually reached around double the current 3.2billion dollars (£2.6bn) market valuation of the Premier League club. An additional 1.7bn dollars (£1.4bn) is believed to have been pledged for infrastructure projects. Earlier this month it was reported that rival bidder Ratcliffe was considering changing his offer and buying a minority stake in United. It was reported he may seek a stake in the region of 25 per cent as part of a proposal to try to bring the drawn-out sale process to an end, having initially wanted to complete a majority takeover. If the Glazers accepted this new reported offer, it would see the American family still retain majority control of the club. United sit 10th in the Premier League after a difficult start to the season for Erik ten Hag’s team. Read More Emiliano Boffelli stars as Argentina send Wales home from World Cup Joe Root dismisses ODI retirement talk with next Cricket World Cup in his plans Michael O’Neill hails Paul Smyth impact on first Northern Ireland start

A collapse for the ages in the second half vs. Stanford has Colorado between a rock and a hard place when it comes to achieving bowl eligibility. How can the Buffaloes qualify for a bowl game now? Can they still do it?

Michael O’Neill was delighted to see Paul Smyth grab his Northern Ireland chance with both hands as the QPR winger got a goal and an assist on his first international start in a 3-0 win over San Marino. Smyth, who also had a goal disallowed, did his best to light up what was a largely drab affair at Windsor Park as Northern Ireland ended a run of five straight defeats in Euro 2024 qualifying but did not fully catch fire. Smyth’s trademark backflip celebration was seen just five minutes into the match after he leapt to volley in a Jamal Lewis cross and six minutes later Smyth’s low cross was turned home by Josh Magennis. It might have been even better when Smyth met Jonny Evans’ ball from deep with the ideal finish to lift it over the goalkeeper, but after a lengthy VAR check the strike was ruled out for offside and instead it was substitute Conor McMenamin who made it 3-0 with his first international goal late on. Smyth, who this summer returned to QPR after two years with Leyton Orient, made his Northern Ireland debut five years ago but this was only his sixth cap. “He’s had to be patient, Paul,” O’Neill said. “I gave him his debut against South Korea in 2018. We are five years on and his appearances have been limited since then. “He’s in a good place at his club. He’s got himself back into Championship football, he’s played a lot of times for QPR this season. “I know at his club he sometimes plays a lot at wing-back, but in that 4-3-3 not only does he give you width and crosses, he has an eye for a goal. It was a brilliant finish for his goal and a brilliant finish for the one that was disallowed.” O’Neill was delighted with the way his side started but admitted they lost momentum too quickly, with the manager identifying Smyth’s disallowed 31st-minute strike as a key moment. “When Paul’s goal was disallowed it kind of took the momentum out of the game with the time it takes to make the decision,” O’Neill said. “It was a long time for just an offside, I’m not sure why it takes so long. “I thought in the second half again we’d chances, at times we got a little bit bogged down in our play, but equally it was good to get a the third goal.” San Marino coach Fabrizio Contantini called Northern Ireland deserving winners, but also felt substitute Conor Washington should have seen red when caught Lorenzo Lazzari heavily on the ankle in the 66th minute. Referee Bram van Driessche was sent to the monitor by the VAR but opted only to book Washington. “In my opinion it was totally a red card,” Constantini said through a translator. “It is strange because the VAR tells the referee to go and see it and very, very few times the referee goes to the screen and decides not to show the red card. But at the same time it was not a key moment.” Unsurprisingly, O’Neill disagreed, saying Washington’s challenge looked worse than it was when slowed down. More frustrating for him was a late yellow card for Paddy McNair which rules the Middlesbrough man out of Tuesday’s match against Slovenia. “I think the referee possibly got the wrong player,” O’Neill said. “I think it was young Callum (Marshall) who was more forceful in the tackle. I’m not sure if we can address that, but if it rules Paddy out it will be disappointing. “He blows the full-time whistle 10 seconds later. Is it really necessary to brandish a yellow card in that situation? We’ll deal with whatever the outcome of that is coming into the Slovenia game.” Read More Rob Page to ‘ignore the noise’ amid reports his Wales job could be in jeopardy Josh Hodge hat-trick helps Exeter inflict record defeat on Saracens Paul Smyth stars as Northern Ireland see off San Marino Ben Stokes ‘getting better day by day’ but Afghanistan game could come too soon World Cup has given Rob Burrow the rugby union bug – Kevin Sinfield Returning Antoine Dupont ‘inspires fear in opponents’ – Mathieu Jalibert

A closer look at the standout performances and key moments from Week 6 of the college football season, highlighting the performances of top quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class.

Wales manager Rob Page has promised to “ignore the noise” amid reports that his job could be in jeopardy. It was reported on Saturday morning – little more than 24 hours before Wales’ vital Euro 2024 qualifier against Croatia in Cardiff – that Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney had wanted former Sunderland and Ipswich manager and TV pundit Roy Keane to replace Page following June defeats to Armenia and Turkey. Page signed a four-year deal in September 2022, but Mooney confirmed this week that the manager’s position would be reviewed next month if Wales did not qualify for Euro 2024 automatically. Wales are currently fourth in Group D and need to win their final three games against Croatia, Armenia and Turkey to realistically secure a top-two place and avoid the play-offs in March. Page responded to the speculation over his future at his pre-match press conference for the Croatia game, saying: “We’ve got to ignore all the noise. It is noise and that’s it, so we try to protect the players as much as we can. “I have not spoken to the chief executive at all, so I could not tell you whether it is true or not (that he is to be replaced). “All I have to focus on is, before the World Cup I signed a four-year deal and the long-term plan for me is to start introducing young players into the group. “We are in a transition period and we have said this time and time again. We have lost big players like Joe Allen and Gareth Bale. Not just for what they bring us on the pitch, but also the value they add in the changing room. “We’ve seen the talent we’ve got coming through. We’re developing these young players and it’s going to take time. “I get the frustration. We want to win games of football but there’s got to be a bit of perspective. I’m doing what’s best for the FAW, not myself. By introducing these young players, it is better for Wales in the future.” Three members of Page’s coaching staff – Alan Knill, Ian Mitchell and Tony Roberts – took the unusual step of attending the press conference at the back of the room in an apparent show of unity. We've got to ignore all the noise...and try to protect the players as much as we can Rob Page “It’s a great gesture from the staff, not something I was ready for but I really appreciate it,” said a visibly-emotional Page. “We are really close and everyone is pushing in the right direction. I wish the supporters and you guys (the media) could see what we’ve got in that changing room. It’s incredible. The staff here means a lot. “We’re in an industry where everyone wants to win games of football. I feel the frustration as well but the bigger picture is we have a plan to introduce younger players for the future. “I can’t worry about the business side of it, cost-cutting and all that. I’ve got a job to do as a football coach to get them in the right place, physically and mentally, to win games of football.” Mooney told BBC Wales on Wednesday that a “serious review” would take place on Page’s position after the Armenia and Turkey games next month when “everything will be settled”. Wales captain Ben Davies was critical of Mooney’s comments, saying: “It’s not helpful. We don’t want noise coming from within the organisation. We hope that everybody is on the same page. “It is disappointing to hear, but as far we are concerned it’s not our focus. Our focus is the game against Croatia.” Asked specifically about Page, Davies said: “We’re very supportive of the manager. It’s professional every day and everyone wants to come on camp. “Having a manager always behind you and giving you support breeds loyalty and he deserves our support now. “We’re a tight-knit group and I think that part of the reason we’ve had the success we’ve had over the years is because we all stick together.” Wales defender Chris Mepham is in contention to start against Croatia, despite being out for a month with a hamstring injury. Read More Josh Hodge hat-trick helps Exeter inflict record defeat on Saracens Paul Smyth stars as Northern Ireland see off San Marino Ben Stokes ‘getting better day by day’ but Afghanistan game could come too soon World Cup has given Rob Burrow the rugby union bug – Kevin Sinfield Returning Antoine Dupont ‘inspires fear in opponents’ – Mathieu Jalibert Gareth Southgate fired up as England face ‘revitalised’ Italy in crunch clash

Paul Smyth marked his first start for Northern Ireland with a goal and an assist as they saw off San Marino 3-0, but although Michael O’Neill’s side ended a five-game losing streak it was a largely drab affair at Windsor Park. QPR striker Smyth, earning a sixth cap, got his first competitive goal for his country just five minutes in and then teed up Josh Magennis to get the second moments later, but it took until the 81st minute for Northern Ireland to get a third as substitute Conor McMenamin got his maiden strike. Victory over a side ranked 207th and last in the world will do nothing to solve the bigger problems that have plagued Northern Ireland throughout a miserable Euro 2024 qualifying campaign and beyond, but it does at least change the narrative as they recorded a first home win in over a year. Looking to mix things up, O’Neill brought a number of fresh faces into his starting line-up, with Conor Hazard making his first competitive appearance in goal and first starts for Smyth and Dale Taylor. Almost immediately the two forwards combined as Taylor met Smyth’s low cross at the near post, but he was unable to keep his shot down from a difficult angle. No matter, because two minutes later Smyth scored, arriving on cue to volley in Jamal Lewis’ dinked cross from the left. And only six minutes later, Magennis doubled the advantage as Smyth turned provider, driving a low cross in from the right which Magennis turned in at the near post – his first goal since the winner against Kosovo in September 2022, Northern Ireland’s last Windsor Park victory before this. Any fears that San Marino might upset a struggling Northern Ireland side dissipated and they continued to drive forward against their part-time opponents, with Daniel Ballard heading narrowly wide and Trai Hume sending a shot over from distance after being encouraged to try his luck by the crowd. Smyth thought he had a second in the 31st minute when Jonny Evans sent forward a long ball and he arrived to lift it over the goalkeeper with another volleyed finish, but it was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR check. But despite the scoreline the atmosphere inside Windsor Park felt flat, to the extent that at one point in the first half chanting was even played on the PA system, and it was not helped when a torrential downpour before half-time sent those in the family stand scrambling for cover. The 19-year-old Taylor had chances to emulate Smyth’s achievement on his first start after the break, but headed over from Paddy McNair’s free-kick and then squandered a better opportunity just before the hour, poking a shot wide after being played in by Magennis. O’Neill then brought on another exciting teenager in West Ham striker Callum Marshall, one of three changes as Conor Washington and Isaac Price also came on with Smyth, Magennis and Evans departing and Ballard taking the captain’s armband. Washington was fortunate to avoid an almost immediate red card when he connected heavily with the ankle of Lorenzo Lazzari, but referee Bram Van Driessche decided a yellow card was sufficient after being advised to check the replay. San Marino goalkeeper Elia Benedettini made a double save to deny Price and then Marshall but Northern Ireland were struggling to carve out clear chances as the visitors defended deep. But McMenamin came on along with Brodie Spencer with a little over 10 minutes left, and the St Mirren winger was on the scoresheet moments later. Benedettini got a hand to a powerful strike from Washington, but could only push it into the centre of goal, where McMenamin was waiting to wrap up the win for Northern Ireland. Read More Josh Hodge hat-trick helps Exeter inflict record defeat on Saracens Ben Stokes ‘getting better day by day’ but Afghanistan game could come too soon World Cup has given Rob Burrow the rugby union bug – Kevin Sinfield Returning Antoine Dupont ‘inspires fear in opponents’ – Mathieu Jalibert Gareth Southgate fired up as England face ‘revitalised’ Italy in crunch clash Chelsea defender Levi Colwill looking to build on ‘amazing’ England debut

Gareth Southgate says facing “revitalised” Italy will be a great test of where England are at as they attempt to seal European Championship qualification with two matches to spare. The Euro 2020 runners-up can wrap up their place at next summer’s finals in Germany in Tuesday evening’s mouthwatering Group C clash against the Azzurri at a sold-out Wembley. It will be the nations’ fourth meeting since Italy beat England on spot-kicks in the Euros final just over two years ago but their first reunion under the arch, with their previous meetings coming in Wolverhampton, Milan and Naples. The Azzurri return to Wembley a far different side from when they became continental champions there, with Luciano Spalletti in charge of a new-look team that host Malta on Saturday evening before heading to London. “Italy look revitalised under Spalletti,” Southgate said. “They were excellent against Ukraine last month. They’re a top-10 nation. “We’ve talked about these top-10 games and the importance of them, the challenge of them. “We have the chance to qualify for the European Championships with two games to spare. “But also it’s a great test of where we are as a team and, yeah, it’s a challenge we’re really looking forward to.” The Euro 2024 qualifier completes England’s October doubleheader at Wembley after securing an unconvincing 1-0 friendly win against unfancied Australia on Friday. Returning Ollie Watkins secured Southgate’s much-changed side victory against the surprisingly dangerous Socceroos on a night when stand-in skipper Jordan Henderson was booed off the field. The England boss defended the Al-Ettifaq midfielder and felt his experience was key having taken a risk by making 10 alterations in an experimental line-up against the Aussies. “I don’t think it was a win because of how we played,” Southgate said. “We had enough quality on the pitch to be able to create a couple of important moments. “But we know that all the changes, the inexperience of the team, made it was really tough for the players that played. I set them a really difficult challenge. “It was great that they got the win. It was important to keep winning because if we if we lose the game or you give a goal away at the end then you leave here on a bit of a low. It sets the game up now with Italy. “In the end, it’s very hard to prepare the squad when they know ultimately this week really is about the Italy game and it’s impossible to dress that up any other way. “But for the players that played, for some of them their Wembley debut, for some of them their England debut. Massively important nights for them.” Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah made his England debut as a second-half substitute against Australia, while versatile Chelsea defender Levi Colwill made his bow from the start. “Important first steps for them,” Southgate said of the debutants. “I mean, Levi is a young defender. We know he’s not a left-back first choice, but he’s filling that slot for his club. “What we tried to do is start with a team where everybody was pretty much in the roles they’re playing with their clubs, so that it was as smooth as it could be. “But in the knowledge that we didn’t have a lot of caps on the field, we didn’t have a lot of leadership. “Normally, we’d be putting one or two of those lads in with a lot more experience and a lot more continuity, so it was extremely hard for that group of players.” Southgate came away from a challenging friendly pleased with a number of individual displays, highlighting Trent Alexander-Arnold’s problem-solving as he learns more about being a midfielder. Matchwinner Watkins’ movement and positioning was praised after scoring on his first England appearance since March 2022, while Lewis Dunk’s development continues to impress his boss. The Brighton defender won his third cap in central defence alongside Fikayo Tomori, who was replaced by John Stones in the 62nd minute as he continues his recovery from a hip issue. “Thirty minutes for John Stones was very important for us, to get him onto the pitch,” Southgate said of the Manchester City defender, who made his first Premier League appearance last weekend. “We’re managing that recovery carefully, we’re combining really well with his club on all of that. “But he’s a world-class player, and it was great to get him up and running.” Read More Chelsea defender Levi Colwill looking to build on ‘amazing’ England debut Home advantage key after Turkey shake up group – Wales v Croatia talking points Ollie Watkins credits Unai Emery for helping him return to England squad Talking points as England face Fiji in World Cup quarter-finals Daniel James insists Wales can still qualify for Euro 2024 I feel sorry for the manager – Chiedozie Ogbene sympathises with Stephen Kenny

Wondering what channel Ohio State is playing on today against Purdue? Discover where to watch the game and enjoy the action.

Levi Colwill enjoyed an “amazing” night as he made his England debut in the win over Australia and is more than happy to play out of position to stay in contention. The 20-year-old defender played the whole game as England ran out 1-0 victors at Wembley, making the step up from winning the European Under-21 Championship in the summer. Having spent last season on loan at Brighton, Colwill has started all eight of Chelsea’s Premier League games so far this term. He earned a first senior call-up from Gareth Southgate last month but had to wait until Friday’s friendly against the Socceroos to make his bow. “It was amazing,” he told beIN Sports. “(A win and a clean sheet is) the best way to have a debut and hopefully we can build off the performance against Italy as a team and individuals and go from there.” Having progressed through the ranks for both club and country as primarily a centre-back, Colwill started on the left of defence against Australia and has also operated there for Chelsea in recent weeks. Getting to know players is obviously tough as that isn't a lot of time but I think we put in a performance we can be proud of Levi Colwill “Obviously, it is a different role,” he said. “But I have been playing there for my club and I am enjoying it and if it gives me a chance to start and to play, I’m all for it.” Southgate made 10 changes for the game as a blend of fringe players and young talent was given the chance to stake a claim. The England manager admitted afterwards that he had given his team a “difficult task” as a lack of “cohesion” made for a tougher evening than he would have liked. “We have had a few days, we met on Monday so we have been training hard,” Colwill added on the unfamiliar look to the team. “Getting to know players is obviously tough as that isn’t a lot of time but I think we put in a performance we can be proud of and we have just got to build from there.”

Wales meet Croatia in a vital Euro 2024 qualifier at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday night. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at five of the main talking points as Wales seek to keep their automatic qualification hopes alive. Perfect finish needed Turkey’s shock win in Croatia on Thursday has really thrown a spanner in the works. Wales had expected to be in a three-way fight with Turkey and Armenia for the second qualifying spot behind top speeds Croatia. Overtaking Croatia now looks like being Wales’ target, but a top-two spot only appears achievable by winning on Sunday and also beating Armenia and Turkey in their final group games next month. Cardiff fortress In a week when the UK and Ireland won the right to host Euro 2028 and the prospect of Wales returning to play at the Principality Stadium came into sharp focus, much has been made of making home advantage count at the Cardiff City Stadium. Wales have enjoyed some big nights there in the past, but that was often when Gareth Bale was in full flow and making the difference. A sell-out crowd will turn up in anticipation that Wales can make the stadium a fortress in the post-Bale era. Moore the merrier Kieffer Moore’s return to the fold is a big boost for Wales. Moore missed the last two Euro qualifiers after being sent off against Armenia in June. The 6ft 5in striker has had little game time at Bournemouth but Moore was in fine fettle during his 45-minute run-out against Gibraltar on Wednesday. Moore scored twice in the 4-0 friendly win to take his Wales goals tally to 12. Creaking Croatia? Croatia suffered their first-ever home defeat in a Euro qualifier against Turkey. But was it a one-off or something more meaningful? The 2018 World Cup finalists and 2022 semi-finalists are used to breezing through qualification but, having let two points slip against Wales at home, this campaign has been more challenging. Time might finally be catching up on midfield magician Luka Modric, 38 last month, while injuries to Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic and Hoffenheim forward Andrej Kramaric have hurt them. Wales win overdue Wales have proved accommodating opponents for Croatia, who they have yet to beat in seven attempts. Croatia have won four times with Wales’ best moments coming in three 1-1 draws. Simon Davies scored in a 2002 Varazdin friendly, Bale netted in a Euro 2020 qualifier in Cardiff, and Nathan Broadhead’s stoppage-time equaliser cheered Wales at the start of this campaign in March. Read More Ollie Watkins credits Unai Emery for helping him return to England squad Talking points as England face Fiji in World Cup quarter-finals Daniel James insists Wales can still qualify for Euro 2024 I feel sorry for the manager – Chiedozie Ogbene sympathises with Stephen Kenny Gareth Southgate questions why England fans booed Jordan Henderson Stephen Kenny admits Republic of Ireland ‘needed to win’ against Greece