List of All Articles with Tag 'f'

Trouble in Dallas: Cowboys star guard Zack Martin is reportedly considering not participating in training camp this year due to contract strife.Forget about Tony Pollard's long-term future. The Dallas Cowboys have a more pressing issue to deal with in recent news reported by ESPN's Ada...

Former Barcelona star Malcom set to move to Saudi Pro League with Al Hilal. He was a target for Manchester City, who could lose Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez this summer.

Just under five Saturdays until Big 12 football embarks on its first season as a 14-member league.The Big 12 finished its Media Days this past week, welcoming four new schools. Big 12 football and the conference at large will be saying farewell to two that have built the league's foundation...

Five monster trade packages to make the Juan Soto rumors come true.We’ve been here before. It was only about 365 days ago when Juan Soto rumors were headlining the trade deadline chatter. Unlike his MLB colleague Shohei Ohtani who stayed put with the Los Angeles Angels last year, Soto was ...

As the MLB season slogs on, the top teams’ odds to win the World Series only grow shorter.Instead of waiting to pick your World Series winner, grab the odds now AND get $100 in bonus bets when you sign up with FanDuel Sportsbook and bet $5 or more.Here’s how you can claim your $1...

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed T.J. Watt to a then-record contract extension in September of 2021. Now, Alex Highsmith has earned his payday as well.Extending star pass rusher Alex Highsmith was definitely on the Steelers to-do list this offseason, as he pairs well across from T.J. Watt. Even wi...

Manchester City have only lost one of their last 27 games and it was the one Shea Charles played in. Not that many noticed: attention on the final day of the Premier League season was focused on the relegation battle, not a weakened City team’s 1-0 defeat at Brentford, as Charles came on for the final 27 minutes while others were rested for the FA Cup and Champions League finals. The midfielder has eight caps for Northern Ireland but the chances are that the first many had heard of the 19-year-old was when he joined Southampton for a fee rising to £15m this month. When Manchester United bought Mason Mount, meanwhile, they both made a positive start to their own summer makeover and helped Chelsea recoup some of the vast amounts they have spent. The England international’s £55m price is a reason why Todd Boehly and co have brought in around £200m this transfer window. It may be a grand sell-off that appears as frantic as their buying binge, but Chelsea are at least disposing of players: City, in contrast, are profiting from those who have barely played for them. James Trafford – there is an irony in the surname for United – will make City £19m when his move to Burnley goes through. Meanwhile, United have sold no one other than Zidane Iqbal for £850,000. It is more than just a curiosity or a cause of frustration among the fanbase, but an issue that cuts to the heart of various issues at Old Trafford. Andre Onana’s imminent arrival takes United’s summer spending to almost £100m; thus far, however, they have recouped under £1m when their outlay amounts to the vast majority of their budget, after overspending last summer and when it is no secret they want a centre forward. Last week brought the embarrassment of the club being found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP), albeit in a minor, technical way that United attributed to the way Uefa reported Covid losses amid changing regulations. FFP limits their spending now, but a way to get more leeway is to sell well, as both City and Chelsea often have in recent years. For United, however, the struggle to sell has been a constant. In the last decade, excluding homegrown players, only five signings – Dan James, Javier Hernandez, Daley Blind, Chris Smalling and Alexander Buttner – have left for profits. Too many players have not been sold at all: United got rid of Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard last summer, but without bringing in a fee for any. United are conscious of the need to offload players for more money but, as this summer’s impasse shows, it is easier said than done. It is harder to persuade players to leave a destination club. A habit of overpaying their footballers can deter suitors – Brandon Williams, for one, is thought to get a salary that few such average full backs could expect – and their wages go up for seasons when they are in the Champions League; so, Harry Maguire has got a pay rise that renders him still costlier for any potential buyer. Yet Maguire’s status represents one embarrassment; he has been stripped of the captaincy, and it would be easier for Ten Hag were United to find someone to compensate them for at least some of the £80m they invested in him. The demanding Dutchman can be impatient to accelerate a rebuild and that is harder when his squad is still clogged up with players he inherited. And thus far the first-team departures amount to six men whose deals were up: the out-of-contract trio of David de Gea, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe and the three loanees, Jack Butland, Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst. Meanwhile, United know there is no future at Old Trafford for Eric Bailly and Alex Telles. Maguire, too, should be surplus to requirements, along with Williams, Anthony Elanga and Donny van de Beek. With Mount arriving, there is scope to part company with one of Fred and Scott McTominay, both of whom have admirers. There is room for Facundo Pellistri or Amad Diallo but probably not both. And yet all remain on the books. There are mitigating factors. There is still time in the transfer market. It did not make sense to sell the sellable Henderson until Onana’s arrival was rubber-stamped. He should go; Elanga, too. But there is a test of United’s negotiating skills and if part of the challenge is to dispose of the unwanted, part of it is to establish a reputation as sellers, rather than simply giving players away. They are conscious of the ‘United tax’, where clubs raise the asking price when a call comes in from Old Trafford, but it seems to harm them both ways; some buyers in the past have known they could get away with offering United negligible sums. Which, when Ten Hag’s transfer budget depends in part on how much United can bring in, is costly. It may be playing Championship Manager economics, but there is a scenario where they could have cashed in on fringe figures to the tune of £100m; surely not now. They might have missed the boat for trading with Saudi Arabia. They may be casting envious glances at Chelsea – even if their selling spree is partly a product of a silly spending spree – and City, with their habit of making money from youth-team products. They may think back to Sir Alex Ferguson’s days, when many a club attached a value to plenty of United’s cast-offs. But, first and foremost, there is a financial reality. If Manchester United have rarely been a selling club, they now need to prove they can sell. Read More Harry Maguire’s fall from grace shows Manchester United captaincy is a hospital pass Marcus Rashford signs new five-year deal at Manchester United Wayne Rooney hopes Marcus Rashford builds Man Utd legacy after new deal

Immaculate Grid baseball answers, clues, hints and connections for Grid 108 on July 19th featuring the Blue Jays, Rays, Athletics and Twins.Good morning baseball fans. Grab your coffee and your phone or computer and settle in for another day of the Immaculate Grid. Click right here to play along...

Ryen Russillo goes deep on the current running back controversy.

The Women’s World Cup is finally here as the biggest tournament ever kicks off in Australia and New Zealand. The first 32-team Women’s World Cup is set to be one of the most open yet, with a host of teams challenging to dethrone the two-time defending champions United States. England head ‘Down Under’ full of belief after their Euros success on home soil last summer, but that is also set to inspire co-hosts Australia and their star forward Sam Kerr. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, including group guides, players to watch, and how to follow on TV . Group guides Group A: New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Switzerland Women’s World Cup history hangs over co-hosts New Zealand Group B: Australia, Republic of Ireland, Nigeria, Canada The inspiration behind Australia’s shot at home World Cup glory Group C: Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia, Japan Can Spain regroup from mutiny to challenge for the Women’s World Cup? Group D: England, Haiti, Denmark, China Who are the threats to the Lionesses at the Women’s World Cup? Group E: United States, Vietnam, Netherlands, Portugal Are the United States still the team to beat at the Women’s World Cup? Group F: France, Jamaica, Brazil, Panama Can France handle injuries after overcoming Women’s World Cup crisis? Group G: Sweden, South Africa, Italy, Argentina Can Sweden turn heartbreak into Women’s World Cup history? Group H: Germany, Morocco, Colombia, South Korea Germany are out for revenge - the World Cup is the perfect chance Players to watch New Zealand: If New Zealand are going to need something special to break their cycle of World Cup disappointment on home soil, don’t be surprised if they are inspired by the fearlessness of youth. The Football Ferns finished an impressive third at the Under-17 World Cup five years ago and striker Gabi Rennie, the team’s No 9, is a breakthrough prospect. Norway: It’s a testament to the skill, speed and elusiveness of Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen that Guro Reiten isn’t even the most dangerous winger on the Norway team. Arguably the best dribbler in the game, the 28-year-old took a break from the international side following the Euros last summer but is now back to best - as Chelsea once again found out in this season’s Champions League. Switzerland: The smooth and composed Lia Walti draws the eye in the centre of midfield and the captain is the pillar of the side. “Lia is such a magnetic player. Everyone passes to her,” said the Switzerland head coach Inka Grings. “She always demands the ball and, when she has it, it sticks to her feet.” Philippines: Sarina Bolden took the most important kick in the history of the Philippines with the winning penalty against Chinese Taipei that secured their qualification for the World Cup. The Philippines will need more moments of history to make an impact in New Zealand. Australia: There’s no question about this. Sam Kerr is the face of the World Cup and the star of the Australia team. As the most lethal striker in the world, who always seems to deliver on the big occasion, the Chelsea forward could be the difference for the Matildas as they look to advance past the quarter-finals for the first time. The 29-year-old makes the hosts a genuine contender. Canada: Christine Sinclair has been setting records for most of her life. At 40, and now into the 22nd year of her international career, the striker is set to become the first player to play at six World Cups - although Brazil’s Marta could later equal that record this tournament. In Australia, Sinclair and Marta also have the chance to become the first player to score at six different World Cups. Nigeria: Asisat Oshoala doesn’t just have a claim to be the greatest African player in the world, but the best of all time. The Nigeria striker and Barcelona star has won the African player of the year award four times and has hit at least 20 goals in each of her last two seasons in Spain. The Super Falcons may have been drawn in the group of death, but Oshoala will be a threat to both Australia and Canada. Ireland: Katie McCabe. The Arsenal fan favourite famously wears her heart on her sleeve and embodies what Ireland will require in Australia: defensive nous, aggression, a lot of effort, and quality when it counts. McCabe has it all and alongside Denise O’Sullivan will be key. Spain: Aitana Bonmati. When an ACL injury robbed two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas of the chance to play at the Euros last summer and then took away almost all of the following season, it handed her international and club team-mate Bonmati the opportunity to play further forward for Barcelona. How she took it. Arguably the best player in the world over the past year. Japan: Yui Hasegawa. Signed by Manchester City last summer to replace England’s Keira Walsh, the 26-year-old impressed with her class and composure on the ball and tenacity in midfield, finishing the season as one of the top performers in the Women’s Super League. Japan will rely on Hasegawa to set their tempo from the middle of the pitch. Zambia: Barbra Banda made history at the 2021 Olympics when she became the first player to score back-to-back hat-tricks at the Games. The 23-year-old is captain of the Zambia side and is key to their chances of making it out of the group, as her stunning two-goal display against Germany before the tournament showed. Costa Rica: Raquel Rodriguez is Costa Rica’s record scorer with 55 goals, including the country’s first at a World Cup on their only previous appearance in 2015. The Portland Thorns midfielder, who has won over 100 caps for Costa Rica, has urged her team-mates to battle with passion and commitment as they look to claim a first-ever World Cup win. England: Keira Walsh was the player of the match in the Euros final and remains England’s most important player with her ability to set the team’s pace and tempo in midfield. Walsh moved to Barcelona last summer for what was said to be a world-record fee and after winning the Champions League on her first season at the club, the 26-year-old has returned to the Lionesses to set higher standards. Denmark: Pernille Harder is one of the top players in the world and will be a familiar face to England fans after three successful seasons spent in the Women’s Super League with Chelsea, who she joined for a world-record fee in 2020. The skillful and tireless attacker leads the line for Denmark, who cannot afford to leave her isolated. One of the game’s most decorated players, Harder will be making her World Cup debut. China: Captain Wang Shanshan is a wonder: a veteran striker with a tendency to score crucial goals, the 33-year-old can also help out defensively by playing at centre-back for the team. Haiti: There is considerable excitement around the 19-year-old Melchie Dumornay, who has signed a pre-contract with European powerhouse Lyon ahead of the new season. The midfielder scored twice as Haiti beat Chile in the inter-continental play-offs to qualify for the World Cup and is regarded as one of the best young players in the world. USA: Alex Morgan, the face of the US team and joint top scorer in France four years ago, is back for her fourth World Cup, arguably better than ever. Since helping the US to back-to-back titles, Morgan has given birth to her first child and at 33 is still scoring regularly in the NWSL. Netherlands: With Vivianne Miedema ruled out with an ACL injury, the Netherlands will turn to a relatively unknown prospect for goals. Fenna Kalma only made her international debut in September but comes into the World Cup having scored 30 goals in just 20 appearances for FC Twente last season. Portugal: Jessica Silva is a baller who belongs on the World Cup stage. The Benfica forward has a tall and languid style but is devastating on the ball and is one of the most skillful attackers in the game. Vietnam: As the only player in the Vietnam squad to play their football outside of the country and in Europe, striker Huynh Nhu will be familiar with some of her Group E rivals. The 32-year-old, who is Vietnam’s record goalscorer, plays for Portuguese side Lank Vilaverdense. France: With Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Delphine Cascarino out of the World Cup due to injury, more emphasis and responsibility will be placed on the shoulders of Kadidiatou Diani. The PSG forward, who can play across the front line, will need to support the returning Eugenie Le Sommer, France’s record goalscorer. Brazil: While Marta is very much the leader and inspiration in the Brazil team, keep an eye on the Barcelona forward Geyse, who troubled England in April with her quick turning and dribbling. Geyse has been linked with a move to the WSL and Manchester United in recent weeks. Jamaica: Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw scored 20 goals in 22 appearances in the Women’s Super League last season, second only to England’s Rachel Daly, and the Manchester City striker is a shining light in the Jamaica team. Shaw thrives on the responsibility. She is Jamaica’s record scorer, men’s or women’s, and her goals secured qualification to a second consecutive World Cup. Panama: Marta Cox is the captain of the side and stands as the inspirational force behind Panama’s qualification for the World Cup. The 25-year-old midfielder dedicated Panama’s victory against Paraguay in the inter-continental qualifiers to her late mother, who had passed away nine months earlier. Sweden: Converted into a left back by Barcelona, Fridolina Rolfo remains one of the most dangerous players in the world and is given full licence to attack by her national team. With a brilliant left foot and engine, Rolfo comes into the World Cup on a high after scoring the winning goal in last season’s Champions League final. South Africa: With key forward Thembi Kgatlana injured, Hildah Magaia scored a clinical brace as South Africa beat Morocco to win the women’s Africa Cup of Nations, their first major title. Magaia was also named player of the tournament and will be key to their hopes in Group G. Italy: Barbara Bonansea. The Juventus forward is a quality outlet on the wings and remains from the Italy team that reached the quarter-finals in France four years ago. The 32-year-old Bonansea has overseen a period of change this then, with the Italy domestic league turning professional in 2022 and a new generation coming through, but she remains just as important to her side. Argentina: Estefania Banini is a star for Atletico Madrid in Spain and made the FifPro World XI in 2021. The tricky wide midfielder has returned from injury a previous falling out with the national team and is set to be fit for what is expected to be her last World Cup at the age of 33. Germany: Alexandra Popp became the first player in Euros history to score in five consecutive games before her story took an unexpected twist, with injury ruling the 32-year-old out of the final against England. The Wolfsburg striker, who is driven by goals, is among the contenders for the golden boot. Morocco: Ghizlane Chebba was named player of the tournament as Morocco reached the final of the women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, where they lost to South Africa. The 32-year-old scored three goals during the tournament and the captain of the Morocco team has become a star in her country. Colombia: The rise of Linda Caicedo has been extraordinary. The 18-year-old is set to star in the World Cup having played in both of the U-17 and U-20 World Cups in 2022, as well as the Copa America. There, Caicedo won the tournament’s Golden Ball and helped Colombia reach the final, before a big move to Europe beckoned. The midfielder chose Real Madrid, who have secured one of the biggest talents in the game. South Korea: Ji So-Yun was hailed as an “icon”, a “magician” and the “best international player in the WSL ever” by Chelsea manager Emma Hayes after she made the decision to bring eight years with the Blues to an end in 2022. Ji’s impact on Chelsea’s success under Hayes was clear, but the creative midfielder has created an even finer legacy in her own country. Ji is South Korea’s greatest ever player and record scorer, and this is set to be her last World Cup. How can I follow the Women’s World Cup? For UK viewers, every game will be available to watch on the BBC and ITV. For the BBC, there will be live coverage on television as well as the BBC Sport website with live audio commentary available on BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sounds app. For ITV, live coverage will be available on television as well as online via ITVX. At present, the BBC and ITV have only announced the schedule for the group stages, although the BBC have said they will broadcast both semi-finals with the final available on both channels. Read More Why this Women’s World Cup will be unlike anything we’ve seen before England’s World Cup hinges on a defining question Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match in UK What to expect at the Women’s World Cup 2023 Why this Women’s World Cup will be unlike anything we’ve seen before Five players set to star in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

FIFA president Gianni Infantino pleaded with New Zealand fans on Wednesday "to do the right thing" amid slowing Women's World Cup ticket sales in the country.

Chelsea have agreed a deal with Marseille to sell striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.