List of All Articles with Tag 'sport'

San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Deebo Samuel injured his shoulder in the first half of Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns and has been ruled out

Houston rookie C

Stephen Kenny will not allow speculation over his future to become a distraction as the Republic of Ireland attempt to end a dismal Euro 2024 qualifying campaign on a positive note. Ireland face Group B minnows Gibraltar in Faro on Monday evening in their penultimate fixture, having won only one of the six which have preceded it with automatic qualification now beyond them and retaining only a slim chance of reaching the play-offs after Friday night’s 2-0 defeat by Greece. That has inevitably led to calls for the manager’s head, with the Republic having missed out on the finals of every major tournament since Euro 2016. However, asked if that noise might prove a distraction, Kenny, who last week received assurances from Football Association of Ireland chief executive Jonathan Hill, said: “No. “I have to be realistic. Jonathan Hill perfectly clarified it when he said that ‘Stephen would be the manager until the games in November’, and they’ll have a review and assess that. “At the moment, that’s out of my control. In this camp, it was important to try and win against Greece. We haven’t managed to do that, I understand that, that it’s not a good result for us. “But from my point of view, I am contracted to the end of the campaign so I just want to finish the campaign strong. If there is a play-off, we can assess that, but finish the campaign strong and take it from there.” Ireland’s only win so far came against Gibraltar in June, when goals from Mikey Johnston, Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah secured a 3-0 victory which was less comfortable than the scoreline suggests. Anything other than a repeat against a team which has lost all of its 43 European and World Cup qualifiers to date would represent fresh humiliation for an Ireland side which went down 1-0 at home to Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier in March 2021. However for Kenny, even that would do little to quell the tide of discontent which has swamped the positivity he had managed to establish after a shaky start in the job by convincing Ireland fans his new-look team would both excite them and get results. While they have at times done the former – but sadly, not recently – the have been largely unable to achieve the latter and have the Netherlands awaiting in next month’s final qualifier. He said: “We all have to get results, we understand that. I came into this camp thinking if we can get six points, we possibly have a chance to take it to Amsterdam, going into the last game. “We are hugely disappointed – we are, no doubt – to lose the game. What we have to do now is to perform tomorrow and win the game, and take that into November.” For Ireland’s players, the game represents an opportunity to take out their frustration on one of European football’s smaller nations. Midfielder Josh Cullen said: “Obviously the campaign hasn’t gone how we wanted it to. As players, the motivation is the same in every game. “The chance to play for your country is something that should never be taken for granted. Whether that’s against France or Gibraltar, you approach it with the same mindset, and we are itching to get back out there tomorrow night and get a win for our country.”

Washington has moved up to No. 5 in The Associated Press college football poll, the Huskies' best ranking in six years, after a thrilling victory against Oregon

The Republic of Ireland embark upon a face-saving mission in Faro on Monday evening when they attempt to secure just a second Euro 2024 qualifier victory at the seventh time of asking. Anything but a comfortable win over Group B minnows Gibraltar, the only team Stephen Kenny’s men have beaten to date during a desperately disappointing campaign, would invite derision with automatic qualification gone and a play-off place an unlikely source of salvation. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points surrounding the game at the Estadio Algarve. The end is nigh Stephen Kenny launched his reign as Ireland manager on twin promises to overhaul an ageing squad and play a more exciting brand of football. He has delivered the former and achieved only partial success with the latter. Unfortunately for him, any progress has not been translated into results and as he heads into what seems certain to be his penultimate competitive game, he has won only five of the 27 which have preceded it. So near, so Faro While the Republic of Ireland’s last away game against Gibraltar – a 1-0 Euro 2020 qualifier win at the Victoria Stadium in March 2019 – was played on the rock itself, the sides have met previously at the Estadio Algarve. Robbie Keane’s double and goals from Cyrus Christie and Shane Long secured a 4-0 Euro 2016 qualifier victory in September 2015. However, their most recent visit to the stadium in September 2021 had a nasty twist in the tail when Cristiano Ronaldo’s last-gasp double overhauled John Egan’s header to hand Portugal a 2-1 World Cup qualifier win. Fergie time? Ireland hope they have found a new talisman for years to come in the shape of 18-year-old Brighton striker Evan Ferguson. The teenager was left painfully isolated for long periods against Greece after hitting the post early on, and he will hope for better service as he attempts to add to his two senior international goals – the last of them against Gibraltar – in seven appearances to date against a significantly more porous defence. Winging it Celtic winger Mikey Johnston has not kicked a ball in anger for his club yet this season after being laid low by a back injury during the summer. Kenny threw him on for the last 20 minutes against the Greeks in an effort to add creativity to his labouring side and, while he remains short of match fitness, Monday’s game could be the perfect opportunity for him to launch his season. The Republic lacked inspiration on Friday evening and Johnston provided just that in a second-half cameo in the reverse fixture, in which he scored the opening goal in a 3-0 win. No points, no goals In many respects, Ireland could not have chosen a better opponent for a game they simply have to win. Gibraltar have lost their last seven – a run culminating in Wednesday night’s 4-0 friendly defeat in Wales – without scoring and have conceded a total of 17 goals and collected no points in their five Group B fixtures to date. They last found the back of the net in a 1-0 friendly victory over Andorra in November. Read More Triumphant Wigan boss Matt Peet aims to emulate coaching heroes Dan Biggar confident future is bright for Wales as Test career draws to end England captain Jos Buttler says Afghanistan defeat ‘tough loss to take’ England’s World Cup hopes in jeopardy after shock Afghanistan defeat England’s shock World Cup defeats as Afghanistan add their name to list Harvey Elliott believes Jordan Henderson deserves better from England fans

England has ended Fiji’s crowd-pleasing run at the Rugby World Cup with a 30-24 win in Marseille to reach the semifinals for the sixth time

Lamar Jackson threw a touchdown pass and Justin Tucker kicked six field goals to lead the Baltimore Ravens to a 24-16 win over the Tennessee Titans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

It was gone midnight when Tommy Fury and KSI wrestled their way through six truly ugly rounds to end the night in Manchester on Saturday. Fury got the nod over KSi, nearly 20,000 traipsed away in the rain and the journey of boxing’s so-called “crossover” fighters continues. The night was a sell-out, the pay-per-view numbers on DAZN will be impressive, but the reality is that the stars of the circuit, which operates under the promotional name of Misfits, are novices. And, they will never get any better. The men and women under the Misfits canopy might want to fight, but they are so far short of grade that their fights are just boring to watch for traditional boxing fans. They are, mostly, harmless, but the limitations of the men and women involved mean that action happens by mistake and not design. They have the moves, but not the technique; it is style over content. The crowd did actually boo and hiss quite a few times during Saturday’s ten-fight bill when there was no action. Sure, there is a grand pantomime element at play. Also on Saturday, several fights went on too long and the referees were guilty of putting the health of the boxers at risk. The men behind Misfits, including KSI, must take a long, hard look at the poor and dangerous refereeing. It was a brutal reminder, in the middle of the slapstick, that this unforgiving sport too often ends in death or serious injury. It has to be said that in most ways, Misfits run their business smoothly; they have top safety protocols, the shows are slick and they have a lot more transparency than the promoters operating under British Boxing Board of Control licences. The men behind Misfits are not here to take over, they are just doing their extravagant thing in their lane. The fighters from the Misfits circuit are not going to end boxing as we know, relax. So, the truth is that Fury v KSI, which was for the Misfits World Cruiserweight title, was a bad fight; two raw novices, holding, missing, swinging and both fully neglecting some of boxing’s most basic but essential principles. Obviously, the capacity crowd loved every second of it. They would both benefit from learning the most basic of basics again; had either thrown a jab, they would have won easily. Fury should know better and will be disappointed with his performance. The fans kept up their roar, screaming as Fury missed wildly and screaming louder if Fury hit and held. However, the loudest noise was for KSI, who has a combined total of just over 22 million followers on social media. When the boxers are introduced, their name, their weight, their city and then their total social media reach is given. It was a hard night for the iconic Michael Buffer. Fury won for the 10th time and his previous nine fights were all under the rules and regulations of a recognised and respected governing body; the fight on Saturday was a blatant and understandable cash grab on a circuit outside of boxing’s jurisdiction. It is, let’s be honest, a long way back to regular boxing for Fury, who was on Love Island before following the family tradition and taking up the noble art. On the Misfits circuit, Fury is the enviable champ and is highly paid, but in real boxing he is Tyson’s little brother and the son of John. In real boxing, little Tommy is just a novice, not an adored, multi-millionaire world champion. KSI created and owns Misfits and is at the very heart of the crossover boxing scene; he was unbeaten in six before the maul with Fury. In the fiery aftermath, KSI called for an investigation into the sanctioning body about the decision. It was finally a touch of humour - KSI set the body up! In the fight before Fury’s win, there was a riot and ring invasion when a man called Dillon Danis (four million followers on social media) tried to choke Logan Paul (33 million on social media). It was chaotic and predictable. Danis and Paul hate each other in real life - whatever that is for them. Paul won by sixth-round disqualification. Incidentally, Paul and KSI own Prime, the drink. The carnival will continue, there is no revolution, it’s just a bunch of high-profile dreamers in novice scraps. And Tommy Fury is their new king. Read More KSI vs Tommy Fury prize money: How much did the fighters earn? KSI vs Tommy Fury scorecards reveal major error in decision victory Jake Paul immediately mocks KSI after defeat to Tommy Fury KSI may have lost to Tommy Fury, but he’s winning where it really matters Tommy Fury claims points victory over YouTube star KSI Who is Dillon Danis: Logan Paul’s opponent who threatened to cancel fight?

Kellen Moore has been under the spotlight since he was hired as the Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator in late January

Texas Rangers starters Max Scherzer and Jon Gray were included on the roster for the AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros

The Chiefs are leaning on their defense to carry them through some early struggles by the offense, and so far the result is a 5-1 start with the latest win coming Thursday night against Denver

Harvey Elliott has defended Jordan Henderson and believes his former Liverpool captain deserves better treatment. Al Ettifaq midfielder Henderson was jeered during England’s 1-0 win over Australia at Wembley on Friday. Henderson captained England, with Harry Kane rested, but was booed when he was replaced by Kalvin Phillips in the second half. He completed a controversial switch to Al Ettifaq from Liverpool in the summer having been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, with homosexuality illegal in Saudi Arabia, but former Anfield team-mate Elliott has backed the 33-year-old. “It’s upsetting, Hendo is a massive inspiration, not just to myself but to many around the world,” said the Liverpool midfielder. “For what he has done for England and English football it’s not nice to see. “It’s his decision, it’s his career. As a nation we need to get behind these players and support them. It wasn’t nice, but knowing Hendo I’m sure it hasn’t fazed him. “He’s a positive-minded player and person. He just wants to do the best for himself in his career. Everyone is behind him.” On Friday, England boss Gareth Southgate called Henderson a role model and insisted he could not understand the negative reception. Elliott will contact his former skipper once England duty is over, with the 20-year-old travelling to Slovakia to face Ukraine with the under-21s on Monday and Henderson preparing for the visit of Italy on Tuesday. “I didn’t want to make too much of a fuss about it – no-one should. It’s a few individuals who have different points of views, which is fine. I don’t think he would take it to heart too much,” said Elliott, who scored twice in the Young Lions’ 9-1 Euro 2025 qualification rout of Serbia on Thursday. “He has been through a lot in his career and it’s just another barrier he is going to run through, I’m sure. “We always keep in touch, when we’re here (St George’s Park) and see those guys we are always having conversations and it’s nice to have that togetherness with the seniors. “Some of the lads, playing for the big teams here, brings everyone together. It’s nice to be around them and it gives us all a target and goal.” Read More Manchester United Supporters’ Trust calls for ‘clarity’ in takeover process Jessica Gadirova braced for ‘tough and long journey’ after suffering ACL injury Wembley revenge to seal place at Euro 2024? – England v Italy talking points England fight off early Rahmanullah Gurbaz threat to limit Afghanistan to 284 Josh Adams believes Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake are ‘massive figureheads’ for Wales Sam Tomkins ready for family time after ‘selfish’ season ends in heartbreak