Xtra Time Web Desk: In what comes as a setback for Indian team, regular test captain Rohit Sharma is unlikely to b available for the upcoming second test match against Bangladesh starting at the Sher e Bangla Stadium in Mirpur from December 22. Rohit was supposed to travel to Dhaka on Sunday. Instead, he will take rest and recover from the injury. He will return for the home series against Sri Lanka starting January 3. Meanwhile, KL Rahul will continue to lead in the 2nd Test in the absence of Rohit. The visitors are leading the two-test series 1-0 after the win in first test by 188 runs.

Rahul in his post-match conference on Sunday did say that he was not aware of Rohit’s availability. It is learnt Rohit’s thumb injury has not completely healed. He injured his right thumb while trying to take a catch in the slips during the 2nd ODI against Bangladesh.

After getting an update from BCCI medical team, the team management in Bangladesh has said no to his inclusion in the 2nd Test.

If he hurts his thumb again, the Indian captain may miss the two upcoming series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. He could also be doubtful for the Australia series which is even more important in the context of World Test Championship.

India A and Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran is already in Bangladesh as the replacement for Rohit.

Xtra Time Web Desk: The Indian cricket team led by KL Rahul reached Dhaka on Monday morning. The Indian cricketers were along with Bangladesh cricketers as they boarded a chartered flight from Chittagong to Dhaka. Star India batter Virat Kohli was seen seated next to Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed on the flight.

The players of both teams will have a break from training session on Monday. The visitors will train in the morning on Tuesday as part of preparations for the second test match.

Former India captain Virat Kohli along with stand-in skipper KL Rahul were seen batting at the nets immediately after the first test ended at Chittagong. Both Virat and Rahul would like to score a big knock.

Meanwhile, most of the Indian cricketers enjoyed the FIFA World Cup 2022 final on a giant screen in the team hotel at Chittagong. In the pictures shared by the BCCI, the team can be seen hooked onto the screen as they enjoyed the FIFA World Cup 2022 final which was being played between France and Argentina at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. The match was a thriller with both teams remaining inseparable as it went to the penalties where Argentina snatched the trophy.

Team India batter Shreyas Iyer and Kuldeep Yadav posted a photo of them bowing in front of Messi on giant screen.

Earlier skipper KL Rahul had also revealed that they would watch the match and have a good mean after the game, adding that they don’t have any particular fan of Argentina and France.

“I don’t know, I think most of the guys in the team, whichever team we were supporting, are all out already. So, there were a few Brazil fans, a few England fans. I don’t know who Argentina or France supporters are. So, we will just enjoy the game today. We are all watching the game together and we’ll have a good meal,” Rahul said in the post-match press conference.

Pakistan’s batters crumbled for 216 in its second innings of the third and final Test as the 18-year-old Ahmed grabbed 5-48 and Jack Leach (3-72) clinched all three of his wickets in the space of six deliveries on day three to leave England a modest target of 167 runs.

Ben Duckett (50 not out) and Zak Crawley (41) motored England to 2-112 by stumps with their aggressive “Bazball” brand of batting — named after coach Brendon McCullum.

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England needs a further 55 runs to register its second successive win inside four days following its thrilling 26-run victory at Multan last week.

England won the first Test by 74 runs in dimming light on the last day on a flat wicket in Rawalpindi.

Crawley and Duckett plundered 87 runs off 69 balls before mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed grabbed two late wickets. Crawley was adjudged lbw while attempting a sweep and Ahmed, sent in as nightwatchman, smacked two boundaries before he swiped and got clean bowled.

Harry Brook’s third successive century had given England a 50-run first-innings lead when it replied with 354 after dismissing Pakistan for 304, with Ahmed and Leach sharing six wickets between them.

Pakistan, staring at its first-ever 3-0 whitewash at home, lost the last seven wickets for 52 runs in its second dig as Ahmed stifled the middle order with his sharp googlies and leg spin.

Captain Babar Azam (54) hit his third half-century from his last four innings and Saud Shakeel (53) made his fourth 50 in his debut series, before Ahmed left the lower order clueless.

Babar and Shakeel had rebuilt Pakistan’s hopes with a 110-run stand before both fell late in the second session to Ahmed.

Babar became the fourth men's Test player to reach 1000 runs this year, but played an overambitious pull against Ahmed’s short ball soon after completing his half-century and Ollie Pope held a sharp catch at short mid-wicket.

Ahmed, who also became the youngest England men's Test debutant at the age of 18 years and 126 days, then picked up the wickets of Mohammad Rizwan (7) and Shakeel in successive overs to seize complete control as Pakistan staggered to tea at 6-177.

Shakeel followed up his three previous half-centuries in his maiden Test series with another defiant 50 before he top-edged a sweep against Ahmed and was caught by Leach at square leg.

Babar and Shakeel had defied spin and pace for two hours and 45 minutes after Leach’s triple strike reduced Pakistan to 3-54.

Pakistan was ahead by just three runs when the top order crashed against Leach on a wicket where spinners have dominated.

Former captain Azhar Ali had a disappointing end to his 97-Test career as the 37-year-old fell without scoring in his last innings when Leach knocked back his off stump with a sharp-turning delivery.

England players applauded and shook hands with Azhar before he took the final guard with his wife and two sons among a sparse crowd at the National Stadium.

But Azhar lasted for only four balls against his former Somerset teammate Leach before the England players again shook hands with him for one last time.

Azhar was accorded a guard of honour by his teammates on the edge of the boundary as he slowly walked back into the dressing room.

Resuming on 0-21, Shan Masood (24) started promisingly, smashing Joe Root for three boundaries and a six before the off-spinner was taken out of the attack after two overs.

Abdullah Shafique wiped off the 50-run deficit with a pulled boundary against Mark Wood’s 140km/h bouncer before Leach struck thrice without conceding a run.

The left-handed Masood was bowled playing an extravagant reverse sweep as the ball clipped the bottom edge of his bat before hitting leg stump.

Four balls later, Leach sent Azhar packing then pinned Shafique (26) plumb lbw on the front foot to leave Pakistan reeling.

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Seibold has returned to Manly as the club's new coach after working as an assistant with the Sea Eagles in 2016.

Off the back of taking the reigns at South Sydney in 2018, Seibold picked up the Dally M Coach of the Year award after helping the Rabbitohs from a 12th-placed finish the year before to reaching a preliminary final.

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He departed for Brisbane after the 2018 season, but his tenure with the Broncos ended in disaster when he was dumped by the club just two years into his five-year contract.

The 48-year-old has since worked in a consultancy role with former England rugby coach Eddie Jones and as an assistant coach at the Knights under Adam O'Brien.

Speaking on James Graham's The Bye Round Podcast, Seibold said his decision to leave the Rabbitohs was a poor one.

"I do regret it," he said.

"I made a business decision in the end. Ultimately, it proved to be the wrong decision.

"But the way I looked at it was it was an opportunity to set up not just my family, but my wider family for life, through the deal that was offered to me.

"It was a five-year deal with the sixth year in my favour. Very lucrative.

"I said 'no' a couple of times but then another year kept getting added, and it got to the point where I felt as though if I didn't take it, it's probably negligent in some way."

Seibold's signing with Brisbane forced Wayne Bennett to be driven out of the Broncos, where he had won six premierships.

"I regret it heaps, but then maybe I wouldn't be the coach I am today if I didn't go through that experience of so much media exposure (that came with) going to Brisbane," Seibold said.

"Replacing the legend of Wayne at the Broncos, the criticism of the old boys of me coming to the club and the noise that was always there (was difficult)."

Seibold does see one positive in his time at the Broncos.

"I thought making the finals with that Brisbane team in 2019 was a bigger … and more successful coaching story than the previous year (at South Sydney)," he said.

"The reason I say that is we debuted 11 guys that year.

"It was just the way we bowed out; we got beaten 58-0 in the finals. It was just horrible."

After sneaking into the competition's top eight in 2019, the Broncos travelled to western Sydney to face Parramatta where the team suffered its worst finals loss in club history.

"I didn't see it coming," Seibold said.

"We beat that Parramatta side 17-16 two weeks earlier. So, do you lose your talent in two weeks? Do you lose your fitness or your contact ability in two weeks? You don't.

"Obviously, something mentally wasn't quite right there for whatever reason.

"But to make the finals from where we came from ... when you look at it now and where the Broncos have been since, it was actually a pretty decent year for that group."

Despite finishing his time at Brisbane with just 14 wins from 40 games, Seibold said he would not change any of the choices he made in the best interest of the team.

"I still would blood all the young kids," he said.

"I was heavily criticised for giving Tommy Dearden his debut and I was heavily criticised for making Pat Carrigan captain at 20 years of age. But if you look at where they are now … I could see that.

"What would I do different?

"I made a lot of changes. Probably didn't keep some of the DNA of the club. So, that would be one thing.

"Some of the senior players, for instance. Maybe I could have handled them a little bit differently."

But for all the heartache coaching has brought him, Seibold is not worried about returning to the top job.

"Looking back now, it seems a little bit surreal," he said.

"It seems like a lifetime ago, even though it was only a couple of years ago.

"But I feel like I'm a better coach and even a better person.

"It was tough at the time, and I can see why people criticised me externally, but that's life and you get on with it.

"I know that I can get through that really tough, turbulent time where you're not just on the back page but you're actually on the front page, too.

"I feel like I've shown that I can bring groups together. I've also shown that if you make some mistakes and you're a bit cloudy with some of your decision making then it can really go badly for you.

"I feel as though I am a resource to the group and a servant to the group. Not everyone would agree with that, but when you're a teacher or a coach, you're there to serve the group."

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The larger-than-life spin king from Melbourne rocked the MCG across the 1990s and 2000s, tormenting batters and producing some of his most memorable achievements at the venue, including his Test hat-trick and 700th Test wicket.

In a stirring pre-match ceremony, the Australian and South African teams will walk past a plinth featuring a ball and floppy hat — a beloved fashion item of the 145-Test great — and the players will wear white wide-brim hats as the national anthems are performed.

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Warne's Test cap number, 350, will also be painted square of the wicket for the duration of the match, and a graphic and highlights package of Australia's greatest wicket-taker will appear on the big screen at 3.50pm on Boxing Day.

"Shane is an icon to cricket fans globally for the greatness of his cricketing achievements, his charisma and his infectious enthusiasm for the game," said Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley.

"His place as a legend of Australian and world sport is assured.

"Whilst we continue to mourn his passing, it is fitting that we honour Shane at his beloved Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

"Shane became recognisable not only through his genius and mastery of the art of leg spin, but also his floppy hat and zinc, so we encourage fans to remember Shane by wearing their own floppy hat and zinc to day one of the Boxing Day Test.

"I know I speak for the whole cricket community in saying that our thoughts continue to be with Shane's family and friends, and particularly his children: Brooke, Jackson and Summer."

Three weeks after Warne died of a heart attack at the age of 52 in early March, an incredible memorial service was held at the MCG.

Global superstars such as Robbie Williams, Elton John and Ed Sheeran performed, and high-profile people from a wide range of industries were in attendance, including Brian Lara, Allan Border, Molly Meldrum, Dannii Minogue and Scott Morrison.

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Brosid T20 Bash 2022 Points Table

Pool A

Pool B

Pool C

Pool D

The post Brosid T20 Bash 2022 Points Table and Team Standings appeared first on The Sports News.

The NFL had some interesting outcomes with the Sunday slate of games.

While some games held playoff implications for teams, others were meaningless games.

However, for two teams, their losses were crushing for them.

So which two teams had crushing defeats on Sunday?

Dallas Cowboys

With the Dallas Cowboys being in a tough division with the Philadelphia Eagles, they needed a win.

Their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars was a chance for them to keep pace with the Eagles.

However, an overtime interception cost the Cowboys the win.

MADNESS IN JACKSONVILLE. WALKOFF PICK-6 FOR THE @JAGUARS. #DALvsJAX pic.twitter.com/ZQrhOLRuIW

— NFL (@NFL) December 18, 2022

The loss is crushing for several reasons, with the first being how they gave up 40 points to a 6-8 team.

But the biggest issue is how this loss can cost them a shot at winning the NFC East.

Now, the Cowboys need to win out and hope for the Eagles to lose out to win their division.

New England Patriots

If you are looking for the most crushing defeat from Sunday, look no further than the New England Patriots loss.

With the game tied in Las Vegas, the game was looking like overtime was coming.

However, an insane play by the Patriots gave the Las Vegas Raiders the win.

What just happened?? The @Raiders win on the final play!! #NEvsLV pic.twitter.com/cmKNUuab1k

— NFL (@NFL) December 19, 2022

Instead of heading to overtime, players for the Patriots were trying to make something happen with no time remaining.

But the actions by players to extend the last play saw a turnover ending the game.

With the loss, the Patriots now fall out of the playoff picture.

While they can make it back into the race, the loss forces them to fight an uphill battle.

The post 2 NFL Teams That Suffered Crushing Losses On Sunday appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Week 15 in the NFL saw some wild games.

With many games coming down to the wire, there were plenty of players having big games.

However, only two players stand out the most from Sunday’s slate of games.

So which two NFL players had the biggest game during Sunday’s NFL games?

Rhamondre Stevenson

Rhamondre Stevenson is a running back whose name rarely ever makes headlines.

The 24-year-old was making magic with the New England Patriots on Sunday.

His 172 rushing yards and one touchdown kept the Patriots in the game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Rhamondre Stevenson SMASHED today.

19 carries, 172 (!!!) yards, 1 TD

24.80 points (PPR)

Hope you started him!!! https://t.co/LaxYAMA2mD

— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) December 19, 2022

The game saw him average 9.1 yards per carry, a season high for him in 2022.

This made him a fantasy football star, as his numbers on Sunday were amazing.

While the Patriots didn’t win their game, it doesn’t take away the epic performance Stevenson put on Sunday afternoon.

Trevor Lawrence

Out of all the NFL players to have big games on Sunday, Trevor Lawrence had the best.

His four touchdowns are exactly what the Jacksonville Jaguars needed this week.

The 5-8 #Jaguars upset the 10-3 #Cowboys and win in overtime.

Dak Prescott throws a pick-6 to lose it.

Trevor Lawrence had a 4-TD day.pic.twitter.com/e100CzyDRA

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 18, 2022

His performance also saw him passing for 318 yards, a difference maker in their game.

While it wasn’t him who won the game, his play kept the Jaguars in the game against a tough Dallas Cowboys defense.

However, what makes his performance the biggest is how the win gives the Jaguars a shot at the playoffs.

With the Jaguars one game behind the Tennessee Titans, Lawrence gives his team hope in 2022.

No other player did so much to help their team on Sunday like he did.

The post 2 NFL Players Who Had Big Games On Sunday appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Week 15 for some NFL teams were a must-win situation for them.

With playoff hopes hanging on the outcome of their game, it was important to get a win.

For two NFL teams, they got big wins on Sunday while improving their playoff chances.

So which two teams got the biggest wins on Sunday?

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have given fans plenty of drama this season.

They have gone from hapless losers to playoff contenders.

While their 1-6 was the worst in the NFL, they now sit at 7-7 and are knocking on the door of the playoffs.

However, their win over the New York Jets is helping push them closer to a playoff berth.

While they are still out of the picture, they draw a little closer to the playoffs with their win.

But that win wasn’t easy, as it took a bold call on fourth and inches with minutes left in the fourth quarter to help them win the game.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Madness is the best word to describe the game in Jacksonville.

MADNESS IN JACKSONVILLE. WALKOFF PICK-6 FOR THE @JAGUARS. #DALvsJAX pic.twitter.com/ZQrhOLRuIW

— NFL (@NFL) December 18, 2022

After being down by 17 points, the Jacksonville Jaguars fought back and tied the game against the Dallas Cowboys.

However, the pick-six on Dak Prescott was a game winner for the Jaguars in overtime.

The win is huge for the Jaguars, as it now puts them one game behind the Tennessee Titans for the AFC South division title.

Had they lost this game, their playoff chances were doomed.

However, the win keeps them in the playoff race with a chance to win their division.

The post 2 NFL Teams That Got Big Wins On Sunday appeared first on The Cold Wire.

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The post

Updated Top 50 SuperWest NIL Athlete Valuations

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Ireland’s Show Jumping and Dressage athletes were in superb form in recent days, posting a string of impressive results in the USA, the Middle East and in Europe.

Derry’s Daniel Coyle, who had already taken a Longines FEI Jumping World Cup win in Toronto and a runner-up finish in Las Vegas, added another World Cup Grand Prix victory on Saturday night at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth (USA) with the Ariel Grange-owned Legacy.

The pair came out on top after a three-horse jump-off, crossing the finish line clear in 31.47 seconds. American McLain Ward and Callas settled for second (32.60), with Erynn Ballard (CAN) third (34.94 seconds).

Coyle has now assumed the lead in the North American World Cup standings with 66 points. Fellow Irishman Conor Swail, also with two victories this season, sits second (56 points), while Daniel Bluman (ISR) is third (54).

At Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Wexford’s Bertram Allen and the 8-year-old gelding Empoli de Champloue took a victory in the five-star 1m60 Grand Prix. Seven combinations made it into the jump-off with Allen’s second round clear in 33.60 seconds giving him over a second to spare over runner-up Abdullah Alsharbatly (KSA) and Kannabis van de Bucxtale.

Europe

At the London International Horse Show World Cup fixture, Conor Swail claimed a third place finish in the 1m55 jump-off class with Vital Chance de la Roque (SF). It was Swail’s third podium finish so far in London. Tipperary’s Trevor Breen recorded a victory on Friday in London with Jicarla T in the 1m45 speed class.

In the Dressage World Cup in London, Irish rider Abi Lyle and the 11-year-old gelding Giraldo posted an international personal best score of 75.250% for tenth place in the FEI Dressage World Cup Western European League Grand Prix Kür (Freestyle to Music) on Friday. World champion Charlotte Fry (GBR) and Glamourdale took victory with personal best score of 90.995%.

On Thursday last, Abi Lyle and Giraldo scored 70.395% for seventh place in the FEI World Cup Short Grand Prix class.

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List of URC, Champions Cup, Challenge Cup Ireland Men, Women, and U20 matches rugby on BT Sports, RTE, ViaPlay, Premier Sports,  Virgin & TG4, we have kick-off and live scores.

Cell C Sharks v Emirates Lions

Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA

Live on: SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports, Discovery + & URC.tv

DHL Stormers v Vodacom Bulls

DHL Stadium, Cape Town – KO 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA

Live on: SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports, Discovery + & URC.tv

Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh Rugby

Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow – KO 19.35  IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA

Live on: Viaplay, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Discovery + & URC.tv

Connacht v Ulster

The Sportsground, Galway – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA

Live on: RTÉ, Viaplay, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Discovery + & URC.tv

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24

Benetton v Zebre Parma

Stadio Monigo, Treviso – KO 12.30 IRE & UK / 13.30 ITA / 14.30 SA

Live on: Eurosport, Discovery +, Viaplay, Premier Sports, SuperSport & URC.tv

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26

Dragons RFC v Cardiff Rugby

Rodney Parade, Newport – KO 14.15  IRE & UK / 15.15 ITA / 16.15 SA

Live on: BBC Wales, Viaplay, Premier Sports, SuperSport & URC.tv

Ospreys v Scarlets

Swansea.com Stadium, Swansea – KO 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA

Live on: S4C, Viaplay, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Discovery + & URC.tv

Munster v Leinster

Thomond Park, Limerick – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA

Live on: TG4, Viaplay, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Discovery + & URC.tv

The post List of Rugby matches live on RTE,BT Sports, ViaPlay, Premier Sports & TG4 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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The Curragh and Dubai Duty Free has confirmed an extension of their partnership, which includes title sponsorship of the Irish Derby and five additional races on the day.

The race attracted a high-quality field this year and was won by the Ralph Beckett trained Westover. Prize money for the Group 1 Classic will increase from €1 million to €1.25 million in 2023.
 
Dubai Duty Free has been the title sponsor of Ireland’s premier classic race since 2008. In 2023 the Derby will revert to a Sunday date for the first time since 2011, taking place on Sunday July 2.

Irish Derby will be part of Tote World Pool

Worldwide viewership of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby will be significantly enhanced by the full eight race programme becoming part of the Tote World Pool for the first-time next year.

Tote World Pool is an exciting initiative which was introduced in 2019 whereby global tote operators operate a single pool on several major international race meetings. It has been agreed with the Hong Kong Jockey Club that from next year Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day will become a permanent fixture as a Tote World Pool event.

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Weekend is a three-day festival of top-quality racing taking place next year from June 30 to July 2, showcasing the best that Ireland has to offer with a lively evening meeting on Friday, Ladies Day on Saturday featuring the Group 1 Alwasmiyah Pretty Polly Stakes and the Kildare Village Ladies Derby, while Sunday will feature all the spectacle, glamour and excitement of Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day.

The post Dubai Duty Free extends sponsorship of Irish Derby appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Taylor caught one pass for 13 yards and was in the Colts’ historic loss to the Vikings for just two snaps before exiting with the injury.

The 23-year-old has rushed for 861 yards on 192 attempts with four touchdowns this season and has caught 28 passes for 143 yards. He had already missed three games this year with an injury to the same ankle.

Just one season ago, Taylor finished second in voting for offensive player of the year and made the Pro Bowl. He finished 2021-22 with 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns on 332 carries.

The Colts, now 4-9-1 in 2022, will likely feature Zack Moss in the backfield, who took on the majority of the rushing duties against the Vikings, rushing for 81 yards on 24 carries.

Indianapolis plays at home against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday, Dec. 26.

He was simply seeking clarification the goal would count at all.

Six minutes into the second period of a 1-1 game against the San Jose Sharks Sunday, Lucic’s one-timer from the high slot ricocheted in off Erik Karlsson, as teammate Trevor Lewis caused traffic in front.

It appeared to have ended a streak of 62 games without a goal.

However, after a brief celebration, Lucic could then be seen pleading with officials.

“It wasn’t about who scored it,” Lucic told Sportsnet 960 with a chuckle. 

“I was hearing ‘22, 22’ and I was thinking they were going to call goalie interference (on Lewis).

“I’m like, ‘c’mon, you’re not going to take another one away from me again.’”

They tried, kind of, by awarding it first to Lewis, before changing it later in the game to the big winger who recently returned from a three-game banishment to the press box.

“It’s obviously good to contribute offensively, but the main thing is getting a big win here to start off the road-trip,” said Lucic, who had a goal disallowed due to an off-side challenge Nov. 17 in Tampa Bay. 

“Before I sat out I had a lot of frustration and a lot of negative energy and I’m the kind of person that works against me. 

“I wanted to be a positive influence again once I got back in.”

Mission accomplished Sunday, with a goal, four shots and three hits in 13 minutes of ice time.  

Lucic’s goal played a big role in the Flames 5-2 win at SAP Center, which snapped another lengthy streak for teammate Jacob Markstrom.

Playing in his 400^th NHL game, Markstrom finally got the type of run support he wasn’t given in his previous six starts, which were all losses.

The win marked his first win since Nov. 21 against Philadelphia — a nice change of pace for the 32-year-old who announced his engagement online a couple days earlier.

More takeaways from Sunday’s win, which snapped a five-game losing skid for the Flames:

THE PASS

It was the type of pass Flames fans had waited 32 games to see from Jonathan Huberdeau — a cross-ice power play beauty reminiscent of a play Johnny Gaudreau specialized in.  

With the Flames clinging to a 2-1 lead to open the third period, Huberdeau moved in from the left point and delivered a no-look pass through a seam in the middle of the ice to Elias Lindholm who one-timed the eventual game-winner past Kaapo Kahkonen from the bottom of the circle.

Nineteen seconds later Lindholm struck again to blow the game wide open, by converting a similarly slick pass from Rasmus Andersson.

Those are the types of passes Flames fans expected to see plenty of from Huberdeau after Darryl Sutter proclaimed in camp that he was, “probably the best passer that this team has had in maybe ever.”

Playing in his 700^th NHL game, Huberdeau skated on a line with Nazem Kadri and Andrew Mangiapane for the second consecutive game. 

THE BINGE

The Flames lead the league with 18 one-goal games — a strange stat that speaks as much about the team’s dogged work ethic as it does about its absence of game-breakers.

Despite a dominant first couple periods against one of the league’s worst teams, the Flames only held a 2-1 lead going into the third period.

Sounds familiar.

That’s where things changed, as Lindholm’s two quick snipes to open the third were followed up by a Dillon Dube rebound to cap a three-goal spree in under two minutes that iced the game.

THE FIGHT

With Chris Tanev skating with the team as he recovers from the scary incident in Montreal that saw him take a puck to the head, the Flames summoned Dennis Gilbert from the Wranglers to be the team’s seventh defenceman in the lineup Sunday.

Not surprisingly, the 26-year-old lined himself up for a fight — the fourth time in 16 skates as a Flame.

This time it was a big-boy battle with Jonah Gadjovich, who was only too happy to trade heavy rights until he ended the affair with a huge right to the nose that not only clinched the win, but ended Gilbert’s night, as he left immediately for repairs.

It marked just the first loss in his four NHL bouts this season.

“He was good,” said Sutter of Gilbert’s status.

“I talked to him. It was just, because he obviously got punched, they wanted to make sure.”

Gilbert wasn’t the only Flames defender to leave the game early, as Nikita Zadorov raced off the ice clutching his wrist after blocking a point-blank shot with six minutes left.

No update on his status was given after the game.

THE COACH 

Darryl Sutter opened the day by reiterating his Christmas wishes.

“Our goal was to be in a playoff spot at Christmas. And that’s still my goal.”

Sunday’s win put the Flames in a tie with Colorado for the final wild card berth.

The opportunity is certainly there to make Sutter’s dream come true, as the Flames face San Jose again Tuesday before capping off the last two games before the holiday in Los Angeles and Anaheim. 

With Radim Zohorna dealing with an illness, Sutter chose to sit Matthew Phillips and Brett Ritchie in favour of playing an extra defender.

“Dressed seven because the predictability of our defencemen has not been good this year,” said Sutter.

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With so much rivalry among sportsbooks, including in Arizona, clients can profit from discounts offered by sportsbooks to recruit new bettors and retain current ones. To do this, they may offer odds boosts that provide bettors with considerably greater odds than would otherwise be available. Why would bookmakers put themselves in such a disadvantageous position? […]

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Believe in the 2022 Vikings—They Do If you could have mapped out the 2022 Minnesota Vikings season before it got

Read the full story Believe in the 2022 Vikings—They Do and check out purplePTSD - Local Minnesota Vikings News each day for all you Minnesota Vikings news/analysis!

The Minnesota Vikings mounted the greatest comeback in NFL history, but according to ESPN’s Quarterback Rating system, it was not

Read the full story ESPN Thinks Kirk Cousins Played One of His Worst Games of 2022 in Week 15 and check out purplePTSD - Local Minnesota Vikings News each day for all you Minnesota Vikings news/analysis!

One of the standout teams in England so far this season return to domestic action in the EFL Cup on Tuesday. Newcastle United will be looking to continue their excellent start to the season, as they host Bournemouth.

• Wolves vs Gillingham Prediction: EFL Cup Match on 20.12.2022

EFL Cup Preview

It has been an excellent start to the 2022-23 season for Newcastle United, and they will be looking to maintain their excellent campaign by booking their spot in the quarterfinals of the EFL Cup. Newcastle have returned to action since the break already, as they have won back-to-back friendlies against Al-Hilal and Rayo Vallecano.

The Toon are yet to really show their best form in the EFL Cup this season, as they have edged past the previous two rounds. They claimed a 2-1 victory against Tranmere in the second round in August, before needed a penalty shootout success against Crystal Palace in the third round last month. It’s likely Eddie Howe will once again make changes for this fixture, as the emphasis will be on a top-four finish this term.

Like Newcastle, Bournemouth will also be placing extra importance on the Premier League this term, as they bid to remain in the top-flight. This will be Gary O’Neil’s first proper game as full-time manager of Bournemouth, as he was handed the job on a full-time basis during the break in play. 

The Cherries currently sit 14th in the league standings, and the confidence should be high after picking up a deserved 3-0 win against Everton in their previous fixture. Bournemouth also beat the same rivals in the third round, as they picked up a huge 4-1 win on the road against the Toffees. In the second round, they needed penalties to edge past Norwich City.

Newcastle vs Bournemouth Head to Head 

This is the second meeting between the sides this season, as a 1-1 draw was played out in September. However, the Magpies have a strong record against the Cherries, as they are unbeaten in their previous six. Over that run, Newcastle has picked up three victories, with two coming at St James’ Park.

Newcastle vs Bournemouth Prediction 

This should be an interesting fixture between the Premier League sides, as both managers will make wholesale changes. However, we could see the match ending in a draw, before Newcastle edge through by winning on penalties.

Make sure to bet on Newcastle vs Bournemouth with 22Bet!

The post Newcastle vs Bournemouth Prediction: EFL Cup Match on 20.12.2022 appeared first on 22bet.

There will be a big fixture in the second round of the Copa del Rey on Tuesday evening, as Guijuelo host Villarreal. The pressure will be on the away side, as they look to avoid a famous upset in the prestigious Spanish competition.

• Sestao River vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction: Copa del Rey Match on 20.12.2022

Copa del Rey Preview

There will be a blockbuster games in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday evening, as La Liga giants Villarreal clash with Guijuelo. The hosts would have been looking forward to this fixture since the draw was made, and they come into the fixture in relatively solid form in the Segunda Division RFEF. At present, they sit second in their league, having won nine from 15 games this season. 

They have already done incredibly well to reach this stage of the competition, as they overcame prestigious opposition in the previous round. In the first round, they came up against Deportivo, but managed to claim a 2-0 win. Both goals were netted in the final 20 minutes, with Jose Carmona Rodriguez opening the scoring, before an own goal settled the tie two minutes later.

Villarreal have had a busy period during the international break, as they were forced to name a new manager following Unai Emery’s departure. Quique Setien was appointed as the new boss, as he took his first job back in management following a disastrous spell in charge of Barcelona in 2020.

It wasn’t the best start to the new season for Villarreal, as they sit ninth in the La Liga standings. They have won just six of their opening 14 games, and they currently sit three points off the top four positions in the league standings. However, they will be looking to build momentum at this crucial stage of the campaign with a victory on Tuesday to book their spot in the next round of the Copa del Rey.

Guijuelo vs Villarreal Head to Head 

This will be a historic game for the home side on Tuesday, as they welcome Villarreal to town for the first time. This will be the first ever meeting between the Spanish teams.

Guijuelo vs Villarreal Prediction 

This will be a huge moment in the history of Guijuelo, as they welcome La Liga opposition to town. However, we expect to see a gulf in quality between the two Spanish sides, and therefore, we would be extremely surprised to see any other outcome than a victory for Villarreal.

Make sure to bet on Guijuelo vs Villarreal with 22Bet!

The post Guijuelo vs Villarreal Prediction: Copa del Rey Match on 20.12.2022 appeared first on 22bet.

Athletic Bilbao return to domestic action for the first time since the conclusion of the World Cup on Tuesday. They will be in action in the second round of the Copa del Rey, as they visit Sestao River of the Segunda Federacion Group 2.

• Guijuelo vs Villarreal Prediction: Copa del Rey Match on 20.12.2022

Copa del Rey Preview

Athletic Bilbao will be looking to return to action in solid form on Tuesday, as they resume their campaign in the Copa del Rey. The Spanish giants haven’t won this prestigious competition since 1984, but they will be among the front-runners to change that fact this season based on their showings so far in La Liga this term. 

Bilbao has started the season in excellent form domestically, and they currently sit fourth in the standings. They have won half of the 14 games that they have played this term, and they have an excellent defensive record, having allowed just 14. Bilbao has played a number of friendlies in preparation for the resumption, and they have claimed four straight wins. They also made light work of Alzira in the first round of the Copa del Rey, with Nico Williams and Alejandro Berenguer Remiro scoring the goals.

This will be a big fixture for the hosts, as Sestao River will be looking to cause an almighty upset. The hosts currently play in Group 2 of the Segunda Federacion, and they currently sit top of the standings. They have won ten of the 14 games that they have played this term, losing on just one occasion. 

Sestao produced an excellent performance to reach the second round of the competition, as they landed a 1-0 win over Racing Ferrol in the previous round. The only goal in that victory was scored by Leandro Martinez.

Sestao River vs Athletic Bilbao Head to Head 

This will be the third time that these two sides have clashed. They previously met in the Copa del Rey in January 2020, with Athletic Bilbao landing a 4-0 win. In fact, Sestao are yet to score in two previous matches against Bilbao. 

Sestao River vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction

This will be a huge occasion for the home side, and their confidence will be high after an excellent start to the season. However, we still struggle to see past the La Liga giants getting the win that they need to reach the next round, and they could claim a 3-0 success.

Make sure to bet on Sestao River vs Athletic Bilbao with 22Bet!

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FIFA World Cup: France President Emmanuel Macron HITS back at critics, PRAISES France’s performance against Argentina – Check Out

FIFA World Cup: France President Emmanuel Macron: From leaping from his seat in the VIP box to consoling crestfallen players on the pitch, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a wide-ranging performance at the World Cup final that was not to everyone’s taste. The 44-year-old was an unmissable presence at the game at the Lusail stadium in Qatar on Sunday, even making an appearance in the team’s changing room to deliver an emotional post-game pep talk. Follow FIFA World Cup HIGHLIGHTS on InsideSport.IN

Argentina WC Champions: Dinesh Karthik, Jasprit Bumrah, Indian Cricket fraternity hail Champion Messi after Argentina beat France in BEST FIFA…

“You’re an amazing team,” Macron told the players, pounding his fist in his hand for effect. “No other team would have got here and come back on two occasions and being so close to winning it.

Argentina vs France Record: Lionel Messi scripts history, CREATES array…

FIFA World Cup: France President Emmanuel Macron HITS back at critics, PRAISES France’s performance against Argentina – Check Out:

“You had the heart, the hunger, the desire and the talent to get here and that’s why I wanted to come and say thank you,” he added, according to a video posted on his social media accounts. France were 2-0 behind until the 80th minute before a quickfire double by Kylian Mbappe levelled the game.

In extra time, Argentina went ahead 3-2 thanks to a second goal from Lionel Messi before another Mbappe penalty led to a shoot-out to settle the final. Macron strode onto the pitch after the game, notably grabbing Mbappe in front of the TV cameras and holding the striker’s head to his chest.

He talked animatedly to the distraught player who showed little inclination to exchange pleasantries with the head of state on the pitch and barely acknowledged him. “It was a bit disturbing to see him stuck like glue to Mbappe,” the far right opposition MP Sebastien Chenu told the LCI channel.

The famously tactile leader also stood next to the emir of Qatar in the line of VIPs as they handed over awards and medals to the players in the closing ceremony. “We must not politicise sport,” the incoming leader of the ultra-left France Unbowed party Manuel Bompard, wrote ironically on Twitter, using a phrase used by the president himself on November 11.

FIFA World Cup: France President Emmanuel Macron HITS back at critics, PRAISES France’s performance against Argentina – Check Out:

Macron had made the comments about the World Cup when asked about Qatar hosting the competition despite its human rights record. “Macron did he go over the top?” asked the BFM news channel, adding he had acted like France’s “12th man” throughout the evening.
Macron is a passionate follower of the national team who also made headlines in 2018 leaping to his feet in the stands as France won the World Cup in Russia.

“The president is not on the pitch,” read a commentary in the SoFoot.com website under the headline “Macron, miles offside”. “His role and position should not be seen like this, at these sort of moments which, whether tragic or glorious, belong only to the players and maybe to the staff,” it added.

The president also travelled to Qatar to watch France beat Morocco in the semi-final on Wednesday, after which he made another changing-room appearance. As the team travelled back to Paris on Monday, the president travelled to the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which is anchored off the coast of Egypt, for the traditional Christmas meal with French troops. Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera told France Inter radio he would formally congratulate the players in the New Year.

Follow FIFA World Cup HIGHLIGHTS on InsideSport.IN

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The post FIFA World Cup: France President Emmanuel Macron HITS back at critics, PRAISES France’s performance against Argentina – Check Out first appeared on Inside Sport India.

CFC vs KBFC LIVE: Chennaiyin FC 0-0 Kerala Blasters FC LIVE in ISL 2022 LIVE: The match kicks off.  Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters meet in another fiery Southern Derby. Both clubs are in good shape going into the contest. The host squad will be inspired by their historic 3-7 thrashing of NorthEast United, while Ivan Vukomanovic’s side defeated Bengaluru FC 3-2.  Follow Indian Super League and ISL 2022-23 LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.

Chennaiyin FC XI: Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Soraisham Sandeep Singh, Ruivah Hormipam, Marko Leskovic, Nishu Kumar, Jeakson Singh, Ivan Kaliuzhnyi, Adrian Luna (C), Sahal Samad, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Dimitrios Diamantakos

Kerala Blasters XI: Debjit Majumder (GK), Fallou Diagne (C), Vafa Hakhamaneshi, Ajith Kumar, Aakash Sangwan, Vincy Barretto, Prasanth Karuthadathkuni, Julius Duker, Sourav Das, Edwin Vanspaul, Petar Sliskovic.

ISL 2022-23 LIVE STREAMING: Star Sports & Hotstar to broadcast Indian Super League…

CFC vs KBFC LIVE: CFC 0-0 KBFC, Chennaiyin FC AIM to keep up Momentum against Kerala Blasters: Follow ISL 2022 LIVE

2️⃣ Southern Rivals to kick your #MondayBlues & wrap up MW 1️⃣1️⃣! ????

It’s @ChennaiyinFC vs @KeralaBlasters time ????⚔️????

Follow this thread for everything #CFCKBFC! ????#HeroISL #LetsFootball #ChennaiyinFC #KeralaBlasters pic.twitter.com/Hk9wxOhio7

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 19, 2022

CFC vs KBFC LIVE: CFC 0-0 KBFC, Chennaiyin FC AIM to keep up Momentum against Kerala Blasters: Follow ISL 2022 LIVE

With five straight victories, the Blasters continue to amaze. As a result, they will arrive as a strong force and will be heavy favourites to win the game. The Blasters have talent all over the pitch and will look to extend their winning streak.

CFC vs KBFC LIVE: CFC 0-0 KBFC, Chennaiyin FC AIM to keep up Momentum against Kerala Blasters: Follow ISL 2022 LIVE

Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Follow Indian Super League and ISL 2022-23 LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN. 

The post CFC vs KBFC LIVE: CFC 0-0 KBFC, Chennaiyin FC dominate play against Kerala Blasters, SEEK opening goal : Follow ISL 2022 LIVE first appeared on Inside Sport India.

India Blind Cricket: World Cup-winning blind cricketers seek financial support, proper roadmap

India Blind Cricket: Indian Blind Cricket financial crisis – The World Cup-winning India captain Ajay Kumar Reddy on Monday urged the BCCI to support blind cricket, saying it will go a long way in bringing professionalism and the much-needed financial boost to their game. Follow Latest Indian Cricket updates with InsideSport.IN.

The Indian team for the blind recently won the T20 World Cup for the third consecutive time, defeating Bangladesh at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. But despite the achievements, 10 players in the 17-member squad are
jobless and due to the lack of financial support and many find it “difficult to pursue the sport” as they are “preoccupied” with earning livelihood.

BCCI Apex Council Meeting: Decision on Split Coaching & Captaincy on agenda, New Selection Committee set to be named this week

India Blind Cricket: World Cup-winning blind cricketers seek financial support, proper roadmap

“We have won the World Cup for the third consecutive time but we don’t have a title sponsor,” said Reddy, who scored a century in the final. “It’s very difficult to play cricket when we know we have the bigger task of earning livelihood so that we can support our families,” said Reddy on the sidelines of a felicitation ceremony organised by Union sports minister Anurag Thakur.

In April last year, the BCCI had recognised the Differently-abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) to promote the sport among physically challenged, deaf, blind and wheelchair participants. However, not much changed in terms of support for the blind cricketers, according to G Mahantesh, the President of Cricket Association of the Blind in India.

“BCCI has been sympathetic to us all along providing us with infrastructure and training facilities but in order to bring more professionalism we need their financial support as well,” said Mahantesh. Reddy, who has guided the team to two T20 blind World Cup trophies — 2017 and 2022 — is unhappy with the inordinate delay in putting a roadmap in place.

“The (BCCI) recognition has happened but there is no roadmap for our sport, no one knows what’s happening. We have also brought glory to the country on the cricket field and deserve to get (BCCI’s) central contract,” added Reddy.

India Blind Cricket: World Cup-winning blind cricketers seek financial support, proper roadmap

Sunil Ramesh, who hit a hat-trick of centuries during the World Cup (against Nepal, South Africa and Bangladesh), and was adjudged ‘Player of the Tournament’ and ‘Player of the Match’ in the final, too said that with the pressure of earning a livelihood, the BCCI support will go a long way in securing their lives.

“We have no monetary support, no jobs and no security whatsoever. That’s the reason we only assemble before the world cup or a bilateral or triangular series, which are far and few between. If the Indian board wants, we too can play professionally,” said the 24-year-old all-rounder from Chikmanglur.

Asked what he would say to the India team, which has gone without a World Cup trophy since the title triumph in the 50-over format under Mahendra Singh Dhoni in 2011, Reddy said that for him and his team visualisation work wonders.

“I would say every player should do a bit of visualisation before sleep. That has helped us iron out a lot of our technical flaws and I’m sure India players will also benefit from it.

“The fact that they are in the India team means they are very good, but corrections (in technique) are a must and visualising one’s dismissal or a bad ball or poor fielding helps correct mistakes,” opined Reddy.

India Blind Cricket: World Cup-winning blind cricketers seek financial support, proper roadmap

Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Follow Latest Indian Cricket updates with InsideSport.IN.

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The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2018 and the Miami Dolphins didn’t make the playoffs. So their Dec. 9 matchup is far from one of the most memorable regular-season matchups in NFL history.

Read more...

It seems like something of a missed opportunity that my favorite Lionel Messi moment came 11 years ago. There’s been so much since. It just happened to be on my 30th birthday, on a day where pretty much everything went wrong (a fine introduction to one’s 30s, it could be easily argued). Barcelona that day were playing…

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Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro heaped plaudits on Argentina after La Albiceleste's triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties in the final at the competition at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Sunday night.

Both teams battled to a thrilling 3-3 draw after 120 minutes of tensed contest.

Read Also: 2022 World Cup: It’s Painful France Lost To Argentina –Lloris

Peseiro, who watched the game live at the stadium, took to the social to celebrate Argentina's victory.

"Congratulations Argentina on winning your third World Cup!
It was an exciting game, what an incredible match! You deserve every minute of this title, well done!"Peseiro wrote on his Twitter handle.

It was Argentina's first World Cup title in 36 years.

The post ‘You Deserve The Title’ — Peseiro Lauds Argentina On World Cup Success appeared first on Complete Sports.

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi has expressed his delight to have finally won the 2022 World Cup.

Argentina took the lead early and scored twice in the first half. Messi finished a penalty kick and Ángel Di María scored Argentina's second goal.

In a stunning reversal, France mounted a late-stage comeback and star Kylian Mbappé scored twice in just over 90 seconds in the 80th minute, sending the teams to extra time.

Messi and Mbappé each scored for their teams during extra time, but neither team pulled away, forcing the game into a penalty kick shootout. Argentina beat France 4-2 in the penalty kick shootout.

Despite accomplishing so much in his career, Messi recognized that being world champion is the greatest thing to happen in his career.

"CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!!!!!!! So many times I dreamed it, so much I wanted it that I still don't fall, I can't believe it...... Thank you so much to much to my family, to all who support me and also to all who believed in us.

"We prove once again to Argentinians when we fight together and united we are able to achieve all we aim. The merit of this group is that above individuals, is the strength of all fighting for the same dream that was also the one of all Argentinians... We did it!!! LET'S GO ARGENTINA DAMN!!!!! We're seeing each other very soon..."

The post Messi Delighted To Lift 2022 World Cup appeared first on Complete Sports.

Former Super Eagles head coach, Sunday Oliseh has warned it will be disastrous for Nigerian football if the team failed to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles were denied a place at the just concluded 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar by West African rivals, Ghana.

The three-time African champions attended three previous editions of the World Cup before failing to secure a place in Qatar 2022.

Oliseh stated that the Super Eagles can't afford to miss out on a place at the 2026 mundial.

Read Also:Tinubu, Atiku Hail Messi After Argentina World Cup Title Win

“Nigeria football will be all but dead if we failed to qualify for the next World Cup,”Oliseh said in an interview on ARISE TV on Monday

“We’re already behind many countries because we didn’t qualify (for Qatar 2022) and we’re farther behind because we didn’t participate at this World Cup.

"Football is a religion in this country, but when you don’t have a solid league, you cannot have a good national team.”

USA, Mexico and Canada will co-host the 2026 World Cup .

The competition will ill be expanded to 48 teams with Africa presenting nine qualifiers.

By Adeboye Amosu

The post Oliseh: Super Eagles Must Qualify For 2026 World Cup appeared first on Complete Sports.

With Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Joe Joyce and Anthony Joshua all teasing big fights, we take a look at the 10 that MUST happen next year

The post The 10 fights to make at heavyweight in 2023 appeared first on Boxing News.

Xtra Time Web Desk: Despite a brilliant hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe, reigning world champions France lost 2-4 on penalty shootout against Argentina in the final of FIFA World Cup 2022 at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Sunday. The score after extra time was 3-3 with both sides producing outstanding football.

Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead from a penalty in 23rd minute. Angel Di Maria was tripped inside the box by Osumane Dembele. The Juventus veteran extended the lead for Albiceleste in the 36th minute much to the joy of a packed stadium dominated by Argentina fans.

Didier Deschamps’ side were totally outplayed by the Latin American giants until a moment of brilliant from Paris Saint Germain star Kylian Mbappe towards the final 10 minutes of the regulation time. He scored twice in a span of 2 minutes to see the scores level.

France was awarded a penalty in the 79th minute after Kolo Muani was brought down clumsily by Nicolas Otamendi inside the box. Mbappe stepped up and just about managed to fire home into the net past Emiliano Martinez.

France’s talismanic striker drew the holder’s level barely a minute after bagging his first, playing a neat one-two with Thuram and unleashing a thunderous volley into the far corner to leave the Argentina contingent shell-shocked. The score remained 2-2 after the end of regulation time.

Argentina restored the lead in the 109th minute as a slick passing move ended with Lloris saving Martinez’s powerful attempt from a tight angle, and Messi scoring from rebound.

Just when it looked like the result will stay 3-2 in favour of Argentina, France equalized through Mbappe in the 118th minute. Montiel blocked Mbappe’s shot with his arm inside the area, and the Paris Saint-Germain attacker clinically completed his hat trick from the spot.

Mbappe and Messi both converted from 12 yards before Martinez dived to his right to keep out Coman, and Paulo Dybala confidently rolled his effort down the middle to hand Argentina an early advantage. Tchouameni dragged France’s next spot kick wide while Leandro Paredes effort proved too powerful for Lloris to keep out.

Argentina was only one spot kick away from glory, and Kolo Muani kept France alive with a rocket down the middle, but Montiel coolly sent Lloris the wrong way to spark tears of joy and cheers of jubilation for those in blue and white.

Xtra Time Web Desk: In what comes as a setback for Indian team, regular test captain Rohit Sharma is unlikely to b available for the upcoming second test match against Bangladesh starting at the Sher e Bangla Stadium in Mirpur from December 22. Rohit was supposed to travel to Dhaka on Sunday. Instead, he will take rest and recover from the injury. He will return for the home series against Sri Lanka starting January 3. Meanwhile, KL Rahul will continue to lead in the 2nd Test in the absence of Rohit. The visitors are leading the two-test series 1-0 after the win in first test by 188 runs.

Rahul in his post-match conference on Sunday did say that he was not aware of Rohit’s availability. It is learnt Rohit’s thumb injury has not completely healed. He injured his right thumb while trying to take a catch in the slips during the 2nd ODI against Bangladesh.

After getting an update from BCCI medical team, the team management in Bangladesh has said no to his inclusion in the 2nd Test.

If he hurts his thumb again, the Indian captain may miss the two upcoming series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. He could also be doubtful for the Australia series which is even more important in the context of World Test Championship.

India A and Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran is already in Bangladesh as the replacement for Rohit.

The green top in Brisbane has been condemned after 34 wickets fell in less than six sessions, as Australia went on to triumph by six wickets.

With the match lasting fewer than 145 overs, it is the second-shortest Test ever to be played Down Under.

READ MORE: Brutal Boxing Day call facing Aussie selectors

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In the wake of multiple centuries and even double tons to Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith against the West Indies, Travis Head was the only player to get close to triple figures in Brisbane with his 92 runs from 96 balls in the first innings.

South African wicketkeeper and batter Kyle Verreynne was the only other player to knock over a half-century, reaching 64 runs from 96 balls in the first innings.

While the batting on display was sub-par, the blame quickly shifted to the pitch.

In a scathing tweet, Sehwag accused cricket in Australia of "hypocrisy" considering its tendency to find fault with the quality of India's pitches.

"142 overs and not even lasting two days and they have the audacity to lecture on what kind of pitches are needed," he said.

"Had it happened in India, it would have been labelled end of Test cricket, ruining Test cricket and whatnot. The hypocrisy is mind-boggling."

Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg also condemned the green wicket on Twitter, calling the match "as quick as a backyard Test on Christmas Day".

By the end of the second day the pitch was showing limited signs of deterioration.

Kerry O'Keeffe suggested the curators may have some explaining to do.

"I sense the pitch is going to be the back-page lead, I think that's the story," he said on Fox Cricket.

"Was it a suitable pitch for these two powerhouses to go at each other?"

South African great Shaun Pollock replied, "I would say no".

"You do feel the curators got it slightly wrong."

Mark Waugh said late in the day, "the pitch is just a little too juicy, isn't it?".

"I would have to say this pitch would get a below-average rating, unfortunately."

However, former Australian captain Mark Taylor advocated for more bowler-friendly wickets in Test cricket's future.

"There's no doubt the pitch had too much in it," he told Wide World of Sports.

"You can't have a two-day Test and say that the pitch is a good one, but I will say that I do like the fact that the groundsmen are leaving a bit more grass on them.

"I think Test match cricket should be more about the bowlers, and it's much more interesting when they're in the game. I don't like scores of 500 versus 400, which we had too much of for a couple of decades."

Because of the added grass on the wicket, green pitches provide an ideal surface for fast bowlers, and over time become suited to spinners.

On Friday, Proteas skipper Dean Elgar said the colour of the wicket in Brisbane was not a concern.

"The green colour doesn't really scare us - we come from South Africa where the wickets are pretty green and juicy," he said.

Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox said that MCG curator, Matt Page, was putting together a more equal pitch for next week's Boxing Day Test.

"Preparations are going well at the MCG ahead of the Boxing Day Test. The weather is looking good for the next week, which will continue to aid our preparations," Fox said.

"As always, we are aiming to prepare a pitch that provides a good balance between bat and ball."

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“Mistake.”

It summed up the Patriots’ 30-24 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, with by far the biggest miscue coming on the final play of the game.

After falling behind 17-3 at half time, the Patriots scored 21 unanswered points to take a 24-17 lead with less than four minutes remaining.

READ MORE: Brutal Boxing Day call facing Aussie selectors

READ MORE: 'Gross indulgence' mars iconic Messi moment after win

READ MORE: 42-year-old Williams gains Australian Open wildcard

But Las Vegas — which came in 0-4 when leading by double digits at half time, the first team since at least 1930 to lose four times in a season when leading by double digits at the half — answered with a pair of touchdowns in the final 37 seconds.

“Collectively made too many mistakes and gave up some big plays that were obviously the difference in the game,” Belichick said.

One mistake in particular handed the Raiders the win and knocked the Patriots (7-7) out of playoff position in the AFC.

With the game tied, New England running back Rhamondre Stevenson gained 23 yards on the final play before pitching the ball to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who then backtracked before heaving it toward quarterback Mac Jones.

Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones snagged the ball, stiff-armed Jones and raced 48 yards for the walk-off win.

“Obviously we made a mistake on it,” Belichick added.

“Made a mistake on the play.”

Both Stevenson and Meyers took responsibility, with each saying it was their job to take a knee and send the game to overtime.

“The play call was just a draw play — nothing more, nothing less than that,” Stevenson said.

“I’m supposed to know the situation. I’m supposed to know how much time is on the clock in critical situations and I failed to do that today.”

Stevenson said the play started with him, and had he never pitched the ball to Meyers, the ensuing touchdown would have never taken place.

Meyers said he was the one trying to be a hero by extending the play.

“That ain’t his fault. He gave me the ball, I got to be smart with it,” Meyers said.

“I thought I saw Mac open. I didn’t see Chandler Jones at the time. Just thought he was open, tried to get it to him, then let him try to make a play with it. But the score was tied, so like I said, I should have just laid down.”

Belichick pointed to plenty of mistakes earlier in the game.

A bad snap resulted in a blocked punt. A false start led to a New England punt with just over two minutes left. And the Patriots allowed the Raiders to convert a fourth-and-10 on their tying drive.

“Obviously we’ve got to do a better job playing situational football and not make critical mistakes in the game,” Belichick said.

“We need to try to eliminate all the mistakes that we made. You just can’t do this in this league.

"Got to work to eliminate those and continue to play the good football that we play, but we just had too many mistakes and too many bad plays to win. That was obvious.”

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The Australian showman is the headline act for the Eagles team in the inaugural World Tennis League which starts in Dubai on Tuesday (AEDT).

Kyrgios will also play singles matches against Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexander Zverev while his teammates include Caroline Garcia, Bianca Andreescu, Rohan Bopanna and Andreas Seppi.

Watch Nick Kyrgios, Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek in the World Tennis League in Dubai from December 20-25. Streaming ad-free and live on Stan Sport

Eighteen players were last month drawn into four teams which will contest a round robin before the top two squads square off in the final on Christmas Day (AEDT).

While the two have become friendly, Kyrgios is naturally keen to exact some revenge for his loss to Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.

"The team that has my eye is definitely Novak and the Falcons," Kyrgios said.

READ MORE: Brutal Boxing Day call facing Aussie selectors

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READ MORE: 42-year-old Williams gains Australian Open wildcard

"I can't wait to come up against them and I can guarantee an Eagles win. I thrive and have so much fun in a team environment. An event like this for the fans is so important.

"We have fan interactions, the ability to see female and male athletes come together and achieve something, is really really cool."

The six day tournament also includes women's singles and mixed doubles.

The new format will be followed by the inaugural United Cup in Australia between December 29 and January 8.

That tournament will also feature mixed gender teams with Australia set to play pool matches against Great Britain and Spain at Sydney's Ken Rosewall Arena.

It raises the prospect of Kyrgios playing mixed doubles with former girlfriend Ajla Tomljanovic.

"I don't play so much mixed doubles anymore but what I love about mixed doubles is it's for the fans," Kyrgios said.

"That's the most important thing. Seeing some of the best females in the world playing with the best males, it definitely provides some really good entertainment, how the male kind of lets the female do her thing on the court and not get in the way.

"That's fun to watch."

WORLD TENNIS LEAGUE TEAMS

Eagles: Nick Kyrgios, Caroline Garcia, Bianca Andreescu, Rohan Bopanna, Andreas Seppi

Falcons: Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, Grigor Dimitrov, Paula Badosa

Hawks: Alexander Zverev, Elena Rybakina, Dominic Thiem, Anett Kontaveit

Kites: Felix Auger-Aliassime, Iga Swiatek, Holger Rune, Sania Mirza, Eugenie Bouchard

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Several “footnotes” dribbled out of the Minnesota Vikings dramatic comeback victory over the Indianapolis Colts, including an NFC North triumph for the first time since 2017, a guaranteed home playoff game, and the continuation of the team’s perfect 10-0 record via one-score games this season.

Another unsung storyline arrived, too, as rookie linebacker Brian Asamoah was, alas, folded into the mainstream defense.

Promising Vikings Rookie Finally Gets His Chance in Week 15

Asamoah, a 3rd-Rounder from Oklahoma, was on the field for 21 defensive plays — or about 27% of the time. And while that isn’t breaking news for a veteran player or starter, it was the most defensive snaps to date in his young NFL career.

How’d he do? Not bad. The defender logged 8 tackles, playing more snaps than usual as starting linebacker Jordan Hicks who played 65% of defensive snaps. And for Asamoah’s troubles, he recorded a 57.9 Pro Football Focus grade.

Plus, the grade would’ve climbed substantially higher if this play was allowed to stand.

Asamoah helped jar the ball loose, but the NFL officials were in no mood to allow defensive touchdowns for the Vikings. Cornerback Chandon Sullivan would’ve scored in the video from the tweet above — and this one:

But that’s neither here nor there, as Minnesota won despite refusing to acknowledge Vikings defensive touchdowns.

The Vikings coaching staff has hinted for weeks about Asamoah receiving more on-field action, but until Saturday versus the Colts, the result was merely a few snaps here and there. On special teams, he’s been a steady contributor, tallying 275 snaps on kicks and punts, so the defensive acclimation is more like fruition.

Finally, the Vikings starting off-ball linebackers, Erick Kendricks and Jordan Hicks, are 30 years old. Knowing if Asamoah is a possible starter for the future is imperative as the Vikings contemplate a draft strategy in the next few months. If Asamoah can gradually climb box scores in the final weeks, the Vikings will know “what they have” in Asamoah before the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Vikings take on the New York Giants next Saturday, a team who toppled the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football in Week 15, 20-12.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).

The post Promising Vikings Rookie Finally Gets His Chance in Week 15 appeared first on Vikings Territory.

VikingsTerritory’s Purple Rumor Mill is a two-day chronicle each week. All the week’s rumors are lassoed and plopped in two spots — articles on Saturday and Sunday — for review. Today is the December 18th edition.

Remember — rumors are rumors. What you read on weekends in these pieces is what the world is talking about pertaining to the Vikings, not necessarily items that will come to fruition.

Purple Rumor Mill: A WR in McShay’s Mock Draft, Irv Smith’s Return, Duke Shelley

Rumor: Zay Flowers was Todd McShay’s first mock draft pick for the Vikings and could realistically be a target in April.

Flowers was indeed the pick for the Vikings, according to Todd McShay’s first official mock draft.

McShay wrote, “With Adam Thielen turning 33 this offseason, they should be looking for another complement to Justin Jefferson at receiver. Flowers has terrific instincts and elusiveness, forcing missed tackles and scoring 12 touchdowns this season.”

And he’s absolutely correct. Although Thielen’s contract is expensive, his role in 2023 is probably best served as a WR3. It’s just that time in his career — for better or worse.

Get ready for mock draft season to heat up because it’s right around the corner. Vikings fans will have a healthy draft-need debate about WRs, CBs, LBs, IDLs, and perhaps even QB.

Rumor: Irv Smith is not out for the season and should be back soon.

Correct.

Smith was back at practice this week and should return near the end of the regular season or postseason. The man is on his way back, pairing with T.J. Hockenson to create a pretty formidable duo.

The weird part? This is likely the final hurrah for Smith with the Vikings. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded draft capital for Hockenson — who is a better tight end — and the man is the Vikings TE of the future.

Smith is fun and athletic, but Hockenson is the future. Enjoy Smith’s final few games with the Vikings.

Rumor: Duke Shelley is awesome and should be a full-time starter in the NFL.

Shelley has performed wonderfully at times, especially in the redzone for the Vikings. Versus the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, too, Shelley played quite well.

He owns a 71.0 Pro Football Focus grade through Week 15, the second-best among Vikings CBs. Shelley is behind Patrick Peterson, of course, but ahead of Cameron Dantzler, Akayleb Evans, and Andrew Booth.

The big question on Shelley — and for any reservist player who shines — is sustainability. Will Shelley’s success span multiple games, or is he a flash in the pan? Because the Vikings have encountered injuries to Evans and Booth, it’s probably fair to give Shelley an extended look.

It’s a longshot for Shelley to become an unpolished gem starting CB, but stranger things have happened.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).

The post Purple Rumor Mill: A WR in McShay’s Mock Draft, Irv Smith’s Return, Duke Shelley appeared first on Vikings Territory.

The Minnesota Vikings underwent a regeneration on Saturday that a planarian would admire.

Down 33 points at halftime, the Vikings barnstormed the 3rd and 4th Quarters, plus overtime, to defeat the Indianapolis Colts 39-36 in one of the daffiest sporting contests imaginable. Kirk Cousins dimed 417 passing yards and 4 touchdown passes in the 2nd Half, and the yardage mark was the most by a player in the 2nd Half of a game in 45 years.

Wowzers.

Something Was Lost in Shuffle of Vikings Crazy Win

But while the comeback was remarkable — well, totally remarkable — something was nearly lost in the shuffle. Because the Vikings won the NFC North with the win over Indianapolis, they’ll host a home playoff game for the first time since the Minneapolis Miracle.

The Vikings ownership opened the glass place, U.S. Bank Stadium, in 2016. And in six seasons, the franchise has played just one playoff game in the building, a depressing statistic because the team is quite good at home. In fact, since the joint opened, Minnesota owns the NFL’s fourth-best homefield advantage, with a 39-18 (.684) cumulative record at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Comparatively, the Vikings are gangbusters at home, but the squad has played just one playoff game at home since 2016. It’s wild.

Well, the mini-drought is kaput. Minnesota is guaranteed to play at U.S. Bank Stadium, likely on Wildcard Weekend, against the Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, or Washington Commanders. Those are the teams competing for the NFC’s sixth and seventh seeds, and the Vikings will probably snag the No. 2 or 3 spot.

Then, depending on the outcome of Vikings-Lions, Vikings-Giants, Vikings-Seahawks, or Vikings-Commanders, Minnesota could host two games at U.S Bank Stadium in the postseason. The only “catch” is that Minnesota must win the first game, of course.

Overall, for context, that was the level of wildness on display against the Colts. The Vikings traveled back from down 33 points to win 39-66. Folks were so mesmerized, shocked, and befuddled that guaranteeing a home playoff game was a footnote — if that can be believed.

Assuming the Vikings hang onto the No. 2 seed — which is a large assumption because the San Francisco 49ers look hotter than Death Valley — they’d probably play the Lions in Round 1. Yet, Sunday night’s game between the Commanders and Giants will clarify low-seed NFC situational status.

The Vikings take on those very Giants next Saturday — Christmas Eve — in a game that no sensible fan knows what to expect. Minnesota could bully the Giants, fresh off the steam of upending the Colts. Or — the Vikings could get down 33-0 at halftime, and few fans would bat an eye.

That’s the 2022 Vikings, a flummoxing batch of goodness interlaced with “what is even going on” on vibes throughout pretty much every game.

Still, the confounding group will host a home playoff game in January. It cannot be stripped.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).

The post Something Was Lost in Shuffle of Vikings Crazy Win appeared first on Vikings Territory.

The last weekend of autumn brings with it the first full slate of NFL games since October, and it also brings a trio of Saturday games as America’s Game spreads its wings and its schedule. With only four games left in the regular season, the playoff picture may become a little bit clearer over the next few days or might have fans reaching for tiebreaking scenarios when play ends on Monday night. Here, now is my week 15 picks and prediction for every NFL game on the Week 15 schedule.

San Francisco -3.0 (9-4) at Seattle (7-6): The NFC West leading 49ers head to the Pacific Northwest to take on the former divisional leading Seahawks, who have lost their last two home games and three out of their last four overall. Seattle needs a win on Thursday Night Football to have any chance to catching the ‘Niners in the NFC West since a win would give them a season sweep and an insurmountable lead. San Francisco has been able to play just about anyone at quarterback this season with three different QBs posting wins, the latest being Brock Purdy, who manhandled Tampa Bay last week. Being a favorite on the road in Seattle is no easy feat, something the top scoring defense in the NFL is likely up for (SF only allows 15 points per game). And with the Seahawks allowing 25 points a game and the ‘Niners posting 24 PPG it may be a bit of a surprise that the road team is only giving up three points at the betting parlors. For me, it is time to put the Seahawks to bed in the NFC West and let them think Wild-Card for the rest of the regular season … give me San Francisco -3 to win and cover in this game.

Indianapolis (4-8-1) at Minnesota -4.0 (10-3): The Saturday NFL schedules kicks off in Minnesota where the Vikings host the Jeff Saturday coached Colts. Since defeating the Raiders in his first game, Saturday has lost three straight games, pushing them towards the NFL Draft and turning their owner into a laughingstock, again. The Vikings, despite losing to the Detroit Lions last week, can clinch the NFC North with a home win in this game and move one step closer to locking up the second seed in the playoffs. Bettors are getting Minnesota at a discount this weekend thanks to the Vikings lost last week since they outscore the Colts about eight points per game on average, with oddsmakers only asking Purple backers to lay half as much in this game. So, unless you foresee Indy posting a 400+ yard offensive performance, the play here is easy to make … Taking Minnesota -4 to win and cover.

Baltimore (9-4) at Cleveland -2.5 (5-8): The middle game of Saturday’s triple header sees what could have been a battle for the AFC North, with the Browns now closer to player spoilers than making a run at the divisional title or Wild-Card berth. With the injury to Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson having many worried about his long-term future in the league, Cleveland has been made a slight home favorite in this game at the same time Baltimore is on the verge of falling back into the Wild-Card mix and out of their perch atop the division. This game also marked the first time QB Deshawn Watson will play in front of his new home fans in Cleveland after splitting his first two starts in Houston and Cincinnati. While I doubt anyone from the NFL Network will dive too deeply into Watson’s history, one can only hope the commentators won’t scream “They Love Watson in Cleveland” if/when he does something on the field. Should be around 30 degrees at game time Saturday afternoon with a refreshing 15 MPH breeze to help keep these two offensively challenged teams in check … with the Browns having the better QB, the pick here is a home team win and cover, so I am taking Cleveland in a game most NFL game won’t mind missing.

Miami (8-5) at Buffalo -7.5 (10-3): The AFC East takes centerstage under the primetime lights of Saturday night as the second place Dolphins head north to take on the division leading Bills. Buffalo has won four in a row coming into this game with the last one being their first over a divisional opponent (the Jets) while the hope to balance out a Week Three loss in Miami in this matchup. Miami is playing their third straight road game this month after losing to the Chargers and 49ers in their last two where they only scored 17 points in each game. The mini-losing streak has allowed the Bills Mafia to reclaim the divisional lead and have chants of MVP rain down upon their quarterback Josh Allen. Believe it or not, there may be some snowfall during this game, but there’s not expected to be much wind, perhaps ideal weather for the playground offensive and stout defense of the Bills. The betting pattern for this game has been interesting in the first half of the week, with 60% of the wagers taking the 7.5 points, but barely one-third of the overall money is supporting Miami, which means the bigger bets are on the Bills, not the Dolphins. Miami scores and allows 24 points per game, an odd state for an 8-5 team; but since I don’t believe the Dolphins will be able to post 24 points against the Bills here, the pick is easy for me, Buffalo -7.5 to win.

Philadelphia -9.0 (12-1) at Chicago (3-10): The Jalen Hurts express reaches Chicago this weekend when the NFL’s best Eagles take on the Bears. Philly is trying to lock out the NFC’s best record and a first-round playoff bye as they start play this weekend with a two-game advantage over the Vikings and Cowboys respectively. The Bears, well, need talent at almost every position on the field, with the jury still out of at QB where Justin Fields has been a one-man band, leading to Chicago’s poor record. Bettors of all types are taking the big road favorite in this game as NFL fans know the Bears are done for 2022 and the Eagles are flying high and ready for the postseason to begin right now. This pick is easy, Eagles -9.0 for the double-digit win and cover.

Atlanta (5-8) at New Orleans -4.0 (4-9): The drama surrounding the departure of Falcons’ QB Marcus Mariota ended Wednesday night when the team around he would be having season-ending knee surgery. Mariota had left the team after their last game December 5th in Tampa Bay and had not been seen at practice since. Desmond Ridder, who replaced Mariota during their game against the Bucs will start this weekend, so expect this point to rise before gametime. This game doesn’t have much interest surrounding it unless you believe Tampa Bay is going to continue to lose and allow the NFC South winner to enter the playoffs with a losing record. It will be fitting to see these two games at 5-9 after this game since their division has been so bad this year, but it’s difficult to see the Falcons doing anything in this game. New Orleans -4 to win and cover.

Detroit (6-7) at NY Jets -1.0 (7-6): Even if I wasn’t a life-long Jets fan, this game would be very interesting to me since both teams, believe it or not, are playing for something on the third Sunday in December. The Lions arrive at Met Life Stadium a hot team after going 3-1 in November, including a win at the Giants, and have started December on a two-game winning streak after losing on Thanksgiving to Buffalo. Meanwhile, the Jets have slipped to the bottom of the stacked AFC East and are the only team in the division without a playoff spot heading into this weekend. They are lost three of their last four games, but the Jets have won their last two home games going back to November 6th against the Bills and November 27th against the Bears. I have been a fan of the Lions all season and only wish they had won some of those close games earlier in the season; but those hard knocks have paid off now because they are the better team offensively right now, with the Jets relying too much on the league’s third-ranked defense and now, a backup quarterback in Mike White to lead them to the postseason. While I will be rooting for this pick to be wrong, I have more faith in the Lions right now, so I am taking Detroit +1 to win a close game here.

Pittsburgh (5-8) at Carolina -3.0 (5-8): In a game made for family and friends (only) to watch, these two 5-8 teams take to the field in another “who cares” matchups that will flood the NFL schedule for the rest of the season. Kenny Pickett won’t be able to play QB for the Steelers against former AFC North foe Baker Mayfield, who was released by Carolina and has already won a game for the Rams. Instead, it will be PJ Walker lined up behind center for the Panthers in a contest pitting two teams who haven’t been able to average more than 20 points per game this season. Both of these teams have decent wins on their ledger this season as well as bad losses, but if you believe in the Seahawks, then you must buy into the Panthers, who knocked off Seattle on their home field just a week ago. That’s why my soft pick in this game is Carolina -3 to win at home.

Dallas -4.0 (10-3) at Jacksonville (5-8): How can a team with twice as many wins this late in the season only be a 4-point favorite? What do the oddsmakers see in this game that the bettors don’t? The fans of the Cowboys are laying down their cash on the money line and against the spread, but how is Dallas not a bigger favorite? The respect that is held for the Jaguars is clear in this game and, perhaps the win over Tennessee last week is more important than the Cowboys win at Minnesota just a month ago. Jacksonville was up for a divisional game last week and will crash back to earth this week against a Cowboys team who will take over their stadium on Sunday. Dallas -4 for the win and cover in north Florida.

Kansas City -14 (10-3) at Houston (1-11-1): Yes, America, Kansas City is playing Houston this week in a matchup of two teams at opposite ends of the spectrum. KC is hoping the Buffalo Bills slip up and they can take the top spot in the AFC playoff picture, and Houston is counting their first-round picks in next spring’s NFL draft. Two out of three bettors are taking the points here just out of principle since laying two touchdowns in an NFL game is taboo for many of those who follow pro football. Otherwise, there are no good reasons to take Houston here unless you see someone get hurt at practice this week for KC, take Kansas City -14 to win and cover.

Arizona (4-9) at Denver -2.5 (3-10): Stay away from this train wreck unless your fantasy team is in the postseason, and you have players in this game on your rosters! The traveling Cardinals are a better offensive team with Colt McCoy at QB this season, period. The Broncos settled for Russell Wilson when getting Aaron Rodgers didn’t work out during the offseason, now will watch their draft picks to Seattle. Taking the Cardinals +2.5 to win and an uneventful game.

New England -1.0 (7-6) at Las Vegas (5-8): Are the oddsmakers getting back at the Patriots after years of domination by making them small favorites against bad teams? Why else would New England be only a one-point favorite against a team that can’t hold a fourth quarter lead? Las Vegas has blown four leads of 13 or more points this year, but are just a one-point home underdog to the Patriots? What gives? Does anyone expect Josh McDaniels to outfox his former boss Bill Belichick, the person who talked him out of going to Indianapolis just to take on the dumpster fire that is the Raiders franchise? New England big in this game because the Raiders should be playing in the XFL next year until they get their act together.

Tennessee (7-6) at LA Chargers -3.0 (7-6): The bloom is off the rose that are the Tennessee Titans with last week’s lost the Jacksonville further proof the AFC South is a bunch of .500 teams and Houston. The Titans will still likely win their division and host a playoff game, however, with the Chargers only having a Wild-Card berth to shoot for this season, this home game is bigger for the Bolts by a lot. True, the Titans have lost three straight and would love to get back into the win column, but they have faced better teams during that time (Cincinnati, at Philly, Jacksonville) and shown how below average they are compared to recent years. The Chargers and won two of their last three, they are playing better and have a better team, which is why they will win and cover.

Cincinnati -3.5 (9-4) at Tampa Bay (6-7): Will a division leader be two games under .500 by the end of the weekend? If the oddsmakers are right, the answer is yes since the Bengals are favorited to go on the road to win their 10th game of the season at the expense of the Buccaneers, who will still lead the NFC South win or lose. The betting market has lost faith in Tom Brady this season as money is coming in from all directions on Joe Burrow and his bunch of Bengals, and with good reason. Cincy has played well of late and is poised to take over the AFC North lead from the Ravens by the time this weekend is over while Tampa Bay has look scarily bad for long periods of time within many games and over the course of this season. The fault lies in the running game for the Bucs, where they have barely managed to average 70 yards per game, leaving a 45-year-old QB to fend for himself from the playbook he wanted to run after Brady himself ran Bruce Arians out of the town as part of his return to the team from retirement. The result, a 6-8 Tampa Bay team will leave the field on Sunday after Cincinnati (-3.5) wins and covers with easy.

NY Giants (7-5-1) at Washington -4.5 (7-5-1): The Wild-Card involving two of the four NFC East teams goes primetime on Sunday night as the Giants visit Washington. These two teams played to a 20-20 tie just two weeks ago, with NBC happy to air the rematch his week. The Commanders had a bye week last week, making many question the competitive balance of the schedule this late in the season while the Giants were rough upped by the Eagles last week in a game that was never competitive. The loser of this game may be out of the playoff picture if Seattle wins, and the winner of this game would have a tiebreaker over the other that may push one team out of the NFC postseason at year’s end. New York is limping to the finish line this season having already been bitten by the injury bug, their weaknesses as a team are also being exposed as QB Daniel Jones has managed to win games while not playing well for 30 minutes or more. Washington is the better team and will be well rested for this contest, they will also have Chase Young back on the field manning their defense as each team looks to find a few more points or prevent a few being scored by the other team. The home team is better right now in this game and New York is about to be revealed as a fraud who won some games they shouldn’t have in a season they weren’t supposed to win, messing up the team’s timetable for years to come. Washington wins and covers the 4.5 points with a late touchdown to seal a double-digit victory.

LA Rams (4-9) at Green Bay -7.0 (5-8): When will NFL fans and media learn that if you want to see who will have a bad season just look at the late December ESPN Monday Night schedule. You would have probably earned big money if you predicted both of these teams would be so far under .500 this late in the year, with both starting QBs (Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers) dealing with injurie. Oddsmakers don’t appear impressed with the first impression Baker Mayfield made in his Rams’ debut after the former Brown and Panther put together two TDs drives in the fourth quarter, including going the length of the field to win the game with three seconds to spare in a win. This week, however, Mayfield head to ten-degree Lambeau Field, where the Packers will make one final stand this season before fading away for the holidays and the postseason. While a touchdown might look like a lot for Green Bay to be yielding, but, at home against a team who is ready to mail in the rest of this season, the Packers -7 is an easy bet on this meaningless Monday Night game to end Week 15. 

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Australia went 1-0 up in the three-Test series on Sunday as 34 wickets tumbled in six sessions of play.

South Africa captain Dean Elgar slammed the pitch as dangerous and said he asked the umpires how much longer the match should go until it was deemed unsafe but that ploy was given short shrift by opposing skipper Pat Cummins.

“I don’t think it was a very good Test wicket,” Elgar said.

“I did ask the umpires when KG got (Travis) Head out down leg. I said, ‘How long does it go on for until it potentially is unsafe?’ Nortje was bowling those short ones that were flying over our heads.

Rassie van der Dussen is bowled by Mitchell Starc. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“I know the game was dead and buried. It was never to try and change (the result) or to put a halt to the game.”

Cummins was bemused with Elgar’s assessment.

“If you’re going to lose the match, you’d probably try anything, wouldn’t you?” Cummins said. “It was fine. There was some sideways movement, a little bit of up and down bounce but … there’s no balls jumping off a length or anything like that.

“It was certainly tricky. I don’t think the toss had a big factor in the win because everything happened so quickly. Two days probably isn’t ideal.”

The last time Australia won a Test in less than two days was in 2002 when Steve Waugh’s team dismissed Pakistan for 59 and 53 in Sharjah.

Pat Cummins of Australia celebrates taking the wicket of Anrich Nortje of South Africa. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The only previous two-day Test played in Australia was in 1931 when the hosts beat the West Indies by an innings in Melbourne.

The Gabba pitch is certain to come under a thorough review from the International Cricket Council. 

However, an India-England Test in Ahmedabad last year that also lasted only two days was investigated by the ICC without any sanction being handed down.

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag blasted the “mind-boggling hypocrisy” of India being constantly criticised for the standard of its pitches when the Brisbane green demon dished up a two-day Test.

He took to social media, posting to his 23 million followers, that it would have been labelled the “end of test cricket” if it had happened in his homeland.

“142 overs and not even lasting 2 days and they have the audacity to lecture on what kind of pitches are needed. Had it happened in India, it would have been labelled end of test cricket, ruining test cricket and what not. The Hypocrisy is mind-boggling.”

Sangha, Burns to miss rest of BBL

Sydney Thunder captain Jason Sangha and Melbourne Stars batter Joe Burns are set to miss the rest of the BBL after sustaining injuries in the first week of the tournament.

Sangha broke his collarbone diving stop a boundary late in Sunday’s tight loss to the Melbourne Renegades and appeared in extreme discomfort as he left the pitch with the assistance of a trainer.

The 23-year-old played no further part at Marvel Stadium, replaced in the field by Toby Gray.

An X-Factor player in the most recent BBL team of the tournament, Sangha told AAP he was not holding out hope of playing for the Thunder again this summer, given most collarbone injuries take at least six weeks to heal.

Chris Green has been named acting captain, having filled the role last summer when Usman Khawaja was unavailable. “Our thoughts are with Jason,” Green said in a statement.

“He’s a big part of this team as captain, and an even bigger part as a batter – we saw what he did last year in his damaging role in the top order. The squad is thinking of him at this time because any injury is tough.”

While the Thunder prepare to face the Strikers in Adelaide on Tuesday, Sangha was booked to fly back to Sydney on Monday afternoon to begin his recovery and consult with a specialist, who will help determine his return-to-play timeline.

The match will be the Thunder’s chance to avenge Friday’s heavy loss to the Strikers, when they were bowled out for the lowest total in professional men’s T20 history – 15 runs.

The Thunder have not yet confirmed whether they will go to market to replace Sangha.

Burns will miss the remainder of the BBL with the hamstring tear he suffered in the tournament opener against the Thunder last Tuesday.

After testing positive for COVID-19 that day – and being allowed to play under the latest pandemic protocols – Burns was injured running between wickets. He attempted to play through the pain but eventually retired hurt.

Scans confirmed a hamstring tear and while Burns will not require surgery, he has travelled to Brisbane to rehabilitate.

The Stars have already signed James Seymour as his replacement.

Marcus Stoinis tested positive to COVID-19 on game day last Tuesday as well and has fielded in neither of the Stars’ games since, despite taking his place in the batting order.

Finch finds long-lost form for Renegades

Aaron Finch returned to the form that deserted him during the T20 World Cup as Melbourne Renegades scored a four-wicket victory over the Sydney Thunder in the BBL, steering them to their 175-run target with a vintage half-century.

The Renegades looked in control for much of the chase but it took an assured finish from Finch for them to reach 6-175 and claim the win at Marvel Stadium.

The hosts needed 11 runs off the final over but the Thunder’s hopes were boosted when pace bowler Gurinder Sandhu (2-51) had Akeal Hosein caught from a skied slog.

The Renegades still needed 10 runs off four balls when Finch (71 off 43 balls) took strike but the Australia T20 skipper plundered a six then kept his cool with two runs from each of the next two deliveries to finish the job with a ball to spare.

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Finch helped set up the highest successful chase so far in BBL 12 alongside Renegades captain Nic Maddinson (39 off 28), while Jake Fraser-McGurk (24 off 18) also impressed early.

Daniel Sams (3-33) was the pick of the Thunder bowlers and almost turned the contest in their favour just as the Renegades looked set to cruise home.

The Thunder (1-2) won the toss and elected to bat as they looked to bounce back from a horror show in their last outing when they were all out for only 15.

Rilee Rossouw ensured the Thunder put that humiliating performance behind them with a powerful 53 off 38 balls after successfully reviewing an lbw decision when he was on 31.

Alex Ross (39 off 23) and Oliver Davies (33* off 18) put together an important 42-run partnership late in the Thunder’s innings to set the Renegades a tricky target until Finch stepped in.

Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein (1-22) again opened the bowling for the Renegades and ensured the under-fire Thunder made a nervy start with a tight line in the powerplay.

England opener Alex Hales lifted the run rate when he smashed Hosein over the boundary to take the Thunder to the 15-run mark this time without loss, although Matthew Gilkes fell one run later.

While it was a much-improved performance from the Thunder, they will be sweating on the fitness of skipper Jason Sangha after he went to ground heavily while fielding and injured a shoulder.

The Renegades’ victory was their first over the Thunder in their past five clashes and lifts them to a 2-0 record after earning the wooden spoon in the past three seasons.

Brook’s third straight ton gives England upper hand

Harry Brook has smashed his third successive Test century before England’s tailenders frustrated Pakistan and grafted a 50-run first innings lead in the third and final Test.

Brook followed his centuries in England’s victories at Rawalpindi and Multan with 111 off 150 balls as the visitors were bowled out for 354 in the final session on Sunday’s second day.

Wicketkeeper-batter Ben Foakes, playing his first Test on tour, made a resilient 64 while Mark Wood (35) and Ollie Robinson (29) played late cameos to edge England ahead of Pakistan’s total of 304.

Pakistan opening pair of Abdullah Shafique (14no) and Shan Masood (3no) then played out nine overs of spin to reach 0-21 at stumps.

“I said to one of my mates I’d like to get two (centuries) before I got here, so it feels very nice to go one better,” Brook said.

Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali (4-120), one of the four changes Pakistan made for the final Test, and spinner Abrar Ahmed (4-150) picked up the bulk of the wickets but Brook and Foakes blunted both spinners with a splendid 117-run stand.

Abrar had grabbed an 11-wicket haul in his debut Test at Multan before England recorded a stunning 26-run win inside four days. England also won the first Test at Rawalpindi by 74 runs in dimming light on the last day.

Pakistan had made inroads and reduced England to 5-145 soon after lunch when Ben Stokes (26) was run out while going for a needless third run. 

Stokes and Brook both ended up at the striker’s end when Stokes called for a third run after Brook drove through mid-wicket.

“Probably my fault, the run out,” Brook said. “There was probably three (runs), slightly lazy with my running. I was a bit tired, but it was my fault, I’ll take all the blame.”

The 23-year-old Brook raised his runs tally in England’s first Test tour to Pakistan in 17 years to 468 and bettered his countryman David Gower’s record of 449 runs in Pakistan during the 1983-84 tour.

Brook, a 23-year-old Yorkshireman, raised his century off 133 balls before tea with a backfoot driven boundary through covers against spinner Abrar before debutant Mohammad Wasim had him pinned leg before wicket after tea for his first Test wicket.

Foakes was unable to play in the first Test due to a viral infection but combined well with Brook. He successfully overturned on-field umpire Joel Wilson’s decision when he was ruled out caught close to the wicket on nine and went on to complete his fifty off 100 balls.

Nauman finally ended Foakes’ solid knock when he swiped at the leftarm spinner and was caught at mid-on.

Earlier, England’s top order slipped against spinners on a wicket that had plenty of variable bounce in the first session and reached 4-140 at lunch after resuming from an overnight 1-7.

Nauman grabbed the wickets of Ben Duckett and Joe Root off successive deliveries and Abrar had Ollie Pope (51) clean bowled soon after he completed his half-century.

Brook survived an lbw television referral against Abrar early in his fluent knock, but dominated the legspinner by smashing three sixes against him before raising his half century off 73 balls.

Earlier, Pope had completed his half-century off 63 balls with a boundary over cover point against Nauman but was undone by Abrar’s sharp delivery that spun enough to hit the top of off stump.

The 35-year-old’s story has been quite an incredible journey.

Born in Rosario, Messi left his hometown at the age of 13 to chase his childhood dream of travelling to Spain and playing for powerhouses Barcelona.

Two years prior, he and his family had learned that he was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) which was a condition that interrupted his growth and required treatment that was too expensive for a household that was just scraping by earning a living.

How lucky are we all that Barca was able to recognise Messi’s talent and offer him a contract and help cover the cost of the treatment that was eventually successful?

Then there was his terrible luck in finals for his country where he was on the losing side of three Copa America finals as well as falling short in the 2014 World Cup Final in extra time.

After the defeat to Chile on penalties in the 2016 Copa America final, Messi was so deflated that he announced his retirement from international football, feeling as though he had failed his nation and had nothing more left to give.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

How lucky are we all that he decided to step out of retirement and continue his life-long dream of winning silverware for Argentina?

The Copa America triumph against Brazil in their rivals’ own backyard set the foundations of a new-found mentality that propelled them to a 35-game unbeaten streak heading into Qatar. 



Back in 1986 some 36 years ago in Mexico, it was Diego Maradona, considered a god by the Argentinian people, who single-handedly carried the nation on his back to win the World Cup with not the most talented side on paper. 


See, the difference between the two greats, is that Diego was a true leader and showed that real grit and passion to win at all costs is what made every Argentine adore him. Messi has always lacked that unique charisma and has often been criticised for not being ‘Argentinian enough.’

The people of Argentina viewed Messi as more Spanish than Argentinian due to his incredible performances in a Barcelona shirt compared to the underwhelming performances of the South American giants. As unfair of an opinion as it might have been, that’s how they truly felt. 



During this past month on the world’s biggest stage, there is no doubt that Messi bled blue and white in his heart as he had a sensational tournament and broke records, just as has done with Barcelona for so many years. 


– 7 goals
– 3 assists
– 5 man of the match awards (most in any WC)
– First player in WC history to score in the group stage, last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final in the same tournament
– Golden ball award for player of the tournament

Despite those impressive stats he displayed, it would not count for a single thing if Messi was not able to bring glory back to the streets of Argentina. 
It was the dark cloud hanging over his head.

In the final against France, he scored two goals on top of a penalty taken so cooly in the shootout to set up their run, along with a mesmerising performance.

It could have panned out so differently though.

The 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia as well as the two-goal lead blown against both the Dutch and French were defining moments.

The old Messi would have succumbed to the pressure, drop his head, and not taken the game by the scruff of the neck.

This version of Messi was the one that the Argentines were crying out so desperately to see for all these years. They were searching for a saviour, an icon, someone who they could look up to the same way they did for Diego.

Just like that, the little master succeeded in proving all of the doubters wrong.

When it was realised that Argentina had won the World Cup, the first thought that went through my mind was how much of a shame it was that Maradona himself was not there to witness the emotional scenes.

It took me back to footage of Maradona celebrating Messi entering the pitch for his World Cup debut back at the 2006 World Cup.

Talent recognises talent. Maradona knew that Messi was the chosen one for the people of Argentina. Just that those people were not fully onboard.

Now they are.

Diego is looking down from above with fond pride and joy knowing that Lionel Messi catapulted his nation to the highest of highs.

A once-in-a-century talent finishes the final chapter of his international career as a World champion.

Defensive end Chandler Jones intercepted a bizarre, unnecessary lateral pass by New England’s Jakobi Meyers on the final play of the game and returned it 48 yards for a touchdown, giving the Las Vegas Raiders a 30-24 NFL victory over the Patriots.

With the game tied 24-all, the Patriots decided to run a series of pitches in a last-ditch attempt to avoid overtime.
Rhamondre Stevenson threw the ball to Meyers, who heaved it across the field only to see it caught by a rival in Jones, who stiff-armed Patriots quarterback Mac Jones and then had nothing but open field in front of him.

Sunday’s wild finish bailed out the Raiders (6-8), who led 17-3 at halftime before allowing the Patriots (7-7) to score 21 straight points.

Las Vegas scored two touchdowns in the final 32 seconds and seriously damaged New England’s playoff hopes.
Stevenson had 19 carries for 172 yards for New England, including a 34-yard touchdown with 3:43 left that appeared to put the game away.

But the Raiders answered inside the final minute, when Derek Carr found Keenan Cole in the left corner of the end zone for a 30-yard TD.

Many wondered why the Pats didn’t just force the game into extra time. Quarterback Mac Jones was quick to throw his coach under the bus when asked about their final play, simply answering “I think you just have to ask coach Belichick.”

“Unfortunately here today we collectively made too many mistakes and gave up too many big plays that obviously were the difference in this game,” said coach Bill Belichick after the game.

When asked if his side should have thrown a ‘Hail Mary’ pass to the end zone, Belichick replied: “We couldn’t throw that far.”

As expected, the reactions to the finish were priceless, with Twitter users having a field day over the bizarre ending.

Mac Jones admitted after the game that he ‘did get emotional’ after the realisation of his match-winning try had sunk in.

“It hit me how big of a play I had made,” said Jones.

And doing that in front of your home crowd would have felt like Christmas had come early for everyone at the stadium.

Well, except for this guy.

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The Minnesota Twins have quietly added some pieces to their roster this offseason.

Most recently, they signed catcher Christian Vazquez and outfielder Joey Gallo to a pair of one-year deals.

However, they will need to do even more to stay competitive in the AL Central.

Here are two more moves the team needs to make to complete a strong offseason.

2. Sign Nathan Eovaldi

With most of the big name starting pitchers signed from the free agent market already, Nathan Eovaldi has now become the premium option.

While he may not be the ace of a staff, Eovaldi has a lot of potential to be a contributing member of a starting rotation.

Nathan Eovaldi is rolling

He's got 7 Ks through 5 shutout innings pic.twitter.com/FtQvnA9Z3v

— ESPN (@espn) October 6, 2021

He posted a 3.87 ERA in 2022, after a pair of seasons with an ERA below four in 2020 and 2021.

He also has a championship pedigree, with experience in the postseason.

This could be big for the Twins, who are looking for that type of leadership in their rotation.

It should be a relatively inexpensive signing, and would be smart for the Twins to pursue.

1. Trade Max Kepler

After adding Gallo, focus has shifted to Max Kepler’s trade market due to their overabundance of outfield options.

He seems to be the odd man out, and could get a solid package in a trade.

The team is in need of a solid starting pitcher, and Kepler could be their chance to get that.

They could also benefit from adding another bullpen arm or two, building their depth to try and compete against other AL Central teams.

One team that fans have speculated should be interested are the New York Yankees.

– 109 Steamer wRC+
– 113.9 Max EV
– 8.1 BsR since 2020
– 9 DRS and 11 OAA
– Would have 31 more HRs if he spent his career at Yankee Stadium

Max Kepler, you are a New York Yankee pic.twitter.com/NRdAiIFfSY

— Ryan Garcia (In the Lab) (@RyanGarciaESM) December 13, 2022

They need a spot to fill in the outfield and have pieces to trade.

It doesn’t seem like the Twins are done yet, so expect them to continue strengthening their roster before the start of the season.

The post 2 Moves The Twins Still Need To Make This Offseason appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Drew Brees is one of the most iconic National Football League quarterbacks, and his professional football career began in 2001.

Brees has used the fame he amassed during his time as a quarterback to give back to the state that supported him throughout his career by doing philanthropic work around New Orleans and dedicating his time to supporting Louisiana-based businesses.

While Brees’ glory days as a quarterback are over, the impact he had on the NFL and the state of Louisiana is still felt to this day.

How Many Rings Does Drew Brees Have?

Drew Brees only has one championship ring, which he won in Super Bowl XLIV in 2010 with the Saints.

Brees was named the Most Valuable Player of the game after completing 32 of 39 passes with 288 passing yards and two touchdowns.

The Saints won 31-17 against the Indianapolis Colts, and the win was much needed as it came shortly after New Orleans had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

This victory wasn’t just a win for the team but served as a beacon of hope for all of New Orleans as they were putting the pieces of their city back together.

Is Drew Brees Retired?

Yes, Drew Brees announced his retirement on March 14^th, 2021.

After 20 seasons in the National Football League, Brees retired as the league’s leader in both passing yards and completions.

Brees held the record for second most passing touchdowns and he also retired as a 13-time Pro Bowler and as the 2006 Walter Payton Man of the Year.

It was with the help of Drew Brees and coach Sean Payton that the New Orleans Saints were able to claim the team’s and Brees’ lone Super Bowl title.

Although Drew Brees may have officially walked away from the New Orleans Saints in 2021, he never stepped away from the city of New Orleans or the many philanthropic projects that he supports around the city.

When Brees retired from the National Football League, nobody was worried about him getting bored because he was immediately focused on what he could do to continue supporting New Orleans.

His most recent project has been teaming up with the Lowe’s Home Team and Lowernine.org to create a sustainable work-live headquarters that will help take care of the volunteers who come to work in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans.

The Lowe’s Home Team consists of current and former football players working alongside thousands of fans who focus their attention on critical repair projects in the places where the National Football League teams reside.

Although Drew Brees and his family moved their primary residence to San Diego, the Brees family still has a residence in New Orleans that allows them to play an active role in the businesses and other investments they have around their former hometown.

The Brees Dream Foundation also still heavily supports the New Orleans area.

Is Drew Brees Coaching At Purdue University?

Yes, Drew Brees will be serving as the assistant coach at Purdue University in preparation for the Citrus Bowl on January 2nd.

Brees will be joining new head coach Ryan Walters, who was excited to hear that the rumors of Brees joining the coaching staff were true.

According to the former New Orleans Saints quarterback, he is “extremely excited” to be working with the students at the school he graduated from.

For Brees, this opportunity was about more than just being able to mentor and influence the minds of young students.

Drew Brees wanted to show the future students of Purdue how much the former students still care about the football program.

This opportunity also allows Brees to help prepare Ryan Walters as he steps into the position of the school’s head coach.

After having a conversation with Walters, Brees believes that the new head coach has the energy, passion, and attention to detail to help his alma mater reach new heights.

Walters was excited for his players to have the opportunity to learn and be inspired by Brees.

During Drew Brees’ time with the Purdue Boilermakers, he accumulated 11,792 passing yards and 90 touchdown yards from 1997 until 2000.

Brees placed 4th in the Heisman voting in 1999 and made his way up to 3rd place in the voting the following year.

According to an interview that Brees gave on WWL Radio in New Orleans, he doesn’t plan on continuing to coach after his short-term agreement with Purdue ends.

Although Brees may not be striving for the position of head coach, he will still be able to recruit new talent for the team due to a National Collegiate Athletic Association waiver.

Purdue is set to face Louisiana State University at the 2023 Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida.

Is Drew Brees In The Hall Of Fame?

No, Drew Brees is not currently in the Hall of Fame, and he will not be eligible for the Hall of Fame until the 2026 vote.

Since his former coach, Sean Payton, stepped down around the same time as Brees, many New Orleans Saints fans believe the pair will be reunited in the Hall of Fame by 2027.

The only Saints players who are eligible to enter the Hall of Fame at this time are linebacker Pat Swilling, defensive tackle La’Roi Glover, wide receiver Marques Colston, guard Jahri Evans, and former owner Tom Benson.

The most recent Saints player to receive this honor was linebacker Sam Mills, who was the 5th Saints player to join the Hall of Fame.

Other Saints players who are already memorialized in the Hall of Fame include linebacker Rickey Jackson, offensive tackle Willie Roaf, kicker Morten Andersen, and General Manager Jim Finks.

While other Hall of Famers such as coach Hank Stram, defensive end Doug Atkins, quarterback Ken Stabler, and running backs Earl Campbell and Jim Taylor did spend time on the New Orleans Saints, the majority of their acknowledged accomplishments were earned while serving other teams within the National Football League.

Drew Brees didn’t just make a name for himself while on the Saints—he gave the franchise a new frontman and served as the face of the Saints for decades.

Like late owner Tom Benson, Brees helped reshape the New Orleans Saints and brought the team a wave of fans who were originally there to support Brees.

Brees’ devotion went beyond just his football team and expanded to the entire state of Louisiana.

After all the support that he had received from longtime local Saints fans, Brees has done everything in his power to return the favor.

Does Drew Brees Own Walk-On’s?

Yes, Drew Brees is the co-owner of the small chain Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar, which started when he acquired the New Orleans locations and has since spread across the United States.

With this purchase, Drew and Brittany Brees also became the co-owners of Happy’s Irish Pubs and Walk-On’s Catering.

When Brees first walked into Walk-On’s, he was immediately impressed by the environment, the kind of customers they attracted, and the quality of their food.

Brees was introduced to the brand after it was named “Best Sports Bar in North America” by ESPN.

After making a name for himself as the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, Drew and Brittany Brees knew that they wanted to invest in a brand that was based in Louisiana.

When they first purchased Walk-On’s, Brittany Brees claimed “We’ve done our homework and we truly believe Walk-On’s has the potential to become a successful national chain.”

Brees was correct and the couple’s investment has allowed the chain to open in states such as Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee, Texas, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Georgia, Kansas, and Mississippi.

The expansion of the brand is ongoing, with new locations soon being added in Arizona, Alabama, Kansas, Texas, and South Carolina.

The menu is filled with Cajun cuisine that is hand-picked by a 14-year veteran chef, and they strive to serve 75% food and 25% alcohol at their nationwide establishments.

Walk-On’s is still actively recruiting franchisees, with the brand averaging $5 million in gross revenue in 2021.

However, potential franchisees have to be willing to get their hands dirty not only in their stores but in the community as well.

Inspired by Brees’ philanthropic nature, Walk-On’s Game On Foundation focuses on rebuilding and refurbishing local youth sports facilities.

Are Drew Brees And Tom Brady Friends?

Yes, Drew Brees and Tom Brady are friends outside of their careers in the National Football League.

Brady has always been vocal about how he feels about the professional league, so there’s no denying the genuine respect and friendship that these football icons share.

Over the course of his career, Brady has snubbed his fair share of fellow quarterbacks during post-game handshakes.

This is why it was so heartwarming to see Brady make a point to spend time with Brees following one of their last games together, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints 30-20 in the National Football Conference Divisional Round.

A couple of hours after fans and players had cleared out of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Tom Brady and Drew Brees met back up on the field to enjoy some time together as active professional quarterbacks.

Brees was joined by his family and Brady even threw a football to one of Brees’ sons before he left the stadium.

Before Brady left, he embraced Brees and left him to enjoy a private game of football with his sons on the professional field.

At the time, there were only rumors of Drew Brees’ potential departure from the National Football League, and this moment that he shared with Tom Brady only solidified everyone’s worries over Brees’ tenure coming to an end.

When Brady announced that he would get into the world of sports broadcasting following his retirement, Brees was quick to warn his friend that broadcasting is much more time-consuming than he originally thought it would be.

After experiencing the workload that comes with broadcasting, Brees decided that he wouldn’t do it again for the following season so he could have weekends to himself.

The post How Many Rings Does Drew Brees Have? (2022 Updated) appeared first on The Cold Wire.

The Andy Griffith Show is one of the most beloved family comedies of all time and is some of the best-known work by Andy Griffith.

This show ran from 1960 until 1968, going over the many small-town antics of Sheriff Andy Taylor, his son Opie Taylor, and his cousin Deputy Barney Fife.

With talented actors such as Don Knotts and Howard McNear, among others, The Andy Griffith Show has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by families to this day.

Who Is Still Alive From The Andy Griffith Show?

The only surviving cast members from The Andy Griffith Show are Ron Howard, Elinor Donahue, Richard Keith, Clint Howard, Sheldon Collins, and Dennis Rush.

The majority of the cast members who are still alive today were children when they appeared on the iconic comedy show.

Ron Howard is one of the biggest modern stars from the star, but the actor behind Opie Taylor is now better known for his work as a director and producer.

Some of Howard’s most popular works include Parenthood starring Steve Martin, How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey, and The Da Vinci Code starring Tom Hanks.

Elinor Donahue played Ellie Walker for 12 episodes during the first season of The Andy Griffith Show, serving as the sheriff’s first girlfriend in the series before her character went through a slump and phased out of the show.

Donahue first began working for Universal Studios when she was only five years old after serving as a radio singer and vaudeville dancer.

In 1954, Donahue landed her breakout role as Betty Anderson and became America’s “girl-next-door” icon.

Richard Keith played Johnny Paul Jason on The Andy Griffith Show and appeared on multiple iconic television series, such as I Love Lucy and Route 66.

As Lucy and Ricky Ricardo’s young son, “Little Ricky,” Keith is the last surviving regular cast member from I Love Lucy.

Clint Howard, Ron Howard’s younger brother, made his acting debut as Leon on The Andy Griffith Show when he was only two years old.

Howard is best known for playing Uncle Ed in How to Eat Fried Worms and Johnson from the Austin Powers franchise.

Sheldon Collins played Arnold Bailey on The Andy Griffith Show and quit acting in 1972.

Collins now practices dentistry in the Colorado Springs area, spending his free time writing, camping, playing sports, enjoying music, and watching Star Trek.

How Did Andy Griffith Pass Away?

Andy Griffith passed away only 24 hours after suffering a heart attack on July 3rd of 2012 at 7:00 in the morning.

Before his death at the age of 86, Griffith had also suffered from hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease.

On May 9th of 2000, Griffith underwent a quadruple bypass surgery.

Only seven years later, Griffith would have to have another surgery to fix a hip that he had broken during a fall.

Less than five hours after his death, Griffith was laid to rest on Roanoke Island at about 11:30 am.

The family was able to bury his body so swiftly because it was something that had been planned out for a long time.

Andy Griffith’s acting career began in the 1950s when he became a regular on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Griffith would make the switch from television to film in 1957 when he starred in A Face in the Crowd.

The Andy Griffith Show began in 1960 and was somewhat based on daily life in Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina.

While the family comedy series was still in development, Griffith ensured that the show wouldn’t be filmed in front of a live studio audience.

Andy Griffith felt that having a live audience to entertain would put too much pressure on the actors and writers to throw out too many one-liners.

Instead, The Andy Griffith Show was filmed like a movie and allowed Mayberry to feel like its own little town.

After The Andy Griffith Show came to an end, Griffith took up the role of Ben Matlock in 1986 and continued to star in the show until 1995.

Both Ben Matlock and Andy Taylor would appear driving Ford automobiles.

Ben Matlock went on to appear in other television series, such as Dick Van Dyke’s Diagnosis Murder.

When Did Don Knotts Die?

Don Knotts died on February 24th of 2006, which is the same day that Gunsmoke actor Dennis Weaver passed away at the same age of 81.

According to his longtime manager Sherwin Bash, Knotts had been worn down by his battle with lung cancer.

Knotts first met his longtime friend Andy Griffith in the 1958 film adaptation of No Time for Sergeants and would go on to join comedic forces with Griffith to create The Andy Griffith Show only two years later.

The 1960s were a dynamic point in Don Knotts’s career, with the actor starring in films such as The Incredible Mr. Limpet, The Shakiest Gun in the West, The Reluctant Astronaut, The Ghost and the Chicken, and It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

By 1979, Don Knotts would make his return to television for the comedy series Three’s Company as the character Ralph Furley until the show ended in 1984.

Two years later, Knotts returned to his role as Deputy Barney Fife in the television movie, Return to Mayberry.

Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, Knotts mainly took on voice-acting roles.

He has provided voices for Dirk Douglas in Odd Job Jack, Wormie in the Hermie & Friends series, Mayor Turkey in Disney’s Chicken Little, Sniffer in Air Buddies, and Edwin Mauzer in Fatherhood.

Knotts has also appeared in shows such as That ’70s Show, Johnny Bravo, 8 Simple Rules, Garfield and Friends, The Love Boat, Here’s Lucy, and Step By Step.

Known for his cartoonish nature, it can be hard to believe that the actor behind Deputy Barney was once a Grade 5 Technician during World War II.

Knotts went from plucking chickens because he was told he could never be an actor to being one of the best-known comedic actors of all time.

How Old Was Frances Bavier When She Passed Away?

Frances Bavier, who is best known for playing Aunt Bee Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show, passed away at 86 years old.

Bavier had been spending her retirement in Siler City, North Carolina, which she had originally discovered while filming The Andy Griffith Show.

When Frances Bavier passed away, her last 1966 Studebaker Daytona caused a bidding frenzy at a car show.

Since Bavier grew up in New York City, she didn’t have to drive for nearly 50 years and decided that the only model of car she was going to drive was the 1966 Studebaker Daytona.

The actress had multiple Studebakers at one point, but she only held onto one in her dying days.

When her final Studebaker arrived at the auction, it had deflated tires, an expired license plate from 1983, and it was covered in cat hair.

Despite the state of the vintage car, bidders went wild attempting to claim Bavier’s Studebaker as their own.

Although Bavier did have a rarer model and Studebaker stopped making cars in 1966, the auction house didn’t believe that the car would fetch more than a few hundred dollars.

Most of the people who wanted the car weren’t after it because of the type of car it was.

They were fans of The Andy Griffith Show and Frances Bavier who were bidding furiously for the piece of history.

According to car historian Fred Fox’s 1990 interview with the Chicago Tribune, the car that was being auctioned off had signs of being the same vehicle that Aunt Bee drove in Mayberry R.F.D.

It’s not often that an actor will bring one of their own cars onto a television set to be used, but it makes sense that she kept the car that appeared in one of her final shows.

When Did George Lindsey Die?

George Lindsey died on May 6th of 2012 at 83 after suffering from a brief illness and will always be remembered for his role as Goober Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show.

From an early age, Lindsey knew that he had a future in comedy.

While growing up in Jasper, Alabama during the 1930s, George Lindsey spent his days with his dog, One Spot, and his lifelong friend, Clyde “Sappo” Black.

In their early years, Lindsey and Black were a local comedy duo.

Similar to his character, Lindsey spent his days at his Aunt Ethel’s gas station where he noticed that the mechanics wore caps to keep their hair back and prevent grease from getting all over their faces.

This is what inspired Lindsey to wear a beanie while playing Goober.

During his high school years, Lindsey played football and basketball.

However, he found that his true passion lay in the theater.

George Lindsey’s college years were rocky, starting with Lindsey being invited not to come back after his freshman year at Walker Junior College.

Lindsey was then sent away to Kemper Military School for his sophomore year.

For his junior year, Lindsey attempted to attend the University of Alabama, but he quickly found that the tuition was out of his budget.

Eventually, Lindsey found the University of North Alabama, where he thrived and was able to graduate in 1952 with a degree in biological science and physical education.

After graduating from college, George Lindsey joined the Air Force.

Lindsey didn’t start acting until he was given the role of Moose in All American at the prestigious Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway.

By 1962, Lindsey was relocating his growing family to California and pursuing a career in television.

Lindsey was the most iconic “tough guy” actor of the 1960s.

Did Howard McNear Have A Stroke During The Andy Griffith Show?

Yes, Howard McNear had suffered a stroke while he was still acting as Mayberry barber Floyd Lawson.

The stroke caused McNear to lose functionality in the left side of his body, but his castmates refused to let him go.

After his stroke, writers and producers made sure that McNear’s character was written into scenes where he would remain seated.

To make it seem like Floyd was busy, the production team would place things like newspapers in his nonfunctional hand.

When there was a scene that absolutely required Howard McNear to stand up, the crew created and powered a device that gave McNear the appearance of standing up without any mobility devices.

When McNear passed away in 1969 due to complications from a stroke, it was his former Gunsmoke and The Andy Griffith Show co-star Parley Baer who gave his eulogy.

McNear and Baer were on the radio show Gunsmoke after serving in World War II, with McNear portraying Doc Charles Adams.

The post Who Is Still Alive From The Andy Griffith Show? (2022 Updated) appeared first on The Cold Wire.

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Heta & Aspinall advance as Williams shines on debut

Damon Heta and Nathan Aspinall advanced to the third round of the Cazoo World Darts Championship on Sunday, as Scott Williams and Ryan Joyce served up the match of the tournament so far.

Heta dumped out two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis in straight sets, while Aspinall claimed a hard-fought 3-1 win against Boris Krcmar.

Australia’s World Cup hero Heta produced his best performance on the Alexandra Palace stage to make light work of an out-of-sorts Lewis.

Heta averaged 96.17, more than 13 points higher than Lewis, who exits at the second round stage for a third successive year.

Having endured a bad run of form in televised events in recent months, Heta silenced his doubters with a victory which sees him move provisionally into the world’s top 16.

“A win on TV was always coming, I’m glad to have got the job done today,” said Heta.

“There are a lot of players above me who have a lot to lose but I’ve got everything to gain.

‘I embraced playing Adrian because he is a name to be reckoned with and I think I rose to the occasion.

“I never would’ve imagined being in the top 16 when I started this journey three years ago, this is just the start for me.”

Two-time semi-finalist Aspinall continued his strong record at Ally Pally, with victory over Krcmar maintaining his record of never losing in the tournament before the Christmas break.

After the opening two sets were shared, Krcmar landed a 102 checkout to hit the front, before Aspinall reeled off six successive legs to see off the Croatian.

“I never make it easy,” Aspinall laughed. “I think I robbed the first set to be fair, but credit to Boris he played a great game.

“I dug deep, my finishing wasn’t quite there but I found a way to win.

“The crowd were amazing, it took me five minutes to get over my walk-on – the crowd were singing my walk-on song well after the music had stopped, it gave me goosebumps.

“But I played really well, I’m very happy with my performance.”

Elsewhere, Williams and Joyce played out one of the highest standard first round encounters seen on the Ally Pally stage.

Former quarter-finalist Joyce’s 103.04 was not enough to defy 2022 breakout star Williams, who hit ten 180s and a 164 checkout on his way to an outstanding debut victory.

Williams announced himself on the Ally Pally stage with an average just shy of 116 to take the opening set, before Joyce hit back in equally-impressive style.

Though Joyce continued to average over 112 for much of the contest, Williams crucially won the set three decider to regain the lead.

Joyce took the lead in the fourth, but Williams responded with a trio of legs to set up a meeting with former World Champion Rob Cross.

“I felt awesome today and that came out on the stage, I know what I’m capable of,” said Williams.

“The first set I felt absolutely fantastic, then all of a sudden I started missing but then thankfully it came back.

“I’ve been practicing with Rob [Cross] recently and he’s been playing like he did when he won the Worlds.

“We’re good mates but we’re both here to do a job, it should be a good game.”

Danny Baggish impressed in a 3-0 victory over Matt Campbell in a battle between two of North America’s top talents.

USA number one Baggish, who reached the third round two years ago, once again produced his best game on the sport’s biggest stage to whitewash his Canadian opponent.

Cambell’s countryman Jeff Smith will also be heading home after he went down 3-1 to Belgium’s Mike De Decker.

In-form De Decker caught the eye with a convincing display which saw him fire in eight 180s and hit half of his double attempts.

Madars Razma will take on two-time World Champion Gary Anderson after the Latvian triumphed 3-1 in a battle with Prakash Jiwa.

Indian Qualifier Jiwa missed darts to win the opening set, but atoned for those errors in the second set to level.

Jiwa took a 2-1 lead in the third set before World Grand Prix quarter-finalist Razma sparked into life, winning five consecutive legs to seal his passage through.

Karel Sedlacek produced one of the performances of the tournament so far in a 3-0 whitewash of Raymond Smith.

A meeting widely billed as a ’50-50′ tie saw Sedlacek average 98.72 to dump out Australia’s Smith, who reached the last 16 of last year’s event.

World number one Gerwyn Price will begin his campaign against Luke Woodhouse who scored a 3-0 victory over Vladyslav Omelchenko, who became the first Ukranian player to compete at the World Championship.

A professional performance from Woodhouse saw him land three ton-plus checkouts, but the biggest finish of the match came from Omelchenko, who raised the roof with a 143.

Monday will see another double session take place, as former runner-up Simon Whitlock takes on Jose de Sousa in the pick of the afternoon’s action before the evening session sees Price take on Woodhouse.

The Cazoo World Darts Championship is being broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).

Click here for match stats and results.

Sunday December 18
Afternoon Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Madars Razma 3-1 Prakash Jiwa (3-2, 2-3, 3-2, 3-0) (R1)
Karel Sedlacek 3-0 Raymond Smith (3-2, 3-0, 3-2) (R1)
Luke Woodhouse 3-0 Vladyslav Omelchenko (3-0, 3-2, 3-1) (R1)
Damon Heta 3-0 Adrian Lewis (3-1, 3-2, 3-1) (R2)

Evening Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Mike De Decker 3-1 Jeff Smith (3-0, 3-2, 1-3, 3-2) (R1)
Scott Williams 3-1 Ryan Joyce (3-1, 1-3, 3-2, 3-1) (R1)
Danny Baggish 3-0 Matt Campbell (3-1, 3-2, 3-2) (R1)
Nathan Aspinall 3-1 Boris Krcmar (3-2, 2-3, 3-1, 3-0) (R2)

Monday December 19
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Andrew Gilding v Robert Owen (R1)
Danny Jansen v Paolo Nebrida (R1)
Niels Zonneveld v Lewy Williams (R1)
Jose de Sousa v Simon Whitlock (R2)

Evening Session (1900 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Geert Nentjes v Leonard Gates (R1)
Ritchie Edhouse v David Cameron (R1)
Steve Beaton v Danny van Trijp (R1)
Gerwyn Price v Luke Woodhouse (R2)

The post World Darts Results and Review – Sunday 18th December appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

He was simply seeking clarification the goal would count at all.

Six minutes into the second period of a 1-1 game against the San Jose Sharks Sunday, Lucic’s one-timer from the high slot ricocheted in off Erik Karlsson, as teammate Trevor Lewis caused traffic in front.

It appeared to have ended a streak of 62 games without a goal.

However, after a brief celebration, Lucic could then be seen pleading with officials.

“It wasn’t about who scored it,” Lucic told Sportsnet 960 with a chuckle. 

“I was hearing ‘22, 22’ and I was thinking they were going to call goalie interference (on Lewis).

“I’m like, ‘c’mon, you’re not going to take another one away from me again.’”

They tried, kind of, by awarding it first to Lewis, before changing it later in the game to the big winger who recently returned from a three-game banishment to the press box.

“It’s obviously good to contribute offensively, but the main thing is getting a big win here to start off the road-trip,” said Lucic, who had a goal disallowed due to an off-side challenge Nov. 17 in Tampa Bay. 

“Before I sat out I had a lot of frustration and a lot of negative energy and I’m the kind of person that works against me. 

“I wanted to be a positive influence again once I got back in.”

Mission accomplished Sunday, with a goal, four shots and three hits in 13 minutes of ice time.  

Lucic’s goal played a big role in the Flames 5-2 win at SAP Center, which snapped another lengthy streak for teammate Jacob Markstrom.

Playing in his 400^th NHL game, Markstrom finally got the type of run support he wasn’t given in his previous six starts, which were all losses.

The win marked his first win since Nov. 21 against Philadelphia — a nice change of pace for the 32-year-old who announced his engagement online a couple days earlier.

More takeaways from Sunday’s win, which snapped a five-game losing skid for the Flames:

THE PASS

It was the type of pass Flames fans had waited 32 games to see from Jonathan Huberdeau — a cross-ice power play beauty reminiscent of a play Johnny Gaudreau specialized in.  

With the Flames clinging to a 2-1 lead to open the third period, Huberdeau moved in from the left point and delivered a no-look pass through a seam in the middle of the ice to Elias Lindholm who one-timed the eventual game-winner past Kaapo Kahkonen from the bottom of the circle.

Nineteen seconds later Lindholm struck again to blow the game wide open, by converting a similarly slick pass from Rasmus Andersson.

Those are the types of passes Flames fans expected to see plenty of from Huberdeau after Darryl Sutter proclaimed in camp that he was, “probably the best passer that this team has had in maybe ever.”

Playing in his 700^th NHL game, Huberdeau skated on a line with Nazem Kadri and Andrew Mangiapane for the second consecutive game. 

THE BINGE

The Flames lead the league with 18 one-goal games — a strange stat that speaks as much about the team’s dogged work ethic as it does about its absence of game-breakers.

Despite a dominant first couple periods against one of the league’s worst teams, the Flames only held a 2-1 lead going into the third period.

Sounds familiar.

That’s where things changed, as Lindholm’s two quick snipes to open the third were followed up by a Dillon Dube rebound to cap a three-goal spree in under two minutes that iced the game.

THE FIGHT

With Chris Tanev skating with the team as he recovers from the scary incident in Montreal that saw him take a puck to the head, the Flames summoned Dennis Gilbert from the Wranglers to be the team’s seventh defenceman in the lineup Sunday.

Not surprisingly, the 26-year-old lined himself up for a fight — the fourth time in 16 skates as a Flame.

This time it was a big-boy battle with Jonah Gadjovich, who was only too happy to trade heavy rights until he ended the affair with a huge right to the nose that not only clinched the win, but ended Gilbert’s night, as he left immediately for repairs.

It marked just the first loss in his four NHL bouts this season.

“He was good,” said Sutter of Gilbert’s status.

“I talked to him. It was just, because he obviously got punched, they wanted to make sure.”

Gilbert wasn’t the only Flames defender to leave the game early, as Nikita Zadorov raced off the ice clutching his wrist after blocking a point-blank shot with six minutes left.

No update on his status was given after the game.

THE COACH 

Darryl Sutter opened the day by reiterating his Christmas wishes.

“Our goal was to be in a playoff spot at Christmas. And that’s still my goal.”

Sunday’s win put the Flames in a tie with Colorado for the final wild card berth.

The opportunity is certainly there to make Sutter’s dream come true, as the Flames face San Jose again Tuesday before capping off the last two games before the holiday in Los Angeles and Anaheim. 

With Radim Zohorna dealing with an illness, Sutter chose to sit Matthew Phillips and Brett Ritchie in favour of playing an extra defender.

“Dressed seven because the predictability of our defencemen has not been good this year,” said Sutter.

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1. It was clear from the jump that the Raptors weren’t prepared to defend. The reigning champions were missing Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins, and yet they had the Raptors grasping at ghosts as the Warriors got open threes and layups all night long. All it took to unlock the defense were the simplest of actions like a dribble hand-off or an off-ball screen, and credit to Draymond Green and Jordan Poole for running a clinic in passing and movement. The Warriors finished with 31 assists and 18 threes made, while shooting 53 per cent and leading from start to finish. There was such a gulf in class between the two sides that you would would never have guessed these two franchises were on the same level three years ago.

2. Golden State managed to withstand injuries because they have a clear system. Even without their top two players in last year’s finals, Steve Kerr’s team still ran the same sets. Everyone cuts, everyone works in tandem, and everyone knows their role. It was never stagnant or predictable with a ball handler coming down, calling for a screener to saunter over, then go from there. It was always quick down the floor, feed the post, two players splitting off each other on one end, while a shooter came sprinting over to the ball on the other. There were options on each play, and they all trusted in the right pass. So, if the Raptors jumped out at the shooter, he would just throw the pocket pass knowing that the screener would roll, and that someone on the other end would dive to the rim with him for the extra pass or the offensive rebound. When there are clear roles for everyone to play, everyone becomes a threat, and even the biggest of absences can be masked.

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3. On the flip side, the talk from the Raptors was about who was missing. Nick Nurse said the team is showing “signs of duress” with half of his rotation injured, while Fred VanVleet opined that they’re “not built to have a ton of injuries” and there’s certainly some truth in it. The Raptors have yet to win without O.G. Anunoby, who was holding the defence together while also being their second leading scorer. Gary Trent Jr. goes hot and cold but had settled in nicely as a second unit scorer. Precious Achiuwa was great defensively last season, while Otto Porter Jr. can be a useful bench piece. But on a night like this, it’s fair to contrast the two systems and wonder why the Raptors were dysfunctional, while the Warriors hummed despite even bigger absences. What does it say about the Raptors’ system, or lack thereof, that they couldn’t compete?

4. The Raptors were built on defence but you would never know it based on their recent form. Toronto holds the third-worst defence in the league over their last nine games, which includes just two wins against the Magic and the Lakers — without LeBron James and Anthony Davis. In those nine games, the Raptors have kept only the Magic to under 110 points, and this loss to Golden State is the third time an opponent finished with 126 points. The whole premise of this team is that they’re long, athletic, and able to guard multiple positions with one of the league’s most creative strategists at the dials. However, outside of being league leaders in turnovers forced, the Raptors aren’t very good at the actual business of forcing tough shots. They’re constantly having to compensate for having no rim protection inside which leaves the corners perpetually open, and they exacerbate this issue by pressing up too close which actually invites more drives. There are communication breakdowns on every other trip which is leading to the Raptors allowing the highest field goal percentage within eight feet of the basket dating back 25 years.

5. Nurse is really searching for answers. Over a span of 10 games, Malachi Flynn played no more than six minutes and was a healthy scratch in another four, but is now suddenly closing out the Nets game, and then being inserted into the starting lineup for the second half against Golden State. The main hesitation with Flynn was that the Raptors didn’t want to play with two undersized guards, but Nurse used Flynn with VanVleet and Dalano Banton in a bizarre three-point guard alignment with Chris Boucher and Christian Koloko in the middle. It made no sense and it went nowhere. After a timeout, the Raptors went to this group and all they got was a contested jumper from Banton, who left it a foot short of the basket. To Flynn’s credit, he is at least providing a scoring spark, while also quietly being the best shooter on the team from three.

6. It would be more palatable to play two small guards if the Raptors had any dependable production whatsoever from the centre position. Christian Koloko is the only Raptors player to have appeared in all 30 games to date, which includes 17 starts. On one hand, it’s commendable that a rookie has managed to stay available so consistently, and he does set solid screens and shows full commitment to contesting shots. On the other, this was his 19th game with just one made basket or fewer, and he’s averaging six fouls per 36 minutes. The Raptors’ other options are veterans Thad Young or Khem Birch, who would probably both do better in the starting group, but they’re both weak spots defensively that opposing teams would try to attack. It’s the one glaring weakness that the Raptors have failed to address for three seasons and it bears repeating until it is solved.

7. If the Raptors ever get into a rhythm like they did to start the game, opponents always have the option of going to zone to shut off the tap. The Raptors are at their best when their overgrown wings are slashing towards the basket, but that option isn’t there against a zone defence, at which point the offence looks like this:

8. Pascal Siakam got to his averages, but he’s not getting to his baskets the same way he was when he started the season. Siakam opened the campaign at the elbow, faced up against the defence, toying with his defender before driving or spinning into space for his jumper, or reading where the help was coming from before kicking it out. There was a calculation to his approach, where he drew the pressure to him on purpose so that he could counter it. Over the past week, Siakam’s touch from midrange hasn’t been there and his approach is starting to slip back into old habits. He’s back to trying off-balanced runners hoping for a foul, and the Warriors were able to load up at the rim and wall him off. It’s a credit to Siakam’s growth that he still finished with a team-high 27 points while being guarded by a Defensive Player of the Year in Draymond Green, but the process of how he’s getting to his results is noticeably different.

9. Chris Boucher’s activity and persistence on the offensive glass was excellent, but he can raise the rest of his game. Boucher has not made a three in four straight games despite good shot selection in only attempting open corner looks. He’s also leaving chances short around the rim, including one circus attempt where he tried to outmuscle his opponent under the hoop which rarely ever works in his favour. The Raptors badly need someone to provide them with scoring in the middle, and while Boucher isn’t a scorer in the traditional sense, he’s usually good to convert more chances than he has lately.

10. Solving the Raptors’ problems is starting to feel like whack-a-mole. The losing started with the Raptors giving up back-to-back 40-point first quarters. Then the issue was losing the third quarter, which doomed them against Boston, Sacramento, and Brooklyn. Then it was a lack of size and shooting in the two losses to Orlando. The problems were that Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet were underperforming but now that they’re back, suddenly Siakam is pedestrian. Trent Jr. was called out and moved to the bench, but he was promoted once Anunoby got hurt. Now that they’re both out, this means Junacho Hernangomez is suddenly starting and being asked to be a defensive stopper. Every day it’s a new issue with them, which is why it feels implausible that the Raptors could rattle off a win streak to balance out the losing.

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Argentina and France locked horns in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Both teams were coming off with convincing wins in the semi-finals against Croatia and Morocco respectively. Both teams came up with the starting line-up of 4-3-3 at the time of the kick-off an important match of the World Cup.

Argentina and France played this match at the Lusail Stadium of Doha in Qatar, a stadium with a capacity of almost 90,000. Notably, it was the second consecutive time when the 2018 champions made it to the final of this prestigious football quadrennial.

On the other hand, Messi’s men qualified for the final after eight years since the last one when they lost against Germany in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2014.

With said that, here we’ll have a look at the entire action of this historic match for Argentine legend Lionel Messi and his team.

Here’s what happened on the historic night of the FIFA World Cup 2022 Final

With the first whistle of the match from referee Szymon Marciniak, La Albiceleste started dominating the French outfit from the very first minute of the match. The moment came for the 1986 champions in the 23^rd minute of the match when they earned a penalty. Senior center-forward and none other than Lionel Messi happened to take the penalty for his team.

The 35-year-old successfully converted the penalty into a goal and registered his name on the scorecard of the match. Following the first goal, the senior winger Angel Di Maria followed the footmarks of his skipper and came up with a stunning field goal in the 36^th minute of the match to help Argentina to take an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the match.

But the French star Kylian Mbappe had some other plans on the day and he didn’t look so easy to accept his team trailing in the match. The moment came for the defending champions in the 80th minute of the match when Mbappe converted the penalty into a goal to register a goal to his name in the match. Subsequently, he didn’t stop only here and he came up with another goal in the next minute of the match.

But the Argentine skipper and legendary star Lionel Messi made no mistake in the second half of the extra time. The amazing stunner from Messi moved the lead to 3-2 in favor of Argentina. But the penalty-converted goal from Mbappe equalized the score line by 3-3.

Eventually, Argentina managed to maintain their lead in the penalty shoot-out at the end of the match and won it by 4-2 the match and ended up winning the match against Hugo Lloris & co. to win the World Cup for the third time after a long wait of 36 years.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Lionel Messi brings Argentina at top of the World

All eyes were on the World Cup final on Sunday and the stars did not disappoint.

Decorated MMA champions like Francis Ngannou and Kamaru Usman were in absolute awe at what they witnessed as Argentina’s legendary Lionel Messi and French superstar Kylian Mbappé were at the peak of their powers for their countries in the final of the World Cup tournament in Qatar. Messi netted two goals and Mbappé scored a hat trick in a match that was rife with drama.

Messi’s Argentina squad looked like they would run away with it after going up 2-nil in the first half, but France made some key substitutions to battle back and send the game to extra time at 2-2. From there, the action only escalated as Messi scored his second goal, only to be matched by an Mbappé penalty kick with minutes remaining. The match would be decided by penalties and eventually it was Gonzalo Montiel that scored the deciding goal to bring the World Cup back to Argentina for the first time since 1986.

The fighting community was on pins and needles watching the incredible contest and you can see some of the best reactions here.

https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/18/23515186/what-a-goat-fighters-react-all-time-classic-world-cup-final-lionel-messi-leads-argentina-over-france

ARGENTINA have WON the World Cup – and they have one very unlikely hero to thank.

Lionel Messi and Co beat France 4-2 on penalties to win their first World Cup since 1986 after 120 minutes of action finished 3-3.

1

Argentina were the better side for large parts of the game, but a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick pulled them into the incredible game.

The match eventually went to penalties, where both Messi and Mbappe scored their spot kicks.

Aurelien Tchouameni and Kinglsey Coman missed their penalties for France.

And then a hero stepped up for Argentina – Gonzalo Montiel.

Who is Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel?

An unlikely match-winner to say the least, Montiel plays his club football for Sevilla as a right-back.

Montiel started the game on the bench, but came on for Lionel Scaloni’s side in the 91st minute.

The 25-year-old defended heroically during extra-time, but he gave away the crucial penalty which Mbappe scored to level things at 3-3.

Montiel, however, had the last laugh as he stepped up to take Argentina’s fourth penalty.

Cool and collected, Montiel placed the ball to the bottom left of the goal while Hugo Lloris dived the wrong way.

Montiel began his career with River Plate but moved to Sevilla last year on a three-year deal.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/20796334/who-is-gonzalo-montiel-argentina-world-cup/

The post FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 FINAL: Argentina beat France and win the World Cup. appeared first on SPORTS DANKA.

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“We just want to earn the respect of the league,” Banchero told reporters. “It’s clear that a lot of people still don’t respect us. We’re just going to go out game by game and lock in, and eventually, it’ll be earned. Until then, we’re going to keep proving people wrong.”

Retired Celtics guard Eddie House is someone who isn’t giving the Magic much respect. After Boston lost the first meeting to Orlando, House directed some unpleasant comments towards the #1 picks team.

Two consecutive wins over Boston might not change House’s thoughts immediately, but it’s a good start.

Next, Banchero and the Magic travel to face Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks.

The post Paolo Banchero’s Magic want some respect after winning 6 straight appeared first on Sideline Sources.

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The Minnesota Vikings had a miraculous 33-point comeback on Sunday to secure the greatest comeback in NFL history, earn their

Read the full story Christian Darrisaw Assures Fans that He’s Healthy and check out purplePTSD - Local Minnesota Vikings News each day for all you Minnesota Vikings news/analysis!

On Saturday with the entire NFL world watching, the Minnesota Vikings followed up a sorry first half effort with the

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PAK vs ENG LIVE Score – Karachi Test DAY 3: Pakistan lose quick wickets: Babar Azam and Shaud Shakeel have steadied Pakistan’s ship after Jack Leach dealt double blow. The two are closing in on a fifty-run stand. Pakistan cleared the 50 runs 1st innings deficit but have lost Shan Masood early. The day possibly will decide if the home team will be whitewashed in the series or can they keep fight alive in 3rd TEST.  Earlier on Day 2, Harry Brook scored his third century of the series while Ben Foakes chipped in with a fine half-century as England took a 50-run lead in Karachi. Follow Pakistan vs England LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.

Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood chipped in with valuable cameos to put the visitors on top. Pakistan will now aim to put on a huge total and set a target for England.  Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood batted 9 overs at the end to finish the day on 21/0.

WTC Race to FINAL: Australia all but book WTC Final SPOT, India still in fray,…

Pakistan 2nd Innings SCORECARD

England 1ST Innings SCORECARD – 354/10 – Takes 50 Runs LEAD in 1ST innings

Pakistan 1ST Innings SCORECARD – 304/10

PAK vs ENG LIVE Score: Abrar Ahmed picks four, Brook, Foakes help England to 50-run lead: Follow Pakistan vs England DAY 2 LIVE

England were 7-1 at stumps with Ben Duckett (4) and Ollie Pope (3) batting together after Zak Crawley was trapped in front of the wicket for a duck in Abrar Ahmed’s opening over. Pakistan, who have already lost the series with defeats in Rawalpindi and Multan, won the toss and opted to bat first on another flat track.

IPL 2023 Auction: No Ricky Ponting at IPL Auction for Delhi Capitals, 80%…

PAK vs ENG LIVE Score: Abrar Ahmed picks four, Brook, Foakes help England to 50-run lead: Follow Pakistan vs England DAY 2 LIVE

But the hosts were rocked by England, who made early inroads in the first session in their bid for a clean sweep. Spinner Jack Leach (4-140) first removed Abdullah Shafique with the new ball and took the catch that sent back Shan Masood off the bowling of paceman Mark Wood to leave Pakistan at 46-2 inside 13 overs, before Azhar Ali steadied the ship.

The top-order batsman, recalled for one last appearance announcing his retirement from international cricket following the Karachi Test, scored a fluent 45 in the company of Babar before falling on the stroke of lunch. England then went on the attack and 18-year-old debutant all-rounder Rehan Ahmed — who became their youngest men’s Test cricketer — had Saud Shakeel caught for 23 for his maiden wicket.

Babar, who hit nine fours in his 123-ball knock, soldiered on after part-timer Joe Root removed Mohammad Rizwan. The skipper passed his half-century but was run out while attempting a single to leave Pakistan in further trouble.

Faheem Ashraf and Nauman Ali then fell to Rehan and Leach, but Salman held the fort and was rewarded with his second halfcentury of the series before also falling to Leach, who cleaned up the tail late in the day.

England won the opening Test by 74 runs before sealing a 26-run victory in the second to secure their first series victory in Pakistan since 2000-01.

Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Follow PAK vs ENG Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.

The post PAK vs ENG LIVE Score: Babar Azam & Shaud Shakeel anchor after Jack Leach gives DOUBLE BLOW: Follow LIVE Updates first appeared on Inside Sport India.

Rohit Sharma Injury: IND vs BAN LIVE: Despite getting initial clearance from NCA’s medical team, captain Rohit Sharma will miss the IND BAN 2nd Test. Rohit was supposed to travel to Dhaka on Sunday (Decem 18). However, he will no long travel to Dhaka. Instead, he will take rest and recover from the injury. He will return for the SriLanka series starting January 3. Vice-captain KL Rahul will continue to lead in the 2nd Test. This is Rahul’s first full Test series as the captain. India lead in the Test series 1-0. Follow India vs Bangladesh LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.

Rohit was en route to recovery from the thumb injury. While he received initial clearance, it emerged that his thumb has not fully healed. He dislocated his thumb while taking a catch in the 2nd ODI against Bangladesh. He also has stitches.

Rohit Sharma Injury: Bad news, Team Management says ‘NO’ Rohit Sharma’s return, RULED OUT of 2nd Test, KL Rahul to continue leading, Follow IND BAN 2nd Test LIVE Updates

BCCI Apex Council Meeting: Decision on Split Coaching & Captaincy on agenda, New Selection Committee set to be named this week: Follow Indian Cricket LIVE Updates

Currently, Rohit Sharma has stiffness in the thumb. With the all-important Australia series coming up, physios don’t want to rush his return. India have already paid for rushing Jasprit Bumrah’s return ahead of T20 World Cup.

After learning of Rohit Sharma’s injury status, Rahul Dravid-led team management said no to his inclusion in the 2nd Test. While Rohit can bat even at this point, the physios feel that fielding would aggravate his injury further.

If he hurts his thumb again, the Indian captain may miss the two upcoming series against SriLanka and NewZealand. He could also be doubtful for the Australia series.

Captain in Bangladesh, KL Rahul avoided questions on Rohit Sharma’s return on Sunday. Abhimanyu Easwaran is in Bangladesh as the Rohit Sharma replacement.

“Rohit had gone back to India after hurting his left thumb while fielding in the second ODI against Bangladesh in Mirpur on December 7. Abhimanyu Easwaran has come in as his replacement. About Rohit, we may be able to know (his status) in the next day or two, even I am not aware of it,” Rahul said at the post-match press conference.

How did Rohit Sharma get injured? – 

Rohit Sharma injured himself in the second over of the 2nd ODI. He dived low to take a catch in the slips of Anamul Haque. Not only did he fail to get a hold of the ball, but was taken off the field. Rohit did not take the field with vice-captain KL Rahul leading the side. He visited a hospital and his finger was heavily bandaged while in the dressing room.

The 35-year-old opted against batting, until absolutely necessary walking in at No.9 on Wednesday. He looked troubled and used less of his bottom hand which was strapped. Rohit managed a 27-ball half-century, taking India agonisingly close to a series-levelling win.

Rohit Sharma Injury: Bad news, Team Management says ‘NO’ Rohit Sharma’s return, RULED OUT of 2nd Test, KL Rahul to continue leading, Follow IND BAN 2nd Test LIVE Updates

Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Follow IND vs BAN Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.

The post Rohit Sharma Injury: Bad news, Rohit Sharma RULED OUT of 2nd Test, KL Rahul to continue leading, Follow IND BAN 2nd Test LIVE Updates first appeared on Inside Sport India.

IPL Auction LIVE Streaming will start at 2:30PM on Friday, Check 5 big plans of JIO Cinema to stream IPL 2023 Auction LIVE

IPL Auction LIVE Streaming: IPL  Mini-Auction – There are now just a few days till the Indian Premier League 2023 Mini Auction. The IPL 2023 Auction will start at 2:30 PM IST on December 23 in Kochi. There are up to 405 players available, but only 87 slots on the ten teams. JioCinema and Star Sports Network will carry the auction live for viewers. Jio customers will have free access to the 2023 IPL Auction. Check out JIO Cinema’s five major plans for streaming the IPL 2023 Auction Live. Follow IPL 2023 Live Updates on InsideSport.IN

SRK MSD IPL: KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan EPIC response to ‘How do you feel when MS Dhoni bats vs KKR’ sets Internet on fire ahead of IPL 2023 Auction – CHECK out 

IPL 2023 Auction LIVE: Sam Curran on CSK’s ‘MOST WANTED’ list, Captain MS Dhoni interested in bringing back England all-rounder: Follow IPL Auction LIVE

IPL Auction LIVE Streaming will start at 2:30PM on Friday, Check 5 big plans of JIO Cinema to stream IPL 2023 Auction LIVE

IPL 2023 Auction: The Expert Panel

This year’s IPL auction will feature former IPL stars Suresh Raina, Chris Gayle, Eoin Morgan, Anil Kumble, and AB de Villiers. They will all be a part of an expert panel. The expert panel for the auction was confirmed by Jio Cinema in a teaser video that was aired on its official social media accounts last week. Only the names of Suresh Raina, Chris Gayle, and Eoin Morgan are mentioned in the video. Anil Kumble and AB de Villiers will also be on the panel, though.

Three of the best T20 players in the JioCinema expert panel for IPL 2023 auction. pic.twitter.com/QUati5sLnG

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 18, 2022

IPL 2023 Auction: Live Streaming & Broadcast

For the past several seasons, we have been watching IPL live streaming on Hotstar, but this year’s IPL 2023 auction will be very different. This will be the first IPL auction to be covered by separate broadcast and streaming platforms. The IPL auction will be broadcast by Star Sports, while Jio Cinema will stream it live. Viacom18, a Jio Platforms subsidiary, has mandated digital rights for internet live streaming. To watch the streaming for free on the Jio Cinema App, you must have a Jio sim.

IPL 2023 Auction: JioCinema’s Programming Plan

The 2022 IPL auction live stream provided by Jio Cinema and Viacom networks would be much different from previous ones. The Livestream offers a selection of different camera views. The many Live video streams that are available on the OTT allow you to select the IPL Livestream you want to watch.

????IPL NEWS ????

IPL 2023 and IPL 2023 Auction will be live on Star Sports and Jio Cinema.#IPL2023 #IPL2023Auction #IPLAuction #cricket #Ipl2023Retention #IPL #IPLnews #CricketTwitter #CricketMeme #cricketlover #cricketupdates pic.twitter.com/i9SSvC6MVH

— CricInformer(Cricket News & Fantasy Tips) (@CricInformer) December 10, 2022

IPL 2023 Auction: Live Streaming for free

The IPL auction will be live streamed for free for the first time ever. Just a Jio sim and an internet connection are required. Star Sports channels will broadcast the IPL 2023 mini auction live in India. However, Viacom 18 has the digital rights for IPL 2023 in India and Indian subcontinent. Live streaming of IPL 2023 mini auction will be available on Jio Cimena app for free.

IPL 2023 Auction: Live Streaming in HD & 4k

Standard Definition (480p) and High Definition (720p, 1080p) have been used so far for sports broadcasting and streaming . Jio 5G and Viacom18 will alter that. The IPL 2023 auction in India will be streamed in 4K for the first time ever (Ultra-High-Definition). One can watch live sports in 4K on a mobile device, a 4K TV, a tablet, or a screen with that quality.

IPL Auction LIVE Streaming will start at 2:30PM on Friday, Check 5 big plans of JIO Cinema to stream IPL 2023 Auction LIVE

Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Follow IPL 2023 Live Updates with InsideSport.IN

The post IPL Auction LIVE Streaming will start at 2:30PM on Friday, Check 5 big plans of JIO Cinema to stream IPL 2023 Auction LIVE first appeared on Inside Sport India.

Giants celebrate long-awaited primetime win over Commanders: Best memes and tweets - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

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The Los Angeles Lakers were great on Friday night. They dominated one of the best teams in the Western Conference — the Denver Nuggets.

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Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens have gone nearly the entire 2022 season and have yet to come to an agreement on a contract extension. We knew this would be the case entering the season, but now we’re going to find out where loyalties lay in a worst-case scenario. Jackson went down with a knee injury during…

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France captain Hugo Lloris has expressed his disappointment losing the 2022 World Cup final to Argentina on Sunday.

Lloris described the loss as painful and wished it was his country that came out victorious.

France star Kylian Mbappe scored a hat trick, won the Golden Boot and yet still finished on the losing side as Lionel Messi helped Argentina win on penalties.

France captain Lloris said: “There were a lot of great players on the pitch. Messi and Mbappe are very special and were top tonight, top, top players for the team.

"It's hard when you lose and you cannot find the right words because it's too painful. But we gave it our best shot from the start to the end of this tournament and we should be proud of that.

“We were too passive in the first half, we let them do too much damage but twice we came back, showed spirit and great energy to come back.

"We had two big chances even at 119 minutes before extra time and then it's even more painful to lose."

The post 2022 World Cup: It’s Painful France Lost To Argentina –Lloris appeared first on Complete Sports.

Nigeria's presidential candidates, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar have congratulated Lionel Messi after the forward led Argentina to a third World Cup title on Sunday night.

Messi scored a brace in the thrilling encounter at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

La Albiceleste squandered a two-goal lead with the game ending in a 3-3 draw after 120 minutes.

Read Also: 2022 World Cup: I’m Proud Of Our Achievement –Scaloni Hails Argentina Players

Argentina prevailed 4-2 in the shootout.

"Emi lo kan of Doha," All Progressive Congress candidates Tinubu tweeted after the game

His People's Democratic Party counterpart, Atiku also took to the social media to also eulogize Messi.

"Congratulations, Argentina. Messi is why you must never give up, no matter the situation. He was saving the ultimate last for the ultimate best????????."

The post Tinubu, Atiku Hail Messi After Argentina World Cup Title Win appeared first on Complete Sports.

Former Super Eagles defender, Ifeanyi Udeze has blamed France inability to attack Argentina in the first half as the cause of their loss to Argentina in the final of the 2022 World Cup.

Recall that Argentina took a 2-0 lead in the first half as the South American team dominated the play.

However, France came out in the second half to level the score 2-2 before the game went to extra-time, where both teams scored again.

In a chat with Brila FM, Udeze stated that France’s approach to the match in the first half hurt them after all.

“France’s approach in the beginning was wrong. They could have started the game with the intensity with which they played the second half,” he told Brila FM.

“The solution was to attack, attack and attack the Argentines. They were not supposed to relax if there was to be a change in fortunes earlier.

“They were playing ‘serere’ football and that wouldn’t help you.

“Aside from the Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo rivalry, a lot of Africans supported France because most of their players have African backgrounds.”

The post 2022 World Cup: France’s Approach In The Beginning Was Wrong -Udeze appeared first on Complete Sports.

Victorious Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said on Sunday it was up to Lionel Messi to decide whether he wants to play at another World Cup.

Scaloni also praised his players for “breaking their backs” to beat France in the final.

In a match for the ages, Argentina triumphed 4-2 in a penalty shootout after Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick ensured the game ended level at 3-3 following extra time.

Messi, 35, scored twice in the match to win the first World Cup of his glittering career.

Earlier in the tournament he said this World Cup would be his last but Scaloni said the ball was in the veteran forward’s court.

“If he wants to keep playing, he will be with us,” Scaloni told his post-match press conference.

“He is more than entitled to decide whether he wants to keep playing for Argentina or not or what he wants to do with his career.

“He is such a huge player for us. It is such a pleasure for us to coach him and his teammates. Everything he transmits to his teammates is unparalleled – something I’ve never seen before.”

Messi said after the final that he wanted to continue playing for Argentina.

Scaloni, who led Argentina to the Copa America crown last year, praised his men for digging deep against defending champions France at the Lusail Stadium.

“We have fighters who were very strong despite the goals that we conceded,” he said.

“These players play for their people, play for Argentina fans – that’s what I have always seen,” he added.

“There are no rivalries. Everyone is pulling in the same direction and this is for the whole country. It is the greatest pride to play for your own country.

“The players broke their backs. They have achieved this today because they understand what they had to do on the pitch and we are happy and proud.”

Supersport

The post Messi can decide World Cup future: Argentina boss Scaloni first appeared on https://4pmghsports.com .

Anilava Chatterjee, Qatar: Reigning world champions France are dealt with concerns surrounding the availability of key players ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 final against Argentina at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Sunday. Didier Deschamps side have been dealt no fewer than three fresh illness concerns ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final.

Ibrahima Konate , Rafael Varane, Kingsley Coman despite turning up for France training at the Al Saad Sports Club ground on Saturday is not hundred percent fit. All three were affected by a virus and definitely not Covid-19 related symptoms.

French media here in Qatar feel coach Didier Deschamps wants to send a message to Argentina camp that all his players are ready for the final. The entire France team was seen on the training pitch for the first 15 minutes which was opened for the media. Whether the trio of Konate, Varane and Coman will start in the final for Les Bleus, we will have to wait.

It is believed all three of them were victims of a bug apparently brought on by the constant air conditioning, which also claimed Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot before the semi-finals.

“Didier Deschamps is hoping and praying that his players are not attacked by flu ahead of Sunday’s final. According to the France team management if a player is affected by flu the night before the final, he can recover after taking medicines,” said French journalist Xavier.

Konate – who starred against Morocco – is understood to be feeling worse than Varane, who could be fit enough to take his place alongside Upamecano, but William Saliba and Axel Disasi are on standby.

Apart from the virus threat, the France camp is also wary about the big support Lionel Messi and his team will receive at the Lusail Iconic Stadium. But France captain Hugo Lloris is not bothered as long the supporters is behind them.

As far as the France team news is concerned, side-back Theo Hernandez should overcome a knee scare to start on the left, as Jules Kounde continues to marshal the right flank.

Rabiot’s return to fitness will spell the end of Youssouf Fofana’s brief time in the team, as the Juventus man returns alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Antoine Griezmann, who has created a tournament-high 21 chances for his teammates in Qatar.

Ousmane Dembele and Olivier Giroud are primed to retain their spots in the final third alongside Kylian Mbappe, who sits level with Lionel Messi on five goals in the race for the Golden Boot and could now become the youngest player to net in more than one World Cup final.

Here is the possible line up for France in the final: Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud

Xtra Time Web Desk: It took India 49 minutes to get the four remaining Bangladesh wickets to win the first test match by 188 runs here at Zahur Ahmed Chaudhury stadium on Sunday. Overnight batter Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the first to be dismissed as he was caught at backward point off Mohammed Siraj.

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, who was not out on 40 kept playing attacking strokes as he soon reached his fifty. He slog swept and played some aerial strokes in his innings. But in trying to be too aggressive, Bangladesh captain brought about his downfall. He was bowled by Kuldeep Yadav, in trying to sweep him. Shakib’s knock of 84 runs was studded with six sixes and as many boundaries.

Post that dismissal, the last two wickets fell in quick succession as Kuldeep had Ebadot caught at short leg while Axar Patel got past the defence of Taijul Islam. The two left arm spinners ended up sharing seven wickets in the innings with Kuldeep also bagging his best-ever match haul of 8-113.

The second test will start at the Sher e Bangla stadium from December 22.

Brief scores: 

India 404 (Cheteshwar Pujara 90, Shreyas Iyer 86, R Ashwin 58; Taijul Islam 4-133, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 4-113) and 258/2 decl (Shubman Gill 110, Cheteshwar Pujara 102*)

Bangladesh 150 (Mushfiqur Rahim 28; Kuldeep Yadav 5-40, Mohammad Siraj 3-20) and 324 (Najmul Hossain Shanto 67, Zakir Hasan 100, Shakib Al Hasan 84; Axar Patel 4-77, Kuldeep Yadav 3-73)

Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India captain and star batter Virat Kohli was seen having a knock at the nets immediately after the first test against Bangladesh ended in the first session on Day 5 here at the Zahur Ahmed Chaudhury stadium on Sunday. Kohli was seen coming down the dressing room with his pads on to bat. Kohli was spotted batting alongside KS Bharat immediately after the first test match got over at the Zahur Ahmed Chaudhury stadium on Sunday. Kohli faced the likes of left arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat and Navdeep Saini.

Virat will be looking to make amends the disappointment after failing to get a substantial score in the first test match. He could only manage 1 and 19 runs in both innings of the first test. The star batter spent almost half an hour at the nets before making way for India’s stand in captain KL Rahul, who too did not have a great match.

The second test between India and Bangladesh will be played at the Sher e Bangla stadium in Mirpur from December 22. India are leading the two test series 1-0 following the 188 runs win in the first test at Chittagong.

The hometown boys trailed for most of the race before Kyle Chalmers made up an incredible amount of ground in the anchor leg, going past Italy's Alessandro Miressi and touching the wall at the exact same time as American Kieran Smith.

The time of 3:18.98 was good enough for a world record as Chalmers, Isaac Cooper, Joshua Yong and Matthew Temple shared the spoils with Smith, Ryan Murphy, Nic Fink and Trenton Julian.

READ MORE: Aussie legend backs controversial pitch calls

READ MORE: Star slams 'disgraceful' A-League pitch invasion

READ MORE: Croatia claim 'emotional' World Cup third place

READ MORE: Gabba under fire after bowlers 'run rampant'

"It's all on this turn," commentator Mat Thompson said at the 375 metre mark, before the Olympic gold medallist Chalmers finished in style.

"That is the swim of the championships from Chalmers, he had over a body length to make up.

"That is breathtaking."

It was Australia's 13th gold of the short course world championships, the most ever by a green and gold contingent at one of these events.

"The Australian team was not expected to gain that result, and that is an impressive group. Every one of those young men stood up and performed above what was expected," Ian Thorpe said.

There was no such luck for the team of Kaylee McKeown, Jenna Strauch, Emma McKeon and Meg Harris in the women's race, who posted an impressive time of 3:44.92, but had to be content with silver.

They were more than half a second behind the American team who posted a new world record in a time of 3:44.35. 

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McKeown was under world record pace - set by herself in Brisbane two years ago - in Melbourne for much of the race, but ended with a time of 1.59.26 - just over three tenths of a second off that milestone.

READ MORE: Aussie legend backs controversial pitch calls

READ MORE: Star slams 'disgraceful' A-League pitch invasion

READ MORE: Croatia claim 'emotional' World Cup third place

READ MORE: Gabba under fire after bowlers 'run rampant'

There was no world record, but plenty to smile about. 

The Australian did well to hold off Claire Curzan of the United States, who ended with a time of 2.00.53. 

"Kaylee McKeown, take a bow," Giaan Rooney said on commentary.

"That was a tough race, you could see that. Claire Curzan was not letting her go. Kaylee took it out hard, knew she wanted to be the one to set the pace, knowing Claire was swimming well."

Despite falling short, Rooney believed that had the schedule lined up differently the world record would have been beaten.

"That world record is still in play, I know that sounds silly, but for her, she was under it for so much of that race. It shows that this is an event at the end of this program, she's had a big program, and if the 200 backstroke was earlier in the program, that would have been a world record tonight."

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Down 33-0 at halftime and 36-7 with about two minutes remaining in the 3rd Quarter, the Minnesota Vikings scuttled to an unlikely finish line in the 4th Quarter and overtime to stunningly defeat the Indianapolis Colts, 39-36, in Week 15.

What in the world? What in the world is right.

Lord Have Mercy. What Is This Team?

The previous record for the NFL’s largest comeback was held by the 1992 Buffalo Bills, who effectuated a 32-point about-face in the postseason over Warren Moon’s Houston Oilers. The record stood for about 30 years. Perhaps the Vikings new feat will reign for another 30.

Vikings players, coaches, executives, and fans will celebrate the league’s most impressive comeback in history, but around Thursday or so, fans particularly will wonder, “Okay, so are the Vikings worthy of Super Bowl contention again, or what’s the deal? What is this team?”

And the answer is probably this — a gritty playoff participant lacking the oomph to be considered a true-blue Super Bowl contender but a team that absolutely adores finding miraculous ways to win. Then, ask yourself, is this good enough for me, the fan, to get invested?

Because of the wacky, wild, and nearly preordained comeback tactics, the 2022 Vikings have earned the benefit of the doubt regarding your trust. They have it in their DNA to get clobbered in one half by a meager Colts team, intermixed with the fortitude to beat the Buffalo Bills on the road — via 17-point comeback. Minnesota may win the home playoff game in Round 1 by a score of 45-0 over the Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, or Seattle Seahawks. And then it may lose the Round 2 game to the San Francisco 49ers 45-0. Kevin O’Connell’s team is that bizarre.

In determining the “what is this team?” verdict, ponder these items:

1. The Vikings are incapable of beating a team handily. No win can exceed a margin of eight points. It isn’t allowed.
2. When they play poorly, the level of poor scrapes the very depths of Hell.
3. And when they get involved in games within eight points, they have a 10-0 record. That must account for something.
4. The quarterback is playing his best football in December. He’s never done that before. We have nouns like Kirktober and Kirkvember for a reason. Until now, we do not have Kirkcember in our vocabulary.
5. The Vikings head coach told his team at halftime on Saturday, “All we need is five touchdowns.” Think of the spine forged in steel needed to make that statement.
6. Minnesota’s defense doesn’t play well — until the 4th Quarter. When that period begins, it is indisputably magnificent.
7. If the Vikings are to finally win a Super Bowl, perhaps the messiest, craziest, defibrillator-laden season is what the Norse Gods require.

All conventional statistics, especially metrics that illuminate point differential, suggest the Vikings are barrelling toward an embarrassing postseason defeat in Round 1 or Round 2. You cannot pretend that doesn’t enter your psyche. In fact, it will likely happen.

But what if doesn’t?

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).

The post Lord Have Mercy. What Is This Team? appeared first on Vikings Territory.

In 2020, the Vikings traded away superstar receiver Stefon Diggs and somehow upgraded the position because of the move. They got in exchange for Diggs the first-round pick of the Bills, pick 22 overall in the 2020 draft. That class was loaded with talent at the wideout position, a class highlighted by CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy, and Henry Ruggs.

Most had a few players in the second tier, but an LSU receiver was widely regarded as the number four in the draft, outside of a select group that had Justin Jefferson going higher. The Eagles, however, thought differently about the class and selected Jalen Reagor with the 21st pick of the first round. The TCU receiver had some explosive highlight plays on his tape, but he was nowhere close to Jefferson’s skills.

The draft pick immediately raised eyebrows, and Eagles fans were not happy. The Vikings, especially Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer, loved the choice and were even caught laughing about the previous selection.

Insane Stat Highlights Jefferson’s Dominance

Jefferson needed two games to crack the starting lineup after having a weird offseason because of COVID restrictions and dropped 175 yards on the Titans in Week 3. Fast forward to Year 3, Jefferson is hunting records and seems unstoppable. He’s already broken multiple NFL and franchise records. Some numbers are almost too good to be true.

Jefferson was the record-holder for the most yards in the rookie season until former college teammate Ja’Marr Chase broke it just one year later. In the same season, Jefferson set the new mark for the most yards in the first two career seasons, recording even more than Odell Beckham Jr. in his first two campaigns. A few weeks ago, Jefferson set the same record for players in the first three seasons, previously held by Vikings legend Randy Moss.

Now, Jefferson is closing in on the best of all players in the first four seasons of their career. He needs only 874 more yards to pass Michael Thomas, who’s first in that category. The insane part is that he potentially has 20 more games to achieve that. Jefferson would only need nine games to do that if he’s keeping up his career average of 98.7. The 98.7 are also an NFL record for the most receiving yards per game.

The wideout is quietly even getting better. He somehow turned into one of the best players at hauling in contested catches, which he drew some criticism for earlier in the season and his career. Jefferson is a complete receiver, as he possesses excellent athleticism, his routes are poetry in motion, and his hands are elite. In addition, he is somehow putting up those numbers against many double teams.

Another mostly underrated attribute, one that is certainly necessary to set all of those records, is his ability to stay healthy. Huge hits might knock him out for a play or two, but fortunately, he has not missed a game in his career.

The next record Jefferson will likely break is the single-season receiving record in Vikings franchise history. He only needs ten yards to break the record Randy Moss set in 2003 and has three more games to go. The NFL record for receiving yards is also in play, as he needs 342 more yards. He’s currently on pace to break Calvin Johnson’s record by 6 yards.

Jefferson is a true franchise player. Most of the time, those are quarterbacks, but the Vikings found one of the best receivers in NFL history and should make sure to extend his contract as soon as possible. That contract will most likely break all the previous numbers of wideouts, and not a single person will complain about it.

He would probably put up huge numbers on most teams, but his connection with Kirk Cousins is something special to watch. Jefferson could play a role when it’s time to decide who the future Vikings cornerback will be.

Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and Classic rock is his music genre of choice. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt

The post Insane Stat Highlights Justin Jefferson’s Dominance appeared first on Vikings Territory.

On Saturday, the Minnesota Vikings produced the greatest comeback in NFL history, Overturning a 33-0 halftime scoreline to win the game 39-36 in overtime over the Indianapolis Colts. In the process, they clinched the division with three games to spare and were crowned NFC North champions.

I’ve watched many different sports, and I have never seen anything quite like what I witnessed this Saturday. Vikings fans witnessed the lowest of lows and the highest of highs in the space of a couple of hours. There’s so much to digest from that game, but right now, let’s just take in some of the Vikings players’ reactions to this crazy game.

Vikings Win the North. Here’s How Players Feel about It.

Christian Darrisaw with a statement that has now been left with little doubt.

To pull off a comeback like this requires leaders, real leaders. Minnesota has that in the shape of Patrick Peterson.

A selection of players headed to Twitter to celebrate the division win.

One Viking With Reason to Be Disgruntled

There was some seriously bad officiating on show in this game. None more so than the calls that saw Vikings cornerback Chandon Sullivan denied not one but two touchdowns. A defensive player scoring two touchdowns in a game is rare, so Sullivan was understandably disgruntled at being robbed of that accolade.

After getting within eight points, the fact the Vikings survived having Sullivan’s second defensive touchdown chalked off and a Kirk Cousins interception only made the comeback win even more remarkable. Cousins former teammate in Washington, Robert Griffin III, remarked that even the questionable officiating couldn’t stop the Vikings.

Justin Jefferson tells the fans to stick with them right to the end.

Kirk Cousins Jacket

The most eye-catching moment after the game came when Cousins came to speak to the press sporting a snazzy Vikings jacket that he admitted was chosen by his wife.

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf was also showing off some new attire — the division champions t-shirt and cap.

Former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman was quick to congratulate his former team.

Best Dub Ever

Finally, we finish with a video. There are a few out there, but I decided to go with Duke Shelley’s on-field and locker-room celebrations. For all of the fireworks on offense, the comeback doesn’t happen without a huge second-half performance by the defense.

The Vikings have had a major problem finding a cornerback to play opposite Peterson. As the injuries mounted, Shelley was plucked from the Chicago Bears practice squad. He seemed unlikely to be a player who would come in and make several big plays on defense. However, that is precisely what he has done. He has become an essential and popular part of this Vikings defense.

The post Vikings Win the North. Here’s How Players Feel about It. appeared first on Vikings Territory.

Bishop Gorman (Nev.) made plenty of noise on the national stage, taking care of No. 6 Chaminade-Madonna (Fla.) in Las Vegas, while Central (Fla.) had its own top-10 win over American Heritage (Fla.).

And though some questions loomed over Duncanville’s place in the hierarchy of top Texas teams in 2023, the Panthers put those guesses to rest with a stout defensive performance and Class 6A Division I championship win over North Shore.

Ahead of Tuesday’s USA TODAY Sports Super 25, here’s how the rest of the action played out…

Super 25 Scoreboard: Dec. 15-17, 2022

1. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)

Record: 13-1 | Season complete

2. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)

Record: 12-1 | Season complete

3. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.)

Record: 14-1 | Last Result: def. Chaminade-Madonna (Fla.) 49-14

4. Central (Miami, Fla.)

Record: 14-0 | Last Result: def. American Heritage (Fla.) 38-31

5. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)

Record: 8-1 | Season complete | PR: 5

6. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.)

Record: 13-1 | Last Result: lost to Bishop Gorman (Nev.) 49-14

7. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

Record: 14-0 | Last Result: def. Homestead (Fla.) 38-21

8. North Shore (Houston, Texas)

Record: 15-1 | Last Result: lost to Duncanville (Texas) 28-21

9. Duncanville (Texas)

Record: 15-0 | Last Result: def. North Shore (Texas) 28-21

10. American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.)

Record: 13-2 | Last Result: lost to Central (Fla.) 38-31

11. St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.)

Record: 9-1 (Forfeit Included) | Season complete

12. Westlake (Austin, Texas)

Record: 14-1 | Season complete

13. Lipscomb Academy (Nashville, Tenn.)

Record: 13-0 | Season complete

14. Lakeland (Fla.)

Record: 14-0 | Last Result: def. Venice (Fla.) 21-14

15. Langston Hughes (Fairburn, Ga.)

Record: 15-0 | Season complete

16. Basha (Chandler, Ariz.)

Record: 12-1 | Season complete

17. Mill Creek (Hoschton, Ga.)

Record: 14-1 | Season complete

18. St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio)

Record: 15-1 | Season complete

19. St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Record: 12-1 | Season complete

20. Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.)

Record: 11-1 | Season complete

21. Liberty (Peoria, Ariz.)

Record: 11-1 | Season complete

22. Columbus (Miami, Fla.)

Record: 14-1 | Last Result: def. Apopka (Fla.) 16-13 (OT)

23. DeSoto (Texas)

Record: 14-2 | Last Result: def. Vandegrift (Texas) 42-17

24. Dutch Fork (Irmo, S.C.)

Record: 14-1 | Season complete

25. Guyer (Denton, Texas) 

Record: 14-1 | Season complete

It’s the fourth time in the last five years these two teams have played against each other, and Duncanville is hoping to turn around a lopsided record in these games — North Shore has won all three. One was a low-scoring affair, one was a two-possession game, and one came down to a Hail Mary. Regardless of how it happened, the Mustangs have had the upper hand in this rivalry.

This year, both teams enter the matchup undefeated. North Shore is ranked No. 8 in the Super 25 and Duncanville right below at No. 9.

In what has become among the best nearly-annual games in the nation, let’s look back at the last three championship matchups.

Kickoff for the 2022 championship is Saturday at 7 p.m. at AT&T Stadium.

More: Previewing the title rematch between Duncanville, North Shore

News broke by several outlets on Saturday morning that Raiola has chosen to re-open his recruitment and back off the Ohio State Buckeyes commit, which he had made on May 9. His father, former NFL player Dominic Raiola, told 274Sports that “everything is back on the table” and the process is “almost like it’s restarting.”

Who can pull the 6-foot-3, 220 pound quarterback?

Raiola visited Oregon, Georgia, Ohio State, USC and Clemson in early 2022, according to on3, a recruiting outlet that predicted at the time that Ohio State and USC led the way. Hook ‘Em Headlines also reported he visited Texas in April, while on3 said in October that he visited Nebraska.

SportsGrid’s Ben Stevens pointed out that the QB’s uncle, Donovan Raiola, was retained on the Nebraska coaching staff, potentially giving the program a leg-up and playing into the junior’s recent visit to the program.

Raiola has 26 total offers, and as his father said, “It’s not close off to anybody.” Most of the major football programs have offered him, meaning schools like Alabama, Florida State, Notre Dame, Michigan and TCU — in addition to the aforementioned programs (though Clemson has not officially offered, per 247) — have a shot.

As for the two major in-state programs, he has only received an offer from University of Arizona, about two hours from his home. Though the Wildcats failed to reach a bowl this season, their 5-7 season was a success after winning one game over the previous two seasons combined.

It will be interesting to see if the new Arizona State University coaching staff puts their logo into the ring as well. New head coach Kenny Dillingham, also a local product, has had a groundswell of support from Arizona high school players and alumni, and Sun Devil Source noted that he nabbed as many transfers from Arizona high schools in one week as previous head coach Herm Edwards did in four years. If he turns the program around on the back of in-state recruiting, Raiola would be a crowning gem.

Raiola burst onto scene as a sophomore at Chandler (Ariz.) High School, leading the team to a championship game appearance after passing for 3,341 yards, 32 touchdowns and five interceptions. He had about 100 fewer passes as a junior, throwing for 2,435 yards to go with 22 touchdowns and five interceptions.

With one season left, Raiola will look to prove he’s one of the best recruits in recent years and try to lead Chandler to a title. All the while, schools will be paying attention and vying for his talents — which will he choose?

Robin Uthappa recently announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League. The 37-year-old had played the last two IPL seasons for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

In IPL, Uthappa played 205 games and scored 4952 runs at an average of 27.51 and a strike rate of 130.35, including 27 half-centuries, 88 being his highest individual score.

“As classy as it gets at Dubai Capitals. Here’s welcoming Robbie to our family, now eager to see a few dancing down-the-track shots at the Dubai International,” tweeted Dubai Capitals while confirming the joining of Uthappa.

Apart from Uthappa, Delhi Capitals have also signed Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka, West Indian Rovman Powell, New Zealander Fabian Allen, Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Zimbabwe star Sikandar Raza among others.

ILT20 2023 to commence on January 13

Apart from Dubai Capitals, Sharjah Warriors, Desert Vipers, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Mumbai Emirates and Gulf Giants are the sides taking part in the six-team 34-game league, which will be held from January 13 to February 12.

Each team will be playing the others twice in the league, followed by four playoff matches.

The post ILT20 2023: Dubai Capitals joins Robin Uthappa for the inaugural edition of International League T20 appeared first on The Sports News.

On the other hand, pretty much nobody saw more than 40 per cent of the scheduled play, so I should probably stop my complaining and get on with my report card.

The Sydney Thunder

Grade: C

The one thing in Australian cricket that has people buzzing from Christchurch to Dunedin, from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown, is the Sydney Thunder being bowled out for 15 in the Big Bash League.

A magnificent effort from the Green Sydney side that, more than anything, has given cricket a new unit of measurement – a new context – for innings.

For example, when Pat Cummins won the toss and sent South Africa in to bat, we might previously have seen the Proteas managing just 152 as a disappointing total.

Now, in this new world, we can see that they, in fact, scored in excess of a decaThunder! 

A heroic performance.

Fighting with accountants

Grade: D

In reply, David Warner was dismissed off the first ball of the innings by Kagiso Rabada, as one might expect. Then, further strikes from Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje had Australia in strife at 3/27.

But Steve Smith, rejuvenated in his batting (no doubt thanks to a brand new baggy green), and Travis Head, a man who has never met a counter he didn’t want to attack (this includes most accountants), fought back. 

Incidentally, I found all the talk about ‘Smith’s new baggy green’ disappointing on several levels:

1) Smith’s not the captain anymore, Cummins is.

2) Cam Green’s not that baggy.

3) He’s not even that new.

4) Nor is it appropriate to regard the tall all-rounder as a possession of the skipper.

Lots of issues. Do better, folks.

The deck-painter’s ball

Grade: D+

A century partnership between Head and Smith was broken shortly before stumps, sending Scott Boland to the crease.

A nightwatchman is the kind of thing that still infuriates many people. “Surely a tailender is even more likely to get out!” they’ll cry.

Well, yes. But not all wickets are worth the same. If the risk of getting out at the end of the day is slightly higher, then you’d rather that risk was pointed at a less valuable batter. That’s all a nightwatchman is.

It’s like how when you’re painting the deck, you take off your tuxedo and put on some old clothes. Sure, you don’t plan on getting the Driftwood Gray Oil-Based Timber Decking Stain on you before you head to the Deck-Painter’s Ball. But if it’s going to happen, better that it happens to your old Bananarama tee shirt. 

Anyway, Boland did his job to perfection, surviving the minimum number of balls before being dismissed in the final over to send Australia to stumps at 5/145, almost precisely half a Sydney Thunder innings in arrears.

 Scott Boland of Australia celebrates taking the wicket of Khaya Zondo of South Africa for a duck. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Having a sense of fun

Grade: B+

Australia added a flailing 73 to their overnight total early on day two, reaching 218 all out and setting up one of the great Test match situations.

One of the best things about Test cricket – an aspect that ODIs, T20s and The Hundred can never dream of emulating – is the glorious spectacle of a team desperately scrambling to reach 66 to avoid an innings defeat.

South Africa fell to pieces in the face of not just a relentless Australian bowling attack, but a relentless pitch. On three occasions in the innings they lost three wickets in clusters – losing 3/2 when the score was on 2, losing 3/1 with the score on 47 and 3/5 with the score on 64. 

That third blitz came shortly after the tea break, with Cummins finding himself on a hat-trick. The commentators at the time were suggesting the deliveries from Cummins were being wasted on the tail. Perhaps, but it’s not as if he doesn’t have a seemingly infinite supply of them.

Cummins being on a hat-trick opened the door for South African captain Dean Elgar to declare on the Australian captain. Sure, he’d be effectively conceding the Test match, but, on the other hand, it’d be revenge on behalf of Jack Leach, who was similarly denied a shot at a hat trick during last summer’s Ashes.

Alas, Elgar doesn’t seem to have much of a sense of fun. Shocker, I know.

Heroic partnerships

Grade: A-

And a good thing he doesn’t. Because a last-wicket partnership of 30 runs saw South Africa set Australia the most exciting fourth-innings chase of 34 in the history of Test cricket. 

Australia lost four wickets in the chase, seeing Warner, Usman Khawaja, Smith and Head fall to Rabada, before a partnership of byes and wides heroically combined to secure Australia the win.

Perhaps the best summary of the Test match was post-match vision of Mitchell Starc being interviewed with his pads on at the end of a 34-run chase.

Still, you know what they say: Test cricket in Queensland – beautiful one day, all over the next.

Runs are at a premium for Warner and he needs to turn his form around to avoid the dreaded tap on the shoulder from selectors.

He was out for three in what was the second and final day of the Test at the Gabba and mind you, he wasn’t the only batter to be brought undone by the pitch.

He’s got to get runs or the selectors will look elsewhere. Whether he makes the call himself, I’m not sure but it’s now at a stage where he has to produce with the bat to show he is worth taking to India, where he only averages 24, and England, where he’s been only slightly better at 26 from his 13 Tests.

CLICK HERE for a seven-day free trial to watch international cricket on KAYO

It was tough going for all batters in Brisbane apart from Travis Head’s magnificent 92.

(Photo by Chris Hyde – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

I likened him to Adam Gilchrist in my column yesterday and if the Aussies didn’t have his run-a-ball innings, the result could have been reversed with the Proteas’ pacemen leading them to victory in the series opener. 

He’s a unique player and his runs in the first innings were worth their weight in gold. Not only has he stamped his class on that No.5 spot, he’s enhancing his reputation with every knock.

He played smart and he’s a much-improved player the second time round in his Test career and developing into a real trump card for Australia.

Head’s gone to another level. Just like last summer in the Ashes when he peeled off a couple of match-winning hundreds, he’s getting runs when the times are tough. 

Whatever the opposite of a flat-track bully is, that’s what he’s become. A tough-pitch maestro? A tricky-wicket magician? If you’ve got a better term than that for me, post it in the comments below.

And his form on seaming wickets is a good sign for the future, especially the Ashes tour next year where England’s pitches will seam around a bit. They generally bowl well to the left-handers and he’ll get tested but he can go into that series with a lof of confidence based on knocks like this one.

This pitch was not up to Test standard, there’s no doubt about that. 

I like to see the poor old bowlers get a helping hand from the curators every now and then but you want a surface that’s going to have Tests at least going into the fourth day. 

Travis Head of Australia bats. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

We all knew from day one that this was never going to be a five-day Test because there was 10mm of grass on the wicket and it’s a good thing Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl first. 

Perth was grassy but it was a little bit too flat and not as hard underneath. The Gabba looked like it was quicker and bouncier so the batters couldn’t adjust their shots. 

You want a pitch where everyone has a chance to do well from the batters to the quicks to the spinners. This one was way too much in favour of the seamers. 

The MCG pitch has been juiced up a bit the past few years as well so that one could be a tough one for the batters as well. It will still have assistance for the bowlers but hopefully the G provides better options for both bat and ball than the Gabba pitch.

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Here are your A-League Round 8 talking points.

Disgusting assault on Tom Glover is A-League’s lowest ebb

Well, 24 hours later the disgraceful scenes at AAMI Park aren’t much easier to digest.

After flares had been thrown on to the pitch near Tom Glover, the Melbourne City gloveman hurled one back into the Melbourne Victory home end. In response, hundreds of Original Style Melbourne members invaded the field – which would have been bad enough, but one moron had to take it a step further, hitting Glover with a bin containing one of the flares.

On a night when supporters had every right to peacefully protest the Australian Professional Leagues’ abhorrent decision to sell football’s soul for somewhere between $15 million and $20 million over three years, an unfortunately prominent minority set the game back much further than any suit in a boardroom could have.

It’s undoubtedly one of the most shameful acts in A-League history and the events in Melbourne last night have left an indelible stain on Australian football.

I’m still in disbelief that we are only weeks removed from a herculean Socceroos effort in Qatar that brought so much joy to this nation. It just doesn’t feel real that we’ve tarnished any goodwill that was overflowing into the domestic game from the national squad’s heroics on the world stage. I’m furious. I’m heartbroken.

(Photo by Shaun Botterill – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Alex King, the man with the whistle for the Melbourne Derby, must be praised for his swift reaction to a nightmarish scenario. The referee selflessly tried to put himself between pitch-invading fans and Glover before rightly calling for both squads to leave the field of play, then making the only possible decision to abandon the match.

Thoughts are with Glover and King, as well as the Channel Ten camera operator who was also caught up in Australian football’s most shameful day. For a competition trying desperately to enter the mainstream sporting consciousness, the A-League has a shocking propensity to self-destruct at the worst possible moment.

Is there a way back from this? I hope so, but I don’t know. It’s difficult to articulate the sense of loss and hopelessness around this beautiful game right now, and looking forward, there’s not much to cling on to – just the desperate hope that we can survive.

One step forward, two steps back for Sky Blues

Whether there’s an issue between the players and Steve Corica, or it’s the deficiencies at the back, it’s hard to see the Sydney FC legend retaining his job if the Sky Blues can’t start stringing a couple of wins together – and soon.

There was a school of thought that Sydney, revitalised by a man-of-the-match showing from almost forgotten man Max Burgess, were back in business with an impressive 2-1 win over Melbourne City. It wasn’t just a smash and grab – it was a genuinely deserved victory against the ladder leaders.

But as has been the case since the beginning of 2021-22, it feels like for every forward step the Sky Blues take they also take two backwards. Leading 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Industree Group Stadium through the resurgent Paulo Retre, Sydney were behind by half-time and couldn’t find a way back into the game. That result – their fourth loss already this season – condemns Corica’s side to another week spent outside the finals places.

With marquee signing Jack Rodwell missing from Saturday’s defeat after managing only 45 minutes against City, and veteran centre-back Alex Wilkinson out until well into the new year, Corica is down to three senior centre-halves, two of whom haven’t even played 10 matches at A-League level between them.

Dwight Yorke returns to Moore Park on Christmas Eve to take on the man he set up for the Grand Final winner all the way back in 2006 at the previous iteration of Allianz Stadium. If All Night Dwight leaves with three points, could it be the end of his old friend’s tenure? At what point does Scott Barlow and the board say enough’s enough, and Corica is no longer the man to lead the club back to silverware?

Are Macarthur the real deal?

Speaking of the Bulls, they’re now into fourth on the A-League ladder. The caveat is that three sides behind them – Central Coast, Brisbane Roar and Victory – can overtake them with a win in their respective matches. It wasn’t the flashiest performance on Sunday, but Bachana Arabuli’s header was enough as Macarthur claimed all three points.

We’re a bit more than a quarter through the season, so the table will still lie to some extent, but there’s definitely a chasm between City and the rest of the league. With a rookie manager who seems to know what he’s doing and definitely has the charisma to unite a dressing room, and boasting weapons like Daniel Arzani, Al Hassan Toure and Ulises Davila, Macarthur can certainly mount a title challenge.

The question is: will they?

As mentioned Sydney FC are ripe for the picking next Saturday, and then there’s a very intriguing visit to CommBank Stadium to face Marko Rudan’s Western Sydney Wanderers on New Year’s Day. We should know a little more about the Bulls after two back-to-back Sydney Derbies.

Every year, a fresh crop of young arms break onto the MLB scene and take the game by storm.

They are able to showcase themselves, and give a glimpse as to why they are big-time prospects.

Who are those prospects going to be this year?

Here is a look at two names to watch.

1. Grayson Rodriguez

The next installation of the Baltimore Orioles young core, Grayson Rodriguez has the potential to be an ace.

He has dominant stuff and has performed in the minors.

In 2022, he posted a 2.20 ERA in 14 starts at Triple-A.

It’s reportedly possible #Orioles Grayson Rodriguez could still make his major league debut this season …

He’s a look @ the #1 pitching prospect in Baseball’s stuff#Birdland pic.twitter.com/zVr7aeJxD8

— Palmetto Scouting (@PalmScouting) August 22, 2022

His four-pitch mix is legit, with all of them flashing above-average major league potential.

His fastball can run up to 101, with a devastating breaking ball to go along with it.

However, with this amazing stuff, Rodriguez features something even more impressive: command.

Throughout his baseball career, Rodriguez has limited walks and lived around the strike zone.

This is the recipe for a top-line starting pitcher.

Expect Rodriguez to make his name known this year.

2. Daniel Espino

The Cleveland Guardians have a special arm working its way up through their system right now.

Daniel Espino, a 21-year-old right hander, features an electric arm.

He runs a dominant fastball up to around 101, while also adding a slider, curveball, and changeup.

Daniel Espino, Wicked Breaking Balls.
Also hit 101mph. h/t @premier_sox
[Indians 1st round pick, 2019] pic.twitter.com/0CT0pNaXkc

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 20, 2021

While his stuff projects as an ace, he still has some development to do.

Espino was limited to just four starts in 2022 because of shoulder tendinitis.

The team will likely want to see him make a handful of starts in the minors in April and May before considering bringing him up.

If he gets off to a strong start, expect to see him on a mound in Cleveland sooner rather than later.

This would add to an already deep Guardians pen, and could give them a player in the running for Rookie of the Year.

The post 2 Young MLB Pitching Prospects To Watch In 2023 appeared first on The Cold Wire.

The Denver Broncos are having an abysmal season, with the play of Russell Wilson being a big reason why.

Wilson has not looked anything like himself this season, enduring his worst year as a pro.

But, there are reasons for hope if you are a Broncos fan that Wilson can turn it around.

His track record states that this year is an anomaly, but he will be under plenty of pressure to perform next season.

Here are two reasons Wilson can be better in 2023.

1. New HC/OC

After this season it seems apparent that the Broncos will move on from head coach Nathaniel Hackett.

There is no question Hackett has not worked out as a head coach as his offense is the worst in the NFL.

2022 Broncos have a worse scoring offense (13.8 PPG) than the 2017 Browns (14.6 PPG) who finished 0-16 pic.twitter.com/XEVk9iF3j3

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) December 11, 2022

Having a new coach and offensive play-caller could resurrect Wilson’s career.

Finding a creative offensive coordinator that can help Wilson get back to his Seattle ways is crucial.

Also, Denver knows they are stuck with Wilson for the foreseeable future, so they will take all the necessary steps to get him back on track.

Finding the right head coach and offensive coordinator could make or break the rest of Wilson’s career.

2. Healthy Roster

This season has not been the best from a health standpoint for the Broncos.

They have lost many key contributors to injury.

Making it very difficult to build any momentum throughout the year.

Denver lost one of their best offensive playmakers in Javonte Williams early in the season.

Also, they have offensive linemen and wide receivers in and out of the lineup each week.

Just take a look at the injury report for this week.

Thursday's #AZvsDEN injury report:

» https://t.co/KgLoh84cEc pic.twitter.com/Fd95vf9Xqn

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 15, 2022

Having a healthy roster is always a key to success for any contending team.

The Broncos must hope that better health can bring their team together next season.

The post 2 Reasons Russell Wilson Can Be Better In 2023 appeared first on The Cold Wire.

After a rough start to the season, the Los Angeles Lakers began to right the ship.

They went 2-10 in their first 12 games before winning eight of the next 10 to draw close to .500.

LA has since slipped to 12-16 but appears to be figuring some things out.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis continue to play at a high level.

.@stephenasmith is encouraged by the Lakers

“Anthony Davis is clearly a league MVP candidate. … LeBron James is still that dude. And Russell Westbrook coming off the bench … I can’t say enough about the job that Russell Westbrook has been doing.” pic.twitter.com/GZ1Ws5vZ6R

— First Take (@FirstTake) December 6, 2022

And Russell Westbrook is adapting well to his role coming off the bench.

In order to capitalize on James while they still can, these two players should be on the Lakers’ radar.

1. Bojan Bogdanovic

First up is a player the Lakers have reportedly targeted since the offseason, Bojan Bogdanovic.

Bogdanovic was acquired via trade by the Detroit Pistons before the season began.

He was brought into to provide a veteran presence on a young team and shooting to help the development of their young star, Cade Cunningham.

Bogdanovic has been everything the Pistons could have hoped for, averaging 21.1 points per game while shooting 43% from three.

His high-volume shooting would be a welcome addition to the Lakers, one of the NBA’s worst three-point shooting teams.

Bojan has never been known for his defense, but his offensive skill set would greatly raise the Lakers’ ceiling on offense.

2. Myles Turner

Westbrook is reportedly no longer being actively shopped by the Lakers.

Thanks to his greatly improved play since coming off the bench, LA brass now sees him as a contributing member of a contender.

But for a player like Myles Turner, Westbrook should be put on the table.

As mentioned previously, the Lakers are among the worst three-point shooting teams in the league.

The 116.6 points per game they surrender also puts them in the bottom five in the league for defense.

Turner would just so happen to help in both of those categories.

Really liking what Myles Turner has done for the Pacers defensively. He hasn't been a defensive titan by rim dfg%, but he's led the league in rim contests for most of the season.

Indiana's entire D scheme revolves around funnelling players (preferably middle) to Turner pic.twitter.com/tjEvRyOKqp

— Lucas Burns (@nba_indepth) December 6, 2022

He is shooting a career-best 43.2% from deep on almost four attempts per game.

Turner is also blocking 2.3 shots per game, right in line with his career average.

Slotting Turner alongside Davis would significantly improve the Lakers’ defense without hindering the offense.

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The post

Cody Schoeler’s 2022 Week 15 NFL West Previews

Southgate has moved quickly to end the uncertainty around his job by informing the FA of his intention to lead the team at the European Championships in 2024.

“We are delighted to confirm that Gareth Southgate is continuing as England manager, and will lead our Euro 2024 campaign. Gareth and Steve Holland have always had our full support, and our planning for the Euros starts now,” the FA said Sunday.

England reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Qatar, losing 2-1 to defending champions France.

Afterwards Southgate, who is under contract until December 2024, said he could not guarantee he would see out that deal.

“Whenever I’ve finished these tournaments I’ve needed time to make the correct decision because emotionally you go through so many different feelings and the energy that it takes through these tournaments is enormous,” he said.

With no obvious successor to Southgate, his comments led to speculation about potential replacements and prompted a debate about whether the next manager would have to be English.

The FA has been clear in its desire for Southgate to stay on after he transformed the fortunes of the national team.

England was in crisis when he was hired in 2016.

It had suffered a humiliating loss to Iceland in that year’s European Championship. Sam Allardyce took over but lasted just one game and 67 days in charge after being filmed by undercover journalists offering advice on how to sidestep an outlawed player transfer practice and trying to cash in on his job with speaking engagements.

Under Southgate England made it to the semifinals of the World Cup in 2018 and lost on penalties to Italy in the final of Euro 2020.

Southgate was jeered by England fans after a 4-0 loss to Hungary in June — its worst home defeat since 1928.

But performances at the World Cup were promising, even if a quarterfinals exit was the earliest Southgate has been knocked out of a major tournament.

Alessandro Costa had a chance to sign with the UFC this past July at Dana White’s Contender Series, but a split decision win wasn’t enough to impress the UFC president. Five months later, Costa finally makes his debut Saturday at UFC Vegas 66 versus Amir Albazi.

Costa said on this week’s episode of Trocação Franca that he was “sad” with his DWCS victory because he didn’t perform like his true self. He bounced back with a 12-second knockout in October at LUX, an organization where he reigned as a longtime flyweight champion, and finally earned the deal to compete in the octagon.

“Ever since I lived in Manaus, a blue belt in jiu-jitsu watching Jose Aldo fight, I said my dream was to be like Jose Aldo,” Costa said. “Leaving Manaus and conquering the world, becoming UFC champion and hearing [Bruce Buffer] say, ‘Manaus, Brazil.’ I left with that dream in mind, and when my manager said I was fighting Saturday, I couldn’t believe it. It’s seven years of hard work. I remembered every moment I thought about giving up, and that’s what motivates me every day now.”

Costa was 19 when he left home with a few friends to compete in a jiu-jitsu tournament in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and “see how life was out there, because life was very hard in Manaus.” Costa trained seven days a week in his hometown and couldn’t even afford to pay for his registration to compete in jiu-jitsu tournaments.

Costa and his friend Diego Lopes decided to stay in the country and get any job that gave them enough money to pay their bills. Working as everything from a gardener to a garbageman, Costa eventually booked his first official MMA fight. Before fight night arrived, however, Lopes pulled out from his own bout due to an injury earlier that same month, and Costa quickly replaced him. What resulted was two sub-minute wins in a span of 15 days.

Costa had his rough moments and thought of giving up and moving back to Brazil, though. He didn’t speak the Spanish nor English necessary to work at hotels crowded by tourists from all over the world. In order to work as a gardener, he’d walk for an hour to get to work for his nine-hour shift since he couldn’t even afford to pay for a bus fare.

“I missed my family and we didn’t have much to eat. I starved some nights,” Costa said. “I texted my coach and said it sucked, that there was nothing for me there, and I thought about going back to Manaus. He told me, ‘Man, I told you that was going to happen, but you have to find a way to grow there.’”

Being a Brazilian in Mexico proved to be beneficial at times, especially for someone trying to get sponsors. Costa eventually opened his own team with Lopes and then partnered with Francisco Grasso, coach of Alexa Grasso and Irene Aldana. That gave him the opportunity to sharpen his striking, teaching jiu-jitsu in return.

After four years of intense work with Grasso, Costa feels ready to impress against Albazi in Las Vegas.

“His style is similar to mine,” said Costa, who’s scored half of his 12 MMA wins by submission. “His striking is OK, but I see myself the superior fighter on the feet — and I also have jiu-jitsu. Wherever we go, he’s in for a fight.”

https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/17/23511513/it-sucked-alessandro-costa-intense-life-mexico-ufc-dream-becomes-reality

Matt Hardy Continues To Tease Big Change In His AEW Character

Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images

By Kellie Haulotte/Dec. 17, 2022 12:05 pm EST

On the latest episode of his “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy,” podcast, Matt Hardy spoke about his current situation with AEW star Ethan Page and The Firm.

“There is no doing right by Ethan Page,” Hardy said. “I toe the line and do what he asks because he has fined Private Party before. They don’t deserve to be punished or reprimanded because I’m stepping out of line because I’m an old man. That’s what he’s done, he knows that he can kind of use that against me. So, I actually saved him from being eliminated in the Battle Royale and Twist of Fated a guy he was putting over the top and he decided to fine Private Party again. So he’s taking it out on them again when I saved his a** and did exactly what he asked me to do. It’s a lose-lose situation.

“I just have to keep working and find us a way out and I will when it’s all said and done I will find myself and the Hardy Party a way out of this situation.”

During the podcast, Hardy also continued to tease the return of his “Broken” character. Hardy first debuted the gimmick in 2016, while he was in Impact Wrestling.

“It definitely feels like something is about to emerge from within me and I’m going to let it. I’m not going to hold it in this time. I’m not going to fight it, man. I’ll indulge my condition.”

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy” with a H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1140065/matt-hardy-continues-to-tease-big-change-in-his-aew-character/

Team news update

We’ll be getting those official starting line ups any minute now.

Granit Xhaka could make a return to the starting eleven alongside Ghanaian icon Thomas Partey.

Meanwhile, Juventus boss Maximilian Allegri is set to be without a whole host of starts for today’s encounter.

Allegri will be without, Angel Di Maria, Leandro Paredes, Adrien Rabiot, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Weston McKennie, Bremer, Dusan Vlahovic, Filip Kostic, Woijciech Szczesny, Federico Chiesa, Leonard Bonucci and Paul Pogba.

William Saliba is the last man standing as an Arsenal representative in the World Cup despite hardly playing for France.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/20785788/arsenal-vs-juventus-live-stream-tv-channel-score-kick-off-time-team-news/

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The Minnesota Vikings have released their inactives list for Week 15, and among the five players that won’t suit up

Read the full story Garrett Bradbury Listed Among 5 Vikings Inactives and check out purplePTSD - Local Minnesota Vikings News each day for all you Minnesota Vikings news/analysis!

On Saturday, U.S. Bank Stadium played host to the Minnesota Vikings 1000th game in their franchise’s history, including playoffs games,

Read the full story The Vikings 1000th Game Ends with Largest Comeback in NFL History and check out purplePTSD - Local Minnesota Vikings News each day for all you Minnesota Vikings news/analysis!

The Perils of Being a Vikings Writer (And Fan) Writing about – and cheering for – the Vikings is not

Read the full story The Perils of Being a Vikings Writer (And Fan) and check out purplePTSD - Local Minnesota Vikings News each day for all you Minnesota Vikings news/analysis!

The Washington State Cougars 2022 season comes to an end this week at the Jimmy Kimmel Los Angeles Bowl. Pacific Northwest Sports has all you need to know.

PNWS presents what you need to know as the Washington State Cougars play their second-to-last Pac-12 game of 2022 when they visit Arizona on Saturday. PNWS has Washington State football fans covered.

Details

Who: Washington State Cougars (7-5 Overall, 4-5 Pac-12) vs. Fresno State Bulldogs (9-4 overall).

Where: SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, California.

When: Saturday, December 17, 2022 – 12:30 PM PST.

TV: ABC. Announcers: Joe Tessitore, Greg McElroy, and Molly McGrath.

Radio: ESPN. Announcers: Jorge Sedano, Rod Gilmore, and Quint Kessenich.

Weather: It will be a good day to play football in SoCal, with partly sunny skies, temperatures in the low 60s, and a light wind from the west. (weather.com)

Line: Washington State +5. Over/Under: 53.5 (Odds Shark).

Interesting Trends

The Washington State Cougars three-game win streak was snapped in the Apple Cup. Wazzu may be a good bet. Against the spread, they are 4-1. The total has gone under in 6 of Washington State’s last 8 games.

Fresno State comes into the Los Angeles Bowl on an 8-game win streak. But they haven’t fared well against Pac-12 opponents, losing 4 of the last 5. The Bulldogs went under in their last 2 games.

Injury Report

Washington State Cougars

Out – WR C.J. Moore (undisclosed), OL Rodrick Tialavea (lower body), LT Jarrett Kingston, WR Daiyan Henley (opt-out). The following players entered the transfer portal: LB Francisco Mauigoa, LB Travion Brown, WR De’Zhuan Stribling, and WR Donovan Ollie.

Questionable – WR Renard Bell (arm), LB Cooper Mathers (undisclosed).

Fresno State Bulldogs

Out – WR Josh Kelly (transfer)

Outlook

The Jimmy Kimmell Los Angeles Bowl is also a mini-Apple Cup. UW’s coach Kalen DeBoer coached at Fresno in 2021, so the Bulldogs offense should look very familiar.

Last year, the Washington State Cougars roster was decimated by transfers and opt-outs against Central Michigan in the Sun Bowl, which cost them dearly. This time around, Wazzu will be without five key players.

Losing receivers De’Zhaub Stribling and Donovan Ollie will hurt. Fortunately, the Cougs are deep at receiver.

Cougs QB Cameron Ward still has Renard Bell, Robert Ferrel, Leyton Smithson, Lincoln Victor, and Orion Peters, who are more than capable of making big plays. The biggest change might be more opportunities for tight end Billy Riviere.

Additionally, since coming back from injury four games ago, running back, Nakia Watson has 553 yards from scrimmage and 8 touchdowns. Fresno has a good defense, allowing more than 16 points only twice during their 8-game win streak, but WSU has more offensive weapons than the Buldogs have seen.

Going back to successful injury returns, Bulldogs quarterback Jake Haener has been very efficient since coming back on October 29. He is 155 of 209 passing (73.4%) for 1,762 yards and 14 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions. FSU has won all 6 of those games.

For the most part, Wazzu’s defensive backs should be able to stay with Fresno’s top receivers, Jalen Cropper, Nikko Remigio, and Zane Pope, on deep routes. The run is a different story.

Through opt-outs and transfers, the Washington State Cougars are without their top three linebackers. Ben Wilson and Kyle Thornton are the new starters. Although each man played every game, the duo has 40 combined tackles. On passing downs, safety Jordan Lee may move down to play linebacker.

Fresno State running back Jordan Mims must have been licking his lips when he read about the defections. He has 1,169 yards and 16 touchdowns rushing this year. He could break some big runs.

Catch up with PNWS on Sunday when we present our biggest takeaways from the game.

The post Washington State Cougars: 2022 L.A. Bowl vs. Fresno State – TV, Weather, More appeared first on Pacific Northwest Sports.

The Seattle Seahawks fell behind San Francisco by 18 points early in the third quarter. A late game rally wasn’t enough to catch up. Here are our Dud and Stud of the game.

The Lumen Field crowd was fired up for Thursday Night Football against NFC West-leading San Francisco. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to inspire their Seattle Seahawks to victory.

One minute into the third quarter, the Seahawks fell behind 21-3 after Niners tight end broke several tackles en route to a 54 yard score. Seattle scored the game’s final 10 points, but it wasn’t enough. They lost 21-13.

As 12s begin the wailing and gnashing of teeth following Seattle’s stink bomb on Thursday, cooler heads should prevail. The Seahawks lost to a better team and a superior defense. To lose a one score game against a Super Bowl contender is not the debacle some people think it is. 

No team has scored more than 17 against San Francisco in 6 games, and the Dolphins were blown out by them a week earlier. While a win would have been great, this wasn’t a bad loss. Seattle hung in there and had a shot at winning the game. 

On to the Studs and Duds.

Next: Page 2 – The Dud

The post Seattle Seahawks Dud and Stud of Game 14 vs. SF 49ers appeared first on Pacific Northwest Sports.

GG vs JK Dream11 Prediction: Galle Gladiators vs Jaffna Kings Top Fantasy Picks, Probable Playing XIs & Pitch Report, GG vs JK starts at 3 PM, Follow Live 

GG vs JK Highlights: Lanka Premier League 2022: Afif Hossain slammed a half-century for Jaffna Kings that helped his team post 170/8 against Galle Gladiators in the 17th match of the Lanka Premier League 2022 on Sunday, at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The Galle Gladiators are placed second from the bottom of the table. They have only been able to win two of their six games. Jaffna Kings, who have been superb this season, will be facing them. They’ve won 4 of their last 6 games. They fell short against the Kandy Falcons in their most recent game by a score of 10.. Follow LPL 2022 LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN 

Galle Gladiators (Playing XI): Thanuka Dabare, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Lahiru Udara, Asad Shafiq, Nuwanidu Fernando, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Nuwan Thushara

LPL 2022 Points TABLE: Kandy Falcons take the POLE position, Jaffna Kings drop down to second place, check LATEST Points Table of Lanka Premier League & Follow LPL 2022 LIVE

GG vs JK Dream11 Prediction: Galle Gladiators vs Jaffna Kings Top Fantasy Picks, Probable Playing XIs & Pitch Report, GG vs JK starts at 3 PM, Follow Live 

Match Details

Galle Gladiators vs Jaffna Kings, Match 17, Lanka Premier League 2022

Date & Time: Sunday, December 18, 3:00 PM (IST)

Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Dambulla wins! Their first victory in the tournament!

We’d be back stronger tomorrow!#HoldingTheFort #GGvDA pic.twitter.com/jpI0m5gIvT

— GalleGladiators (@GalleGladiators) December 17, 2022

GG vs JK: Top Fantasy Picks

• Thisara Perera
• Imad Wasim
• Nuwan Thushara

GG vs JK: Dream11 Fantasy Team

Wicketkeepers: Sadeera Samarawickram, Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Batters: Thanuka Dabare, Oshada Fernando, Nuwanidu Fernando, Thisara Perera (C)

All-rounders:  Imad Wasim, James Fuller

Bowlers: Wahab Riaz, Nuwan Thushara (VC), Dunith Wellalage

GG vs JK: Probable Playing XIs

Galle Gladiators: Thanuka Dabare, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Lahiru Udara, Oshada Fernando, Asad Shafiq, Nuwanidu Fernando, Imad Wasim, Anwar Ali, Wahab Riaz, Nuwan Thushara, Lakshan Sandakan

Jaffna Kings: Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Thisara Perera (c), Shoaib Malik, Dhananjaya de Silva, James Fuller, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dunith Wellalage, Dilshan Madushanka, Waqar Salamkheil

Pitch Report

The pitch is anticipated to remain balanced for the entire game and the team that wins the toss may decide to bat first. At the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, T20 games have an average first innings score of 148 runs.

GG vs JK Dream11 Prediction: Galle Gladiators vs Jaffna Kings Top Fantasy Picks, Probable Playing XIs & Pitch Report, GG vs JK starts at 3 PM, Follow Live 

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The post GG vs JK Highlights: Jaffna Kings clinch six-run victory against Galle Gladiators in LPL 2022 – Watch Highlights first appeared on Inside Sport India.

Argentina vs France FINAL LIVE: FIFA WC Rivalry INTENSIFIES, ‘Argentine’ Stadium HIDDEN by fans in Paris – Check Out

Argentina vs France FINAL LIVE: FIFA WC FINAL – French shopkeepers boarded up stores on Paris’ Champs Elysees avenue for potential celebrations while the capital’s metro covered up the name of the “Argentine” station in preparation for Sunday’s World Cup final. France play Argentina in Qatar later on Sunday, with both nations seeking a third trophy. Follow FIFA World Cup 2022 LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN.

Argentina vs France FINAL LIVE: FIFA WC Rivalry INTENSIFIES, ‘Argentine’ Stadium HIDDEN by fans in Paris – Check Out

“I’m sure that France is going to win, it’s a close-knit team with a young spirit and they have the potential to win,” said Xavier Grand-Jacquot in a wintry Paris. “It’s a spectacular team and they’re going to go all the way.”

The Paris Metro temporarily renamed the “Argentine” underground station “France”, covering up the name with “Allez les Bleus” (Go the Blues) banners.

“For History,” weekend newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche exhorted the French, for whom a win would make them the first back-to-back champions since Brazil in 1962.

The Interior Ministry said 14,000 police were deployed across France with 2,750 in Paris alone to keep celebrations from getting out of control. Stores along the elegant Champs Elysees, likely to be the centre of celebrations in case of victory, shuttered up windows as a precaution.

“Let’s do it again?” President Emmanuel Macron, in Doha for the final, tweeted with a video of post-match locker-room festivities after France beat Morocco in the semi-finals.

Argentina vs France FINAL LIVE: FIFA WC Rivalry INTENSIFIES, ‘Argentine’ Stadium HIDDEN by fans in Paris – Check Out

Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Follow FIFA World Cup 2022 LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN.

The post Argentina vs France FINAL LIVE: FIFA WC Rivalry INTENSIFIES, ‘Argentine’ Stadium HIDDEN by fans in Paris – Check Out first appeared on Inside Sport India.

Jadeja Bumrah Injury Update: India have received two huge injury boosts. Premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah is close to being 100%. He has resumed bowling at the NCA and is set to be back for NewZealand series at home. The physios are optimistic that Bumrah can even feature in the IND vs SL series in early January. The other injured star close to recovery is Ravindra Jadeja. The all-rounder is recovering from knee surgery. A call on him will be taken after injury assessment. But he is likely to return for the SriLanka series. Follow IND vs SL & IND vs NZ LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.

“Jasprit is doing well. He has resumed training. He will be a match-fit soon. Whether he will be picked for SriLanka series is a question for selectors. But as things stand, he can return for Lanka series. But if the selectors want to delay, then he is a sure-shot for the NZ series,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.

Jadeja Bumrah Injury Update: Jasprit Bumrah set for RETURN in NZ ODI series, decision on Ravindra Jadeja after FITNESS assessment, Follow LIVE Updates

ICC World Cup 2023: BCCI in troubled waters, ICC could shift 50-over World Cup 2023 out of India, Check WHY?

Bumrah Injury: Bumrah briefly returned to action in the Australia series at home before T20 World Cup. But he aggravated the lower-back injury that he suffered on England tour in July. He has missed the Asia Cup 2022 and T20 World Cup 2022.

After the lengthy lay-off, he is now close to full recovery. Jasprit Bumrah is bowling full tilt as he continues to return to full fitness. His troublesome back also cost India big time. India struggled in his absence and were knocked out in the T20 WC semifinals by England.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by jasprit bumrah (@jaspritb1)

Rushing himself before the world Cup cost him more time on the sidelines and Bumrah has ensured he takes a cautious approach with his recovery. After weeks of just mild training, the Mumbai Indians star hit the nets with ball in hand.

Ravindra Jadeja Injury: The other Team India star is also out of action since Asia Cup. Jadeja returned from Asia Cup after the first two games following a freak injury in off-day training exercise. He underwent knee surgery in Mumbai. While the selectors named him in the Bangladesh Tour, he could not recover in time.

“Jaddu will report back to the NCA in next couple of weeks. He wasn’t fully fit for Bangladesh series. Once he resumes full training, we will know where he stands. The physios will assess his injury and take a call on his return. At the moment, it is difficult to say whether he will be able to return for SriLanka or NewZealand series. But we are certain, he will be available for the Australia series,” the BCCI official said.

Jadeja Bumrah Injury Update: Jasprit Bumrah set for RETURN in NZ ODI series, decision on Ravindra Jadeja after FITNESS assessment, Follow LIVE Updates

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ravindrasinh jadeja (@ravindra.jadeja)

Bumrah Jadeja to play Ranji? – While the BCCI President encouraged the old norm of playing domestic cricket to regain full fitness, both Jadeja and Bumrah are unlikely to feature in Ranji Trophy. With the all-important Australia series coming up in February, the BCCI doesn’t want them to risk the load of four-day games straight away. Instead, both superstars will return to Team India directly for shorter formats first.

“It’s not ideal for them to go back and play Ranji at the moment. If it was 20 or 50-over cricket, it would have been fine. But it is not fair on them to jump into four-day game straightaway. Instead, they have to take it slow and return to action gradually,” the official said.

However, it is unlikely that Bumrah will feature in the T20 series against SriLanka. The incoming selection committee will take a call on whether Jadeja can feature in the T20s. But with priority on ODIs, both are expected to play the ODIs. Selectors, instead will try domestic sars out in the T20s as India T20 Reboot comes into full effect next month.

Jadeja Bumrah Injury Update: Jasprit Bumrah set for RETURN in NZ ODI series, decision on Ravindra Jadeja after FITNESS assessment, Follow LIVE Updates

Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Follow IND vs BAN Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.

The post Jadeja Bumrah Injury Update: Jasprit Bumrah set for RETURN in NZ ODI series, decision on Ravindra Jadeja after FITNESS assessment, Follow LIVE Updates first appeared on Inside Sport India.

Updated AFC playoff picture after the Bills best Dolphins in snowy ending - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

Updated AFC Playoff Picture after Browns beat the Ravens - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

Argentina vs. France live stream World Cup final 2022 on Dec. 18 - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

One of the best parts about fantasy football is the ability to gloat over your friends and family. Obviously, the only person with no place to gloat is the one who finishes last place. That’s why most leagues have last-place punishments, something meant to embarrass the worst player in the league that year.

Read more...

The silence was deafening at U.S. Bank Stadium Saturday afternoon. The home team Minnesota Vikings came into the game with a 10-3 record, holding a half-game lead over the San Francisco 49ers for the second-seed in the NFC. Their opponent was the Indianapolis Colts, who earlier this year, became the laughingstocks of…

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One of our expert tipster partners, Allsportspredictions.com, has more of our previews and predictions. Go here.

Argentina vs France – Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 1-2 in the first match of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. With the games against Mexico and Poland still to play, many analysts had already predicted their elimination from the competition.

However, Lionel Messi and co. remained persistent. Instead, they gave everything they had on the football field to start a surprising five-game winning streak and secure a spot in the important final against France.

Despite being put under extreme strain in each of their previous five games, the Los Angeles Gauchos have shown tremendous team spirit to rise above the situation and perform at the top level.

Also Read - Qatar 2022:’We Will Have The Edge Over France’ —Argentina Legend, Ardilles

While the others have appeared on occasion, Messi has led them in every game. Alexis MacAllister stole the show against Poland; Enzo Fernandez scored a stunning goal against Mexico; and Julian Alvarez was the standout of the 3-0 semifinal demolition of Croatia.

The previous five games included at least two goals for Lionel Scaloni’s team. When they face France in Sunday's final, a team that has only managed one clean sheet since the tournament began, they will undoubtedly have plenty of room to perform.

Even though Didier Deschamps and his team had a lot of injuries, many experts thought France would be one of the top teams in Qatar. Les Bleus did in fact live up to their moniker, easily making it to the championship game.

Olivier Giroud’s second-half header gave Les Bleus the victory in their quarterfinal match against a strong England. Les Bleus even played rather smoothly throughout that match.

Even though the defending champions haven't done very well so far in the competition, they have made it to the back-to-back finals without any problems.

Similar to Argentina, Les Bleus scored at least two goals in all but one of their games during the competition. The only game they didn't win was a 1-0 loss to Tunisia on the last day of the group stage, which had no effect on their position as the best team in the group.

Kylian Mbappe is trying to win his second World Cup even though he hasn't even turned 24 yet. With at least ten more years ahead of the French superstar, the “GOAT” discussions may take on a completely new route if he succeeds in defeating teammate Lionel Messi on Sunday.

Argentina vs France – Betting Analysis

In the round of 16, Argentina played outstandingly, notably against the Netherlands and Croatia. However, it will be extremely difficult for their backline to thwart Kylian Mbappe and company in the final.

We don’t see either team keeping a clean sheet in this game, so we predict extra time will be used. The Draw & Over 2.5 goals FT bet offers excellent value at 15.00 odds, and we also have to back Kylian Mbappe, who is tied for the tournament’s leading scorer, to score here at staggering 3.00 odds.

Argentina vs France: Head-to-Head

Our Prediction: Home Win or Draw

The post Argentina Vs France – Predictions And Match Preview appeared first on Complete Sports.

Olivier Giroud is a major doubt to start for France against Argentina in Sunday’s World final in Qatar due to knee issue, L’Equipe reports.

It would be a huge blow for Les Bleus, because the 36-year-old has been their second top scorer in the tournament so far with four goals in five games.

Giroud went off in the 65th minute during the 2-0 semi-final victory over Morocco, but the knee issue seems to have intensified over the last 24 hours.

Instead, Marcus Thuram was tested in the trident attack, moving Mbappé to the centre-forward role.

Meanwhile, France coach Didier Deschamps received good news with the return of Adrien Rabiot, Theo Hernandez, Dayot Upamecano, Kingsley Coman, Aurelien Tchouameni and Raphael Varane to training after various knocks and illness.

A win for France against Argentina will see them become the first team to defend their World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.

For Argentina, they are hoping to land a first world title since Mexico 1986.

The post Qatar 2022: Giroud Doubtful For France Ahead World Cup Final Vs Argentina appeared first on Complete Sports.

France manager Didier Deschamps says he is not bothered "many people" want Argentina and Lionel Messi to lift the World Cup.

Messi is looking to lead Argentina to success in Qatar 2022 in what could be his final appearance for La Albiceleste.

On his part, Deschamps is aiming to become the second manager to win successive World Cups after leading Les Blues to their second title in 2018

"We are trying to live with it, without going too far and getting carried away, but doing what is necessary," he said.

Read Also: Osimhen On Target Again, Chukwueze Subbed On As Villarreal Beat Napoli In Friendly Game

Deschamps, who also captained France to victory in 1998, was asked whether his squad's injuries, the virus and the "will for Messi to win" had left him feeling "alone in the world".

"I often get that feeling," he replied. "But I am fine being alone. That doesn't bother me.

"I don't have any particular worries or stress about the game. When you prepare for a game like this you need to keep your focus, remain composed, but, of course, in a World Cup final especially you have the match and the whole context behind that.

"Of course, the objective is to come out with the title.

"I know Argentina and many people around the world, and maybe some French people as well, would hope that Lionel Messi could win the World Cup, but we're going to do everything to achieve our objective."

The post France Boss Deschamps: ‘Many People’ Want Messi To Win World Cup appeared first on Complete Sports.

• Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m., NFLN
• Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns, 4:30 p.m., NFLN
• Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings, 8:15 p.m., NFLN

This Saturday is definitely a day for football fans to mark on their calendars. With three great games scheduled, there’s sure to be plenty of excitement and drama throughout the day. So make sure you tune in to see all the action!

• Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m., CBS
• Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m., Fox
• Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m., Fox
• Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans, 1 p.m., CBS
• Dallas Cowboys at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m., Fox
• Detroit Lions at New York Jets, 1 p.m., Fox
• Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos, 4:05 p.m., Fox
• New England Patriots at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:05 p.m., Fox
• Tennessee Titans at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m., CBS
• Cincinnati Bengals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:25 p.m., CBS
• New York Giants at Washington Commanders, 8:20 p.m., NBC

The NFL schedule Sunday December 18th will be one of the most exciting days of football this season with some of the league’s best teams in action. With playoff seedings on the line, every game has major implications as teams look to make a run at the playoffs or position themselves for a favorable seeding. Tune in and don’t miss a minute of the action as some of football’s biggest stars take the field. There is sure to be plenty of excitement and drama throughout the day, so don’t miss out!

Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India will need another four wickets to win the first test match against Bangladesh and going 1-0 ahead if two match series at Zahur Ahmed Chaudhury stadium. The hosts at stumps on Day 4 are 272/6, still trailing by 241 runs with captain Shakib al Hasan not out on 40 along with Mehidy Hasan Miraz who is batting on 9.

For India, left arm spinner Axar Patel was the pick of the bowlers. His figures were 27-10-50-3. The other three Bangladesh wickets were shared between Umesh Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin.

The visitors are certainly the favourites but can the hosts spring in a surprise on the final day. Batting has been fairly easy against the older ball.

India have been made to toil hard, especially the bowlers on Day 4. The two left-handed Bangladesh openers batted the entire first session and stitched a century partnership. There were hardly any chances created either. It was Umesh Yadav in the post-lunch session who managed to get the breakthrough as he induced a loose shot from Shanto.

The hosts lost two more wickets before Tea with Yasir Ali falling to Axar Patel and Litton Das throwing his wicket away against Kuldeep. Debutant Zakir Hasan batted with a superb temperament to register his maiden Test ton but perished immediately with Ashwin bagging his first wicket of the match. Axar bowled superbly with the second new ball. He picked two wickets in the same over while Mushfiqur was beaten by the spin on the back foot, Nurul was stumped coming forward.

For a moment, it looked like Bangladesh would get bundled out today, but Shakib and Mehidy dragged this Test into the final day by batting 14 overs. While the former wasn’t afraid to play aerial shots, the latter was happy to block it around.

The team clocked 1:42.35 as the USA (1:42.41) and Canada (1:42.43) rounded out the podium places in Melbourne.

Mollie O'Callaghan led with a strong opening backstroke swim before Chelsea Hodges launched into the breaststroke leg. Dual freestyle world champion Emma McKeon tackled the butterfly stroke as Madi Wilson anchored with freestyle.

READ MORE: Goalie left bleeding after violent pitch invasion

READ MORE: The unsung hero powering France to victory



READ MORE: 'Mind blowing' breakthrough erases 'sad' legacy

With the world record line in play throughout the race, Australia's dominance across multiple events was on full display.

While Wilson was challenged in the closing stages, she remained calm and increased her stroke rate to execute her race plan to perfection.

"That is some start [to the session]. What a swim by Wilson, they were coming to get her everywhere but she kept fighting," Mat Thompson said in commentary for Nine.

"Madi Wilson, what a touch on the wall. Just extraordinary. The Americans were coming. The Swedish were coming," added Australian swimming great Gian Rooney.

"Madi Wilson, in a way almost paced that 50m. She knew she didn't have the exact speed to go out over that first 25m - built through the second 25m - and managed to get her hand on the wall first.

"Madi would have been seeing everyone alongside her. She would have had a very real knowledge of the fact that Michelle Coleman from Sweden and her were going stroke for stroke in the final five metres.

"As soon as she touched the wall and looked around and saw Australia in the number one there, the joy kicked in."

Speaking post-race, Wilson alluded to the amount of talent crammed into the one relay team.

"As people might not know, the (freestyle leg) medley spot is usually saved for the number one freestyler in the country," she said.

"Obviously Emma is amazing at so many different strokes so that was my first time anchoring a relay and I definitely felt the pressure. But I couldn't be happier with how it turned out."

Wilson swam third in the final at the Australian short course championships in August - behind McKeon and Meg Harris.

The relay victory marks Australia's 10th gold medal this meet, which also includes the double in the women's freestyle relays.

"Relays in this country are so important and making a relay team, you've got a very good chance of winning a medal," two-time Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus said on Nine's broadcast.

"That has just pushed the level of competition domestically more and more so that people are fighting to get on to these teams and be on the podium."

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Spectators forced their way onto the field with the score at 1-0, in favor of City, after 20 minutes of play.

Glover was left bleeding from the head after being struck with a metal bucket. He received treatment at AAMI Park for a concussion before being transported to hospital.

READ MORE: How 2022 re-shaped the GOAT conversation

READ MORE: The unsung hero powering France to victory



READ MORE: 'Mind blowing' breakthrough erases 'sad' legacy

Referee Alex King, match officials and camera-operators were also targeted in the attack.

Fans from both clubs threw flares onto the pitch 20 minutes into the first half, but when Glover hurled a flare back into the Victory fans area at the northern end, it triggered a wave of spectators forcing their way onto the pitch to wreak havoc.

Across the weekend, football fans had planed to walk out of matches at the 20-minute mark in protest of the Australian Professional Leagues' decision to award the hosting rights of the A-Leagues' grand finals to Sydney.

While the competitions will financially benefit from the three-year sponsorship with the New South Wales government, the announcement has been meet with fierce criticism from fans, pundits, past players and A-League clubs.

Amongst the chaos, players from both teams were ordered to leave the field for their own safety and the match was abandoned.

"There's a bit of a problem and now the referee has called for both sets of players to leave the field," Robbie Thomson said in commentary for 10 Football.

"This is entirely, entirely unacceptable."

In an on-air statement, Thomson said that the drastic actions of some had marred the progress made recently by the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and blemished the 'peaceful' motive behind the protests.

"Football, so ironically in the last few weeks, has taken us to the dizziest of heights and unfortunately this evening to the most crippling of lows - the match abandoned due to player safety," he said,

"Tom Glover was struck by pitch invaders. He has been taken to hospital now. He was cut on the face.

"The referee was also assaulted, Alex King, and as a result, and perfectly understandably despite the fact that we were all so looking forward to a big match in football this evening, I reiterate once again the actions of a few have cost us all very, very dearly this evening."

In a statement, Football Australia explained its decision to abandon the game was to protect its integrity "following shocking scenes".

"Such behaviour has no place in Australian Football, with a full Football Australia investigation to commence immediately, where strong sanctions to be handed down," the statement read.

"The Australian Professional League (APL) is coordinating with Football Australia (FA) regarding the ramifications of these events," the A-League said in a statement.

A strong response from police helped to contain the situation.

Ahead of the match, fans from both teams began chanting "f--- the APL", while several signs criticised the body's three-year sponsorship which is rumoured to be worth more than $10 million.

For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!

• CB Kalon Barnes
• CB Parry Nickerson
• DL Ross Blacklock
• OLB Patrick Jones II
• C Garrett Bradbury

Along with Bradbury, the Vikings will be without a few of their depth pieces on the defensive side of the ball. Included here will be two new cornerbacks, Kalon Barnes and Parry Nickerson. Barnes was signed off the Miami Dolphins practice squad earlier this week, and Nickerson was actually elevated off the Vikings practice squad on Friday.

Then, if we look further down in the trenches, pass rusher Patrick Jones will be inactive after appearing on the injury report throughout the week. Additionally, Ross Blacklock won’t be available on the defensive line in Week 15. For a Vikings front that has struggled to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks in recent weeks, that could cause some problems.

This also means that a pair of Vikings rookies will be active for the second consecutive week. Both Vederian Lowe and Esezi Otomewo made their NFL debuts against the Lions in Week 14, and given that they are not on this list, they should see some action once again on Saturday.

On the other side, the Colts have seven players on their inactive list. Their full list is as follows:

• DE Ben Bandgu
• QB Sam Ehlinger
• CB Brandon Facyson
• C Wesley French
• CB Kenny Moore II
• WR Mike Strahan
• DT Chris Williams

The absence of Facyson and Moore in the secondary have been somewhat expected, but it remains a large loss for the Colts against a talented Vikings wide receiver group. Hopefully, the Vikings can take advantage of a limited group this weekend.

Kickoff between the Vikings and Colts will take place at 12 PM CST at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He also earned minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his opinions, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.

The post Vikings Inactives: Week 15 appeared first on Vikings Territory.

News broke by several outlets on Saturday morning that Raiola has chosen to re-open his recruitment and back off the Ohio State Buckeyes commit, which he had made on May 9. His father, former NFL player Dominic Raiola, told 274Sports that “everything is back on the table” and the process is “almost like it’s restarting.”

Who can pull the 6-foot-3, 220 pound quarterback?

Raiola visited Oregon, Georgia, Ohio State, USC and Clemson in early 2022, according to on3, a recruiting outlet that predicted at the time that Ohio State and USC led the way. Hook ‘Em Headlines also reported he visited Texas in April, while on3 said in October that he visited Nebraska.

SportsGrid’s Ben Stevens pointed out that the QB’s uncle, Donovan Raiola, was retained on the Nebraska coaching staff, potentially giving the program a leg-up and playing into the junior’s recent visit to the program.

Raiola has 26 total offers, and as his father said, “It’s not close off to anybody.” Most of the major football programs have offered him, meaning schools like Alabama, Florida State, Notre Dame, Michigan and TCU — in addition to the aforementioned programs (though Clemson has not officially offered, per 247) — have a shot.

As for the two major in-state programs, he has only received an offer from University of Arizona, about two hours from his home. Though the Wildcats failed to reach a bowl this season, their 5-7 season was a success after winning one game over the previous two seasons combined.

It will be interesting to see if the new Arizona State University coaching staff puts their logo into the ring as well. New head coach Kenny Dillingham, also a local product, has had a groundswell of support from Arizona high school players and alumni, and Sun Devil Source noted that he nabbed as many transfers from Arizona high schools in one week as previous head coach Herm Edwards did in four years. If he turns the program around on the back of in-state recruiting, Raiola would be a crowning gem.

Raiola burst onto scene as a sophomore at Chandler (Ariz.) High School, leading the team to a championship game appearance after passing for 3,341 yards, 32 touchdowns and five interceptions. He had about 100 fewer passes as a junior, throwing for 2,435 yards to go with 22 touchdowns and five interceptions.

With one season left, Raiola will look to prove he’s one of the best recruits in recent years and try to lead Chandler to a title. All the while, schools will be paying attention and vying for his talents — which will he choose?

The IPL has also announced the final list of players set to go under the hammer, which has been slashed to 405, nearly half of the original list of 991 players.

Out of 405 players, 273 are Indians and 132 are overseas players of which 4 players are from associate nations. The total number of capped players is 119, uncapped players are 282 and 4 are from associate nations.

A maximum of 87 slots are now available with up to 30 being slotted for overseas players.

Furthermore, the highest reserve price is kept at Rs 2 crore with as many as 19 overseas players choosing the highest bracket in the mini-auction.

Here is the purse remaining for all 10 teams

Sunrisers Hyderabad – 42.25 crore
Punjab Kings – 32.20 crore
Lucknow Supergiants – 23.35 crore
Mumbai Indians – 20.55 core
Chennai Super Kings – 20.45 crore
Delhi Capitals- 19.45 crore
Gujarat Titans – 19.25 crore
Rajasthan Royals – 13.20 crore
Royal Challengers Bangalore – 8.75 crore
Kolkata Knight Riders – 7.05 crore

The post IPL 2023 Auction to start at 2:30 PM IST on December 23 in Kochi appeared first on The Sports News.

Fans from the Melbourne Victory active area rushed the pitch soon after the 20-minute mark of Saturday night’s game at AAMI Park and Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover was left with a cut head and a suspected concussion after he was struck by a metal bucket.

Both sets of fans had been throwing flares onto the playing arena.

But the situation escalated when a flare appeared to hit a Network 10 cameraman, then exploded when Glover picked another one off the ground and threw it back into the stands.

The incident was captured in this shocking fan footage below.

Fans then rushed the pitch and Glover was struck by the metal bucket, which is used to dispose of flares, and immediately started bleeding from his temple, requiring medical assistance.

Players from both teams were quickly rushed down the tunnel and the game was paused before officials made the decision to abandon the fixture.

A bleeding Tom Glover of Melbourne City is escorted from the pitch by team mates after fans stormed the pitch. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

There had been a tense atmosphere to start to the match with both sets of active fans planning to leave the game at the 20-minute mark as part of a protest towards the Australian Professional Leagues.

Fans across the competition were protesting the league’s decision to sell the next three grand finals to Sydney.

Both sets of fans started “f*** the APL” chants immediately after the preceding A-League Women’s game finished.

Victory and City fans each unfurled banners pre-game and as the half unfolded, referencing their displeasure with the APL.

Victory fans let off small fireworks then flares, while their goalkeeper Paul Izzo had to help dispose of flares thrown by City fans.

The game then descended into chaos.

Fans storm the pitch in protest during the round eight A-League Men’s match between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

City led 1-0 when the game stopped, courtesy of Aiden O’Neill’s goal in the 11th minute.

Football Australia released a short statement on Saturday after the abandonment.

It read, in full:

“Following shocking scenes during the first half of the A-League Men’s match between Melbourne Victory FC and Melbourne City FC at AAMI Park on Saturday 17 December, where fans from the Melbourne Victory FC end entered the field of play, Football Australia match officials have abandoned the match in accordance with Law 5.3 of the Laws of the Game in order to protect the integrity of the match.

“Such behaviour has no place in Australian Football, with a full Football Australia investigation to commence immediately, where strong sanctions to be handed down.” 

The incident caused shock and outrage with football fans across the country.

The Aussies ran riot at the Gabba, bowling the South Africans out for 152 from just 48 overs. The Proteas tried to return serve, at one stage having the Australians at 3/23, but Steve Smith and Travis Head steered the home side back on track, with the Aussies finishing the day 5/145.

Starc and Nathan Lyon led the charge for the Aussies with the ball, while Scott Boland was just 2-5 after his first over. Lyon finished the day with 3-14 off just eight overs, with Starc grabbing 3-41 off 14 overs. But the fast bowler would have loved just one more, finishing the innings agonisingly short on 299.

Marco Jansen finished with 1-15 fro the visitors, and Anrich Nortje 2-37.

It was an all-out Aussie attack in the first hour of the day, with the visitors finding themselves in a woeful spot of just 4/27. Their wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne tried to steady the ship, forming a solid 98-run partnership with Temba Bavuma. But the Australian bowlers found their groove again by the end of the innings.

“I think it was a brilliant day of Test cricket,” Lyon said. “You got arguably the two best bowling attacks in world cricket going at each other so you can expect wickets on day one with a little bit of moisture in the wicket.

“I’m pretty happy with where we are, I thought Travis was absolutely exceptional to go out there and play his game.”

It may have been all smiles for the Aussie bowlers, but it certainly wasn’t that way for the batters early on. Already under a mountain of pressure to keep his spot, Warner had an innings he would like to quickly forget, out for a golden duck after a sensational one-handed catch from Khaya Zonda at short leg. 

This latest failure means he hasn’t scored a Test century since January 2020.

The South Africans kept their hopes alive when Marnus Labuschange was caught for just 11, and then Usman Khawaja followed him back into the air conditioning for the same number of runs.

That’s when Head and Smith took over.

At the start of the day, Aussie captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl – the first to ever do that at the Gabba in 22 years – much to the delight of those in the stands. It proved the right decision.

There were emotional scenes from the Gabba when players, officials and the 29,306 crowd were joined by members of the Queensland police to pay their respects and share a moment of silence for the two fallen officers during the devastating siege in Queensland earlier in the week. Both teams wore black armbands in solidarity with the tragic event.

South African skipper Dean Elgar admitted before the match that the “batting has been a little under par” from his team. The visitors looked to start the day’s play on the right foot, but it didn’t take long for it all to crumble.

Starc drew first blood early on in the day, taking the first wicket in just the fifth over. The Aussie fast bowler drew Elgar in and forced him to play down the leg side, sending the ball straight into the gloves of Alex Carey and sending him back to the pavilion for just three runs.

“That’s extra bounce that, that’s really flown. 140km/h has flicked the glove down the left side,” said Channel Seven commentator Ricky Ponting.

Cummins was next to get his name on the scorecard in just the ninth over, taking the wicket of Rassie van der Dussen for just five runs.

The celebrations continued just five balls later when Scott Boland took his first wicket of the day. Sarel Erwee was dismissed for 10 thanks to a sensational catch by Cameron Green in the gully.

During the drinks break, Starc summed up the feeling of the Aussies perfectly on the Fox cricket coverage.

“Getting three wickets in the first hour, that’s a good start!” said Starc.

And just as soon as the water bottles were put back in the esky, Boland was at it again. This time taking the wicket of new batter Khaya Zondo, who just never got a chance to settle in. He was sent walking for a duck from just two balls after the green light was given on an LBW.

After the South Africans sunk to a disastrous 4/27, Kyle Verreynne did his best to stem the bleeding and before long he brought up a 50-run partnership with Temba Bavuma, with the scoreboard reading 4/80 at lunch.

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The Aussie crowd held their breath when Cummins hit the deck after rolling his ankle during a delivery in the second over after lunch. Thankfully the skipper was quick to his feet and carried on with his over as if nothing had happened.

The visitors surpassed 100 runs in the 29th over with Verreynne bringing up his 50 shortly after. It looked like an actual game was forming instead of a whitewash.

But just as it seemed like Bavuma was on track to make his half-century, Starc made the breakthrough. A perfect delivery knocking over the stumps and Bavuma was bowled for 38 runs.

As Ponting keeps proving over the summer his ability to pick a play before it happens, he was once again on the money with the newest batter Marco Jansen.

“Good build-up of pressure on Jansen here,” said Ponting. “Two from 16 balls. It is a good build-up. They’ve got mid-on three quarters of the way back, they are tempting in with a build-up of pressure to hit over the top.”

On the very next ball, Jansen lost his cool with just two runs on the board when he tried to go big off Lyon and Green collected the high catch running backwards.

Just like Ponting said.

“The pressure was building, he wanted it Lyon,” said Ponting after the wicket.

Shortly after Starc edged closer to his 300th test wicket, claiming number 299 thanks to Steve Smith in the slips. Keshav Maharaj was out for two runs from just six balls.

Then the Aussies finally got the wicket they were after when Smith was back in the action and caught Verreynne off Lyon in the 41st over. He had put on a solid 64 runs but not enough to get the South Africans out of trouble.

Starc thought he had hit his magic milestone when Kagiso Rabada sent the ball straight into the hands of Head at short leg but he spilled it on the second grab.

“He had it, he lost it!” cried Channel Seven commentator Matthew Hayden. “Didn’t quite get the money but good effort.”

His next chance was left in the hands of the DRS, when Cummins sent up a review on the call of not out for Rabada. It wasn’t meant to be, and Starc remained stuck on 299.

Lyon was the next wicket-taker when Anrich was caught behind by Head for a duck. He almost finished off the rest of the side with an LBW on Rabada, but DRS denied the wicket after seeing it had hit the batter’s glove.

It was Cummins who took the last South African wicket in just the 48th over of the day, thanks to Green catching Ngidi in the gully.

After a dominating performance with the ball, it was a shocking start from the Aussies with the bat, when Warner was sent packing with a golden duck. He tried to block a quick ball that had picked up some extra bounce, the ball took the inside edge and was caught by a leaping one-handed Zondo at short leg

“He’s taken! First ball! It’s is a golden duck for David Warner!” exclaimed Fox commentator Adam Gilchrist.

When Marnus Labuschange was sent packing after Jansen delivered a beautifully angled ball across him that was caught by the South African skipper, the Aussies found themselves just 2/19. Khawaja followed after being perfectly bowled by substitute Anrich Nortje and the hosts were at a loss at 3/23.

Head raced to his 50, and the Aussies were well in control. By stumps he and Smith had forged a 121-run partnership, and the earlier scare at the start of the innings was a distant memory.

But Smith was bowled for 36 by a jaffa from Nortje, and nightwatchman Boland added just one before catching an edge and being taken by the keeper. Head finished his impressive innings not out for 72.

And we finished with a game on our hands.

“The initial feeling (after being bowled out cheaply) is probably a bit of disappointment but then you look around in the change room at our four quicks and spinner (Maharaj) and everyone gets a bit excited and thinks 150-odd on the board might be enough with what we have got in the changeroom,” Verreynne said.

“That is the approach we are looking to take. Obviously as batters we need to be better, but with the bowling line-up we have there is a belief our bowlers can do the job.”

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Les Bleus boosted by duo’s return

Ahead of the World Cup Final the France squad has been hit by a virus, taking out multiple players this week.

While winger Kinglsey Coman is still isolating in a hotel room, according to L’Equipe Deschamps can now breathe a little easier with centre-backs Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate returning to training on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

Varane partnered the Liverpool man in the heart of defence as Les Bleus defeated Morocco 2-0 to reach their second consecutive Final.

“We are trying to manage this as best as we can and remain calm and focused,” Deschamps said.

“We are doing our best to take precautions and adapt and live with it without going too far but doing what is necessary. We would have preferred not to face this but are managing it as best as we can.”

In further good news for France, Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot, who both missed the semi-final victory, are also back in training and will be in contention.

G2 is known by fans for being an athlete’s go-to drink to rehydrate and recover after participating in a strenuous sports game or activity.

The drink boasts a lower sugar count than many sports drinks, with superior hydration and electrolyte replenishment capabilities.

However, fans have been increasingly noticing that the drink seems to have disappeared from store shelves.

Since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting supply chain shortages, it has become difficult for fans to determine if their favorite products are missing due to the pandemic, high demand, or because they have been discontinued.

Is G2 Gatorade Being Discontinued?

No, PepsiCo has not discontinued the G2 Gatorade line.

However, G2 Gatorade does appear to be slowly discontinuing flavors, one at a time, making the future of the G2 line unclear.

UpThirst states that a representative from PepsiCo provided a statement that the G2 product line hadn’t been attracting members of the athletic community in the way that they had hoped it would, so the company was discontinuing G2 due to a lack of demand.

However, there are very few official comments by Gatorade that reference the entire lineup of G2 flavors.

Fans leaving reviews have noticed that the brand has been slowly discontinuing production of certain flavors, like lemon-lime, orange, and raspberry lemonade.

Many of the reviews above, found on the official G2 Gatorade page, insinuate that the G2 line has been discontinued although there are no comments from Gatorade directly on any of the reviews which confirm that.

The rumors that the beverage was being discontinued had been circulating since as early as 2017, even before the Coronavirus pandemic forced many companies to reevaluate their portfolios.

We’re still making it. Here’s our locator so you can check in your area: https://t.co/3bwP3Cuocy

— Gatorade (@Gatorade) April 25, 2017

Social media also can provide some clearer information on the status of the G2 flavors.

Social Media

Social media sources like Twitter and other fan review pages are often the first source for fans to determine if a product has been discontinued, likely due to the ease that companies have to respond to tweets or other social media posts.

However, in the case of G2, it is still difficult to determine if the beverage has been completely discontinued or just certain flavors.

Even in 2020 and mid-2021, the company was responding to fans that their G2 line had not been discontinued but was experiencing supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic.

Sorry you’ve had trouble finding G2. The pandemic has caused changes to production and supply chains, but it has not been discontinued. Until our return to normal production, we recommend continuing to check stores, as we’re working to it re-stocked quickly.

— Gatorade (@Gatorade) December 8, 2020

We apologize for delayed response as we experience high volumes. We're sorry you haven't been able to find G2. It's still out there! Try our product locator to search for this flavor nearby: https://t.co/BINhlRU8s9. Many of our products are also available in e-commerce.

— Gatorade (@Gatorade) August 26, 2021

However, Gatorade has confirmed in the above tweets that they had discontinued certain flavors in the G2 line.

Even in early 2022, the official Gatorade Twitter page wasn’t confirming if G2 was completely discontinued and rather directed their fans to use their product locator and to check e-commerce websites.

@Gatorade quick question, is g2 orange flavor still around?? Or is it discontinued???

— D.m (@Dm48813838) February 16, 2022

Additionally, fans are likely confused because G2 is still listed on Gatorade’s official website.

When searching for seller options through their site there are very few retailers to be found with a stock of the specific G2 beverage.

A potential reason for this may be that, even though PepsiCo may no longer be actively producing G2 for distribution, there is still likely some stock leftover in retailers from the last time they purchased it.

Confusion On Discontinuation Vs. Low Stock

It is common for there to be confusion regarding whether or not a beverage is discontinued, or if it is just experiencing lower stock levels due to high demand.

The Coronavirus Pandemic has certainly played a large role in the inability of retailers to maintain stock of a variety of goods including G2.

In particular, plastic bottles have been difficult for production companies to obtain due to a plastic shortage.

The plastic shortage was a result of an increase in the number of single-serve plastic bottled beverages being purchased as a result of individuals staying home during lockdowns.

The increased popularity of working from home in recent years has also played a role.

The number of individuals experiencing illness throughout the pandemic means that there was a higher demand for hydrating beverages to minimize symptoms of dehydration related to illness.

Therefore, the demand for hydrating drinks such as G2 increased, and customers purchased items in bulk due to the fear of the retailers’ stock running out.

The impulsive bulk purchases did contribute to stores running out of stock of a variety of goods, such as plastic-bottled beverages and household items.

Changes In Production Materials

Additional confusion regarding the status of G2 Gatorade may be because the company has undergone a few different changes in the last several years, which have made it difficult for fans to keep up.

These changes included a transition by Gatorade out of bottling their beverages in 32-ounce plastic bottles, which many fans had become accustomed to finding in grocery stores.

The company transitioned from 32-ounce bottles in favor of 28-ounce bottles instead.

With ongoing change and uncertainty, it is common for fans to become concerned when they perceive a product to have disappeared from the shelves.

The reasoning behind the shift in bottle sizes is unclear, although it may be due to competition like BodyArmor, which is also known for its larger bottle size options.

Gatorade may have determined that their larger-sized bottles did not have a significant return on investment as compared to their smaller sizes.

Gatorade And PepsiCo’s Official Websites

Additional confusion as mentioned above is because G2 is still listed on Gatorade’s website as being part of their official lineup of beverages.

The G2 lineup is also still listed on PepsiCo’s Smart Label website, which holds the full lineup of PepsiCo’s products including Gatorade, Pure Leaf, and Tropicana among many other brands.

Interestingly, and further adding to fans’ confusion, PepsiCo’s and Gatorade’s product locators do not match up.

Gatorade’s website above lists only three flavor options for G2: Grape, Fruit Punch, and Glacier Freeze.

PepsiCo contradicts Gatorade in that there are a wider variety of flavors found on PepsiCo’s product locator—such as Glacier Cherry, Glacier Freeze, Fruit Punch, and Raspberry Lemonade—which directs the user to local retailers that have the product.

As mentioned previously, Raspberry Lemonade was a flavor that Gatorade had confirmed with fans on Twitter was discontinued.

The inconsistency between the two companies is likely a big reason that fans continue to be confused about the status of G2.

However, it is important to note that when searching for retailers using PepsiCo’s product locator above, there are very few to be found or it states that each retailer only has a few bottles left.

It is unclear why the company would continue to keep it on its website, especially when social media comments by Gatorade lead us to believe that G2 has been discontinued and is waiting for the remaining stock to sell out.

Gatorade’s Competition

There is a wide variety of beverages available to those within the athletic community that contain electrolytes and other added benefits meant to energize and sustain performance.

While many fans likely enjoy having a wide selection of drinks to choose from, it does make the competition a problem for companies like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola whose products are very similar.

Also, the average person may consider sports drinks like Gatorade, Powerade, and Propel to all be very similar and are not aware of the differences in sugar content and electrolytes found in each beverage.

The most common sports drinks found in gas stations and convenience stores include:

• Gatorade
• Powerade
• Body Armor

If you’re looking for a drink that is less sports drink and more water, but still with the added twist of hydration properties, you may be interested in trying:

• Propel
• Vitamin Water
• SoBe Life Water
• Liquid IV Energy Multiplier
• Nuun Sport

The Gatorade Portfolio

There are a variety of different Gatorade beverages, so a wide variety of consumers may find at least one or two that can meet any specific hydration needs that they may have.

Additionally, for those fans particularly sad about the potential discontinuation of G2, there is a wide variety of other options to taste test.

The Gatorade portfolio is wide, and according to the list of beverages on the official Gatorade website the current lineup includes:

• Gatorade Thirst Quencher
• Gx Pods
• Gatorade Zero
• Gatorade (traditional)
• G2
• Gatorade Fit
• Gatorade Organic Thirst Quencher
• Endurance Formula
• Endurance Gatorlytes
• Propel

G2 was designed with the sports community and athletes in mind, but as we can see from the list above, G2 is not the only beverage that can meet the needs of athletes.

The formula contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium which are all lost during an intense sporting event or rigorous, sweat-inducing activities like yard work or other labor-intensive jobs.

This blend of electrolytes is beneficial for those who may become nauseous or confused after an extended period of sweating or working in the heat.

G2 is also known for having lower amounts of sugar than the traditional Gatorade.

However, individuals who may have dietary restrictions that require ingesting lower amounts of sugar still have the opportunity to find another Gatorade beverage that satisfies their needs.

Where Can I Buy Gatorade?

On occasion, a retailer may have leftover stock of the drink which you can determine by going to Gatorade’s website and searching for retailers nearby your location.

In particular, the Fruit Punch, Glacier Freeze, and Grape flavors are still available.

At the time of this article, customers can use Gatorade’s product locator and find that certain areas within the United States still have some limited G2 products remaining.

Additionally, some internet sources may sell the drink, however, the scarcity of G2 Gatorade may encourage these retailers to sell the product at an increased price.

Amazon in particular appears to have a few varying flavors of G2 available for purchase.

As G2 becomes less available and retailers sell out of their remaining stock, it appears that the next up-and-coming Gatorade beverage is Gatorade Zero.

PepsiCo may hope that Gatorade Zero will ultimately replace G2 in its portfolio.

Alternatives To Drinking Gatorade

If you’re looking for an alternative to the sugary drinks from Gatorade in general, there are a variety of other options to choose from to still receive the benefits of hydration and supplemental electrolytes.

These include:

• Powerade Zero
• Body Armor Light
• Coconut Water
• Broth
• NOOMA Organic Electrolyte Sports Drink

Broth may not seem like the most common alternative to a sports drink like Gatorade, but broth provides hydration and nourishment because it contains magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium.

It is particularly useful for individuals who are sick and may be dehydrated.

The products above are known for containing less sugar and more natural ingredients as compared to many sports drinks.

In particular, NOOMA Organic Electrolyte Sports Drink was voted by a dietician on InsideHook as being one of the best products.

This is because the beverage is known for its high-quality ingredients like stevia extract to sweeten without adding extra sugar or chemicals like food coloring or preservatives to the formula.

The post Is G2 Gatorade Being Discontinued? (2022 Updated) appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Sometimes you might receive a call and not recognize the area code.

An area code provides a broad area that telecommunication networks use to connect you to the person you’re trying to contact.

It replaced the use of human operators who would connect you to the right person because there weren’t enough operators to cover the increased number of people making phone calls.

One area code that you might notice on your phone is 818.

You may wonder what area 818 designates.

What Is 818 Area Code?

The 818 area code covers the San Fernando Valley area in Los Angeles County.

It covers a large number of famous cities.

Here are some of the cities that use the 818 area code:

• Los Angeles
• Burbank
• Canoga Park
• Encino
• Glendale
• North Hollywood
• Northridge
• Panorama City
• Reseda
• San Fernando
• Sylmar
• Tarzana
• Van Nuys
• Woodland Hills

As such, if you receive a call using an 818 area code, there’s a chance that it might come from one of those cities.

If you have friends or relatives living in any of these cities, the number could belong to them.

The same goes for expected business calls or job offers.

The San Fernando Valley is home to several million people.

One of the reasons the area is so populous is that it’s a major entertainment and tourism hub.

In regards to entertainment, it’s the area where a lot of major companies have their headquarters or studios.

Companies like Walt Disney, ABC, CBS, Universal, and even Warner Brothers have studios there.

There are also two major airports in the area.

The Bob Hope Airport and the Van Nuys Airport make it easy for tourists to arrive at the heart of entertainment.

Because there are so many businesses in the area, there are also many homes in the area, too.

All those buildings and homes use the 818 area code.

That said, because the area spans such a large population, the telecommunications industry added another area code to help make contacting that particular area a bit easier.

That’s why you’ll find that some phones will have the 818 area code and others will have the 747 area code despite both being in the San Fernando Valley.

If you receive a call from the 818 area, it’s coming from the San Fernando Valley.

Why Might Someone From The 818 Area Code Be Calling You?

If you’re receiving calls from an 818 area code, you may wonder why someone in the San Fernando Valley is calling you.

Here are a few reasons why you might be receiving a call from an 818 number.

1. Entertainment Work

If you applied to work at one of the major entertainment studios in the San Fernando Valley, it might be an exciting thing to see the 818 area code calling you.

This area is home to several movie studios.

There’s a chance that might be calling you because they have an interest in working with you.

For example, if you sent in an audition, they might want to fly you down for another audition.

There are other entertainment-related businesses in the area, too.

Businesses that help movie studios bring their visions to life are there.

There’s no shortage of production, editing, and other services there that help the movie studios.

If you applied to work at any of them, they might be calling you, too.

If you’re trying to start your movie career, receiving a call with the 818 area code could be the beginning of that career.

2. Travel

Another major reason why you might be receiving a call from an 818 area code is due to travel.

Because there are two major airports in the area, if you’re planning to visit the San Fernando Valley, the call could be from one of those two airports.

They might be calling to confirm your plane and ticket information.

They might also be calling because of a problem with your purchase.

For example, if the plane is down for repairs, they might call you to inform you of what’s going to happen instead.

If you lost a bag on your flight, they might be calling you to inform you that they found the bag.

If you recently traveled to the San Fernando Valley or plan to do so, you might receive a call from an airport with an 818 area code.

3. Scams

An unfortunate reason that you might be receiving a call from an 818 number is that someone is attempting to scam you.

There have been some cases of people reporting scam calls that used an 818 number.

Part of the reason they might use an 818 area code is because of just how many people have an 818 area code in their phone numbers.

The fact that it covers such a large population means it’s a bit easier for scammers to hide within the population.

When answering the phone with an 818 area code, it’s a good idea to keep private information to a minimum.

If they ask you for personal details, and especially for credit card information, the best thing you can do is hang up and report the call.

Even if they have your name, it’s best to treat unknown and unexpected calls from 818 with some suspicion.

Otherwise, you might be a victim of identity theft.

What State Uses An 818 Area Code?

The 818 area code is in the state of California.

California has 38 area codes within it.

Due to California’s large size, it sometimes has to split its area codes using the overlay method provided by the Federal Communications Commission.

When the population becomes too large in a geographical area, there’s a risk that there won’t be enough numbers to go around.

As such, the FCC develops a new area code for the area to use.

This is what happened with the 818 area.

Its population skyrocketed.

To ensure everyone had access to a private number, the FCC implemented a new area code, 747, despite the area still existing in the San Fernando Valley.

That said, if you receive a call from someone using the 818 area code, you know they’re calling from California.

What Time Zone Is 818 Area Code In?

Because the 818 area code is in California, which uses the Pacific time zone, the 818 area code also uses the Pacific time zone.

If you use the Eastern time zone, the Pacific time zone is three hours behind you.

For example, if it’s noon where you are, it’s 9 AM in California.

If it’s 6 PM where you are, it’s 3 PM in California.

This is also important to know when you receive a call from an 818 number.

It may seem as though it’s coming at a strange time, but if you live in a place that is three hours ahead of them, that’s likely why.

It may be normal business hours for them, but it’s dinner time for you.

It’s also worth keeping that in mind when you plan on calling an 818 number.

If you call at nine in the morning Eastern time, you’re calling them at six in the morning.

They might not be awake.

It’s worth knowing what time zone an area code uses to ensure you’re calling at the best time.

Conclusion

The 818 area code is within the state of California.

It’s centered in the San Fernando Valley and covers several cities within it.

Because it’s in California, the 818 area code also uses the Pacific time zone.

The post What Is 818 Area Code? (Everything To Know) appeared first on The Cold Wire.

If we were to ask the average person on the street, almost all of them would say that they have a favorite health and beauty brand(s) that they consider to be their go-to.

For many fans, White Rain Hairspray was that favorite, and the news of the hairspray line being discontinued was surely a disappointment.

The overall reasoning behind the discontinuation and what that truly means is a confusing topic that requires further research.

Especially as customers continue to find the product in some retail stores or on third-party websites for purchase, the confusion continues to increase.

Let’s take a look at the events that have caused the White Rain brand to be discontinued.

Why Is White Rain Hairspray Discontinued?

A likely reason for the discontinuation of the hairspray is that the company went through a corporate transition and has since had a new owner.

White Rain was first produced by Gillette in the 1950s under the company High Ridge Brands LLC, with the tagline, “Your lovely hair is the essence of romance, so keep it sunshine bright with White Rain.”

In 2021, High Ridge Brands, LLC sold the White Rain brand to International Wholesale.

International Wholesale then migrated its Health Smart line with the White Rain brand.

In a press statement by Tengram Capital Partners, the company that owns High Ridge Brands LLC and Gillette, they stated, “We are pleased to transition ownership to a high-quality company such as International Wholesale where White Rain is a clear and meaningful strategic fit.”

This may suggest that High Ridge Brands LLC and Tengram Capital Partners determined that the White Rain brand was no longer a strategic fit for their company to continue producing.

High Ridge Brands LLC may have also known that selling was ultimately the best way to allow the brand to hopefully continue to be offered to its lifelong customers despite it no longer fitting into the capabilities of its organization.

At the time of this article, International Wholesale does offer White Rain Hair Spray for retail stores, convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, or any other type of store looking for a dependable wholesale source of White Rain.

There are two options for purchase in bulk:

• Extra Hold Non-Aerosol 7oz
• Max Hold Non-Aerosol 7oz

However, for customers looking to purchase independently for their own use, it is important to note that they cannot purchase directly through International Wholesale.

Instead, customers must go through a retailer that already has the product in stock.

Customers should verify with a local store that they sell the product, as supply and demand change quickly and websites may not be updated.

However, the most common retailers that purchase White Rain Hairspray from International Wholesale include Walmart and Family Dollar.

Online stores like Amazon and eBay also have some for sale, but customers should be cautious and pre-determine if the product is expired or authentic.

Third-party websites like Amazon may state that the product is brand new when, in fact, it is not.

One way to determine the authenticity of the White Rain Hairspray online is by determining what version of the product is being marketed, as International Wholesale no longer produces the aerosol hairspray.

Any third-party websites attempting to sell aerosol hairspray may be lying about the authenticity of the brand, or they may have old, expired hairspray from before High Ridge Brands LLC sold to International Wholesale.

An additional source to search for White Rain products is the official White Rain website.

Customers cannot purchase directly from White Rain’s website, however, the site does give information on retailers that currently sell the brand.

1. Customer Reviews

Like any hair care product, what works for some individuals’ hair will not necessarily work well for another person.

A positive review found online about the product explains that it was “dirt cheap.”

Reviews for White Rain Unscented Extra Hold Hair Spray

 

As almost any individual with hair can attest to, purchasing hair care products can get expensive very quickly.

Therefore, the review that White Rain’s Hairspray is cheap may have been very intriguing to some who were looking to save some extra cash.

However, White Rain also had a lot of negative reviews as well, which may have played a role in its eventual discontinuation.

A common review made by Amazon reviewers is that the spray function often got stuck or stiff, making it difficult to use the product.

Other negative reviews found on Amazon state:

• The product didn’t hold the hairstyle in place nearly as well as other competitive hairspray brands.
• The hairspray leaves a sticky residue and makes hair feel heavy.
• The dry time after spraying it onto hair was longer than other brands.

However, despite some negative reviews, plenty of fans were disappointed over the discontinuation of White Rain’s Hairspray.

One Facebook user stated that she had used the product for more than 40 years and was “in a full-blown panic” over it no longer being available.

It’s also important to note that each individual is likely to have a slightly different experience with the same product.

For example, one Amazon user stated that the original version of the hairspray had no odor, while others compared the smell to bug spray and stated that it was “highly scented.”

2. Affordability Of The White Rain Hairspray

The affordability of White Rain is a controversial topic.

To some, the hairspray may be a bargain price while others may consider it expensive.

The ultimate determination by each customer on what they consider to be expensive is likely a result of comparing the products they have purchased in the past.

For example, it is common or “trendy” for customers to utilize subscription services to obtain their beauty supply products.

These subscription services are convenient, but they come at a higher price.

One example of a popular subscription company is Monat Global, a hair care and beauty subscription service offering hairspray at $40+ a bottle before any subsequent shipping, tax, or other subscription-related fees.

Customers who have become accustomed to the high price tags of these premium brands may believe that brands like White Rain are indeed a great bargain price.

Cost Comparisons At Retail Stores

Let’s compare the varying costs of the brand at a few different retailers that currently offer White Rain Extra Hold Non-Aerosol Hairspray in 7oz bottles at the time of this article.

Walmart sells one bottle for $8.22 when purchased online, before any taxes or shipping costs.

The website does not specify whether the hairspray is in stock at any of their retailers.

Family Dollar also offers the hairspray online, with a minimum purchase of 12 bottles, for a total of $15.00 before taxes or shipping costs.

The website states that the product is in stock and available for pickup at a local Family Dollar location for $1.25 per bottle.

However, it does not allow the user to search for nearby stores that have the product in stock.

Even though the hairspray line is still being produced and distributed by International Wholesale, it continues to be difficult to obtain the product without purchasing online for direct shipping from stores like Walmart and Family Dollar.

It is difficult to find any press releases or verified reasonings behind the apparent minimal distribution of the product.

However, it is likely that heightened inflation related to shipping costs, transportation difficulties, and overall worker shortages experienced throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic from 2020 to 2022 may also play a role.

Hairspray Alternatives To White Rain

If you have been a White Rain fan and are finding it difficult to locate the product at your local retailers, you may have been disappointed with the news that White Rain Hairspray has been discontinued by High Ridge Brands LLC.

As mentioned above, International Wholesale has absorbed White Rain and continues to produce the products, but it continues to be difficult to actually find and obtain the hairspray.

Some alternative options for hairspray brands include:

• Garnier Fructis Style Full Control Anti-Humidity Hairspray
• Nexxus Hairspray
• Tresemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Spray
• L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Normal Strength Hair Spray
• Batiste Stylist Smooth It Frizz Tamer

Alternate Uses For White Rain Hairspray

If you are someone who loves a good “do-it-yourself” or life hack, White Rain Hairspray may have other functions beyond using the product to hold a hairstyle.

This reviewer gave the product five stars, stating that they used it to hold clay items in place before firing them in the kiln.

This suggests that while the product may not be suitable for holding some hairstyles in place effectively, there may be some other creative ways to still get some use out of it rather than throwing it away.

Good Housekeeping put together a list of surprising ways to utilize that extra hairspray we all have sitting around in our cabinets.

Their ideas include:

1. Spritz the hairspray on flowers after they have dried to preserve them and prevent the color from fading.
2. If you’re having difficulty threading a needle, spraying the tip of the thread with hairspray allows it to stiffen and is easier to manipulate through the eye of a needle.
3. Spray a small amount onto a finger and use it to tame any stray eyebrows into place.
4. Preserve your child’s drawings or artwork by spraying it with a fine mist of hairspray. It can also be sprayed on chalk art to prevent the chalk from smudging or fading over time.
5. Prevent pantyhose from running or tearing by spraying a small amount of hairspray on the fabric, avoid over spraying which will make the fabric sticky.
6. Spray on the stamens of fresh flowers to prevent the pollen from falling off and staining furniture.
7. Stop clothing static by spraying a small amount of hairspray into your hands and rubbing it onto the selected clothing item, it will reduce the static without damaging the fabric.

If you have a spare bottle of White Rain hairspray leftover or strategically placed in the back of your cabinet due to non-use, don’t throw it away and, instead, find a creative alternative for it within the home.

The post Why Was White Rain Hairspray Discontinued? (Explained) appeared first on The Cold Wire.

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