By Callum Ashford — 30 June 2026 — 3 min read

Day 1 Highlights and Key Matches

The opening day of Wimbledon 2026 saw significant action across the courts, with several top players competing. Jannik Sinner, the world number one, began his campaign with a five-set victory against Miomir Kecmanović on Centre Court. Fellow world number one Aryna Sabalenka secured a straight-sets win over Teodora Kostović. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic, the seventh seed, advanced after a four-set match against Wu Yibing.

American players also made progress, with fourth seed Jessica Pegula and seventh seed Coco Gauff both achieving straight-set victories. The day concluded with matches on outer courts being suspended due to darkness, set to resume the following day.

Among the men’s seeds who advanced were Felix Auger-Aliassime (3), Daniil Medvedev (8), and Tommy Paul (21). On the women’s side, seeds like Mirra Andreeva (5), Karolína Muchová (10), and Belinda Bencic (11) moved on to the next round. The highest seed to be eliminated was Maja Chwalińska, who retired due to a foot injury.

Swiatek’s Performance and Other Court Action

Reigning Wimbledon women’s singles champion Iga Świątek (3) was in action, taking the first set against Taylor Townsend 6-0. However, she was broken immediately in the second set. Townsend’s strategy involved taking the ball early and applying pressure, holding her first service game and creating early break opportunities against Świątek.

In other matches, Jasmine Paolini (13) secured a notable win against Robin Montgomery with a score of 0-6, 6-4, 7-5. Paolini demonstrated resilience, recovering from losing the first set 6-0 and being a break down in the third to earn match points. She will now face either Shymanovich or Golubic in the second round.

Brandon Nakashima led Jack Pinnington Jones by two sets and a break, with their match suspended and scheduled to resume on Court 18. Jacob Fearnley trailed Michelsen 3-6 in their match. Valentin Royer defeated Henry Wendelken 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, setting up a potential match against Blockx or Zverev.

Looking Ahead to Day 2

Day 2 is anticipated to feature the return of Serena Williams, the 23-time Slam champion, in the singles draw. French Open champion Alexander Zverev (2) is also scheduled to play. The defending women’s singles champion, Iga Świątek, will continue her campaign.

Novak Djokovic spoke about his first-round match, describing it as challenging and praising Wu Yibing‘s performance. He noted the increased physicality for a first-round encounter. Djokovic, at 39, extended his first-round Slam winning streak to 78 consecutive matches, with his last first-round loss at a Slam occurring at the 2006 Australian Open.

During his match, Djokovic faced a potential suspension due to the 11 p.m. curfew, but he managed to secure the win in four sets. The match between Jesper de Jong and Rinky Hijikata was also suspended and will resume on Court 10.

Taylor Fritz was leading Lajovic 6-3, 6-4, 3-2, nearing a spot in the second round. Hanfman defeated Mpetshi Perricard 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, 6-3. Keys advanced to face Katie Swan next after a close match against Day.

The tournament continues with more matches, including Alexander Zverev (2) and Iga Świątek (3) both scheduled to be in action.

Source: theguardian.com

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By Oliver Harrington — 30 June 2026 — 3 min read

Julian Nagelsmann has stated he will not resign from his position as Germany head coach following the team’s elimination from the World Cup at the last 32 stage. The defeat came at the hands of Paraguay after a penalty shootout in Boston.

Nagelsmann expressed his intention to continue, saying, “I am not someone who runs away.” He acknowledged that some aspects of the team’s performance needed to change but affirmed his commitment if the German Football Association (DFB) wished for him to remain. He noted the mechanics of football and the industry, anticipating that many would want him to leave.

World Cup exit details

Germany’s campaign ended after a 1-1 draw with Paraguay through both normal and extra-time. Paraguay initially took the lead with a header from Julio Enciso before half-time. Germany equalised in the 54th minute when Florian Wirtz provided a flighted delivery that Kai Havertz converted with a header.

During extra-time, a goal by Jonathan Tah from a Germany corner was disallowed after a VAR review, leading to a penalty shootout. Paraguay ultimately secured a 4-3 victory in the shootout, advancing to the last 16. This marks the third successive World Cup in which Germany has failed to progress beyond the last 16.

Nagelsmann reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “We haven’t really done much in this tournament to make people celebrate.” He described the exit as “very bitter” and “very hurtful,” particularly given the opponent. He also mentioned that his German FA bosses had spoken to him gently and comforted him, but had not discussed a contract extension immediately after the defeat.

The German manager has overseen two tournaments in three years, with a combined total of one knockout round victory, which was against Denmark at their home Euros. He acknowledged that public opinion in Germany might not be positive about him at this time.

Paraguay’s progression

For Paraguay, the victory was a significant achievement. Their president declared the day a national holiday. Paraguayan journalists celebrated the winning penalty, and head coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his “26 warriors,” speaking at length about the growth of the sporting nation and the importance of football as a source of happiness and collectivism.

Paraguay will now proceed to face either France or Sweden in the last 16. This upcoming match is scheduled for 4 July, Independence Day, in Philadelphia.

The defeat for Germany saw a continuation of a challenging period for the national team in World Cups. Since their victory in the 2014 final, Germany has been eliminated by teams including Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Ecuador, and now Paraguay, either in regular time or via penalties. This series of results has challenged the traditional perception of Germany’s performance in major tournaments.

The team had previously faced Ecuador in their final group game, suffering a defeat before heading to Boston to play Paraguay, who had finished third in Group D behind the US and Australia. The match against Paraguay was described as difficult, with Paraguay employing an “ultra-defensive” strategy.

Nagelsmann’s decision-making during the tournament has been questioned, including his faith in certain players and the benching of others. The German squad also faced challenges with injuries to Lennart Karl and Serge Gnabry before the tournament began. The manager’s assessment is that the team did not give enough during the match against Paraguay, and not scoring many goals was ultimately insufficient.

Source: theguardian.com

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By Callum Ashford — 30 June 2026 — 4 min read

Major Car Overhaul Planned

Adrian Newey, the team principal for Aston Martin, has confirmed that the team plans to introduce its first major performance upgrade of the season at the Hungarian Grand Prix. This event is scheduled to take place from 24-26 July, occurring before the sport’s summer break. The upgrade aims to address the team’s challenging start to the season, which has seen them consistently at the back of the field.

The decision to delay performance improvements until a single, meaningful step could be introduced was a cost-effective approach, according to Newey. The planned changes are set to focus on substantial weight reduction and significant aerodynamic revisions. While the core structure of the car will remain similar, the upgrade includes a new nose and extensively revised aerodynamic surfaces. The rear suspension will also see slight revisions, though the front suspension is expected to remain unchanged. The primary goal is to bring the car very close to the weight limit.

Newey noted that the team’s current car is considerably overweight on the chassis side. This issue stems partly from integrating the power unit and managing vibration problems with Honda, their new engine partner. He also acknowledged that the team did not perform as well as they should have in saving weight during the design phase. Newey explained that designing under pressure often leads to weight being the first compromise, as there isn’t sufficient time to optimise every component thoroughly.

Aerodynamically, the team took a bold direction, largely influenced by Newey himself, without the luxury of exploring multiple concepts in depth due to time constraints. While he does not believe the chosen direction is fundamentally incorrect, it has presented unexpected challenges. This upcoming upgrade will be the first major development tested with Aston Martin’s new tools and procedures, and with Newey at the helm.

Organisational Changes and Health Challenges

The difficult start to the season, characterised by a car lacking performance and being overweight, was attributed by Newey to a combination of factors. These include a late design process following his arrival in March of the previous year, and the discovery that the team’s organisational processes were not fit for purpose. Newey stated that this challenging period has been utilised as an opportunity to overhaul their working methods. He highlighted that the team was relying on outdated tools and processes, some of which dated back to the early days of the Jordan team.

Newey clarified his role as team principal, a title he adopted in November of the previous year. He explained that while it is a formal requirement under FIA regulations, for Aston Martin, it signifies that he is ultimately responsible for key strategic decisions. He also revealed that he has been dealing with a period of illness, stating, “I’m OK now, but it’s been a difficult period.” He added that he was not at 100% last year and had to balance his health and work more carefully, commending the team for their support and adaptability during this time.

The team’s efforts to improve their internal capabilities are ongoing, with more components now being produced in-house. This shift is expected to provide better cost control, increased flexibility, and greater control over their manufacturing processes. Newey believes this approach will lead to better quality control, improved responsiveness, and a tighter feedback loop from research to design and manufacture.

Impact on Driver Fernando Alonso’s Future

The success of the chassis upgrade could be a crucial factor in lead driver Fernando Alonso’s decision regarding his future with the team. Alonso, who will be 45 in July, is out of contract at the end of the current season. While he has expressed commitment to Aston Martin, he has not yet decided whether to continue in Formula 1 or pursue other racing opportunities.

Newey emphasised the upgrade’s importance to Alonso, stating that the driver is eagerly anticipating it. He hopes that if the upgrade performs well, Alonso will remain in the cockpit for another season. Newey praised Alonso’s experience, his feel for the car, and his ability to guide development, calling him a tremendous asset. However, he noted that Alonso requires clear and tangible progress from the team.

Despite the high expectations, Newey was reluctant to provide specific performance estimates for the upgrade. He explained that the team’s simulation tools are not yet as sophisticated or well-correlated as needed. He acknowledged that historically, there hasn’t been sufficient investment in engineering simulation tools at the team, but efforts are now being made to rectify this. While improvements are being seen, the full benefits of this investment are expected to materialise later in the year. The Hungarian Grand Prix will host the introduction of this significant upgrade.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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By Oliver Harrington — 30 June 2026 — 3 min read

Following Morocco’s victory over the Netherlands in a World Cup last-32 tie, celebrations erupted in parts of the Netherlands, though some areas experienced unrest. The match, which concluded with a penalty shootout, saw the Atlas Lions advance, leading to diverse reactions across Dutch cities.

In Amsterdam, the Moroccan community celebrated joyously in the early morning hours after their team eliminated the Dutch. The atmosphere in the west end of the capital, an area with a significant Moroccan population, remained peaceful. Car horns sounded through the streets as fans waved flags, and Dutch fans were observed congratulating their opponents, pledging support for Morocco for the remainder of the tournament.

However, in The Hague, the situation escalated, with reports from the Dutch public broadcaster NOS indicating that police were targeted with bottles and fireworks. Regional news station Omroep West stated that at least 10 individuals, believed to be Morocco fans, were arrested in The Hague following attacks on police. Additionally, the newspaper Algemeen Dagblad reported that four Morocco fans were arrested in Rotterdam, though the reasons for these arrests were not specified.

Match details and player performances

The match itself was a closely contested affair, finishing 1-1 after 90 minutes, with no further goals in extra time. Nathan Ake started for the Dutch side in Monterrey, Mexico. Morocco, who were semi-finalists in the previous World Cup, posed a significant threat throughout the game. Achraf Hakimi, earning his 100th cap, struck the crossbar, and Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made several saves to keep the score level.

The Netherlands took the lead with 18 minutes remaining when Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo scored. However, Issa Diop’s header in injury time brought the African side level. Jorrel Hato made his World Cup debut for the Netherlands, coming on as a substitute with four minutes of normal time left. Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders remained on the bench despite the game going to a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, the Dutch missed three of their spot-kicks. Ismail Saibari converted the decisive penalty, securing a 3-2 win for Morocco and sending them to the last-16, where they are scheduled to face Canada. Brazil and Paraguay also advanced to the next round after defeating Japan and Germany, respectively.

Community and political discussions

The match brought to the forefront discussions about identity and loyalty within the Netherlands, home to approximately 440,000 people of Moroccan descent. While many interactions were described as good-natured, with former manager Ron Jans discussing the dilemma with pundit Ibrahim Afellay on Dutch national television, online discourse was more contentious.

Far-right politician Geert Wilders, known for his criticism of the Moroccan community in the Netherlands, used social media to congratulate Morocco on their triumph. The debate on social cohesion is expected to continue, but the camaraderie observed among fans in Amsterdam highlighted a more pleasant reality compared to online interactions. Three members of Morocco’s squad, Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, and Anass Salah-Eddine, were born in the Netherlands but chose to represent Morocco.

Other World Cup knockout games are scheduled, with Manchester City players Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki set to play their first knockout matches on Tuesday. Norway will play Ivory Coast in Dallas at 18:00 (UK), followed by France taking on Sweden in New Jersey at 22:00 (UK).

Source: theguardian.com

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By Oliver Harrington — 30 June 2026 — 4 min read

Williams returns to singles play

Serena Williams is set to make her return to singles tennis at Wimbledon, facing Maya Joint in the first round. This marks her first singles match since the US Open in 2022. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion had previously indicated she was “evolving away” from the sport in 2022, but later clarified that she was not retired and that the chances of a return were high.

Her comeback follows her re-entry into the anti-doping testing pool, a commitment that suggested her intention to play professionally again. The grass-court season was seen as a suitable period for her return due to her comfort on the surface and its potentially lower physical demands compared to clay courts.

Prior to her singles return, Williams participated in doubles events. She impressed in her opening doubles match at Queen’s Club alongside Victoria Mboko. However, Mboko’s injury meant Williams only played one match there. Her subsequent appearance in Berlin saw her suffer a first-round loss with Karolina Muchova.

Expert reactions and expectations

Monica Puig, an Olympic gold medallist, expressed surprise at Williams’ decision to accept a singles wild card for Wimbledon, especially given earlier statements about easing back into singles play. Puig noted that Williams’ return is beneficial for tennis and Wimbledon, highlighting Williams’ champion mindset and competitive nature. She suggested that Williams would not take a wild card unless she felt physically fit, especially considering the tricky nature of grass courts.

Puig also commented on Williams’ serve, which reached an impressive 120mph at Queen’s, stating that it would be a crucial asset at Wimbledon. She believes Williams will aim to secure many free points and keep rallies short, leveraging her confidence at the net and her intimidating presence.

Former world No. 1 Lindsay Davenport observed that Williams appears to be in excellent physical condition, possibly better than when she last competed. Davenport acknowledged that grass is a challenging surface to start on due to its speed and physical demands. While Williams has stated she has nothing left to prove, Davenport remains sceptical, suggesting that Williams’ inherent drive to be the best means results are still important to her. Davenport believes Williams is returning because she feels capable of making an immediate impact in women’s tennis, though she cautioned against expecting immediate tournament wins.

Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli expressed concerns about the physical challenges of returning at Williams’ age, particularly after two pregnancies. However, Bartoli noted that playing in front of her children seemed to give Williams strength, as evidenced by her performance in her first doubles match at Queen’s.

Long-term ambitions and financial standing

Tennis expert Mats Wilander believes that Williams’ comeback is not a short-term endeavour. He anticipates her participation in the US Open later this year and suggests that she may be targeting the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Wilander highlighted Williams’ strong serve as a significant advantage on grass courts, potentially the best in the history of women’s tennis. However, he raised concerns about her movement in longer rallies, especially against opponents who can consistently return her serve and extend points.

Williams’ financial success remains notable. By the time she initially stepped away from tennis, her estimated pre-tax income from her professional career, which began in 1995, had reached nearly $450 million. This figure positioned her significantly ahead of other female athletes. Her off-court business ventures have also been thriving, with estimated earnings of $50 million before taxes and agent fees in the last 12 months. This pushes her lifetime earnings to approximately $620 million, and her net worth is estimated at $400 million, making her the world’s richest woman to have primarily earned her fortune as an athlete.

During her time away from the sport, Williams gave birth to her second child in 2023 and remained active with her business interests. She maintains ten long-term sponsorships and has expanded into speaking engagements, publishing children’s books, and establishing Nine Two Six Productions. Her investment firm, Serena Ventures, has funded numerous startups, including 16 unicorns by 2022, and she holds stakes in sports teams such as the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, Angel City FC in the National Women’s Soccer League, and the Toronto Tempo in the WNBA. Williams is currently unranked in singles after her hiatus.

Source: skysports.com

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By Oliver Harrington — 30 June 2026 — 4 min read

Morocco secure dramatic shootout win

Morocco have advanced to the World Cup last 16 after defeating the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout. The match, held in Monterrey, Mexico, ended 1-1 after extra time, with Morocco ultimately triumphing 3-2 on penalties. This victory sets up a last-16 clash for Morocco with Canada.

The decisive moment in the shootout came when Ismael Saibari scored the winning penalty. This followed a save by Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, who repelled Crysencio Summerville’s fifth penalty for the Netherlands. Both teams experienced missed opportunities and saves during the tense shootout.

The match itself saw the Netherlands take the lead in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo. His goal came after a superb break initiated by Summerville. The moment was highly emotional for Gakpo, who was seen wiping away tears and pointing to the sky, comforted by teammate Denzel Dumfries. This emotional reaction followed the announcement that Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, had tragically lost their unborn son.

Despite Gakpo’s goal, Morocco found an equaliser in the 90th minute. Substitute Chemsdine Talbi delivered a cross that Issa Diop headed in at the back post, sending the tie into extra time. Diop’s dramatic equaliser ensured Morocco received what they merited from their performance.

Tactical decisions and key moments

The Netherlands’ head coach, Ronald Koeman, faced scrutiny for his tactical approach in the match. Koeman opted to jettison the standard 4-3-3 formation and midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, instead deploying a five-man back line. This defensive setup, intended to keep things tight, resulted in a cautious display where the Netherlands surrendered significant possession, allowing Morocco to dominate with 70% of the ball.

Koeman’s side had shown strong attacking form in the group stages, scoring seven times against Sweden and Japan, and adding three more against Tunisia. However, the switch in tactics against Morocco led to a scratchy performance, with the Netherlands not posing a threat until shortly before half-time when Micky van de Ven’s shot was tipped over by Bounou.

Morocco maintained control for much of the second half. A key moment occurred during a FIFA hydration break, which allowed the Netherlands to introduce Wout Weghorst for Brian Brobbey. Shortly after, Weghorst flicked on a clearance from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, leading to Summerville setting up Gakpo for his goal.

In extra time, Verbruggen made a crucial save, denying Soufiane Rahimi from point-blank range in what was described as the save of the tournament. However, Verbruggen could not replicate these heroics in the shootout. During the penalties, Verbruggen appeared to save Rahimi’s penalty, only for the ball to squirm in off his trailing heel, a moment Koeman later highlighted as a sliding-doors instance. Quinten Timber also dragged his penalty wide, and Achraf Hakimi hit the post, contributing to the Netherlands’ three missed penalties.

Aftermath and future prospects

The defeat means the Netherlands failed to reach the last 16 of a World Cup for the first time since 2006, leading to questions about Koeman’s future. When asked about his position, Koeman stated that it was not the right moment to discuss it, but that he had thoughts on the matter.

Morocco’s defender, Noussair Mazraoui, acknowledged the difficulty of the match against a strong opponent, describing the Netherlands as a top-10 team and a potential World Cup contender. He viewed their victory as a significant acknowledgment for the national team. Morocco will now prepare for their last-16 match against co-hosts Canada on Saturday.

The match was described as a spiky and tetchy affair from the outset, with deep-set ties between the countries adding to the tension. Jan Paul van Hecke was involved in several challenges, sustaining a bleeding head during the opening period. Local supporters in the stands also contributed to the atmosphere, reminding the Netherlands of a past event from 12 years ago to the day, when they beat Mexico in the last 16 with a late penalty.

Morocco’s victory marks a bleak day for European football powers, opening the door for African teams to progress further in the tournament. The team will now look ahead to their next challenge against Canada in the last 16.

Source: theguardian.com

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By Callum Ashford — 29 June 2026 — 3 min read

Stokes’ impact on English cricket

Ben Stokes, a prominent figure in English cricket, has announced his retirement from international cricket. His career has been marked by significant moments, including his contributions to England‘s 50-over World Cup triumph in 2019 and the T20 World Cup title in 2022. These achievements place him alongside other celebrated sports figures who have engineered World Cup victories for England.

Stokes‘ influence extended beyond statistics, though his final Test tallies of 7,273 runs and 252 wickets position him in a statistical bracket with cricketing legends. He is often described as a cricketer of defining moments, with notable performances in Perth in 2013, Cape Town in 2016, and during the 2019 summer at Lord’s and Headingley. His leadership also saw England achieve significant wins in Rawalpindi and Hyderabad.

His career included overcoming challenges, such as being hit for four consecutive sixes in a T20 World Cup final and an incident in Bristol. Despite these hurdles, he became a significant figure in modern British sport. Stokes leaves two primary legacies: his role as a superhero all-rounder, continuing a tradition of influential players, and his captaincy.

As captain, Stokes was not initially tipped for leadership but proved to be an effective man-manager and tactician. He led England to 24 wins in 44 matches, a higher win rate than any captain since Mike Brearley. His tenure as captain, alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, revitalized English cricket, which had previously experienced a period of struggle with only one win in 17 Tests.

The approach under Stokes and McCullum, often referred to as ‘Bazball’, aimed to challenge traditional perceptions of Test cricket, leading to exhilarating play and, for a time, sensational results. However, his captaincy did not culminate in an Ashes series victory, with the 2023 series and a subsequent tour proving challenging. The aftermath of that tour contributed to the decision regarding his departure.

The decision and its implications

Stokes‘ decision to retire was finalized on a Saturday, leaving England facing a future they had hoped to postpone. Both McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key were aware of how close Stokes was to ending his international career.

The retirement comes after a series defeat by New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Stokes had reportedly considered ending his career before a specific incident in a London nightclub, with feelings of retirement emerging during the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. He has dismissed suggestions that his retirement might be temporary, stating he expects to be in a hospitality box rather than playing if another opportunity against Australia arose.

His departure creates immediate questions for the England team, particularly regarding the captaincy and the balance of the playing XI. Stokes has expressed his full support for Harry Brook as his successor, noting that Brook was made vice-captain for a reason. However, Joe Root was chosen to captain the second Test against New Zealand during an investigation involving Stokes.

Brook has been vice-captain since the end of last summer. Rob Key had previously indicated it was not the right time for Brook to take on the captaincy, even on an interim basis. McCullum has stated that there are many options for captaincy beyond Brook, with conversations expected to begin soon. Other potential candidates include a return to captaincy for Joe Root, though his previous tactical decisions have been questioned, and the added workload might not be desirable for him.

Younger players like Jacob Bethell, who has led England in T20s, and Ben Duckett, who has captained in the County Championship and The Hundred, are also mentioned. Ollie Robinson, who captains his county, Sussex, is another name in consideration. The departure of Stokes also follows a period where other world-class players, including James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, and Moeen Ali, have retired.

Stokes has committed to continuing to play for Durham, including in the One-Day Cup, and has communicated with coach Ryan Campbell about his availability. He will take a holiday.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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By Callum Ashford — 29 June 2026 — 3 min read

Anticipation for knockout stage return

Germany is set to compete in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 12 years, facing Paraguay in the round of 32. The match is scheduled to take place at Boston Stadium. This marks a significant moment for the German national team, as their previous appearances in the knockout rounds concluded with them lifting the title in 2014, followed by a period where they did not advance past the group stage.

Despite finishing Group E as winners, Julian Nagelsmann’s side experienced a surprising defeat in their final group match against Ecuador in New York. Their group stage results included a 7-1 victory against Curaçao, a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, and a 0-1 loss to Ecuador.

Paraguay, on the other hand, secured their spot in the knockout phase by finishing third in Group D. Their path to the last 32 included a 1-4 loss to the USA, a 1-0 win against Turkey, and a 0-0 draw with Australia. They will aim to deliver a significant upset against the four-time champions.

Team news and historical context

For Germany, defender Nico Schlotterbeck is unavailable due to an ankle injury sustained against Ivory Coast, which may rule him out for the remainder of the tournament. Nathaniel Brown, who missed the Ecuador game with a muscle issue, could potentially return to the squad.

Paraguay will be without Diego Gomez due to suspension. However, Miguel Almiron returns to the side after serving his ban. Assessments are ongoing for Omar Alderete and Ramon Sosa, who are dealing with knee and muscle injuries, respectively. The predicted lineup for Paraguay includes Gill; Caceres, Alderete, Velazquez, Alonso; Almiron, Galarza, Cubas, Mauricio; Avalos, Enciso.

Historically, Paraguay has posed challenges for strong teams in the World Cup knockout stages. In 1998, they required a Golden Goal from France to be eliminated. In 2002, Germany secured a late winner against them. In 2010, after defeating Japan on penalties, Paraguay gave eventual winners Spain a considerable scare, losing 1-0 after Oscar Cardozo had a penalty saved when the score was level. Even in 1986, despite a significant loss to England, Paraguay created opportunities to take the lead.

The match also marks a return to the knockout stage for Paraguay after a lengthy absence, though not as prolonged as Germany’s. They were quarter-finalists in 2010. The last time Germany played a World Cup knockout game was 4369 days ago, when Mario Gotze scored the winning goal against Argentina in the 2014 final.

Key players and future fixtures

Deniz Undav, who has scored three goals in the current World Cup, is expected to start upfront for Germany. For Paraguay, the return of Miguel Almiron after his suspension is a boost. Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal, a notable substitute, recently scored an injury-time winner for Brazil against Japan in another match, highlighting the impact key players can have in crucial moments.

The winners of the Germany versus Paraguay match will advance to the last 16, where they are scheduled to face either France or Sweden. This subsequent fixture will take place in Philadelphia on Saturday 4 July. The match between Germany and Paraguay is scheduled for Monday 29 June at 9.30pm BST.

Source: theguardian.com

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By Callum Ashford — 29 June 2026 — 4 min read

New Zealand seals series victory

New Zealand secured a 2-1 series victory over England with a 160-run win at Trent Bridge. This match marked the final appearance for Ben Stokes as an England cricketer. The hosts’ defeat was their seventh in their last nine Test matches and their first home series defeat in a three-Test series or more since 2012.

The final day at Trent Bridge saw England struggle to mount a significant challenge. Despite a half-century from Jamie Smith, who scored 60 off 90 balls, the team ultimately fell short. The match concluded an anti-climactic series for England, particularly given it was Stokes‘ farewell game.

Stokes‘ career has been characterized by remarkable performances with both bat and ball, including his unbeaten 135 in the 2019 Ashes Test at Headingley. However, his retirement announcement on the fourth afternoon preceded a chaotic period for England, as several top-order batters lost their wickets, leaving the team in a difficult position at 103-4, chasing 373, at the start of day five.

England’s final day resistance

On the final day, Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson formed a 75-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Atkinson contributed 19 runs and faced 70 balls, while Smith continued to score, including a straight six off Mitchell Santner. This partnership provided some resistance against New Zealand‘s bowling attack, which was described as inexperienced and ailing, with Will O’Rourke pulling up with a hamstring injury during the morning session.

However, before this partnership, England had lost several key wickets on the previous evening, including Stokes (30 off 20), Jacob Bethell (0), Harry Brook (21 off 9), and Ben Duckett (36 off 42). On the fifth day, Emilio Gay (10) was dismissed in the fourth over, followed by Joe Root (18) being run out four balls later. Nathan Smith (2-64), who was the series’ leading wicket-taker with 16, claimed Gay‘s wicket.

Root‘s dismissal was one of two run-outs on the final day, highlighting New Zealand‘s strong fielding throughout the series. Henry Nicholls executed a direct hit despite seemingly losing his footing, sending Root back to the pavilion. Santner (2-54) eventually dismissed Atkinson leg before wicket just before the lunch interval. After lunch, Jofra Archer edged Smith behind, and Josh Tongue (2) was run out by Santner. Smith reached his 87-ball fifty with three consecutive boundaries before being caught out off Santner, bringing the match and series to its conclusion.

Stokes’ retirement and future fixtures

Ben Stokes explained his decision to retire, stating that he did not take the decision lightly and had consulted with trusted individuals. He mentioned that he tried to prepare himself to continue beyond this series but found he could not. Stokes informed his close contacts the night before and the team on the morning of his announcement. He acknowledged the controversy surrounding his final game but expressed enjoyment for every moment on the field and looks forward to reflecting on his career with fond memories.

England head coach Brendon McCullum commented on Stokes‘ impact as a leader throughout his career and since becoming captain. McCullum stated that he tried to persuade Stokes not to retire when the decision was confirmed, but it became clear that Stokes was at peace with his choice. McCullum expressed sadness but also privilege for having worked closely with Stokes over the past four years, considering him a good friend.

Following the Test series, England‘s men’s team is scheduled to play their first T20 international against India at Chester-le-Street, with a start time of 17:30 BST. The Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final between Australia and West Indies will take place tomorrow at The Oval at 14:30 BST. England‘s women’s team will play their semi-final against South Africa at the same venue on Thursday at 18:30.

The series results were: England won the First Test at Lord’s by 115 runs, New Zealand won the Second Test at The Kia Oval by 253 runs, and New Zealand won the Third Test at Trent Bridge by 160 runs.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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By Callum Ashford — 29 June 2026 — 3 min read

First Half Action

The World Cup 2026 last 32 match between Brazil and Japan saw an early yellow card for Japan‘s Sano, who was cautioned for a foul on Vinicius Jr. Despite this early setback, Japan managed to open the scoring.

Sano netted his first international goal for Japan, breaking through Brazil‘s midfield and drilling a right-foot shot into the far corner. This goal put Japan ahead, surprising many given Brazil‘s perceived dominance.

Brazil, stung by the goal, intensified their play. Vinicius Jr, a key player for Brazil, attempted to create opportunities, drifting inside from his markers and taking a shot from the D, which was saved. Mateus Cunha also had a half-chance, curling a shot from the edge of the box that resulted in a corner.

Early in the match, Brazil had a free kick on the left, but Suzuki, the goalkeeper, was able to reclaim the ball after an initial fumble. Bruno Guimaraes also had a shot that hit Lucas Paqueta, an instance of what was described as “friendly fire.”

Despite Brazil having 74 per cent of the ball and four of the five shots, only one was on target in the early stages. Japan‘s defensive efforts were notable, with Ritsu Doan, typically a forward, contributing significantly as a second right-back.

Casemiro experienced a difficult moment when Maeda dispossessed him, though the threat was ultimately contained. Lucas Paqueta and Matheus Cunha were also seen to have a disagreement on the pitch regarding their runs.

Team Dynamics and Player Performances

Japan‘s approach to the game has been characterised by pace and intensity on the counter-attack, which some reports suggest could unsettle Brazil. Japan has demonstrated strong form, having lost only two of their last 28 international matches.

Players like Ayase Ueda have been in good form, scoring the winning goal against Brazil in October 2025 and contributing two goals and an assist in Japan‘s matchday-two win over Tunisia. Keito Nakamura, a wing-back, scored against the Netherlands on matchday one and has had five shots in three World Cup starts.

For Brazil, Vinicius Jr has been a significant attacking threat, scoring four goals from eight shots on target in Group C matches against Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. Bruno Guimaraes has also been instrumental, setting up three of Brazil‘s seven goals in the group stage and registering seven assists for Newcastle in 2025-26.

Danilo, Brazil‘s right-back, has been noted for committing fouls, with five in three Group C matches. Ritsu Doan of Japan has also been prone to receiving cards, accumulating eight yellow cards for club and country in 2025-26, including bookings against Brazil and Scotland.

The match is taking place in the last 32 stage of the World Cup 2026. The atmosphere surrounding the game has been described as a community event, with fans from various parts of the world tuning in. Some observers noted that Japan could provide a sterner test for Brazil than Scotland did in a previous encounter.

The match continues to unfold with both teams displaying moments of urgency and defensive resilience. Brazil‘s manager, Ancelotti, appeared mildly perturbed at one point, while Moriyasu, Japan‘s manager, might have been the happier of the two in the initial stages of the game.

The game is being closely watched, with some fans hoping for a Japan win, citing their ability to perform. The historical context of past encounters between Brazil and Japan, including a 4-1 victory for Brazil in Germany 20 years ago, adds another layer to the current match.

The match is part of the broader World Cup 2026 tournament, which has seen various teams compete for advancement. The outcome of this particular match will determine which team progresses to the next stage of the competition.

Outside of this specific match, Manchester City has confirmed Enzo Maresca as their new manager.

Source: theguardian.com

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