Confident Japan punish Italy in 27-10 win in Tokyo
TOKYO, July 4 : Japan secured an emphatic win against Italy in front of a sold-out crowd in Tokyo on Saturday evening to kick off their Nations Championship challenge.
Japan Sport News
Klopp poised to replace Nagelsmann as Germany coach: Reports
BERLIN: Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly set to be sacked as Germany coach, tabloid Bild reported on Thursday (Jul 2), with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp the favourite to take over in the dugout. Nagelsmann, 38, has been under fire since Germany's last-32 exit from the World Cup after a shock loss to Paraguay earlier this week. Showing pictures of Nagelsmann at Germany's footbal association (DFB) headquarters in Frankfurt, Bild reported on Thursday that the coach had been offered a severance package of €7 million (US$8 million) to leave the position in a three-hour meeting.Last renewed in January 2025, Nagelsmann's contract is set to run until 2028. Figures on his annual salary have not been made public, although German media reports he earns roughly €7 million per year. Germany's loss on penalties to Paraguay marked the third straight early World Cup exit for the four-time champions, after group stage eliminations in Russia and Qatar. Monday's defeat was Germany's first knockout match since winning the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
Djokovic reaches another milestone, Sinner warming to the task
LONDON, July 3 : Ageless Novak Djokovic reached yet more milestones at a sun-drenched All England Club as he advanced to the Wimbledon fourth round with his 105th victory on the lawns on Friday, while top seed Jannik Sinner is slowly warming to the task of defending his title.
Raphinha returns to give Brazil selection dilemma before Norway clash
NEW JERSEY: Brazil’s Raphinha returned to training on Friday to give coach Carlo Ancelotti a welcome boost before their World Cup last-16 clash with Norway, but the Barcelona forward may find his place on the right wing is no longer guaranteed. Brazil held their penultimate session before Sunday’s knockout match in New Jersey, with Raphinha rejoining the squad after two weeks recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained in the first half of the group-stage victory over Haiti. During the 15 minutes open to the media, Raphinha warmed up normally and took part in a passing drill with his teammates, suggesting he is likely to be available for the Norway match. His return leaves Ancelotti with a decision to make after 19-year-old Rayan seized his chance in Raphinha’s absence. Rayan came on when Raphinha was forced off and has emerged as one of the most eye-catching players in Brazil’s team, with energy, stamina and aggressive pressing from the right wing. That work rate has had a direct impact on Brazil’s campaign, helping create two goals — one against Scotland and another in the last-gasp comeback win over Japan that secured their place in the last 16. As well as the return of Neymar, who is also available, Raphinha’s recovery gives Brazil a more experienced attacking option for the knockout stage, but Rayan’s performances have ensured Ancelotti faces a selection dilemma.
Ange Postecoglou links up with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr
PARIS: Former Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou has joined Al-Nassr on a two-year deal, linking up with star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, the Saudi League champions announced on Friday.
From qualifying to centre stage as Safiullin and Mochizuki earn shot at Wimbledon giants
LONDON, July 3 : Even as Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner continued to command the Wimbledon spotlight, an unlikely challenge emerged from the qualifying ranks when Roman Safiullin and Shintaro Mochizuki surged into the second week of the Championships.
Canadian men's rugby team hopes to capitalize on soccer fever as its World Cup prep begins
As the World Rugby Nations Cup kicks off in Edmonton, the Canadian team can take a page from its soccer counterpart in generating buzz, says one of the team's veterans.