Ann-Katrin Berger clinched the Olympic bronze medal for Germany with a last-gasp penalty save as Die Nationelf edged out Spain by a 1-0 scoreline on Friday.
Giulia Gwinn gave Germany the lead from the penalty spot but Alexia Putellas had a chance to send the game to extra time at the death, only to be denied by Berger.
In a very even first half, Spain failed to register a shot on target, though they had the better chances as they twice struck Berger's crossbar. Teresa Abelleira curled a free-kick against the woodwork before Aitana Bonmati rifled a powerful long-range effort off it just before the break.
Germany's attempts to play on the counterattack eventually paid off, with Cata Coll giving away a penalty when she rushed off her line, only to crash into Gwinn.
The winger stepped up to take the spot-kick that she won, sliding it into the bottom-right corner and sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Berger later pushed away Jenni Hermoso's tame close-range header, but Spain would get one last chance when Janina Minge tripped Lucia Garcia in the box with mere seconds remaining.
Putellas' penalty was at a comfortable height for Berger, who dived the right way and got two strong hands on the shot to ensure her team got the prize.
Data Debrief: Gwinn's winning touch
Gwinn was the biggest attacking threat for Germany in the bronze-medal match, having the most shots (two) and more touches in the box (five) than any of her team-mates.
It is the fourth Olympic bronze that Germany have won, and their first since a run of three straight between 2000 and 2008.
Meanwhile, Spain's torrid run against Germany goes on - they have never beaten Die Nationelf in their history, and their wait for a first women's football medal at the Olympic Games will continue for at least another four years.
Pep Guardiola said he will "have to decide" on his next managerial venture after Wayne Rooney suggested the Spaniard should be the next man in charge of England.
It was announced on Friday that Lee Carsley had been appointed as the interim coach of the Three Lions ahead of their Nations League fixtures next month.
Carsley, who has been England Under-21 manager since 2021, led his side to victory in the European Championships last year following their triumph over Spain.
Guardiola was one of several names listed to succeed Gareth Southgate, with the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe all linked with the position.
The Spaniard was asked about former England captain Wayne Rooney's comments, proposing he should be the next permanent manager.
“I have to decide what I want to do with my life,” said Guardiola. "Do I want to carry on here, take a break or manage a national team?
"I’m looking forward to all coming back together and seeing how we behave every day.”
“There are a lot of options. I’m fully excited for this season because I see things I like. It’s a new challenge and we can break our own record."
Manchester City face Manchester United in this weekend's Community Shield, with Guardiola out to claim his third success and add another trophy to his growing collection.
City lost to Arsenal in last year's final at Wembley, and Guardiola stressed the importance of the fixture ahead of their Premier League opener against Chelsea.
“It’s important, it’s a final against United. But part of that is to try refine ourselves step by step,” Guardiola said.
“Our break for most of the players and the young players, how they behave on a bigger stage, [this is] a good game. We will go for it.”
Jamaica’s Ryan Lue posted the lowest score of all the golfers on the Caymanas Golf Course during Wednesday’s first round of the 36th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship (CAJGC).
He carded an impressive five under par 67 which included six birdies and one bogey. The birdies were on holes six, nine, 10, 14, 15 and 17 while the bogey was on hole number two.
Lue was happy with his day one score which he said was the result of patience.
“Patience and preparation. I have been preparing and I just stayed patient today so I produced a pretty good score. I just played my game. I didn’t rush anything. Didn’t try to force birdies or make stupid mistakes on the course. I just kept it going. Took my birdies when they came, made a lot of pars and just happy with my result,” he said.
His nearest rival was Evan Pena of Puerto Rico who was three shots back having score two under par 70. They were the only ones to post under par scores in the found.
The other Jamaicans in the under 18 age group were Aman Dhiman with an even par 72 in third place, followed closely by Trey Williams who was tied for fourth place on one over par 73, as well as Noah Azan 82 in 14th position and Jerone Thomas 86 in 21st place.
Shasa Redlefsen topped the leaderboard in the 11-13 age group after posting seven over par 79 but was just one stroke ahead of Otiz Bayoan of Puerto Rico on 80. Jacob Schnoor occupied the 11th spot with his 104.
Jamaica’s two representatives in the 15 and Under category were in 11th and 15th place respectively. They are Jamal Stewart 84 and Kemari Morris 92. The top three in the category were Kerrington Rolle of the Bahamas 72, Tomas Rodriguez 72 who were tied for first place and Aman Newton 75.
On the girls’ side, Puerto Rico’s Camila Negroni was leading the 18 and Under category after posting three over par 75 in the round. Mattea Issa was five shots back on eight over par 80 in second place.
Negroni was pleased with her performance.
“It feels amazing. I hit my irons really good today. I made a lot of fairways. I am looking forward to tomorrow and making a lot of good shots, making a lot of puts and just fixing what I thought could be better today,” she said.
Jamaica’s lone representative in the 11-13 age group was Alessandra Coe on two strokes off the lead. She ended the round tied for third place with Isabella Ramdeen of Trinidad & Tobago. The leader was Arissa Robinson of the Trinidad & Tobago on 13 over par 85.
Jamaica does not have any representative in the 15 and Under category, however the top three were Madison Carroll-Carlos of the Bahamas 81, Shania Reyes 83 and Mariella Young 83.
Jamaica’s coach Jason Lopez assessed the day’s play.
“There has been some very high level golf. I am very impressed every year. You always see some players that you are obviously familiar with from years gone by and then you see some players you’ve never seen before and you like wow where did this player cone from, which is wonderful because it means that there is talent being developed throughout the region so for me that is a positive,” he said.
“Myself and Johnny (the other Jamaican coach) couldn’t be more pleased. The message we tried to get across to our team was to unweight themselves cause some times playing at home can be an advantage but also there is a lot of expectation. We saw our team very bubbly, very loose, a lot of smiles, a lot of pep in the step and that’s what we asked for attitude wise,” he added.
Defending Cincinnati Open champion Novak Djokovic will not take part in this year's tournament following his success at the Paris Olympics.
Djokovic, who claimed his first gold medal at Roland-Garros against Carlos Alcaraz last week, has withdrawn from the US Open tune-up event in the United States.
The Serbian became only the second player after Andre Agassi in the Open Era have won all four Grand Slams, the gold medal at the Olympics and the ATP Tour Final with his win over the Spaniard in the French capital.
Djokovic also became the oldest player (37y 74d) to secure the gold medal in either the men’s or women’s singles at the Olympics, since the sport’s reinstatement as an Olympic event in 1988.
However, he has chosen to focus on the upcoming US Open, a competition he won 12 months ago against Daniil Medvedev to claim the latest of his 24 grand slam titles.
"We certainly understand that it is a quick turnaround from his Olympic triumph to come to Cincinnati," Tournament Director Bob Moran said in a news release.
"His title run here last year was so memorable. We are eager to see him on court again soon."
Last year in Cincinnati, Djokovic claimed the title in three sets against Alcaraz, claiming his second win over the Spaniard in their fourth meeting.
The Serbian's victory over Alcaraz at the Games took his record to 5-4 over the world number three having lost in the Wimbledon final the previous month.
Djokovic's withdrawal moves Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard into the draw.
England legend Wayne Rooney believes Lee Carsley deserves his chance to lead the Three Lions on an interim basis next month, but he still feels Pep Guardiola should be the Football Association's top target.
On Friday, the FA confirmed England Under-21 boss Carsley would take over as interim head coach of the senior side ahead of next month's Nations League fixtures.
The Three Lions face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on September 7 before hosting Finland three days later.
The FA has pledged to undertake a thorough recruitment process as they seek a replacement for Gareth Southgate, with the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe linked with the role.
Some have suggested Carsley could remain in charge until next year if the FA approaches Guardiola, whose Manchester City contract expires at the end of 2024-25.
The statement confirming Carsley's interim appointment suggested he could remain at the helm beyond next month's matches, and Rooney still feels Guardiola should be offered the job.
The Plymouth Argyle boss told Sky Sports: "I'd like Pep to be honest. I think England have to strive for the best managers and Pep would be great; the way he gets his teams playing.
"But I think Lee Carsley deserves his opportunity. I played with Lee at Everton, we were both younger and he is a very good person and coach.
"He's done really well with England's under-21s, similar to Gareth's pathway.
"So I think he deserves this opportunity and if he does well, maybe you are looking at the next England manager."
Pep Guardiola says Julian Alvarez "wants a new challenge" as he seemingly confirmed the striker would be leaving Manchester City.
Reports earlier this week said City had agreed a club-record sale for Alvarez to Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish club expected to pay £81.5million.
Alvarez featured in 54 games in all competitions for the Citizens last season, more than any other player, though 15 of those were substitute appearances.
However, while away with Argentina at the Paris Olympics, he voiced his frustration at a lack of playing time in the big games for City, often missing out on a place to Erling Haaland.
Guardiola made it clear after those comments that he was keen to try and keep Alvarez at the club but has now passed his well-wishes to him ahead of his anticipated exit.
"First of all, I want to say my gratitude for Julian. We won everything, his contribution has been massive," Guardiola said ahead of City's Community Shield meeting with Manchester United, via Sam Lee.
"He was incredibly loved by the team for his behaviour but if he wants to leave, a new challenge — Atletico is a top club — then if you want to leave, it's okay. We wish him the best.
"I learned a lot from him, hopefully he can find what he was looking for.
"I don't know the reason why, he said to me, he wants a new challenge, he feels it's what he needs to do. Last season he played a lot, at some moments with Erling, but I understand in certain moments he didn't play.
"I said to the club many times, at the end, the club has the end decision, but I say that contracts can be broken. If you are not happy, why should you be here? He believes his period here must be over, so okay, both clubs arrived at an agreement and that's all."
Alvarez was a useful player for Guardiola, often being utilised as an attacking midfielder as well as a centre-forward.
He scored 19 goals last season, outperforming his 17.5 expected goals (xG) while also contributing 13 assists, a tally bettered only by Kevin De Bruyne (17). Only Phil Foden (107) created more chances than Alvarez (98).
His departure could leave a big gap in the squad, and Guardiola insisted he is not yet sure who they will bring in as his replacement.
"I don't know yet, we talk every day, we'll see what will happen," Guardiola added. "It could happen, it could not happen. We will see."
Lee Carsley has been appointed interim England head coach for next month's Nations League fixtures versus the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
The Football Association (FA) has been searching for a new England boss for the first time since 2016, with Gareth Southgate resigning in the aftermath of the Three Lions' Euro 2024 final loss to Spain.
Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe have been linked with the post, but the FA is keen to take its time over a full-time appointment.
With that in mind, Carsley has been handed the job on an interim basis, initially just for next month's fixtures but with the potential to extend his remit into the coming months.
Carsley has been England Under-21 manager since 2021 and led the team to European Championship glory last year, beating Spain 1-0 in the final.
The likes of Anthony Gordon, Jarrad Branthwaite and Cole Palmer were part of Carsley's squad at that tournament and have since made the step up to the senior side.
England face the Republic of Ireland in their Nations League opener in Dublin on September 7 before hosting Finland three days later, having been relegated from the competition's top tier in 2022.
Carsley, who was born in Birmingham but won 40 international caps for the Republic of Ireland during his playing career, said: "It's an honour to step up and lead this England squad on an interim basis.
"As I am very familiar with the players and the cycle of international football, it makes sense for me to guide the team while the FA continues the process to recruit a new manager.
"My main priority is to ensure continuity and our goal is to secure promotion in the UEFA Nations League."
With Carsley making the step up, Ben Futcher will oversee the under-21's Euro 2025 qualifiers versus Northern Ireland and Austria next month, with backroom staff for both teams set to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Antony has promised his third season with Manchester United will be "totally different" after enduring a miserable 2023-24 campaign.
Much was expected of the Brazilian when he reunited with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, joining United in a deal worth £82million (€95m) in 2022.
However, he has scored just five goals and added three assists in 54 Premier League appearances to date.
Last term, as United recorded their worst-ever Premier League finish of eighth, the winger only scored one league goal all campaign, in a 1-1 draw with Burnley on his 27th league appearance of the season.
Antony was also accused of domestic abuse by a former girlfriend in Brazil last September, prompting an investigation from Greater Manchester Police. The winger denies any wrongdoing.
Speaking to BBC Sport as United prepare to face Manchester City in Saturday's Community Shield, Antony revealed he had set himself heightened targets for 2024-25.
"I demand a lot of myself and obviously I was not satisfied with my season," Antony said.
"A lot happened over the year in my personal life. Like it or not, everything had an effect on the pitch.
"But I've got a strong mentality and I'm focused on what I want. I know this season will be totally different."
Antony created just 22 chances and completed 26 dribbles in the Premier League last campaign, ranking seventh and fifth among United players for those respective metrics.
He detailed the way in which he sets goals on a game-by-game basis, adding: "I always set out objectives.
"More goal participations, more assists, where I need to improve. I put them down on paper rather than on my phone.
"For every game I need to put something in writing – goals, shots on goal, dribbling, everything. I have to do it for every game and I am doing it in training as well.
"It's really important for me. It allows me to visualise and mentalise and then step on to the pitch with this in mind. I have a lot of objectives."
Following an electrifying 400m final at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games on Wednesday, Great Britain's Matthew Hudson-Smith made a powerful and emotional statement as he celebrated his silver medal win. Hudson-Smith, who clocked a lifetime best and set a new European record with a time of 43.44 seconds, proudly waved both the British and Jamaican flags above his head, paying tribute to his roots in a moment of triumph.
The race was one for the history books, with the first five finishers all breaking the 44-second barrier in what has become one of the fastest 400m races ever. The gold medal was claimed by the USA’s Quincy Hall, who edged out Hudson-Smith with a lifetime best of 43.40 seconds. Muzala Samukonga of Zimbabwe secured the bronze with a national record of 43.74 seconds, just ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards, who also set a national record and personal best of 43.78 seconds. Kirani James of Grenada, the 2012 Olympic champion, finished fifth in 43.87 seconds, underscoring the extraordinary quality of the race.
In the aftermath of his remarkable achievement, Hudson-Smith took to social media to explain the significance of the Jamaican flag in his celebration. The gesture, he revealed, was a heartfelt tribute to his Jamaican heritage and, in particular, to his grandmothers, both of whom are Jamaican.
“I haven’t seen both my grandmothers who are Jamaican in a while, so I held the Jamaican flag as an ‘I love you’ to them. They are my biggest supporters, along with my mum who was born in Jamaica. I just wanted to represent my family,” Hudson-Smith shared.
The 29-year-old sprinter’s homage to his Jamaican roots resonated deeply with his fans and family alike, as he further added, “I hope they picked up on the gesture so when I get back to the UK, I can get some more oxtail.”
Hudson-Smith’s victory and his subsequent tribute to his heritage highlight the profound connection many athletes feel to their cultural backgrounds, even as they compete on the world’s biggest stage. His silver medal win not only cements his place as one of Europe’s finest sprinters but also as a proud ambassador of his rich Jamaican lineage.
Jamaica's women’s 4x400m relay team secured their place in the final at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, delivering a season-best time of 3:24.92 in the second of two heats on Friday. The quartet of Andrenette Knight, Ashley Williams, Charokee Young, and the seasoned Stephenie-Ann McPherson ran a strategic and powerful race, finishing first in their heat and ranking fourth overall among the qualifiers.
McPherson anchoring the team in style, ensured a comfortable win in their heat.
However, despite Jamaica’s strong showing, it was the United States that stole the spotlight in the qualifying rounds. The American team, consisting of Quanera Hayes, Shamier Little, Aaliyah Butler, and Kaylyn Brown, stormed to victory in their heat with a blistering season-best time of 3:21.44. Their time was the fastest of the day, making them the team to beat as the finals approach.
The lone Caribbean representative will have their hands full in the final that will also feature formidable opponents in the form of Great Britain, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland and Canada.
Meanwhile, in the men’s 4x400m relay, Trinidad and Tobago faced a tough challenge during the heats. Despite a valiant effort, the team—comprising Renny Quow, Jereem Richards, Jaden Marchan, and Shakeem McKay—finished eighth in the first heat with a time of 3:06.73, falling short of qualifying for the finals.
The competition was fierce, and while the Trinidadian team gave their all, it was not enough to advance.
On the other hand, Botswana’s men’s team delivered a stellar performance, clocking the fastest time of the qualifiers at 2:57.76, a season-best. The team, which included Leungo Scotch, Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, Anthony Pesela, and Bayapo Ndori, demonstrated exceptional speed and coordination, making them strong contenders for a medal in the finals.
The finals for both the men’s and women’s 4x400m relays are shaping up to be highly competitive events, with fans around the world eagerly awaiting the outcome.
In a dramatic and brutal set of semi-final heats on Friday at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas and Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent successfully advanced to the finals of the women’s 100m hurdles. However, the path to the final proved treacherous for many top contenders, as the 2022 world champion Tobi Amusan of Nigeria and Jamaica's two-time world champion Danielle Williams were among those who failed to qualify.
Charlton and Nugent were the Caribbean’s shining lights on a day filled with shocks and surprises. Charlton delivered a strong performance in the opening semi-final heat, finishing second behind the USA’s Grace Stark, who clocked an impressive 12.39. Charlton, the reigning 60m hurdles indoor champion, secured her spot in the final with a time of 12.50. Amusan, the world record holder, could only manage third place in 12.55, which was not fast enough to advance, marking a stunning exit for the Nigerian star.
Jamaica's Williams, who entered the competition with high hopes of adding an Olympic title to her two world championships, endured a disappointing run. Williams struggled throughout her race, clipping several hurdles, and ultimately finished sixth in her heat with a time of 12.82, falling well short of the final.
The second semi-final saw another tough outing for the Caribbean. Charisma Taylor of the Bahamas ran a lifetime best of 12.63 but could only finish third, just behind Nadine Visser of the Netherlands, who clocked 12.43 to take the second automatic qualifying spot. Alaysha Johnson of the USA dominated the heat, winning comfortably in 12.34. Despite Taylor’s personal best, it wasn’t enough to secure a place in the final.
Jamaica’s Janeek Brown, who had made a return to competitive hurdling after a two-year hiatus, struggled in her semi-final. Brown, the 2019 NCAA champion, finished seventh in 12.92, far from her personal best of 12.40 set five years ago, and her Olympic journey ended in disappointment.
The third and final heat was the fastest and most competitive, with reigning Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico laying down a marker with a smooth run to win in 12.35, the quickest time of the round. Masai Russell, the USA champion and world leader with a time of 12.25 earlier this season, finished second in 12.42, just ahead of Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent, who crossed the line in 12.44. Despite finishing third, Nugent’s time was fast enough to secure her a spot in the final, keeping Jamaican hopes alive.
European champion Cyrena Samba-Mayela of France also advanced from this heat, finishing fourth in 12.52, a time that edged out Amusan for the last spot in the final.
With Charlton and Nugent advancing, the stage is set for a thrilling final later on Friday. They will face off against a formidable trio of American hurdlers—Grace Stark, Alaysha Johnson, and Masai Russell—alongside Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, who looks determined to defend her Olympic title. The final promises to be a nail-biting clash, with both Caribbean athletes aiming to defy the odds and secure a place on the podium.
Atalanta have signed Italy forward Mateo Retegui on a four-year contract from fellow Serie A club Genoa, the Europa League champions announced on Thursday.
No details of the deal were disclosed, though reports suggest it was worth around €28million.
In his one season at Genoa, he made 31 appearances in all competitions, netting nine goals and registering three assists.
The Argentinian-born 25-year-old has played 12 international matches since his debut in 2023, including all four of Italy's matches during the recent European Championship.
The signing of Retegui will be a welcome addition for coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who conceded earlier on Thursday that his side are less competitive now than they were just a few months ago.
Retegui will likely take over the role in the front line from Gianluca Scamacca, who will be out of action for at least six months after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.
Stefanos Tsitsipas has slammed his father's coaching style after suffering a shock straight-sets defeat at the Canadian Open on Thursday.
The 25-year-old was beaten 6-4 6-4 by Kei Nishikori, the world number 576, as he secured the scalp of the tournament so far in Montreal.
It follows a disappointing Olympic Games for Tsitsipas, who was knocked out by eventual winner Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals.
He also struggled at Wimbledon last month, suffering defeat to Emil Ruusuvuori in the second round.
Now, he has hit out at his coach and father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, who he asked to leave midway through Thursday's match, for seemingly not reaching the standards he is looking for.
"I need, and I deserve, a coach that listens to me and hears my feedback as a player," Tsitsipas said.
"My father hasn't been very smart or very good at handling those situations. It's not the first time he has done that. I'm really disappointed at him.
"I really don't know right now if I'd consider any changes, but I'm really disappointed.
"The most important thing for a player is to have direct and good feedback from a coach. The coach is not the one holding a racket. The player is the one trying to execute a game plan.
"It's a collaborative work that you put in together. It has to be reciprocal in order for me to try to develop my tennis. It's something I don't want to get stuck at that."
Midfielder Manu Trigueros has left Villarreal to join Spanish second-tier side Granada on a two-year contract, the club announced on Thursday.
The 32-year-old holds the record for the most appearances for Villarreal in LaLiga, having played 477 such matches for the club, making his debut back in 2012.
He scored 38 goals and registered 39 assists in his 12-year tenure with their first team, having previously represented Villarreal C and Villarreal B.
Trigueros won the Europa League with the Yellow Submarine in 2021 and also helped his side reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2022.
"We thank Trigueros for his commitment, dedication and professionalism in a long and successful career," Villarreal said in a statement.
"We wish him the best of luck in his new professional stage. This will always be your home."
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