Juanlu Sanchez booked Spain a place in the final of the Olympic Games, securing a 2-1 comeback win over Morocco on Monday.
Soufiane Rahimi had given the Atlas Lions the lead with a penalty in the first half before Fermin Lopez restored parity in the second.
Fermin started brightly for Spain, testing Munir Mohamedi with a long-range strike before dragging an effort just wide of the far post after darting in behind.
Shortly after, Spain found themselves behind – Pablo Barrios caught Amir Richardson on the back of the calf with a high tackle in the box and Rahimi made no mistake from the spot to fire Morocco in front.
La Roja dominated the second half as they pushed for an equaliser, and Fermin clawed them level after jinking away from his marker to nestle his low shot into the bottom-right corner after 66 minutes.
Richardson almost restored Morocco's lead moments later, but his first-time effort swerved away from goal and wide of the near post, much to his frustration.
Substitute Sanchez then finished the comeback for Spain from a tight angle, with his shot bouncing in off the inside of the far post.
Abde Ezzalzouli and Richardson gave Arnau Tenas a late scare in goal with two powerful efforts, but luckily for the keeper, they could not find the target.
Data Debrief: Fermin shines bright
Even in the first half when Spain struggled to make an impact, it felt like Fermin could prove to be the difference for La Roja, and he did just that.
At 21 years and 86 days, he is the youngest player to both score and assist in a men's Olympic tournament knockout round match since Neymar against Honduras in 2012 (20y 181d).
Santiago Sanchez will be hoping he can provide the spark once more in the showpiece game on Friday.
Simone Biles feels she achieved beyond her "wildest dreams" at the Paris Olympic Games despite failing to add to her three gold medals for the year on Monday.
Having won gold in the team, all-around and vault events, Biles was looking to round off her trip to France with more success in Monday's balance beam and floor finals.
However, the Team USA star fell from the beam and finished fifth in the former event before missing out on gold in the latter, instead taking silver behind Brazil's Rebeca Andrade.
Overall, Biles has now won 11 Olympic medals in total – seven gold, two silver and two bronze.
Larisa Latynina, who won 18 medals for the Soviet Union, is the most successful female gymnast in Olympic history.
She was not upset with herself for failing to get closer to that record, though, telling reporters: "I'm not upset about my performance, I'm actually happy, proud and even more excited that it's over, the stress of it.
"I've accomplished way more than my wildest dreams, not just at this Olympics but in the sport, so I can't be mad at my performances.
"I'm pretty proud of myself and it's always so exciting to compete."
Biles' compatriot Jordan Chiles took bronze in the floor event following a successful appeal to her score, after which the two Americans bowed to Andrade on the podium.
"First, it was an all-black podium so that was super exciting for us but then Jordan was like 'should we bow to her?' and I was like, 'absolutely'," Biles said.
"She's such an excitement to watch. It was just the right thing to do."
Novak Djokovic has backed Carlos Alcaraz to win Olympic gold in the future after edging the Spaniard in a tightly contested final on Sunday.
The Serb secured the top prize at the Games for the first time, completing a career golden slam with a 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) victory.
Alcaraz, who beat Djokovic at Wimbledon to claim his second grand slam of the season last month, was reduced to tears after the match, having to step away from his post-match interview.
Djokovic was full of praise for the Spaniard's performance and predicted the silver medal is only the start of his success at the Olympics.
Another epic final, Carlos Alcaraz. El Clasico," Djokovic posted on X.
"Congratulations to you and your team for an excellent Olympics. Considering your age, your energy and the way you play, you probably have 20 more Olympics ahead of you.
"Your gold will come. Until next time, amigo."
Djokovic's appearance in Paris was his fifth Games for Serbia, and he became just the second player in the Open Era to win all four grand slams, the Olympics gold medal and the ATP Tour Finals, after Andre Agassi.
He is also the oldest player to secure the top prize in either the men's or women's singles at 37 years and 74 days since the sport returned to the schedule in 1988.
Rodri deserves to be in contention to win the Ballon d'Or and has revolutionised the way people look at holding midfielders, believes Lucas Leiva.
Rodri enjoyed another magnificent campaign in 2023-24 as Manchester City retained their Premier League crown, then was named Player of the Tournament as Spain won Euro 2024.
The 28-year-old played 50 matches for City across all competitions last term, with Pep Guardiola's team only losing one of those games – versus Manchester United in May's FA Cup final.
He also contributed eight goals and nine assists in the Premier League last term, both of which represent his best figures in any league campaign.
At Euro 2024, he ranked seventh among all players for open-play passes (430) and fifth for open-play passes in the opposition half (255) as La Roja won their record-breaking fourth European title.
While former Liverpool midfielder Lucas expects Rodri to face fierce competition from Real Madrid pair Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, he feels the Spaniard deserves to be considered among the world's finest players.
"A midfield player, especially a holding midfield player, normally it is not a position that people look at so much. But it is an important role for the team," he told Stats Perform.
"It's a position where you give balance to the team. You allow people to get forward, but you also give protection to the defence. You start everything from that role.
"So, [Sergio] Busquets and now Rodri are playing a big part with Man City, but also with Spain. We could see that at the Euros.
"Of course, Rodri is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or, but I would probably say another two players: Bellingham and Vinicius. I think those three will challenge for the Ballon d'Or, and we'll have to wait and see.
"Of course, Rodri deserves it, but Bellingham and Vinicius deserve it as well for what they've done with Real Madrid and with their national teams, especially Bellingham getting to the [Euros] final.
"We will have to wait and see. But I'm happy to see a holding midfielder on the shortlist because it's a position that people don't look at too much.
"People are starting to appreciate it a little bit more."
The Caribbean contingent made a powerful statement in the 400m preliminary rounds at the Paris Olympic Games on Monday, with several athletes advancing to the semi-finals. Leading the charge were Jamaica’s Nickisha Pryce, Stacey-Ann Williams, and Junelle Bromfield, joined by Barbados’ Sada Williams and the Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino.
Pryce, Jamaica’s national record holder and the fastest woman in the world this year over the distance with a time of 48.57, displayed her class by cruising to victory in the second of six heats. Pryce clocked a comfortable 50.02, ensuring her place in the semi-finals without expending unnecessary energy.
Her compatriot, Stacey-Ann Williams, also delivered a strong performance, securing second place in the opening heat with a season’s best time of 50.16. Williams finished behind the 2019 world champion Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain, who posted a swift 49.91, signaling her intent to reclaim her dominance in the event.
Bromfield rounded out the Jamaican qualifiers with a solid third-place finish in the final heat, crossing the line in 51.36. This heat was dominated by Ireland’s Rhasidat Adeleke, who looked impressive with a winning time of 50.09, while the USA’s Alexis Holmes followed closely in 50.35.
Barbados’ Sada Williams, a two-time world championship bronze medalist, continued to impress with a third-place finish in Heat 4, clocking 50.45. Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek, the European champion, won the heat with a sharp 49.98, indicating that she will be a formidable competitor in the semi-finals.
Paulino of the Dominican Republic, the reigning world champion, demonstrated why she is a favorite for gold by easily winning her heat. Paulino clocked a blistering 49.42, the fastest time in the qualifying rounds, with Cuba’s Roxana Gomez finishing second in 50.38.
In other heats, Great Britain’s Amber Anning, a fellow Razorback of Pryce, won Heat 3 with a time of 49.98, narrowly edging out Netherlands’ Lieke Klaver, who finished in 49.96.
However, not all Caribbean athletes had a smooth path to the semi-finals. Aliyah Abrams of Guyana will have to navigate the repechage round to secure her spot, adding an element of uncertainty to her Olympic journey.
The Jamaican team that represented the island at the 67th Caribbean Amateur Golf Championship at the Iberostar Golf Course in Bavaro, Dominican Republic returned to the island Saturday night with runner-up trophies in the ladies category and the country category while the men came third in their category. Dr. Mark Newnham, vice president of the Jamaica Golf Association, welcomed the team on their arrival.
The ladies were runners-up for the second consecutive year and brought back the runner-up George Teale trophy. The four members of the ladies team were Emily Mayne, Mattea Issa and new comers Kierra Williams and Kingston Burke.
Emily Mayne was the team's top performer. She was tied for second with scores of even par 72, one under par 71 and five over par 77 for a three-day total of four over par 220.
Kierra Williams ended in fourth place with scores of 72, 71 and 75 for a total score of 221 or just one shot behind second place Mayne.
Mattea Issa tied for 7th place with a total score of 227 on the back of 73, 73 and 81 on the final day of the championship.
The fourth player, Kingston Burke totaled 248 for 15th place.
The overall ladies winner was Arabella Lopez of Puerto Rico. She topped the leaderboard on all three days with a combined score eight under 208.
Perennial winner Puerto Rico won all three trophies on offer – the George Teale trophy, the Arhtur Ziadie or country trophy and the Hoerman Cup for the men.
Jamaica took home the runner-up country trophy on the back of the whole team's performance.
The men performed creditably to close the championship in third place after placing eighth in 2023. The male members of the team are Rocco Lopez, Zandre Roye, Oshae Haye, Ryan Lue, Jack Stein and Aman Dhiman.
Rocco Lopez was the best placed player after closing the championship tied for fifth place after scoring one under par 215.
Former national champion Haye was further back in 12th place with a combined total of 222.
The youngest male player on tour was Ryan Lue and he occupied the 20th spot with a total score of 228.
Jack Stein and Aman Dhiman were tied for 25th place with a three day total of 232 each.
The sixth and final player, and current national champion Zandre Roye had a rough championship after posting a combined score of 241.
Mayne, Lopez, Issa, Lue and Dr. Newnham who met the team at the airport were pleased with the team’s performance as well as the individual performances while looking forward to more opportunities for improvement in future championships.
In a groundbreaking achievement for Jamaican athletics, three of the nation's top field athletes have advanced to the final of the men's discus throw at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Traves Smikle, Roje Stona, and Ralford Mullings have all secured their spots in the final, marking a significant milestone for Jamaica in the field events.
Leading the Jamaican charge at the Stade de France, Traves Smikle threw an impressive 65.91m, finishing fifth overall and fourth in Group A. Smikle's performance set the tone for his compatriots as Roje Stona followed closely, delivering a throw of 65.32m to finish sixth overall and second in Group B. Stona's strong showing reinforced Jamaica's emerging strength in this discipline, highlighting the depth of talent within the team.
Completing the trio, Ralford Mullings threw 65.18m, placing seventh overall and fifth in Group A. Mullings' performance ensured that all three Jamaican throwers advanced as the best non-automatic qualifiers for the final.
The upcoming men's discus throw final, scheduled for August 7, promises to be an exhilarating event, with the Jamaican trio poised to make history and potentially secure medals for their country
Jamaica’s Deandre Watkin, Sean Bailey, and St. Lucia’s Michael Joseph faced a challenging day in the men's 400m repechage, with none of the athletes advancing to the next round.
In a turn of bad luck, Watkin did not start in Heat 1, marking a disappointing beginning for the Jamaican contingent.
St. Lucia's Michael Joseph put forth a commendable effort in Heat 2, finishing fourth with a time of 45.64 seconds. Despite his valiant performance, Joseph fell short of advancing to the next round.
Jamaica’s Sean Bailey, competing in Heat 4, did not finish the race, adding to the series of setbacks. Bailey's race ended abruptly, further contributing to the run of unfortunate circumstances faced by the group in this event.
In contrast, Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands showed her steel in the women's 200m repechage round, successfully advancing to the semifinals.
Competing in Heat 1, Hodge delivered a strong performance, finishing in second place with a time of 22.94 seconds. Her impressive run ranked her fourth overall among all competitors in the repechage round, securing her a spot in the semifinals and bringing hope and pride to BVI.
Canada’s Jacqueline Madogo had the fastest qualifying time of 22.58 seconds, setting a new personal best in the process.
As the competition progresses, Caribbean athletes like Hodge continue to inspire with their performances, despite the challenges faced by their counterparts in other events. The semifinals promise to be an exciting and competitive stage, where Hodge will look to further her success and potentially bring home a medal for the British Virgin Islands.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot says acquiring a top-class defensive midfielder is not the Reds' only concern as they continue to await their first signing of the transfer window.
Liverpool are the only club in the Premier League yet to make a signing ahead of Slot's first season at the helm, following close to nine years under Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp's final season in charge saw the Reds implement a midfield rebuild, with Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch arriving.
However, as Liverpool's title challenge fell away in the final weeks of the season, pundits questioned why they had not replaced Fabinho following his move to Al-Ittihad.
Klopp's side conceded more goals (41), allowed more expected goals against (46.18 xGA) and faced more shots (414) than eventual champions Manchester City or runners-up Arsenal, and they have continued to be linked with a move for a defensive midfielder.
Slot, however, has pointed out there are several positions in which they are keen to strengthen, saying: "I think Ryan Gravenberch did really well in that position and we have other options as well.
"The best way to judge it is when we have all the players back and we still haven't.
"But a club like Liverpool always keeps its eye open to see what's available, players that can strengthen the squad and that is what we – [sporting director] Richard [Hughes] mostly –are looking to do but that is not particular to one position.
"We constantly evaluate the squad, where can we do something and what do we have?"
Trent Alexander-Arnold played a hybrid role for much of Klopp's final season, drifting into a central midfield position from his usual right-back role.
He is one of several players to see their futures questioned since Klopp's departure, but Slot is certain he will play a key role for the Reds in 2024-25.
"We didn't speak about his commitment," Slot says. "We only spoke about the way I wanted him to play and how he could fit into that style.
"He was mainly focused on the Euros at the moment we spoke and I saw some clips showing me that he looks really fit and sharp. I can't wait to see him train.
"But some others did quite well, so it is interesting to see if the others come back then the level goes up even more.
"We have a good platform to build from and not just because of this tour. Jurgen left this squad in a very good place, I said that before. Now it is up to us to keep performing like Liverpool did for so many years."
Atalanta have confirmed striker Gianluca Scamacca has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.
Scamacca was substituted 50 minutes into Atalanta's 4-1 friendly defeat to Parma on Sunday, La Dea's penultimate pre-season outing before they face Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup on August 14.
The striker enjoyed a fine season upon his return to Serie A in 2023-24, following a frustrating one-year spell with West Ham.
He scored 19 goals and provided eight assists last term as Atalanta finished fourth in Serie A and won the Europa League.
In Serie A, Scamacca scored 11 times from chances worth just 6.54 expected goals (xG), with only Lautaro Martinez (+6.36) and Teun Koopmeiners (+5.47) overperforming their underlying figures by a greater margin than him (+5.46).
The Italy international will undergo surgery on Monday ahead of an extended period on the sidelines.
A club statement read: "Following a clinical consultation with Professor Pierpaolo Mariani at the Villa Stuart Clinic in Rome, Gianluca Scamacca underwent diagnostic tests which revealed an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his left knee.
"This afternoon, Monday, August 5, the footballer will undergo arthroscopic surgery. Professor Mariani himself will carry out the operation."
Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson has lashed out at his exclusion from the NFL's Top 100 list for the 2023 season, describing the omission as "bull****".
Johnson enjoyed a career-best campaign in 2023 despite the Bears going 7-10 and finishing bottom of the NFC North, being selected for the second All-Pro team.
However, he did not make the league's annual list of the top 100 players, which is voted for by players and was released last week.
Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill topped the list ahead of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who won his second MVP award after also claiming the prize in 2019.
Johnson was not among those to make the cut, leaving him to question the decision to vote in New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers – who suffered a season-ending injury in Game 1 – at number 92.
"It's bull****. There ain't no way. I don't know how you make Pro Bowl, All-Pro and not [be] a Top 100 guy," Johnson said.
"I could've been 101 I guess, but goddamn, Aaron Rodgers didn't even play in the season and he was voted.
"I mean, hey, everybody makes mistakes, it ain't just the media that do it. Players clearly, if they voted for it, they made some goddamn mistakes.
"But it is what it is. At the end of the day I know the truth and it's all right, I got some more for them."
However, Johnson insists his omission will not serve as his primary motivation for 2024, with Chicago approaching the campaign with renewed hope after taking highly-rated quarterback Caleb Williams first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
"It's disrespectful because I go out there, line up and I know receivers go out there and can't say that I'm not one of best players that they play against," Johnson said.
"Whatever it is, it happened. Doing it wouldn't have moved me to where I'm complacent, but just to see it… there ain't no way there are 100 guys who are better.
"Especially guys who didn't play, who were hurt, played half, ain't no f***** way. Excuse my language. Ain't no way."
Jamaica’s national champion Malik James-King, Roshawn Clarke, and Jaheel Hyde have all secured spots in the semi-final round of the 400m hurdles following the preliminary heats on Monday at the Paris Olympics. They will be joined by the British Virgin Islands’ Olympic hopeful Kyron McMaster, marking a strong showing for Caribbean athletes in this event.
James-King, who posted a personal best of 47.42 to win the Jamaican national championships in June, delivered a smooth performance in the heats. He clocked 48.21 to comfortably win the last of five heats, securing his place as an automatic qualifier.
Clarke, who finished second to James-King at the Jamaican trial won Heat Four in a time of 48.17, ensuring his advancement to the semi-finals.
Hyde, competing in the opening heat against gold medal favorite Rai Benjamin, crossed the finish line in second place with a time of 49.08. Benjamin took the heat in an effortless 48.82. McMaster followed closely, securing third place in 49.24 to move on to the next round.
Among the other medal favorites, Norway’s Karsten Warholm emerged as the fastest qualifier for the semi-finals, winning Heat Two in an impressive 47.57. Frenchman Clement Docus achieved a lifetime best of 47.69 to take second place, while Abderrahman Samba of Qatar finished third in 48.85.
In another heat, Estonia’s Rasmus Magi led the pack with a winning time of 48.62, followed by the USA’s CJ Allen, who clocked 48.64. Brazil’s Alison dos Santos, another strong contender for a medal, secured his semi-final spot with a time of 48.85.
Paula Badosa is back to feeling like she is an athlete again after claiming victory at the Washington Open.
Badosa, the former world number two, is back in the WTA's top 50 following Sunday's 6-1 4-6 6-4 defeat of Marie Bouzkova.
It marks the Spaniard's fourth Tour-level title but her first since she triumphed in Sydney at the start of the 2022 season.
Last year was a difficult one for Badosa, who sustained a stress fracture in her back and subsequently dropped out of the top 100.
But now she is back to feeling like her old self.
"What I went through the last year, for me being back, winning big titles like a [WTA] 500, [beating] the best players in the world, being competing against them again, for me it means a lot," said Badosa, who downed Emma Raducanu en route to clinching the trophy.
"That's why I had this mix of emotions. I was really, really nervous because I really wanted it really badly.
"One year ago I was on the couch, so it's a big difference now. Now I'm an athlete again.
"Even before the tournament I was feeling good, I was feeling confident.
"I think I needed to win something, a big title for me. Because of my personality, I'm not happy always with finals and semi-finals. I want to win titles.
"I'm [a] perfectionist. Of course, that sometimes brings me down, but also in important moments I think it gives me [something] extra. I felt I needed this moment very much."
Sebastian Korda triumphed at the Washington Open, replicating the success of his father from 1992.
Korda, who comes from a hugely successful sporting family, came from a set down to beat Flavio Cobolli 4-6 6-2 6-0 on Sunday.
In the process, Korda and Petr became the first father-son duo to win the same title in the history of the ATP Tour.
"I've been coming to this tournament since I was a teenager. We [the Korda family] have a lot of history with this tournament," the 24-year-old said.
"One of my biggest goals was one day coming here and hopefully winning the tournament and putting my name up there on the stadium.
"This is probably the most special moment of my career so far."
Korda's victory sees him rise up to world number 18 and marks the second Tour-level title of his career, after he triumphed in Parma in 2021.
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