Harry Kane will be fit to feature in England's next World Cup match against the United States on Friday, says manager Gareth Southgate.

The Three Lions captain picked up an ankle injury during the second half of their opening 6-2 win against Iran in Group B and was replaced by Callum Wilson.

Kane underwent a scan on Wednesday to ascertain the severity of the injury, but concerns appeared to be abated after goalkeeper Jordan Pickford confirmed he had trained alongside the rest of the squad.

Now Southgate has said his skipper will be in line to play against the Stars and Stripes in Al Khor for their second match of Qatar 2022.

"Harry is fine. He has worked slightly separately from the group but all good for Friday night," he told BBC Sport. "He had a scan [on Wednesday] to make sure everything is fine."

Southgate also confirmed Harry Maguire is set to figure after he was withdrawn midway through the second half on Monday, adding: "He was feeling ill and that was affecting his vision.

"You worry about concussion in that instant, but we were going back through all the footage and there is nothing, so he is in a good area."

England will qualify for the knockout rounds with a win over the United States, regardless of the result between Iran and Wales elsewhere in Group B.

Southgate wants to see his side into the last-16 sooner rather than later, adding: "We would like to get qualification done as soon as possible.

"The first objective is to get out of the group. We would love to do that on Friday, but the game won't be anything like Monday.

"We have to make sure we are back to the psychological place we were at the start because the States will be an athletic team, press really well, be organised [and] well coached.

"They have quite a few players we know from the Premier League. Monday was a great start, and it is that reset to be ready for Friday."

Cameron Carter-Vickers hailed the "top-notch" dedication and consistency of former teammate Harry Kane ahead of the United States' showdown with England.

Like Kane, Carter-Vickers came through Tottenham's academy but, having spent most of his 13-year spell out on loan, he departed for Celtic on a permanent deal in July.

But the defender will be reunited with the England skipper on Friday, when the Stars and Stripes and Three Lions face off in Group B at the Al Bayt Stadium.

And Carter-Vickers heaped praise on Kane, who is three goals away from breaking Wayne Rooney's all-time national goalscoring record.

He said: "Training with him, you can see every day how hard he works, his dedication not just on the field, off the field as well. It's top-notch, and you can see how consistent he has been over the last so many years now. 

"That only comes if you are doing the right thing day in and day out. You could say that probably coming from the academy at Tottenham, you look up to players like him and other players in the first team playing well and consistently performing." 

An unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Wales, Southend-born Carter-Vickers will hope to make his World Cup bow against Gareth Southgate's side, who opened with a commanding 6-2 win over Iran.

The 24-year-old qualifies for the USA through his father - former basketball player Howard Carter - and has added motivation to achieve a positive result against the nation of his birth.

"Obviously, when I saw the group was drawn, and I saw we were in the same group as England, I was excited," he added. 

"They are one of the top teams in the world. To be able to play against them and match up against them to see where you are is a good thing. 

"They’ve got a squad full of top players. So I think we all know that we have to put in one of our best performances to beat them.

"It's a game that I really want to win, just like any other game in the World Cup. I'm not too sure how I'm going to feel when the game comes around. But I do know that I'll be doing everything I can to try and help the team win."

Carter-Vickers' teammate Yunus Musah also grew up in England, the former Arsenal trainee representing the Three Lions at various youth levels before committing to the USA in March 2021.

The Valencia midfielder, who became the Stars and Stripes' first teenage World Cup starter against Wales, is eagerly anticipating the clash.

"I have a lot of respect for them for everything they've done for me," he said. "I don't think I quite know how I'm going to feel that day.

"But it's a special game, for sure, because I played on both sides. And to be able to be on the pitch with the same national team I used to play with is just special."

Bukayo Saka is one of the best young players in the world and will be a huge threat to the United States' hopes when they meet England, according to goalkeeper Matt Turner.

The USA began their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Wales on Monday, and they will face a stern test of their Group B credentials against Gareth Southgate's team next time out.

Saka took centre stage as the Three Lions crushed Iran 6-2, becoming the youngest player to score a World Cup brace for England (aged 21 years and 77 days).

Turner has seen Saka's talents at close quarters since joining Arsenal from the New England Revolution in June, and he knows the USA must keep a close eye on the tricky winger if they are to stand a chance on Friday.

"I think it's pretty clear - he's one of the young stars of world football," Turner said of Saka on Wednesday.

"He's a top, top player and I think you don't need me to tell anybody on our team how much of a threat that he poses in the game.

"He's scoring goals in a variety of ways. He's really developed and mature.

"He's gotten stronger from what I understand. I've only worked with him for a few months. 

"I'm looking forward to playing against familiar faces. He's a really, really good player who can change any game that he takes part in."

Saka's double came after a fine opening goal from Jude Bellingham on Monday, which represented the first time England have had two players aged 21 or younger score in the same World Cup match.

No England player has scored in consecutive appearances in the competition when aged 21 or younger, with Michael Owen the youngest to do so at 22 years old in 2002.

Harry Kane looks set to be available for England's next World Cup encounter with the United States after Jordan Pickford confirmed the Three Lions captain had trained with the rest of the squad.

The Three Lions' star striker was replaced by Callum Wilson during the 6-2 opening win against Iran on Monday and was subsequently sent for a scan on his ankle.

Kane's importance to Gareth Southgate's set-up has been illustrated over back-to-back tournaments, having won the Golden Boot at Russia 2018 and helped lead England to the Euro 2020 final last year.

Fears that he could miss Friday's Group B encounter with the USA look to have been dispelled by Pickford, however, who confirmed the Tottenham forward had been going through drills with his team-mates.

"I think he's good," the goalkeeper stated. "[He's] probably a bit sore, but he's out on the grass with us today. That's good, he's our captain and he's fine yeah.

"Everyone gave their all when he came off, Callum came on got the assist for Jack's [Grealish] goal and played well. Everyone's training well and working hard. Everyone's here for a reason to play football.

"Harry is an unbelievable player. He's a leader he's the captain, and we all look up for him. But there's also opportunities for other lads as well.

Kane failed to find the back of the net during his side's rampant opening victory, but could yet exceed Wayne Rooney's all-time England goalscorer record over the course of the tournament.

The Three Lions are top of Group B and will effectively qualify for the knockout rounds with a victory over the USA ahead of their final group stage game against Wales on November 29.

Declan Rice believes the stern criticism England received ahead of the World Cup allowed them to play with "fire in our bellies" in Monday's 6-2 thrashing of Iran.

Gareth Southgate's team faced heavy scrutiny following their humiliating Nations League relegation in September, having failed to win any of their six games in the competition.  

However, they cast aside any doubts over their form by recording England's biggest win in an opening match at any major tournament.

Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish scored and Bukayo Saka added a double at the Khalifa International Stadium.

"There were doubts about us before the tournament and we wanted to prove a lot of people wrong," Rice said.

"There has been a lot of talk about us not winning in our last six matches. By our standards, with the players we have got, we know that it hasn't been good enough.

"But this was a World Cup stage, and you could see there was a fire in our bellies.

"People will say, 'It's only Iran', but they have had some good results at past World Cups. In September, they beat Uruguay and drew with Senegal.

"It was a real positive performance, but we can't get too ahead of ourselves. It's the USA next and they are going to be another level up.

"First game, first win. We can't ask for any more."

England's next Group B contest sees them take on the United States – who they have never beaten in a World Cup match (D1 L1).

However, the Three Lions have won eight of their 11 meetings with the USA (D1 L2) in all competitions, with their last defeat to the Stars and Stripes coming in 1993.

Argentina's World Cup hopes took a shuddering blow in their Qatar 2022 opener as they were sensationally beaten 2-1 by Saudi Arabia.

Having won the Copa America last year and embarked on a 36-match unbeaten run, La Albiceleste arrived in Qatar as one of the favourites to be crowned world champions.

Lionel Messi's penalty gave them an early lead in their first Group C match at Lusail Stadium, but second-half goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari ensured Saudi Arabia pulled off a huge upset.

Here, Stats Perform takes a look at five of the other monumental World Cup shocks over the years.

Senegal 1-0 France (Korea/Japan 2002)

Perhaps the all-time upset in World Cup history, France headed to the 2002 edition four years on from a triumph on home soil with a squad brimming with talent and set on defending their crown.

Yet in the opening match, Les Bleus - without talisman Zinedine Zidane - were stunned by Senegal, the competition's lowest-ranked side, thanks to Papa Bouba Diop's first-half finish in Seoul.

France went on to finish bottom of Group A with just a draw against Uruguay to their name, and failing to score a single goal.

North Korea 1-0 Italy (England 1966)

Arriving in Europe for their first appearance at the World Cup, North Korea were widely expected to make an early exit after a defeat to the Soviet Union and a draw with Chile.

But Pak Doo-ik made history when his lone goal saw them shock two-time winners Italy at Ayresome Park in Middlesbrough.

North Korea have only been back to the World Cup once, at South Africa 2010, where they scored once and conceded a dozen, finishing bottom of Group G.

Cameroon 1-0 Argentina (Italy 1990)

This is not the first time La Albiceleste have been involved in one of the most unexpected results at a World Cup, having been stunned in the first match of their title defence over three decades ago.

Argentina arrived at Italia 90 looking to defend the crown Diego Maradona guided them to four years prior, but Francois Omam-Biyik's 67th-minute goal at San Siro left them shell-shocked.

USA 1-0 England (Brazil 1950)

Heading into their tournament debut in South America, England were fancied to make a big impact, particularly when they came up against a United States team dominated by part-timers.

But a goal for Joe Gaetjens made history for the USA, bringing England back down to earth after they started with a 2-0 win over Chile.

Walter Winterbottom's men were then on their way home after slumping to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Spain.

Northern Ireland 1-0 Spain (Spain 1982)

Fondly remembered four decades down the line, Northern Ireland's win against tournament hosts Spain ranks among the greatest in their history, as they defied the odds in Valencia.

Gerry Armstrong's goal early in the second half put then in front and although Mal Donaghy was shown a red card, Billy Bingham's team hung on to deliver an almighty upset.

Gareth Bale says it is "incredible" to be a World Cup goalscorer but admits he would trade his strike for three points after earning a late 1-1 draw against the United States.

The Wales captain rescued a point for his side with his 82nd-minute penalty after he was fouled by Walker Zimmerman, cancelling out Timothy Weah's first-half opener in Qatar.

It meant the spoils were shared at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, with Rob Page's side picking up a point in their first World Cup match since 1958, to sit joint-second in Group B.

Speaking afterwards, Bale – who now has 41 goals in 109 appearances for his country – acknowledged he was always going to take the crucial spot-kick, but says he would have rather not scored and still won.

"[It was] always me," he told ITV Sport on penalty duties. "[I had] no doubts in my head. I feel like I have to step up, and I'm happy to do so.

"[It is] incredible. But I'd rather have had the three points, to be honest. [It was] not a good first half. They played really well and we were poor.

"But a great talk by the manager at half-time changed a few things around and the boys came out fighting, like we always do. It showed character, we will go again."

Having struggled with fitness issues over the past year, including limited game-time at club level with Los Angeles FC, there were question marks over how much involvement Bale would have against the USA.

But the former Real Madrid forward played the full match, including a lengthy helping of additional time in the second half, which left him bemused.

"I was a little bit tired towards the end," he added. "I can't believe it was nine minutes added on – I don't know where that came from. But we have to dig deep for our country."

Wales next play Iran on November 25 before wrapping up their Group B campaign against England four days later.

Yunus Musah became the first teenager to be named in the United States' starting lineup for a World Cup match ahead of their Group B opener against Wales on Monday.

Having missed out on qualification for the tournament in Russia four years ago, Gregg Berhalter's side marked their return to the finals at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, against a Wales side featuring at just their second World Cup.

Musah, who also made his senior international debut against Wales in 2020, is now the youngest player to start a World Cup match for the USA, aged 19 years and 358 days.

The Valencia midfielder also becomes the first LaLiga-based player to represent the Stars and Stripes at the finals, while 10 of the starting XI play their club football in Europe - the team's highest total in a World Cup lineup.

Musah was selected to partner Tyler Adams in midfield, with the Leeds United man – aged 23 years and 279 days – becoming the USA's youngest World Cup captain since Harry Keough in 1950.

Berhalter, who becomes the first person to represent the Stars and Stripes at the World Cup as a player and coach, began with Matt Turner in goal behind a back four of Sergino Dest, Walker Zimmerman, Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson.

Adams and Musah were selected to anchor the midfield behind Timothy Weah, Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic, with Josh Sargent starting as a lone striker.

Meanwhile, Gareth Bale – at least temporarily – drew level with Chris Gunter's record of 109 Wales caps, with the full-back being named on the bench by Rob Page.

Wayne Hennessey was preferred to Danny Ward in goal behind a back three of Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon and Ben Davies.

Connor Roberts, Ethan Ampadu, Aaron Ramsey, Harry Wilson and Neco Williams comprised a five-man midfield, with Dan James providing support to Bale in attack.

President Joe Biden phoned the United States team in Qatar to urge Gregg Berhalter's players to "shock 'em all" at the World Cup.

Ahead of their opening game against Wales on Monday, the team gathered to listen to Biden offer words of encouragement to a group he acknowledged were outsiders.

The United States men's team took third place at the inaugural 1930 World Cup but have never gone further than the quarter-finals since, only reaching that stage once, in 2002.

By comparison, the US women's national team are four-time World Cup winners, and will be chasing a hat-trick of consecutive titles at next year's finals in Australia and New Zealand.

Biden, who turned 80 on Sunday, told Berhalter: "Coach, put me in, I'm ready to play."

He added: "You guys, I know you're the underdog, but I'll tell you what, man, you got some of the best players in the world on your team, and you're representing this country, and I know you're gonna play your hearts out, so let's go shock 'em all.

"Keep trusting in one another, play as hard as you can, for you and your families, your team-mates, and the whole country is rooting for you."

Berhalter replied: "That's a very nice message, Mr President, the whole team is here right now and we really appreciate your support and we're ready to go."

The United States also face England and Iran in Group B, returning to the World Cup stage after missing out on the Russia 2018 finals.

Biden added: "I wish I were there to see you, I really do, go get 'em guys, just play your hearts out. I know you will, I know you will."

Christian Pulisic has accepted being his "best self" is all the United States want from him after spending years obsessing about being the team's talisman.

The Chelsea forward is set to play a big part when the USA launch their Qatar World Cup campaign against Wales on Monday.

Gregg Berhalter's team later face games against England and Iran, and their presence at the finals comes as a huge relief after the team surprisingly missed out four years ago.

The US missed out on the Russia 2018 finals after losing 2-1 against Trinidad and Tobago in their final qualifier, described by Pulisic as a "freak game".

All the results that had to go against the Americans did just that, and they were left despondent and distant from the action that unfolded.

Pulisic says he used that failure as "a lot of motivation" this time around, explaining his disappointment by saying: "A lot was going on in my head. One of my biggest dreams was to be playing at a World Cup."

He was just 19 at the time of the finals in Russia, starring as a teenage breakout star in Germany for Borussia Dortmund, and has since relocated to the Premier League.

The acclaim that was coming his way was tough for the young Pulisic, and he said: "To be honest, I took a lot of that weight on my shoulders at that time because I felt it was my job to help the team and score goals to put us in a position to qualify for that World Cup.

"That whole process was definitely tough on me and in the end not qualifying was one of the biggest disappointments of my life."

Pulisic explained, in an interview released by US Soccer, how initially he felt "a little chip on my shoulder throughout the qualifying process" this time around.

"I felt like I had to really perform and be the main man at times," he said.

"But there came a point when I realised I don't need to be that with this team. There's so many unbelievable players in this team now that I can just be my best self and be a part of the teams and that's enough.

"I used my team-mates and leaned on them at times and the guys did an unbelievable job."

He feels "incredibly proud" to qualify this time around.

"Playing in the World Cup would obviously mean everything for me," Pulisic said.

"Knowing a lot of these guys for so long, and being able to do it with them by my side, is definitely special and hopefully a moment we're going to cherish for the rest of our lives."

Wales face United States in their first World Cup match in 64 years on Monday, yet manager Rob Page insists his side are not in Qatar to merely make up the numbers.

Not since 1958, when eliminated in the quarter-finals by a 17-year-old Pele, have Wales made it to the showpiece tournament – the longest ever gap between participations.

The Dragons have reached the past two European Championships, however, making it all the way to the semi-finals in 2016 and to the first knockout stage last year.

Page wrote his name in Welsh folklore by guiding his nation to a second ever World Cup, after taking over from Ryan Giggs, and he is targeting another famous tournament run. 

"Managers are greedy," he said. "We are grateful that we have got to this stage. But you look at the group and you start to look at the teams individually. 

"There is no disrespect to the other teams, but we have to go into the group with huge confidence that we can get out of the group, and we do."

Wales, who beat Austria and Ukraine in the play-offs to book their place in Qatar, are ranked 19th in the world – three places behind USA.

England (5) and Iran (20) are also in Group B, which is arguably the toughest to call on the face of it as the only pool with four top-20 countries.

USA boast far more World Cup experience than Wales, with this their 11th finals, though their first in eight years after failing to qualify for Russia 2018.

Indeed, only Mexico (17) have appeared at more World Cup among CONCACAF nations, and USA have reached the knockouts in three of their past four involvements.

 

Head coach Gregg Berhalter made some surprising squad selections, with Ricardo Pepi and Zack Steffen among those left out, but he intends to stay true to his style of play.

"There's a difference between qualifying in CONCACAF and playing in the World Cup", he said. "It's important that we represent our identity as a team. 

"It's not time to change who we are. We're an aggressive team, a high pressing team. We want to use the ball and we're going to find out if we can be successful doing it."

Berhalter, who will become the first person to represent USA at the World Cup as both a player and manager, also vowed not to take Wales lightly at Al Rayyan Stadium.

"I think at least to the American media, Wales is underrated. When I look at their squad, it's basically a Premier League squad," he said.

"To me, it's a really good squad, a formidable squad. They've been in international competition before, they know what it's like."

Monday's match will mark the third ever meeting between the sides, with USA unbeaten so far thanks to one win and a draw, both in friendlies.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

USA - Giovanni Reyna

The USA have named the second-youngest squad of any side in Qatar, with an average age of 25 years and 215 days (as of the opening day of the tournament).

Borussia Dortmund attacker Reyna is one of those younger prospects looking to make an impact in his maiden World Cup as he looks to build on the four goals scored in his first 14 senior caps.

Reyna only turned 20 this month and could become the 14th player in USA's history to win 15 caps under the age of 21, a list that includes his father Claudio.

Wales - Gareth Bale

Nine of Wales' 13 goals at their past two major tournaments, Euro 2016 and 2020, have seen at least one of Bale or Aaron Ramsey either score or provide the assist.

Bale may have lacked playing time over the past year, but that made little difference when scoring all three of Wales' goals in their play-off wins over Austria and Ukraine.

The 33-year-old played a big part in Los Angeles FC's recent MLS Cup triumph and has declared himself fit enough to play a full part in each of the Dragons' matches in Qatar.


PREDICTION

There is very little between the sides in terms of FIFA rankings and that is reflected in Stats Perform's AI model.

USA, who have never registered a goalless draw in 33 World Cup matches, have a 39.5 per cent chance of taking all three points, compared to 31.2 per cent for Wales.

The prediction model produces a 29.3 per cent likelihood of a draw happening.

Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen was one of the notable omissions from the United States' 26-man World Cup squad confirmed by head coach Gregg Berhalter on Wednesday.

Chelsea's Christian Pulisic, Juventus' Weston McKennie, Milan's Sergino Dest and Leeds United pair Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams were all included in the squad which is in Group B alongside Wales, England and Iran.

Steffen, who is on loan at Championship club Middlesbrough from City, missed out with Matt Turner, Sean Johnson and Ethan Horvath preferred as the three goalkeepers.

Fulham defender Tim Ream along with Turkey-based forward Haji Wright have also been included, while exciting 19-year-old striker Ricardo Pepi has missed out, along with Paul Arriola and Jordan Pefok.

"Final roster decisions are always difficult, and we appreciate everyone's contributions who helped us get to this point," Berhalter said. "We believe we have a talented group, a strong team spirit, and one that is ready to compete."

This year's event marks USA's return to the World Cup having failed to qualify for Russia 2018. Deandre Yedlin is the only member of their last World Cup squad from 2014 to be carried over in this group.

The United States face Wales in their opening Group B match on November 21, before taking on England and Iran.

USA squad: Ethan Horvath (Luton Town), Sean Johnson (New York City), Matt Turner (Arsenal); Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic), Sergino Dest (AC Milan), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Shaq Moore (Nashville), Tim Ream (Fulham), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville); Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Kellyn Acosta (LAFC), Tyler Adams (Leeds United), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Yunus Musah (Valencia), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders); Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Josh Sargent (Norwich City), Tim Weah (Lille), Haji Wright (Antalyaspor)

Trinidad & Tobago’s Calypso Girls defeated the Barbados Gems 50-40 in a top-of-the-table clash on day five of the Netball Americas World Cup Qualifiers at the national Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston on Thursday.

Entering the game, the Calypso Girls had already booked their spot in next year’s World Cup on the back of a perfect record after six games while the Gems were also unbeaten after five games and would’ve sealed their trip to Cape Town next year with a win.

The end of the first quarter saw Trinidad & Tobago build a 12-7 lead before Barbados outscored them 14-10 in the second to trail 21-22 at half-time. T&T then outscored them by four in the third quarter to lead 35-30 before eventually winning 50-40.

T&T was led by goal shooter Afeisha Noel’s 33 goals from 35 attempts while goal attack Joelisa Cooper had 17 goals from 21 attempts. Bajan goal shooters Faye Agard and Shonica Wharton had 14 goals from 16 attempts and 15 goals from 20 attempts, respectively.

“I am ecstatic about that performance. I think we went out there and executed exactly what the coach wanted and I can’t ask for anything else from the girls,” said Trinidad & Tobago captain Shaquanda Greene-Noel.

Barbados captain Shonette Azore-Bruce praised her team’s fighting spirit despite the result not going their way.

“It’s not the outcome that we wanted but I must say that I am proud of my girls for fighting to the end. We did not score the goals we should have but I’m still proud of my girls for fighting. At least we had that fight in us.”

The Gems will have another chance to confirm their spot at the World Cup when they take on Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday’s seventh and final day.

Other Thursday results saw Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls get by St. Lucia 85-30, St. Vincent beat Antigua & Barbuda 66-30 and the USA getting a 44-35 win over the Cayman Islands.

On Friday, Antigua and Barbuda will play St. Lucia, the USA will battle Grenada, Jamaica will play Barbados and St. Vincent & the Grenadines will play the Cayman Islands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barbados and St. Vincent & the Grenadines scored dominant victories to kick-off the Netball Americas World Cup Qualifiers at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, Jamaica on Sunday.

Barbados opened the competition with a commanding 67-27 victory over the Cayman Islands.

It was a relatively close affair after the first quarter as the Barbadians, currently ranked 13th in the world, led 13-4.

However, the Gems ramped up the intensity in second quarter stretching the lead to 21 to end the half ahead 34-13. They widened the lead 48-21 heading into the final quarter when they capped a fine display with 19 goals in the period to wind up 67-27 winners.

Goal shooter Faye Agard led the way for Barbados with 51 goals from 59 attempts while goal attack Brianna Holder had 16 goals from 21 attempts.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines were equally dominant in their 51-24 win over the USA.

St. Vincent got out to an early lead as the Americans struggled to put points on the board. The end of the first quarter saw the Vincentians up 15-3 and by halftime, the score was 30-9. The third quarter was no different as the USA found themselves getting their first basket at the four-minute mark, ending the quarter down 15-37 before ultimately suffering a 24-51 defeat.

Goal shooter Mary Ann Frederick led the way for S. Vincent & the Grenadines with 22 goals from 26 attempts while goal attack Kimesha Antoine also attempted 26 shots, converting 21 of them.

Coach of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Godfrey Harry, said his team got what they expected.

“It was predictable. We were expecting to win this game and we did. One of the things that we wanted to make sure of was that we experiment and use the depth of our team. All the players stepped up to the plate, which was great for us,” he said.

Despite the loss, USA assistant coach Keithan Grayson-Superville said she expects improvement after what was her team’s first international action in years.

“They didn’t do as much as I would’ve liked to see today but it’s our first game and we haven’t played internationally for over four years. We’re going to take it game by game and, as we go, we’re going to try to improve. We’re a work in progress.”

Jamaican mixed martial artist Randy Brown secured a unanimous decision win over Brazilian veteran Francisco Trinaldo at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs Yan in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Trinaldo, 44, went into the fight with a 28-8 record in MMA and 18-7 in the UFC, including wins in his last two outings.

“Trinaldo was a heck of a test. I don’t think that was my best work. I know my coaches know that and I think the fans watching at home know it as well,” he said in the post-fight interview.

“I’m excited. He was a true veteran, absolute honor to just get in there and mix it up with him. I definitely felt that experience in there so much love to Trinaldo and I appreciate that,” he added.

Brown, 32, is now 16-4 in his MMA career (9-4 in the UFC) and has four wins in a row in a loaded welterweight division and made it known where his focus is going forward.

“It doesn’t really matter to me to be honest, I’m ready. I want to just bounce back in and get one more for the year. I just want to keep moving forward and keep running it up and getting cheques. That’s what it’s about. I want to take care of my family and leave a legacy,” he said.

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