European champions Spain were held to a 1-1 draw by Iraq in A Coruna after resting 10 key players due to mounting fitness concerns ahead of the World Cup.
Manager Luis de la Fuente opted for extreme caution on home soil, omitting established stars such as Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Pedri.
The much-changed starting line-up struggled to find their rhythm against a resolute Iraqi defence.
Despite a disjointed performance, the hosts took an early lead through a rapid counter-attack in the 16th minute.
Torres strikes but Iraq hit back
Ferran Torres surged through the midfield and fired decisively past the goalkeeper to open the scoring.
However, the advantage proved short-lived as the visitors responded with a spectacular equaliser just 11 minutes later.
Merchas Doski caught Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia slightly off his line, looping a superb angled strike into the net.
The former Manchester City forward nearly restored the lead before half-time, but his fierce effort rattled the crossbar.
Final preparations shift to Mexico
The frustrating stalemate served as a subdued domestic send-off for the 2024 European Championship winners.
De la Fuente’s squad will now travel to North America for their final preparatory fixture against Peru in Puebla on Monday.
The Spanish camp must quickly resolve their physical setbacks before opening their Group H campaign against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Meanwhile, an impressive Iraqi outfit can take immense confidence into their own tournament opener in a challenging Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway.
France manager Didier Deschamps has warned his players against complacency after they surrendered a first-half lead to suffer a surprise 2-1 defeat by Ivory Coast in a World Cup warm-up match in Nantes.
The two-time global champions initially took control of the friendly fixture through a superb opening strike from attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki.
However, an experimental French lineup was heavily punished after the interval as goals from Guela Doue and Amad Diallo secured a memorable comeback victory for the Elephants.
Preparation phase, not panic
Les Bleus rested several key Paris St-Germain stars following their recent Champions League final triumph, resulting in a heavily rotated starting XI that lost its rhythm in the second half.
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni insisted the unexpected result should not derail the squad’s confidence as they build towards their tournament opener against Senegal in New York on 16 June.
“It’s a pity to lose but we’re in a preparation phase, we stay confident,” said Tchouameni.
“There is no conclusion to draw from this game, even if we had won it. We will be ready.”
Defender Lucas Hernandez echoed those sentiments, pointing to the high volume of second-half substitutions as a disruptive factor in their overall performance.
Deschamps demands focus
Despite the reassurances from his senior players, the national team boss acknowledged that his side lost control against opponents possessing similar physical traits to their upcoming group stage rivals.
“A defeat is never pleasant, even if we did some good things in the first half,” Deschamps explained.
“In the second half we made a lot of changes but that’s no excuse. We were not as good after the break and they brought a lot of pace.”
The 55-year-old manager views the setback as a timely reality check for a squad widely tipped as heavy favourites to lift the trophy in North America.
“It’s a reminder, if we needed one, not to think we’re better than we are,” he added.
Goalscorer Cherki firmly agreed with his manager’s assessment, ensuring fans that the European heavyweights will not travel to the United States expecting an easy route to glory.
“It’s a little warning, and I can tell you we’re not going to the World Cup thinking we’re favourites but we’re going to crush everyone,” the attacking midfielder concluded.
Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles broke Caitlin Clark’s WNBA rookie record by hitting eight three-pointers during an 87-84 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday.
The number two overall draft pick connected on eight of her 11 attempts from beyond the arc to finish with a season-high 28 points.
She also contributed seven assists and four rebounds as the league-leading Lynx improved their early-season record to 8-2.
The remarkable shooting display eclipsed the previous rookie benchmark of seven triples, which was shared by Indiana Fever star Clark and former New York Liberty guard Crystal Robinson.
Unexpected shooting clinic
Prior to Thursday’s historic performance, the 2025 draftee had struggled from distance, converting just two of her previous 18 attempts this season.
Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve admitted the sudden barrage of long-range scoring was entirely unexpected.
“It was not on our bingo card, but we’ll take it,” Reeve joked after the game.
The veteran manager noted that the coaching staff had been actively encouraging their young playmaker to shoot with more confidence in recent outings.
A history of long-range success
While surprising to some professional observers, the prolific scoring output mirrors the young guard’s impressive collegiate career.
The highly-rated prospect previously drained 10 three-pointers in a single game for TCU against Baylor, having also hit eight in a match during her time at Notre Dame.
Her seamless transition to the professional ranks is evident in her overall offensive production, averaging 17 points and over six assists per game.
The dynamic playmaker has already scored or assisted on 317 points through her first 10 professional appearances.
This remarkable tally places her second in WNBA history for offensive production across a player’s first 10 matches, trailing only Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers.
“It’s a lot of inner work to go and believe in yourself and constantly remind yourself that you deserve to be where you’re at,” the rookie explained regarding her early success.
Her franchise-record-tying performance matched the mark set by team-mate Kayla McBride, further cementing her vital role in Minnesota’s championship aspirations.
FIFA has confirmed a major overhaul to pre-match ceremonies for the 2026 World Cup, introducing a 360-degree format where entire squads will gather in the centre circle for national anthems.
The traditional lineup of starting players facing the main stand will be replaced ahead of the opening fixture on 11 June.
Co-hosts Mexico are scheduled to face South Africa at the Estadio Azteca to kickstart the global tournament.
Football’s world governing body intends the new format to create a more immersive experience for supporters inside the stadiums.
Immersive stadium experience
Huge curved national flags will now be displayed at opposite ends of the pitch while the anthems are played.
Crucially, every selected member of the matchday squad, including substitutes, will step onto the field for the ceremonial moment.
Players will emerge from the side closest to their dressing room tunnel through a specifically designed archway.
Youth programme escorts will continue to accompany the athletes onto the playing surface.
A shared stage for fans
An official statement explained that the redesigned protocol aims to deepen the emotional connection between those on the pitch and the crowd.
Developed with fans and teams at its heart, the new pre-match ceremony introduces an immersive, 360-degree concept that transforms the stadium into a shared stage.
No matter where supporters are seated, each will have a distinct and engaging perspective, with extra-large country flag banners and on-pitch elements carefully positioned to involve the crowd in an authentic and meaningful way.
Historically, national anthems at international fixtures have strictly featured the starting eleven players standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a linear formation.
Pre-match protocols maintained
Traditional formalities will resume immediately following the conclusion of both national anthems.
Opposing teams will complete the customary handshakes before posing for the official starting line-up photographs.
Match captains will then meet the officiating team for the coin toss prior to kick-off.
The Texas Longhorns have secured back-to-back national softball championships by defeating Texas Tech 4-1 in Oklahoma City on Thursday.
The defending champions swept the championship series to avoid the dramatic tension that defined much of their rollercoaster season.
Nicknamed the “Heart Attack Horns”, the Austin-based programme faced numerous elimination games throughout a gruelling post-season campaign.
They famously rallied from an opening defeat against Tennessee in the Women’s College World Series to reach the showpiece final.
Seniors deliver on early promises
Senior outfielder Ashton Maloney made it clear before the second game that her team wanted to bypass any unnecessary complications.
“We already had enough hard stuff this whole year. Let’s just win it in two.”
A clinical 4-1 victory over their state rivals fulfilled that objective and cemented their status as a premier collegiate power.
It marks a dramatic transformation under head coach Mike White, who inherited a roster requiring a massive rebuild seven years ago.
Building a modern collegiate dynasty
The newly-crowned champions have reached the finals four times in the last five seasons, enduring painful defeats to Oklahoma in 2022 and 2024.
Breaking their title drought last season provided the crucial psychological breakthrough required to confidently defend their crown.
“Winning last year took this program to the next level. I think you’re going to see a lot of national championships from the University of Texas in the coming years.”
Despite securing consecutive trophies, the victorious manager remains intensely focused on continuous tactical improvement.
“We won a national championship, but we’re not here to defend it, we’re here to get better. If you just stay level, you’re going to get left behind.”
Athletic director Chris Del Conte celebrated passionately alongside the squad on the field, validating his ambitious decision to hire White in 2018.
Arne Slot has expressed no bitterness towards Fenway Sports Group following his surprise dismissal by Liverpool last weekend after a disappointing fifth-placed Premier League finish.
The Dutchman was relieved of his duties despite salvaging Champions League qualification during a difficult domestic campaign.
Just days before the announcement, the former Feyenoord coach publicly stated he had every reason to believe he would remain at Anfield.
Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan revealed the decision arrived as a complete shock to the departing manager.
“I spoke to him briefly on the Sunday as well, and I think he was still recovering from the absolute blow that this was.” – Marcel van der Kraan
The reporter added that the former title winner harboured no resentment towards the club’s hierarchy over their sudden change of direction.
Iraola set to usher in new aggressive era
Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola arrived on Merseyside on Thursday after being formally appointed as the club’s new head coach.
The Spaniard prefers shorter-term agreements and has signed a two-year contract with the six-time European champions.
He intends to bring a trusted backroom staff to the North West, including assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper.
Fenway Sports Group identified the 42-year-old as the ideal candidate to restore the urgent, front-foot football that faded during the previous regime.
National team opportunity awaits
Following his unexpected Anfield exit, attention has quickly turned to the tactician’s next potential career move.
The Netherlands managerial role could soon become available, with Ronald Koeman’s current contract set to expire after the upcoming World Cup in North America.
Reports in his homeland suggest the recently dismissed coach would be highly receptive to leading the national side.
The Oranje face a challenging World Cup campaign after being drawn into Group F alongside Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.
In a heartfelt farewell letter published in the local press, the departing boss cherished his deep connection with the Kop faithful.
“The connection we share goes beyond football, beyond European nights under the Anfield lights or the sound of You’ll Never Walk Alone being sung from The Kop.” – Arne Slot
Caitlin Clark overcame a bout of half-time sickness to record 17 points and eight assists as the Indiana Fever defeated the Atlanta Dream 83-71 in their Commissioner’s Cup opener in Indianapolis.
The talismanic guard vomited in the locker room at the interval but returned to help snap a two-game losing streak for the hosts.
It capped a tumultuous six-day period for the reigning Cup champions, following a recent heated sideline exchange between the star playmaker and head coach Stephanie White.
Defensive improvements follow crisis talks
A heavy 100-84 defeat by the Portland Fire on Monday had prompted a candid team meeting to address ongoing locker-room frustrations.
Those clear-the-air discussions yielded immediate defensive results against a struggling Atlanta side.
Entering the contest ranked 13th in the league for defensive scoring, the Indiana outfit restricted their opponents to a mere 29 points in the first half.
“We hit first, we were the aggressor, and our grit and toughness was as good as it’s been all year long,”
said coach White.
Mitchell reaches milestone amid fierce rivalry
While the highly-anticipated fixture renewed a fierce rivalry with Dream center Angel Reese, backcourt partner Kelsey Mitchell delivered a game-high 25 points.
The impressive scoring display pushed the veteran guard past the 5,000 career points milestone.
“When you have hard conversations as a group, you pour into one another,”
Mitchell explained regarding the recent internal shift.
“Talent gets us there, but team camaraderie and just being honest about where we are as a group keeps us there.”
Playing through the pain
Despite Mitchell’s scoring heroics, it was the physical resilience of the league’s standout attraction that dominated post-match discussions.
Addressing the media with a towel draped over her shoulders, the home point guard admitted her voice was gravelly from the sudden illness.
“I haven’t puked that much in a really long time, but then I felt fine,”
she revealed.
“I felt light, so I was running around feeling good in the second half.”
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy and Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Ildemaro Vargas were forced to leave Thursday’s game in Phoenix after a violent collision at first base.
The incident occurred during the fifth inning when Muncy hit a ground ball up the right-field line.
Realising pitcher Ryne Nelson would not cover the base in time, Vargas charged aggressively towards the bag to make the play himself.
The Dodgers infielder narrowly beat the throw but crashed heavily into his opponent, sending both players flying into the air before landing with a severe thud.
Medical evaluations follow hushed stadium response
Both men remained motionless on the dirt for several minutes while medical personnel rushed onto the field to provide immediate assistance.
Muncy was the first to regain his footing and slowly departed for the away dugout.
Los Angeles officials later confirmed the two-time All-Star experienced shortness of breath and was undergoing evaluation for a potential concussion.
Divisional rivals forced into mid-game substitutions
Vargas eventually stood up with support from the medical team and walked across the diamond to the home side.
Arizona replaced their injured infielder with Pavin Smith for the remainder of the National League West clash.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers introduced pinch-runner Santiago Espinal to take over duties on the basepaths.
The sudden loss of two key players adds immediate injury concerns for both rival franchises as they navigate the gruelling regular season schedule.