Only a select group of players, including Sergio Ramos, Paulo Dybala, and Achraf Hakimi, have had the rare privilege of sharing a dressing room with both icons. Now, another legendary name, Casemiro, could soon join that elite circle, with his future move potentially writing a unique footnote in soccer history.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have defined modern soccer for nearly two decades, sharing an era that produced countless rivalries, records, and unforgettable teammates. Only a select group of players, including Sergio Ramos, Paulo Dybala, and Achraf Hakimi, have had the rare privilege of sharing a dressing room with both icons — an exclusive list that includes world-class defenders, midfield generals, and global stars. Now, another legendary name, Casemiro, could soon join that elite circle, with his future move potentially writing a unique footnote in soccer history.

As transfer speculation intensifies ahead of the summer, the midfielder’s next destination could see him reunited with Messi or Ronaldo, adding another chapter to a career already filled with trophies, leadership, and defining moments.

Very few players can claim they have played alongside both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Now, Casemiro is on the verge of becoming the 28th player in history to have played with both Ronaldo and Messi. The Brazilian midfielder has already enjoyed a decorated spell alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid and Manchester United, and a move to Inter Miami could see him line up with Messi for the first time.

Casemiro’s time at Manchester United is nearing its conclusion. The Brazilian is expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, with United choosing not to activate an additional year option. At nearly $470,000 per week, he remains one of the club’s highest earners, and the club’s new sporting direction has focused on younger midfield targets.

Despite the impending departure, Casemiro’s pedigree remains unquestioned. A five-time UEFA Champions League winner, he arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 after a trophy-laden era at Real Madrid and has continued to contribute with goals, assists, and leadership in the Premier League.

Inter Miami: The Messi union scenario

Among the clubs tracking his situation, Inter Miami has emerged as a standout candidate. The club, co-owned by David Beckham, is searching for midfield reinforcements following Sergio Busquets’ retirement and has placed Casemiro high on its wishlist.

English outlet The Sun claims the Brazilian recently visited Florida to explore his options and assess life in Miami, a move that could reunite him with Lionel Messi after years of rivalry in Spain. A transfer would see Casemiro become the 28th player to share a dressing room with both Ronaldo and Messi, a symbolic milestone in soccer history.

However, the move is far from straightforward. Major League Soccer’s strict financial regulations and limited Designated Player slots mean Inter Miami would need to make complex financial adjustments to accommodate Casemiro’s salary. Despite these challenges, the interest is genuine, and optimism remains among fans and executives.

Symbolic legacy moment

If Casemiro joins Inter Miami, his move would represent more than just another transfer. It would symbolize the interconnected legacy of the Ronaldo–Messi era; a rare player who shared the pitch with both icons at different stages of soccer history. Having played with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is an accomplishment that very few players can boast. The list reads like a hall of fame:

1. Angel Di Maria
2. Sergio Ramos
3. Gerard Pique
4. Gonzalo Higuain
5. Paulo Dybala
6. Carlos Tevez
7. Keylor Navas
8. Deco
9. Achraf Hakimi
10. Alejandro Garnacho
11. Lisandro Martinez
12. Vitinha
13. Nuno Mendes
14. Danilo Pereira
15. Gabriel Heinze
16. Miralem Pjanic
17. Arthur Melo
18. Andre Gomes
19. Nelson Semedo
20. Francisco Trincao
21. Renato Sanches
22. Pablo Sarabia
23. Henrik Larsson
24. Martin Caceres
25. Ezequiel Garay
26. Fernando Gago
27. Gonzalo Martinez

Inter Miami will face LAFC for a 2026 MLS regular season game. Find out when, where, and how to watch this can’t-miss matchup live across the United States.

Match Overview

The new MLS season kicks off with a blockbuster showdown as powerhouse Los Angeles FC square off against reigning champions Inter Miami in a matchup that already carries playoff-level buzz. With Lionel Messi leading Miami’s charge to defend the MLS title after the club secured its first title in 2025.

The spotlight will be intense from the opening whistle, but LAFC arrive loaded with talent and determined to make an early-season statement. Expect urgency, star power and a tone-setting battle right out of the gate — a must-watch clash to launch the campaign that no American soccer fan should miss.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to redefine longevity in elite soccer, refusing to slow down even as younger stars challenge him across the Saudi Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to redefine longevity in elite soccer, refusing to slow down even as younger stars challenge him across the Saudi Pro League. His latest scoring burst has reignited the Golden Boot race, while Ivan Toney’s explosive form has set the benchmark at the top of the charts. Yet, beyond the duel between established European names, another forward is quietly shaping his own narrative in Saudi Arabia; a player dreaming of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and closing in on soccer’s biggest names in the scoring standings.

As Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli push for domestic dominance, Ronaldo and Toney remain central to their clubs’ ambitions, but the league’s scoring race has evolved into a compelling three-way battle. With the season entering a decisive phase, every goal carries weight — not just for titles, but for personal legacies and international aspirations.

Ronaldo’s performance against Al-Hazem served as another reminder that his influence on the pitch remains undiminished. Returning from a brief absence, the Portuguese icon struck twice, leading his club to a crucial victory and reinforcing his status as the focal point of the attack.

In the 14th minute, Ronaldo broke the deadlock with a clinical finish, marking his 963rd career goal. Later, in the 79th minute, he added another, taking his career tally to 964 goals, leaving him just 36 goals away from the historic 1,000-goal milestone — a figure once considered impossible in modern soccer.

The brace also pushed him to 20 league goals this season, narrowing the gap in the Golden Boot race and reaffirming his role as the club’s primary scorer. Beyond the immediate impact, his goal tally after turning 30 has reached 501 career goals, an unprecedented achievement that underscores his longevity across multiple leagues and eras.

Golden Boot battle intensifies

Despite Ronaldo’s resurgence, the Saudi Pro League scoring charts remain fiercely competitive. Ivan Toney, leading the line for his club, has surged ahead with a sensational run of form. His recent hat-trick in a 4-1 victory propelled him to 23 goals, opening a gap over his closest rivals.

Toney’s form has been particularly devastating, with three hat-tricks in seven league matches, underlining his status as the most lethal striker in the division. Once an inconsistent figure in English soccer, he has reinvented himself in Saudi Arabia, scoring 46 goals in two seasons, reigniting talk of a potential World Cup call-up.

Who is the Mexican star dreaming of 2026 World Cup?

Midway through the season’s narrative, the identity of the Mexican forward chasing Toney and Ronaldo becomes clear. Julian Quinones has emerged as one of the league’s standout performers, delivering goals, consistency, and a powerful case for international recognition ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

After Matchday 23, the top scorers are:

1. Ivan Toney – 23 goals
2. Julian Quinones – 21 goals
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – 20 goals

Playing for Al-Qadisiyah, Quinones has been instrumental in his club’s strong campaign. He has scored 21 goals in 19 matches, registered three hat-tricks, and helped his team climb to fourth place with 50 points. His performances have not only lifted his club but also placed him firmly in the Golden Boot conversation.

The Colombian-born striker, now representing Mexico, is using the Saudi league as a platform to strengthen his case for selection by national team coach Javier Aguirre. His goal-scoring exploits have even seen him outshine Ronaldo in the scoring charts at various points, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the league’s attacking hierarchy.

Two-division undisputed champion has been called out by an unbeaten American star, but must first take care of business against Junto Nakatani later this year. The 32-year-old is expected to lock horns with domestic rival Nakatani in May, defending his four major super-bantamweight titles at the Tokyo Dome, Japan. In anticipation of their blockbuster showdown, […]

The post Unbeaten US world champion says he can ‘expose’ Naoya Inoue: “It’ll make me one of the greats” appeared first on Boxing News.

Erzurumspor FK Başkanı Ahmet Dal, şampiyonluk yolunda emin adımlarla ilerlediklerini söyledi.

Erzurumspor FK Başkanı Ahmet Dal, şampiyonluk yolunda emin adımlarla ilerlediklerini belirterek "Kalan 12 haftanın geçen 26 haftadan daha zor olacağının farkındayız ama ne algılar ne başka şeyler Erzurumspor'umuzu ve bizi asla yolumuzdan döndürmeyecek, bizi etkilemeyecek." dedi.

Ahmet Dal, kentteki bir otelde düzenlediği basın toplantısında, "Biz tüm konsantrasyonumuzu sahaya, yeşil zemine ve futbolumuza odakladık. Erzurumspor olarak hedefimiz, ilk göreve başladığımız günden beri polemiklerden uzak, yalnızca futbol konuşulan bir ortamda yolumuza devam etmektir." ifadelerini kullandı.

Dal, "Algı operasyonlarının bizi şampiyonluk hedefimizden asla uzaklaştırmayacağının bilincindeyiz. Biz şampiyonluk yolunda emin adımlarla ilerliyoruz ve kalan 12 haftanın geçen 26 haftadan daha zor olacağının farkındayız ama ne algılar ne başka şeyler Erzurumspor'umuzu ve bizi asla yolumuzdan döndürmeyecek, bizi etkilemeyecek. Sağduyuyla, sakinlikle, sükunetle kalan haftaları tamamlayıp hak ettiğimiz ve özlediğimiz yere, Süper Lig'e inşallah çıkacağız. Özellikle hakem kararları, farklı başlıklar altında kulübümüzü hedef alan bazı söylemler bizim inancımızı asla gölgelemeyecek. Biz hedefimize bugüne kadar olduğu gibi polemiklerle değil, futbolumuzla, duruşumuzla ve sahadaki emeğimizle ulaşacağız. Konsantrasyonumuz net, yolumuz belli ve inancımız tam." diye konuştu.

Başarının tesadüf değil tamamen sahada kazılan ve doğru yönetilen sürecin sonucu olduğunu dile getiren Dal, taraftardan destek isteyerek sözlerini tamamladı.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 23. haftasında konuk ettikleri Galatasaray'ı 2-0 mağlup eden TÜMOSAN Konyaspor'da futbolcu Adil Demirbağ maçın ardından açıklama yaptı.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 23. haftasında konuk ettikleri Galatasaray'ı 2-0 mağlup eden TÜMOSAN Konyaspor'da futbolcu Adil Demirbağ, verdikleri "reaksiyonun" çok önemli olduğunu söyledi.

Müsabakada 1 gol atan Demirbağ, maçın ardından MEDAŞ Büyükşehir Belediye Stadyumu'nda basın mensuplarına açıklamalarda bulundu.

Çok mutlu olduklarını ifade eden Demirbağ, "Taraftarımızı hep üzüntüyle evlerine gönderiyorduk. İnşallah bu bizim için başlangıç olur. Bundan sonra da iç sahada ve dış sahada televizyon başında taraftarımızı mutlu edeceğiz." dedi.

Demirbağ, Konyaspor'u hak ettiği en üst seviyeye getireceklerine inandıklarını anlattı.

Bugün maç yemeğinde arkadaşlarına gol atacağını söylediğini aktaran Demirbağ, "Kazanacağımızı hissettim. Biz hafta içi artık bir yerden başlamamız gerektiğini düşünüyorduk. Galatasaray değil Real Madrid olsaydı aynı mücadeleyi ortaya koyacaktık. Verdiğimiz reaksiyon çok önemliydi." ifadelerini kullandı.

Bu gün futbol üzrə İspaniya çempionatında (La Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 25-ci turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə dörd qarşılaşma baş tutub.

Altı qolun qeydə alındığı “Real Sosyedad” – “Real Ovyedo” matçında qalib müəyyənləşməyib. “Betis” – “Rayo Valyekano” görüşündə də tərəflər hərəyə 1 qol və 1 xalla kifayətləniblər.

Səfərdə “Osasuna” ilə qarşılaşmış lider “Real” gözlənilməz məğlubiyyətə üzülüb. Madridin digər təmsilçisi “Atletiko” isə bu turda “Espanyol” üzərində inamlı qələbəyə sevinib.

25-ci turun qalan görüşləri fevralın 22-də və 23-də keçiriləcək.

İspaniya, La Liqa
25-ci tur
20 fevral

Atletik – Elçe 2:1
Qol: Quruseta, 64; 89-pen – A.Silva, 68-pen.

21 fevral

Real Sosyedad – Real Ovyedo 3:3
Qollar: Oskarsson, 64; 90. Kaleta-Çar, 87 – Vinas, 50; 52. Beyli, 90+2.

Betis – Rayo Valyekano 1:1
Qollar: Bakambu, 16 – Palason, 42.

Osasuna – Real 2:1
Qollar: Budimir, 38-pen. R.Qarsiya, 90 – Vinisius, 73.

Atletiko – Espanyol 4:2
Qollar: Sörlot, 21; 72. C.Simeone, 49. Lukman, 58 – Xofre, 6. Ekspozito, 80.

22 fevral

17:00. Xetafe – Sevilya
19:15. Barselona – Levante
21:30. Selta – Malyorka
00:00. Vilyarreal – Valensiya

23 fevral

00:00. Alaves – Jirona

Bu gün futbol üzrə Fransa çempionatında (Liqa 1) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 23-cü turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə üç qarşılaşma baş tutub.

“Tuluza” – “Paris” matçında qalib müəyyənləşməyib. “Lans” doğma meydanda “Monako”ya məğlub olub. Lider PSJ isə “Mets”lə ev oyununda 3 cavabsız qolla qalib gəlib.

23-cü turun qalan görüşləri fevralın 22-də keçiriləcək.

Fransa, Liqa 1
23-cü tur
20 fevral

Brest – Olimpik (Marsel) 2:0
Qollar: Ayorke, 10; 29.

21 fevral

Lans – Monako 2:3
Qollar: Eduard, 3. Toven, 56 – Baloqun, 62. Zakaria, 70. Fati, 72.

Tuluza – Paris 1:1
Qollar: Viqnolo, 87 – Munetsi, 39.

PSJ – Mets 3:0
Qollar: Due, 3. Barkola, 45+3. Q.Ramos, 77.

22 fevral

18:00. Oser – Renn
20:15. Anje – Lill
20:15. Nant – Havr
20:15. Nitsa – Loryan
23:45. Strasburq – Olimpik (Lion)

Bu gün futbol üzrə İngiltərə çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 27-ci turunun oyunlarına start verilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə 5 qarşılaşma baş tutub.

“Vest Hem” – “Bornmut” matçında qapılara qol vurulmayıb. “Aston Villa” – “Lids” və “Çelsi” – “Börnli” görüşlərində tərəflər hərəyə 1 qol və 1 xalla kifayətləniblər. “Brentford” doğma meydanda “Brayton”a məğlub olubsa, “Mançester Siti” “Nyukasl”ı xalsız yola salıb.

27-ci turun qalan görüşləri fevralın 22-də və 23-də keçiriləcək.

İngiltərə, Premyer Liqa
27-ci tur
21 fevral

Aston Villa – Lids 1:1
Qollar: T.Abraham, 88 – Stax, 31.

Çelsi – Börnli 1:1
Qollar: J.Pedro, 4 – Flemminq, 90+3.

Vest Hem – Bornmut 0:0

Brentford – Brayton 0:2
Qollar: D.Qomes, 30. Uelbek, 45+1.

Mançester Siti – Nyukasl 2:1
Qollar: O’Rayli, 14; 27 – Holl, 22.

22 fevral

18:00. Kristal Pelas – Vulverhempton
18:00. Nottingem Forest – Liverpul
18:00. Sanderlend – Fulhem
20:30. Tottenhem – Arsenal

23 fevral

00:00. Everton – Mançester Yunayted

Bu gün futbol üzrə İtaliya çempionatında (A Seriyası) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 26-cı turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə üç qarşılaşma baş tutub.

“Kalyari” – “Latsio” matçında qapılara qol vurulmayıb. “Yuventus” doğma meydanda “Komo”ya 2 cavabsız qolla məğlub olub. Səfərdə “Leççe” ilə qarşılaşmış lider “İnter” isə turu inamlı qələbə ilə başa vurub.

26-cı turun qalan görüşləri fevralın 22-də və 23-də keçiriləcək.

İtaliya, A Seriyası
26-cı tur
20 fevral

Sassuolo – Verona 3:0
Qollar: Pinamonti, 40. Berardi, 44; 62.

21 fevral

Yuventus – Komo 0:2
Qollar: Voyvoda, 11. Kakre, 61.

Leççe – İnter 0:2
Qollar: Mxitaryan, 75. Akanji, 82.

Kalyari – Latsio 0:0

22 fevral

15:30. Cenoa – Torino
18:00. Atalanta – Napoli
21:00. Milan – Parma
23:45. Roma – Kremoneze

23 fevral

21:30. Fiorentina – Piza
23:45. Bolonya – Udineze

Bu gün futbol üzrə Almaniya çempionatında (Bundesliqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 23-cü turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə 5 qarşılaşma baş tutub.

Dörd qolun qeydə alındığı “Leypsiq” – “Borussiya” (Dortmund) və “Köln” – “Hoffenhaym” matçlarında qalib müəyyənləşməyib. Lider “Bayern” evdə “Ayntraxt”a qalib gəlibsə, “Volfsburq” “Auqsburq”a məğlub olub. “Union Berlin” də “Bayer”lə ev oyununda tək qola sevinib.

23-cü turun qalan görüşləri fevralın 22-də keçiriləcək.

Almaniya, Bundesliqa
23-cü tur
20 fevral

Maynts – Hamburq 1:1
Qollar: Amiri, 42 – Vyeyra, 64.

21 fevral

Bayern – Ayntraxt 3:2
Qollar: Pavloviç, 16. Keyn, 20; 68 – Burkardt, 77-pen.

Köln – Hoffenhaym 2:2
Qollar: Açe, 15. El-Mala, 63 – O.Kabak, 45. Kramariç, 60.

Union Berlin – Bayer 1:0
Qol: Xedira, 28.

Volfsburq – Auqsburq 2:3
Qollar: Gerhardt, 41. Şioqal, 71 – Ribeyro, 59. Qreqoriç, 87-pen. Rexbeçay, 90+3.

Leypsiq – Borussiya (Dortmund) 2:2
Qollar: Baumqartner, 20; 39 – R.Kardozo, 50-öz qapısına. F.Silva, 90+5.

22 fevral

18:30. Frayburq – Borussiya (Mönhenqladbax)
20:30. Sankt Pauli – Verder
22:30. Haydenhaym – Ştutqart

Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma was again decisive with a sensational last-gasp save, as Manchester City beat Sandro Tonali’s Newcastle United in the Premier League.

The result was hanging in the balance after a Nico O’Reilly brace, around the temporary Lewis Hall equaliser.

In the final moments of the match this evening, Harvey Barnes thought he had managed to get Newcastle back on level terms again for 2-2 when hitting a sweet strike.

However, he hadn’t counted on the incredible reflexes of Azzurri hero Donnarumma, who flew to palm it out of the bottom corner.

Donnarumma keeps City in title race

Manchester City fans went wild on social media, noting it was the second time he made a match-saving intervention deep into stoppages after the one against Liverpool.

Erling Haaland drops to the floor in relief

Just look at how much that win means to Man City

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/OCI0wHfO6C

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 21, 2026

His teammates also recognised what that save meant to keep the title race alive, rushing to hug Donnarumma after the final whistle.

Gianluigi Donnarumma.

What. A. Goalkeeper.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 21, 2026

Not all fans are happy with the situation, as some continued to criticise his poor distribution from the back, but this has always been an issue in his game going back to the days at Milan.

As one Manchester City supporter rather oddly put it, “all he has is generational shot saving.”

Maurizio Sarri reveals why he was ‘annoyed’ at Lazio after their 0-0 draw with Cagliari, and confirms Nicolò Rovella ‘fractured his clavicle’ in a new serious injury.

The Aquile are now without a Serie A victory three rounds, as this was their second stalemate along with a 2-0 defeat to Atalanta.

Most notably, it’s their second consecutive match without finding the net, as Elia Caprile kept out the late Danilo Cataldi free kick following Yerry Mina’s red card.

Sarri outlines Lazio problems

“I was annoyed because I didn’t like a lot of the choices made by my team. This is a tough place to play, Juventus and Roma lost here recently,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.

“This is a team we have to face moving the ball around quickly, but instead we tried to keep the ball and slow it down. I didn’t like that at all.

“It was a hard-fought match with few overall scoring opportunities for either side. We were dangerous a few times on the left for the final 20 minutes, because we introduced players who attacked there, but we should’ve done it before that.”

The lack of goals is a problem, as once again Daniel Maldini played as a False 9 this evening and struggled to make an impact.

“We are unbeaten away from home since November, and even that saw us denied a penalty at the 95^th minute. Perhaps we haven’t won as many on our travels, but I cannot ask for more from these lads,” noted Sarri.

“There are certain characteristics in the squad, so clearly Maldini will struggle to run into space, Isaksen is better at moving off the ball, while Zaccagni is not in good shape after his injury. We’ve been dealing with this since the start of the season, players are out for a month, month and a half, then we need to give them playing time so they can get up to speed.

“It’s not the only problem, of course, we’ve had others too.”

The biggest issue for Lazio tonight was seeing Rovella go off with an ice pack strapped to his shoulder, having fallen awkwardly after he was brought down.

“It is a cursed season for the reasons I won’t recap again, this evening we were missing six players injured, and unfortunately Rovella has fractured his clavicle. It’s a constant emergency situation,” noted Sarri.

They were already missing Pedro, Mario Gila, Toma Basic, Manuel Lazzari and Samuel Gigot, though Alessio Romagnoli returned from suspension.

Cagliari and Lazio shared the spoils with a goalless draw, as both sustained new injuries and Yerry Mina saw red for two bookable offences.

Both teams were coming off setbacks, as the Sardinians saw their run of three wins on the bounce cut off by two defeats to Roma and Lecce. The Aquile were pegged back 2-2 by Juventus, then lost to Atalanta. There was a lengthy absentee list for the hosts, including Michael Folorunsho, Alessandro Deiola, Gianluca Gaetano, Gennaro Borrelli, Andrea Belotti and Mattia Felici. Maurizio Sarri missed Pedro, Mario Gila, Toma Basic, Manuel Lazzari and Samuel Gigot, but at least Alessio Romagnoli returned from suspension.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Ze Pedro was unlucky not to give Cagliari the lead after 13 minutes, as his header clipped the outside of the near post on a corner.

Mattia Zaccagni nodded a corner over, then was surprised when both Michel Adopo and Alberto Dossena failed to cut out the Adam Marusic cross.

Adopo should’ve scored at the other end, ghosting between defenders to nod the Adam Obert cross wide from six yards.

Zaccagni also came sliding in and couldn’t connect with the Marusic pull-back across the face of goal, while Sebastiano Esposito turned inches off target on the Adopo assist from six yards.

The injury crisis intensified for the hosts, losing Luca Mazzitelli before half-time to a calf problem.

Elia Caprile smothered a Kenneth Taylor snapshot, but Lazio had a setback too when Nicolò Rovella fell awkwardly on his right shoulder.

Marco Palestra was a constant danger and had the ball in the net on 69 minutes when sending Pellegrini to ground with a dummy and drilling under Ivan Provedel, but was offside when running onto the Ze Pedro long ball.

Provedel got his fingertips to the Riyad Idrissi angled drive following a strong run from midfield, but Cagliari were reduced to 10 men in the final minutes.

Yerry Mina started the foul on Tijjani Noslin on the very edge of the area and continued it inside, the referee pointed initially to the spot and then awarded a free kick, but it was the second yellow card for the Colombian.

From the resulting free kick, Danilo Cataldi forced a difficult Caprile save at the near post. Cataldi also swung a great effort off the inside of the right boot from the edge of the box and it skimmed the top corner in stoppages.

Cagliari 0-0 Lazio

Sent off: Mina 85 (C)

OpenAI officially launched as a non-profit 10 years ago, and it's come a long way

There's a new Guinness World Record for the smallest nanoscale QR codes, promising durable, energy-free storage at massive densities.

Arsenal have stuttered recently as they no longer necessarily look like the favourites to win the Premier League title, but could Kai Havertz still save their season?

The Germany international’s absence through injury has surely been one of the major frustrations for Mikel Arteta this season, as he can be so influential when fully fit and confident.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Not everyone was won over by Havertz when he first joined Arsenal after a slightly underwhelming spell at Chelsea, but by the end of a memorable 2023/24 campaign he very much showed his importance to the side.

Havertz has been limited to just three Premier League appearances so far in 2025/26, but if he can make it back for the title run-in, then perhaps there’s cause for optimism for panicking Gooners.

Kai Havertz’s incredible run that almost delivered Arsenal the title

For all the talk of Arsenal being ‘bottlers’ in the title race, that’s far from what happened when they fought to the very final day of the 2023/24 season.

Ultimately it was a mid-season blip that cost them against an almost-perfect Manchester City side, who just would not stop winning and eventually clinched the title by a mere two points.

Arsenal chased them all the way with a near-perfect run of their own, winning 16, drawing one, and losing one of their last 18 games.

Instrumental to that run was Havertz, who contributed nine goals and six assists in the final 14 fixtures, so averaging more than one goal contribution per game…

?? Kai Havertz scored nine and registered six assists in the last 14 games in the title run-in in 2024. ??

It’s time to run it back. ?? pic.twitter.com/1GAzSYLhoX

— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) February 21, 2026

Of course, Arsenal would also benefit from other players getting back to the kind of form they showed then, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard not playing at their best this term, whereas they were superb week in, week out at the start of 2024.

It’s very clear, though, that in the few games Havertz has played this term, that he’s made players around him look better, and he’s so much more well-rounded than struggling summer signing Viktor Gyokeres.

More Stories / Latest News

15 G/A in 14 games – The underrated star who could end Arsenal’s title pain

Feb 21 2026, 22:00

Tottenham and Newcastle in talks to rescue £400k-a-week star from Saudi nightmare

Feb 21 2026, 21:00

“They have a low budget”: Thomas Frank comments on Palace resurface amid manager links

Feb 21 2026, 20:30

When will Kai Havertz be back from injury?

The Athletic recently reported that Havertz would be set for a spell on the sidelines, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be out for too much longer.

As reported by the Evening Standard earlier today, Arteta has even suggested the 26-year-old could be in contention for Sunday’s North London Derby against Tottenham.

AFC might do well not to rush Havertz back into the starting XI straight away, but at the same time there’ll be a real desperation to bring him in and see if he can provide Arteta with the key to finally bringing the Premier League trophy back to the club for the first time in 22 years.

The post 15 G/A in 14 games – The underrated star who could end Arsenal’s title pain appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has been linked with a move back to the Premier League.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on the 26-year-old striker and have held talks with intermediaries about a potential move. The player currently earns £400,000 a week at Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, and it remains to be seen whether any Premier League club is willing to pay that kind of money for him.

Barcelona are also monitoring Nunez.

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Darwin Nunez to return?

The Uruguayan International might have to accept a major pay cut in order to see a return to the Premier League. He has struggled for regular opportunities at Al-Hilal recently since the arrival of Karim Benzema. The player has been sidelined, and he is no longer an important member of the first team. Leaving the Saudi Arabian club would be ideal for him.

It remains to be seen whether he is ready to return to the Premier League.

More Stories / Latest News

15 G/A in 14 games – The underrated star who could end Arsenal’s title pain

Feb 21 2026, 22:00

Tottenham and Newcastle in talks to rescue £400k-a-week star from Saudi nightmare

Feb 21 2026, 21:00

“They have a low budget”: Thomas Frank comments on Palace resurface amid manager links

Feb 21 2026, 20:30

Nunez could be a useful signing

Despite not being a prolific goalscorer, he impressed during his time at Liverpool with his work rate, physicality, technical attributes, and link-up play. He could prove to be a very useful acquisition for Tottenham or Newcastle. Both teams could use more depth in the attack, and Nunez is versatile enough to operate on the flanks as well as centrally.

He is at the peak of his career, and he knows the league well. He could settle in quickly and make an immediate impact. The opportunity to play regularly in the Premier League once again would be exciting for him.

The striker has scored 9 goals in 24 appearances for the Saudi Arabian outfit, and there is no doubt he could be a quality player in the right team. It remains to be seen where he ends up eventually.

The post Tottenham and Newcastle in talks to rescue £400k-a-week star from Saudi nightmare appeared first on CaughtOffside.

IoTeX reported containing a hack with losses around $2 million, disputing on-chain analyst estimates placing the theft at $4.3 million. The blockchain platform stated it coordinated with exchanges and law enforcement to freeze stolen funds following what it called a…

"It also takes a lot of energy to train a human."

A new study published in Evolution & Human Behavior finds that men tend to underestimate how upset women would feel after sexual assault by an intimate partner, while women tend to overestimate how upset men would feel.

Theory of mind is often treated as a general cognitive skill. However, evolutionary perspectives suggest that mind-reading may be partly domain-specific, especially in areas where men and women have historically faced different adaptive challenges. One such domain is sexual violence, where women have disproportionately experienced victimization and its associated physical, reproductive, and psychological costs.

Dr. Rebecka K. Hahnel-Peeters, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Indiana State University, explained, “It’s hard to narrow down what drew me to this topic, but three primary influences stand out: (1) a larger lab interest in the domain-specificity of theory of mind, (2) my interest in replication efforts, and (3) the topic’s connection to my broader research program on sexual victimization and threat management.”

Hahnel-Peeters described how the project emerged from a collaborative effort. “This paper began as part of a larger lab discussion about whether theory of mind was domain-specific in its content. Theory of mind is our ability to infer others’ knowledge, thoughts, emotions, and desires—and importantly, to recognize that these mental states may differ from our own. Previous work has explored when perceptual errors in inferences about the opposite-sex’s mental states might be favored by selection (e.g., Haselton & Buss, 2000).”

“My colleagues, William Costello and Paola Baca, were equally interested in perceptual errors and biases in cross-sex theory of mind, particularly in judgments of sexual desire. We decided a group project was in order, each selecting a domain within mating psychology to explore. This naturally led me to consider opportunities for replication.”

The replication focus was central, the author shared, “Our mentor and co-author, Dr. David Buss, previously documented that men tend to underestimate how upsetting sexual aggression perpetrated by a romantic partner is to the average woman (Buss, 1989). Women were also inaccurate in estimating men’s reactions to such aggression. Those data were collected in the late 1980s. Given how much time has passed—and considering the increased awareness surrounding sexual violence following the 2017 #MeToo movement—I was curious whether these effects would replicate today.”

“If the misperception replicated, there were important implications for how we prosecute sexual violence. Much prosecution of sexual violence relies on the reasonable person standard — if the acts committed by the alleged perpetrator would cause a ‘reasonable person’ fear. This assumes men and women have a shared baseline of emotional responses to sexually threatening behavior. If a ‘reasonable man’ consistently differs from a ‘reasonable woman,’ then our current legal standards may be mismatched to the reality of sexual violence.”

The researchers recruited participants through social media and the participant pool at The University of Texas at Austin. The final sample included 781 participants, 61% of whom were female, ranging in age from 18-67 years. The design required participants to rate their own reactions, as well as the reactions of the “average man” and “average woman,” across multiple domains.

To measure emotional upset, participants rated 150 behaviors originally drawn from Buss (1989), including four items reflecting sexual aggression by an intimate partner, such as being forced to have sex. They also reported their fear of rape and other crimes, along with their perceived likelihood of being victimized by crimes such as sexual assault and sexual harassment.

In addition, participants completed measures assessing sociosexual orientation, Dark Triad traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy), empathy, self-perceived mate value, and perceived formidability. These individual difference measures allowed the authors to test whether cross-sex errors reflected adaptive inferential biases or instead were explained by projection of one’s own reactions.

“American men and women tend to systematically misperceive eachothers’ emotional upset in the domain of sexual violence perpetrated by one’s romantic partner, and this misperception is surprisingly stable across time,” Hahnel-Peeters told PsyPost.

“Although it’s true that both men and women accurately reported [that] the average woman experiences more upset, men significantly underestimated the upset that women actually reported. This has important implications for interpersonal communication, empathy, and legal contexts. We hope educating about these biases may improve education, prevention efforts, and how we define a ‘reasonable person’ in sexual violence cases.”

In contrast, men were relatively accurate in estimating women’s fear of rape and perceived likelihood of sexual victimization, while women overestimated men’s perceived likelihood of victimization.

Analyses of individual differences revealed that most cross-sex errors were strongly predicted by participants’ own self-ratings. For example, men’s underestimation of women’s upset was primarily explained by how upset the men themselves reported they would feel. Dark Triad traits and sociosexual orientation did not robustly predict these errors in the upset domain, lending more support to the byproduct (egocentric bias) hypothesis than to a specialized adaptive bias account, although some personality traits (e.g., psychopathy, Machiavellianism) were linked to errors in perceived likelihood and fear.

When asked if there are any caveats, the author emphasized “Absolutely, as with any study.”

“Although we replicated key patterns found in the late 1980s, these data are confined to the contexts of undergraduate students in the United States. Our data cannot definitively determine if these misperceptions result from evolved design features or byproducts of some other cognitive system. We tested several theoretically relevant individual differences, but future research would benefit from more diverse participants and methodology to better evaluate the adaptive vs. byproduct hypotheses.”

Hahnel-Peeters also highlighted unanswered questions. “Future research could examine cross-sex mindreading across cultures, such as those differing in sexuality or gender norms. To further test predictions about how reproductive status may calibrate theory of mind in this domain, future research should include a greater age range — specifically sampling for post-menopausal women. Another question includes how jurors’ individual differences in the magnitude of error influences perceived victim and perpetrator culpability. We’re only just beginning to understand these misperceptions.”

Taken together, the findings suggest that cross-sex misunderstandings in the domain of sexual violence are systematic, stable across decades, and shaped in part by individuals’ own emotional baselines.

“This project highlights that even well-meaning individuals can hold inaccurate beliefs about the opposite sex’s experiences with sexual violence. These gaps in perceptions hold real consequences. A better understanding of these perceptual errors support better policy-making, prevention efforts, and support for victims.”

The research “Cross-sex theory of mind in the domain of sexual violence: upset, fear, and perceived likelihood” was authored by Rebecka K. Hahnel-Peeters, William Costello, Paola Baca, David P. Schmitt, and David M. Buss.

Hollanda Eredivisie Ligi'nin 24. haftasında Ajax, sahasında NEC Nijmegen ile 1-1 berabere kaldı.

Atletico Madrid, ligdeki 3 maçlık galibiyet hasretini Espanyol karşısında 4-2'lik skorla bitirdi.

Suudi Arabistan Ligi'nin 22. haftasında Al Nassr evinde Al Hazm'ı 4-0 yenerek üst üste 8. galibiyetini aldı. Öte yandan Cristiano Ronaldo, kariyerinin 964. golünü attı.

Lider Arsenal'in puan kaybettiği haftada Newcastle United'ı 2-1 mağlup eden Manchester City, puan farkını 2'ye kadar indirdi.

Almanya 2. Bundesliga Ligi'nin 23. haftasında Schalke 04'ün sahasında Magdeburg'u konuk ettiği karşılaşmada Edin Džeko 1 gol ve 1 asistle oynarken, Kenan Karaman da 2 golle Schalke'nin galibiyetinde kilit rol oynadı.

Galatasaray, teknik direktör Okan Buruk'un göreve başladığı 2022'den bu yana ilk kez bir Süper Lig maçını 2 farklı kaybetti.

Konyaspor, Galatasaray ile sahasında yaptığı son 6 maçın 4'ünü kazandı.

Galatasaray, Konyaspor'a 5 maçın ardından mağlup oldu.

Galatasaray Teknik Direktörü Okan Buruk, Konyaspor'u çalıştıran meslektaşı İlhan Palut karşısında ilk mağlubiyetini yaşadı.

Konyaspor'a 2-0 yenilen Galatasaray, Süper Lig'de 10 maç sonra mağlup oldu.

Erzurumspor FK Kulüp Başkanı Ahmet Dal, Ankara Keçiörengücü maçı sonrası yapılan açıklamalara tepki gösterdi.

Almanya Bundesliga'nın 23. haftasında Leipzig'in Borussia Dortmund'u konuk ettiği maç, 2-2 berabere bitti.

Konyaspor Teknik Direktörü İlhan Palut, Galatasaray galibiyeti sonrası konuştu.

It's safe to say that Köln manager Lukas Kwasniok is happy with striker Ragnar Ache. Ache scored the opener for the hosts with a stunning bicycle kick after only 15 minutes. Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann could only watch as the ball whistled into the back of the net.

Hoffenheim eventually fought back to secure a 2-2 draw, but that didn't make Ache's goal any less special.

“All I want to see today is the headline: Ragnar Ache - King of the Air,” said Kwasniok in a press conference after the game.

The goal was his fifth of the Bundesliga season, and fourth in his last six games. Only Said El Mala has more goals for Effzeh, as Ache, who was a substitute at the start of the season, has become a crucial player for Kwasniok and Köln.

“He's come a long way and is an indispensable part of the team,” said Kwasniok.

Ache joined in July 2025 after two strong seasons in the 2. Bundesliga with 1. FC Kaiserslautern. He found minutes hard to come by, though, with Köln initially using Marius Bülter up top.

Ache has fought his way into the starting eleven, though. He scored his first goal for Effzeh in October in the DFB Pokal, although Köln lost 4-1 to Bayern Munich. Days later, the striker scored his first goal in the Bundesliga.

His strong form has continued into 2026. Ache has four goals already this year, with a brace in a crucial win over Mainz before goals against Stuttgart and now Hoffenheim. In total, he's up to six goals and six assists in all competitions this season. 

It doesn't hurt that some of the goals have been fantastic, either. His strike against Hoffenheim will not be forgotten in Köln anytime soon.

"The vote for Goal of the Year will now only be about second place," said Kwasniok.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Chance Mallory drew a foul on a 3-point attempt with 3.6 seconds to play, and then sank all three free throws to lift No. 14 Virginia to an 86-83 win over Miami on Saturday.

Jacari White came off the bench to score 17 points, hitting five 3-pointers for the Cavaliers (24-3, 12-2 Atlantic Coast), who won their eighth straight.

Sam Lewis had 15 points, Thijs De Ridder scored 14, and Mallory had all 12 of his points in the second half.

Shelton Henderson and Tre Donaldson each scored 18 to lead Miami (21-6, 10-4), which saw its four-game win streak snapped. The Hurricanes out rebounded UVA 30-23 and outscored Virginia 18-2 on second-chance points.

The win kept the second-place Cavaliers ahead of third-place Miami in the conference standings and robbed the Hurricanes of a chance for a big Quad 1 victory.

UVA honored former coach Tony Bennett in a pregame ceremony, naming the court at John Paul Jones Arena after him. With a collection of his former players joining him on the court, Bennett watched as a logo of his signature was unveiled.

Miami jumped out to an early 11-point lead, but seven first-half 3-pointers kept UVA in the game. The Hurricanes scored the final eight points of the half and went to the locker room ahead 44-39.

The teams were tied at 59 with 11:33 to play. Mallory and De Ridder led the Cavaliers in opening up their largest lead of the game, 68-61 with 8:54 to go.

Miami fought back to set up a back-and-forth finish.

Malik Reneau's layup at 7 seconds tied the game 83-83. Mallory took the inbounds pass and raced across the half-court line, elevating for a shot attempt and getting fouled.

Up next

Miami: Visits Florida State on Tuesday.

Virginia: Hosts N.C. State on Tuesday.

___

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The Dallas Cowboys are on the board. Javonte Williams is officially returning to the team thanks to a new three-year deal worth $24M according to multiple reports.

The #Cowboys and standout RB Javonte Williams have agreed to terms on a 3-year deal worth $24M, sources say. Dallas keeps a big-time player.

He gets his $8M per year after a breakout season in a deal was done by @AgentNicoleLynn of @KlutchSports. pic.twitter.com/xHTcWxl4VF

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 21, 2026

This is fantastic news in a number of ways for the Cowboys.

First of all, they get to keep a great player in Javonte Williams. He was remarkable in his first season with the team after many thought his career was over following his stint with the Denver Broncos.

Beyond the obvious, the Cowboys also got Williams back for a decent price. The deal is reportedly “worth up to” $8M per year which is incredible relative to the market rate at running back. Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift is at that mark for some context.

What’s more, the Cowboys got this done quietly and expeditiously. It is the weekend before the NFL combine and they are already doing work towards next season. That is a breath of fresh air relative to these types of things across recent history.

Williams is coming off of career highs in carries (252), yards (1,201), and touchdowns (11), but he is only set to turn 26 years old this offseason. This is a win in every capacity.

What is your take on this deal? Good or bad for you?

TAMPA, Fla. — Shortly after Gerrit Cole faced hitters for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last spring, Aaron Judge said that “you would have never known” the Cy Young winner was coming off a procedure that robbed him of the entire 2025 season.

“It looked like the old 45 that I’ve seen for years,” Judge said Friday after grounding out against Cole, who faced three batters, threw about 20 pitches, sat around 95-96 mph with his fastball and topped out at 96.9 mph.

Told of Judge’s assessment on Saturday morning, Cole said it was “a great compliment” to hear.

“I wasn’t in a rehab mindset yesterday,” he continued. “I was just in that performance mindset. So it didn’t feel like anything other than how it used to feel going out there and competing.”

Cole said that he had “fun” facing hitters again, and that he found the outing to be “rewarding and refreshing.” More importantly, he felt good during the session and again on Saturday morning.

He added that he was “a little surprised,” that he threw as hard as he did, though he noted that he’s pretty built up.

But with all going well for the right-hander thus far, Cole put to rest any speculation that he may try to expedite his rehab plans.

“It’s great to feel great,” he said, “but I don’t think it makes me want to accelerate.”

Cole, 35, previously reiterated that full Tommy John reconstruction comes with a 14-18-month timetable. That means he could return sometime in May — that would be on the earlier side — or June if all continues to go well.

Cole and the Yankees have left the door open for the pitcher to throw in spring training games before camp ends, but they haven’t settled on how many more live batting practice sessions he’ll have to participate in before graduating to that step.

Judge joined by another Big Bomber

With Cole serving as a challenging tune-up a day before his Grapefruit League debut, Judge didn’t have to wait long for his first homers of the spring.

The Yankees’ captain went deep twice in Steinbrenner Field’s exhibition opener on Saturday afternoon, first taking Detroit’s Burch Smith 420 feet off the batter’s eye in the Bombers’ 20-3 win. The two-run blast traveled at 104.5 mph.

An inning later, Judge clubbed another two-run dinger off Ricky Vanasco. The shot to left sailed 395 feet at 106.1 mph.

“It’s spring training,” Judge said when jokingly asked if he’s ready for Opening Day. “We still got a lot of work to do. You like seeing results in spring, obviously, but I’m just happy to get three at-bats and feel good in the field.”

Judge went on to note that getting lots of early at-bats in spring training worked out for him last year. The back-to-back MVP, captaining Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, also added, “You don’t want to get exposed playing for your country, so you gotta be ready to go.”

Judge wasn’t the only giant slugger to homer Saturday, as outfield prospect Spencer Jones cleared the ballpark with a solo shot in the second inning.

Statcast measured the bomb off Keider Montero, a big leaguer the last two seasons, at 111.7 mph and 408 feet.

“I’m feeling good,” Jones said. “I’m just trying to get some good feels with the hands, get those going and use that as a trigger.”

Lagrange’s spring debut

Another towering presence, Carlos Lagrange, started Saturday’s game. The results were mixed, as the pitching prospect totaled 2.2 innings, three hits, two runs (one earned), two walks, two strikeouts, one homer and 53 pitches.

However, Lagrange’s four-seam fastball topped out at 102.4 mph and hit at least 100 mph seven times. It also had an induced vertical break of 18 inches.

While his change-up coasted above 90 mph and his sweeper impressed, Lagrange didn’t hesitate when asked what his best pitch is.

“My fastball,” he said with a laugh. “It’s hard and big and vertical.”

Judge, meanwhile, praised the 22-year-old for the second time this spring, declaring, “Carlos’ potential is to be a frontline starter for the New York Yankees.”

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Marcel Hartel scored in the 60th minute and Pep Biel equalized in the 73rd as St. Louis City SC and Charlotte FC opened the MLS season with a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

St. Louis controlled much of the match, finishing with a 22-9 advantage in shots and an 11-3 edge in shots on goal. Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made 10 saves.

The teams played to a scoreless first half, with Charlotte generating limited attacking pressure while St. Louis created the better chances. CITY SC made its first substitution of the season early in the second half, bringing on Brendan McSorley.

St. Louis broke through in the 60th minute when Hartel finished from the left side of the box after a well-timed pass from Simon Becher opened space in front of the goal.

Charlotte answered 13 minutes later as Wilfried Zaha delivered a through ball that found Biel making a run into the box, and the midfielder finished to level the match.

St. Louis pushed for a winner late, generating several chances in stoppage time, but Kahlina preserved the draw with multiple close-range saves.

CITY SC finished with a 1.9-0.6 advantage in expected goals and a 6-1 edge in corner kicks, but settled for a point. St. Louis remains unbeaten in its four MLS season-opening matches.

___

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Atlantic 10 has issued reprimands and fined both No. 18 Saint Louis and VCU for violating the conference's sportsmanship policy following a scuffle between the two teams near the end of a basketball game on Friday night.

The conference said in a statement that it would not issue suspensions and praised game officials for handling the situation in “exemplary fashion.”

The A-10 did not disclose the amount of the fines, but said they would be according to conference policy.

“This was an unfortunate end to a great college basketball game between two of the best teams in the nation," the statement said. "The A-10 considers the matter closed and looks forward to the remainder of the regular season and the Atlantic 10 Championship in Pittsburgh in March.”

Saint Louis won the game 88-75, but before the final horn, there was plenty of action.

The coaches from Saint Louis and VCU were preparing to shake hands when the benches cleared with 1.1 seconds left. With the victory, Saint Louis (25-2, 13-1 Atlantic 10) prevented VCU (21-7, 12-3) from taking over first place.

___

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Amid the maelstrom of the closing minutes in Cardiff there was a slightly comedic moment. As the upset to end all upsets loomed large, Scotland pounded hard at the Welsh line, their desperation in full flow, the home defiance bordering on the heroic.

Inside the Principality, the noise was deafening, The head thudded, the ears split. Wales in crisis? Nobody seemed to tell Dewi Lake or Rhys Carre or their locks and back-rows and midfielders, who were awesome.

Crisis, yes. But for Scotland. Wales were not looking like a team that had lost 23 out of their previous 25 games, who had come into this as no-hopers with the bookmakers. They were tired men, though. They were flagging with the finishing line in sight.

This was such a familiar nightmare for the Scots, their darkest fears in play, their rugby sanity at stake. Wales led 23-19. They had outgunned Scotland, routing them at the breakdown, stifling their lethal runners, battering them in the collisions.

But Scotland were fighting back, they were beginning to rise above their own shortcomings. In that moment, as Scotland rumbled off a close-range lineout, the giant screens flashed a message for the Welsh fans: "Get louder," it demanded.

Louder? You cannot be serious. The temptation was to laugh because the place couldn't have been any more electrified, but the drama down below didn't allow for mirth. It was wonderfully tense, a game of psychology as much as a game of rugby.

• Scotland show 'bottle' & 'grit' in 'ugly' Cardiff win
• Podcast: Reaction to Scotland's dramatic Cardiff comeback
• Scotland battle back for Six Nations win over Wales

Seconds later, George Turner piled over and, at last, Scotland were ahead for the first time in their stressful day. Finn Russell made it a three-point game with the boot and the visitors saw it out from there.

They looked exhausted and relieved on full-time, like they'd had a brush with ghosts rather than dragons. Sione Tuipulotu said they had to dig deep and that was true.

They dug and dug and dug. It was error-strewn and maddening at times but they kept at it. If they only rarely managed to show their class, they displayed character when the heat was at its most intense. Cool heads amid the desperation won the day.

Winning ugly is a concept that has seemed beyond Scotland for years. For the most part, at any rate. They normally win with a flourish or not at all. This was an ugly one, but magnificent at the same time.

They were asked all sorts of questions and came up with enough answers. It was seriously flawed but that made the manner of the win all the more laudable. They were losing 20-5 after 47 minutes and won the remainder of it 21-3 even though never coming close to playing their best stuff. How can you not salute that spirit?

Last week we saw them win with panache, this week we saw them win through belligerence and character. Two different styles but the same precious five points.

After the torment of defeat in week one, Scotland are top of the table. They'll drop to second if France beat Italy on Sunday, but second after three games is rarefied air for Gregor Townsend and his team.

Wales? Brilliant but beaten, losers on the day but with so much to build on - and a little bit to complain about, too. If that Turner try ended up being the decisive moment in the game there was another moment, on 64 minutes, that could have filled that slot.

Wales were ahead 23-19 at the time. Into the Scotland 22 they went and won a penalty. They could have backheeled it over, had it stood, which it didn't. The TMO got involved and a call was made against Tomos Williams for a croc roll on Rory Darge that didn't look like a croc roll.

Penalty reversed. A shot for 26-19 gone. Turner drove over soon after and that was that. Back from the cliff edge Scotland stepped and into the coming weeks they go with France to play at home and Ireland away.

A formidable finale to their tournament, but at least they're alive and not without hope of achieving something tangible. Whatever happens against France they will be playing for a Triple Crown in Dublin. They haven't won it since 1990.

What is it about this fixture that produces such hair-raisers? What is it about those Scotland jerseys that makes the Welsh believe in themselves?

From the get-go, they were terrific. Scotland forced things and got found out. They tried to go wide at every turn, but got smashed. Even when Joe Hawkins was binned after five minutes Wales grew stronger. Carre scored while they were down to 14. Those awful Welsh starts in so many recent Test matches? Forget it.

Scotland coughed up chances, then scored one, then conceded another. They had little composure and no control. Wales would not allow it. Sam Costelow made it 17-5 after half an hour. Red flags all over the place now.

Townsend didn't hang about. Thirty-five minutes played and he hauled off Nathan McBeth, his loosehead, and Max Williamson, one of his locks. Fortunes did not change, not immediately. Scotland's looseness carried on. So did the Welsh scoring; 20-5 now.

Fatalism kicks in at that point. Here we go again. Another Cardiff catastrophe. Jungle drums beating. Townsend must go. Everybody must go.

Huw Jones, one of the most formidable attackers in the history of the Scotland team, dropped a ball with the try-line close at hand. When the likes of Jones are making a mess of things you start to fear the worst. You crank up the obits.

Instead of an implosion we saw Scotland reversing the narrative. Russell darted over to make it 20-12. Jarrod Evans stretched it to 23-12, but what happened next was remarkable.

Russell restarted. He spotted space and dropped his kick into the no-man's land Wales offered him, Darcy Graham reading his mind and speeding on to it. As James Botham slept, his back turned to the play, Graham pounced.

A kindly bounce and he was in for a blink-and-you-miss-it score. A colossal Welsh failing to some eyes, a piece of Russell genius to others.

The tension - raw and exhilarating - continued. The Williams croc roll and the siege lifted on the back of it. The sense of impending Welsh doom only for the Scots to lose ball on the floor just as they threatened to motor. The Turner try and the Scotland scrum penalty at the end. They cleared the lines and escaped to victory.

Later, Pierre Schoeman suggested it was a bigger win than last week's victory over England. You can see where he was coming from. The rugby world knows Scotland can beat England, but not many folk knew they could come from so many points down in an unforgiving place to win a battle.

They showed a different side of their personality on Saturday, a terrible beauty on an extraordinary day.

Related internet links

• Scottish Rugby Union

After nearly a year removed from his last fight, Ryan Garcia will return to the boxing ring later TONIGHT (Sat., Feb. 21, 2026) to challenge current WBC Welterweight champion, Mario Barrios, inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on DAZN PPV.

Barrios (29-2-2) is coming of back-to-back draws against Abel Ramos and Manny Pacquiao, with his last win coming over two years ago. “El Azteca’” fight against Pacquaio last year proved to be more entertaining than many expected as “PacMan” nearly pulled out the win (highlights), with many feeling that the former seven-division champion should have won the belt. Now, Barrios is out to secure a victory win over one of the most popular fighters in the game today.

As for Garcia, he was last seen losing to Rolando Romero in May 2025, though that didn’t stop promoters from giving him the opportunity to fight for a title (see how it all went down here). Now, “King Ry” is out to put some of his ghosts to bed by securing a big win against one of the hardest hitters at 147 pounds.

Many readers check in before, during and after the fights to share their thoughts on all of the action, as the card kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on DAZN PPV. Feel free to leave a comment (or several) about the bouts and chat with all the other Maniacs during the show — it’s always a lot of fun!

BARRIOS VS. GARCIA QUICK RESULTS

147 lbs.: Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia
140 lbs.: Richardson Hitchins vs. Oscar Duarte
140 lbs.: Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Andy Hiraoka
140 lbs.: Frank Martin vs. Nahir Albright
168 lbs.: Bektemir Melikuziev vs. Sena Agbeko

BARRIOS VS. GARCIA PLAY-BY-PLAY

HIGHLIGHTS

It has been another action-packed Saturday across 'The 72' and Playmaker is here to run you through some of the outstanding performers and statistics from the EFL.

From the slickest passers enroute to the most tenacious tacklers via the busiest goalkeepers, we have all the headline stats you need to know from this afternoon.

Let's dive in...

---

Top performers in the EFL

Most shots on target: 4 - Richard Koné (QPR) / Kyle Wootton (Stockport County) / Calum Kavanagh (Oldham Athletic)

Most tackles won: 9 - Matús Holícek (Crewe Alexandra)

Most aerials won: 10 - Richard Koné (QPR) / Jake Beesley (Burton Albion) / Kaelan Casey (Leyton Orient) / Michael Cheek (Bromley)

Most passes completed: 104 - Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough)

Most key passes: 6 - Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough) / Divine Mukasa (Leicester City) / Luke Thomas (Leicester City) / Corey Blackett-Taylor (Bolton Wanderers)

Most saves: 8 - James Beadle (Birmingham City)

Most interceptions: 5 - Mads Andersen (Luton Town) / Liam Bennett (Cambridge United)

Most successful dribbles: 6 - Patrick Kelly (Barnsley)

Most big chances created: 3 - Divine Mukasa (Leicester City) / Glenn Middleton (Doncaster Rovers)

Player of the Day

Player of the Day

Jack Payne

Midfielder - Colchester

9.9

Final Scores from the Football Leagues

EFL Championship 2025/26

EFL League One 2025/26

EFL League Two 2025/26

This was a much more interesting, and entertaining, baseball game than yesterday’s Grapefruit League kickoff. The Yankees saw one of their top pitching prospects strut his stuff, the top position player prospect hit a bomb, and the Captain look awfully locked in in during his first taste of spring ball. A proper thumping came in the eighth inning, where a bunch of Yankee farmhands all got their A-swings off at once. Overall, New York brushed the Detroit Tigers aside on Saturday afternoon, with 20-3 your final score.

From a stuff perspective, it’s easy to see why people are so excited about Curtis Lagrange. He deals easy 99 with repeatable mechanics, with a changeup and slider that both look big-league ready when they’re really working. He notched a 50-percent whiff rate with the change, but interestingly flipped his main secondary offering. Twenty-six percent of his pitches were changeups the first time through, and 19 percent sliders, only to up slider usage to 32 percent the second time. I feel like the Yankees want more data on the secondary stuff and that will be a conscious approach the rest of Lagrange’s spring.

If there’s one thing for Lagrange to work on, it’s command in the zone, not surprising for a player who ended last year in Double-A. He was hit hard more than once, giving up a pair of singles in the first at more than 100 mph exit velo, a bomb of a home run to Corey Julks that came on a hanging changeup, and another long fly ball to the track off the bat of old friend Gleyber Torres. The stuff was very impressive, and now the next step is sanding down some of those rough edges in the zone.

Carlos Lagrange is Disgusting. 🤮

3 Pitch Sequence:
101.8 mph ⛽️
83.2 mph Slider (with 20 inches Horizontal Break)
102.4 mph ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/np5X73715m

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) February 21, 2026

While we’re talking about prospects, have you heard of Spencer Jones?

Perhaps nobody in the entire Yankee system needs to impress in camp the way Jones does. The outfield at the MLB level is crowded, but the 24 year old is kind of in a make-or-break season. To start spring with a home run that loud is a really good sign, and hopefully Jones can keep it up. With Aaron Judge 10 days away from joining Team USA at the World Baseball Classic, there should be plenty of spring reps for Spencer to show off.

Oh, speaking of Aaron Judge:

On an intellectual level, I don’t care at all about Judge’s spring. I want him to be completely healthy for Opening Day, at which point I fully expect him to be at worst one of the three best players in the game. But then I watch him hit a bomb to deep center field and I start to drool a little bit and hope that Aaron Boone lets Judge face some kid getting his first taste of camp.

Oh, and then the Captain came up again in the fourth:

Spring stats don’t matter but he is likely the finest hitter you’ll ever see.

The Tigers clawed a run back in the seventh, with Yankee reliever Drake Fellows loading the bases on two walks and an infield single. A passed ball clunked off catcher Payton Henry’s glove, allowing the third Detroit run of the game. Fortunately, a man named Tyler Hardman got the run back:

Now up 13-3, Tigers manager AJ Hinch opted to bring Woo-Suk Go into the game, and immediately paid for the decision. Rodrick Arias, himself trying to recover some prospect sheen, promptly told a 93-mph fastball to go away:

Yankees prospect Rodrick Arias with a Grand Slam

17-3 Yankees pic.twitter.com/4yo4lH3eAf

— Matthew Nethercott (@bymnethercott) February 21, 2026

Another three-run home run came off the bat of Jackson Castillo, pushing the Yanks to a nice, even 20.

George Lombard Jr. looked solid at shortstop and worked two walks, the latter coming with the bases loaded and driving in a run, to round up a pretty good day for the org’s top prospects. The Yankees will welcome the crosstown — at least, normally crosstown — Mets to Steinbrenner Field tomorrow afternoon in more Grapefruit League play, with Luis Gil getting his first start of the spring.

Box Score

Can the Boston Celtics win the Eastern Conference for the 2025-26 NBA regular season? At first glance, the 5.5 game lead currently held by the first place Detroit Pistons looks like a bridge too far for the Celtics to overcome before the end of the season in middle of April. But the Pistons will be without a key player for several more games thanks to a fight that saw several of Detroit's players suspended, and Boston might soon have Tatum back.

Both teams have a similar strength of schedule for the rest of their respective campaigns with Tankathon putting the Celtics at No. 6 overall and the Pistons at No. 8, so it would take a major run from Boston at the same time a Detroit stumble of sorts would be required.

The folks behind the "NESN" YouTube channel put together a clip from their "Boston Has Entered the Chat" podcast on this very question. Check it out below!

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp

iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47

YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3

This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Can the Celtics win the East for the 2025-26 NBA regular season?

The Dallas Cowboys reportedly agreed to terms with running back Javonte Williams on a 3-year, $24 million deal, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Williams broke out in his first season with the Cowboys, rushing for a career-high 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns. The 25-year-old running back added 35 catches for 137 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. Williams played in 16 games last season, after missing Week 18 with shoulder and neck injuries.

Williams spent his first four seasons with the Denver Broncos after getting drafted in the second round out of the University of North Carolina in 2021.

This story will continue to be updated.

Bruce Mouat's rink were unable to end a 102-year wait for a men's Winter Olympic curling gold - and vanquish their own disappointment from 2022 - as Canada denied Team GB a fourth gold medal of this year's Games.

Mouat, Grant Hardie, Hammy McMillan and Bobby Lammie - plus alternate Kyle Waddell - arrived in Cortina as world champions and favourites.

They arrived believing this was their time. But they will leave as silver medallists for the second successive Olympics.

Left bereft by defeat against Sweden in the final in Beijing four years ago, the Scottish quartet have come to dominate their sport since.

The past 10 days in Italy have not been straightforward, though.

They were on the brink of a shock early exit as recently as Thursday and, while they recovered to guarantee a medal, they did not get the one they really wanted as they lost 9-6. It was the second time the Canadians had beaten them in five days.

"I'm a bit in shock. I think we felt like we were the better team. I don't know what to say," a tear-choked Mouat told BBC Sport.

GB suffer final heartbreak again

After the epic semi-final win over Switzerland on Thursday, Mouat referred to it as "our gold medal". Presumptuous? Perhaps. But that belief was founded in fact.

His rink have won two World Championships and a couple of European crowns as well as a record 12 Grand Slam titles since the last Games.

Furthermore, they boast an excellent record against the Canadians and beat them in last year's world semis. Jacobs' time-served team did win the round-robin meeting earlier in the week but that was a rare reverse.

In that contest, GB led after six ends before slipping to the 9-5 defeat that left them needing favours from other teams.

It was the same this time, a fabulous Mouat double-takeout edging GB 5-4 ahead at that stage after a cagey opening half during which he and 2014 gold-medallist Brad Jacobs traded points.

Canada - who have had a tumultuous time of it themselves here amid cheating claims - drew level after seven, but Britain had the advantage of the hammer in two of the final three ends.

They could not make the most of that though.

Just one in the eighth for GB gave Canada the sniff of an opportunity and that snatched it ruthlessly, capitalising on some slack stones in the ninth to lead 8-6 going into the last.

Mouat had the hammer but he needed two to force an extra end. Could the man considered the best shot-maker in world come up with the goods in the biggest moment?

He couldn't. And for the second Olympics in a row, the GB rink were left with a medal that they did not want.

"We wanted to win it for each other," an emotional Hardie told BBC Sport.

"The pain from four years ago was so much that we wanted to give it another go. We gave ourselves a chance but unfortunately we've not got there again."

• What do curlers do when they're not at the Olympics?
• How Team GB is leading the way in curling's arms race

Brazilian winger stretchered off before continental showdown

Esperance suffer injury blow as Yan Sasse is ruled doubtful for Al Ahly clash

Esperance Tunis were dealt injury setback after winger Yan Sasse was forced off before CAF Champions League tie against Al Ahly.

Injury concern ahead of big African test

Espérance de Tunis have received worrying news ahead of their CAF Champions League quarter-final against Al Ahly, after Brazilian attacker Yan Sasse suffered serious injury in domestic action.

The incident occurred during Esperance’s league match against Stade Tunisien when Sasse went down injured and had to leave the pitch on stretcher.

The winger was substituted in the 44 minute of first half forcing early change for the technical staff.

Forced substitution in narrow win

Despite the setback, Esperance managed to secure 1-0 victory but the focus quickly shifted to Sasse’s condition.

The extent of the injury has not yet been confirmed, with further medical tests expected to determine how long he could be sidelined.

Sasse has been important attacking option for the Tunisian champions this season and his potential absence would be blow as the club prepares for crucial continental fixture.

Al Ahly tie on the horizon

Esperance are set to face Al Ahly in CAF Champions League quarter-finals following the official draw.

The first leg will be played in Rades on one of 13, 14, or 15 March while the return leg is scheduled in Cairo on one of 20, 21, or 22 March.

Cagliari and Lazio shared the spoils with a goalless draw, as both sustained new injuries and Yerry Mina saw red for two bookable offences.

Both teams were coming off setbacks, as the Sardinians saw their run of three wins on the bounce cut off by two defeats to Roma and Lecce. The Aquile were pegged back 2-2 by Juventus, then lost to Atalanta. There was a lengthy absentee list for the hosts, including Michael Folorunsho, Alessandro Deiola, Gianluca Gaetano, Gennaro Borrelli, Andrea Belotti and Mattia Felici. Maurizio Sarri missed Pedro, Mario Gila, Toma Basic, Manuel Lazzari and Samuel Gigot, but at least Alessio Romagnoli returned from suspension.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Ibrahim Sulemana and Michel Adopo of Cagliari in contrast with Daniel Maldini of Lazio during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 21, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

Ze Pedro was unlucky not to give Cagliari the lead after 13 minutes, as his header clipped the outside of the near post on a corner.

Mattia Zaccagni nodded a corner over, then was surprised when both Michel Adopo and Alberto Dossena failed to cut out the Adam Marusic cross.

CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Marco Palestra of Cagliari in contrast with Luca Pellegrini of Lazio during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 21, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

Adopo should’ve scored at the other end, ghosting between defenders to nod the Adam Obert cross wide from six yards.

Zaccagni also came sliding in and couldn’t connect with the Marusic pull-back across the face of goal, while Sebastiano Esposito turned inches off target on the Adopo assist from six yards.

CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Zè Pedro of Cagliari in contrast with Gustav Isaksen during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 21, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

The injury crisis intensified for the hosts, losing Luca Mazzitelli before half-time to a calf problem.

Elia Caprile smothered a Kenneth Taylor snapshot, but Lazio had a setback too when Nicolò Rovella fell awkwardly on his right shoulder.

Marco Palestra was a constant danger and had the ball in the net on 69 minutes when sending Pellegrini to ground with a dummy and drilling under Ivan Provedel, but was offside when running onto the Ze Pedro long ball.

Provedel got his fingertips to the Riyad Idrissi angled drive following a strong run from midfield, but Cagliari were reduced to 10 men in the final minutes.

CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Nicolò Rovella of SS Lazio injured during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 21, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Yerry Mina started the foul on Tijjani Noslin on the very edge of the area and continued it inside, the referee pointed initially to the spot and then awarded a free kick, but it was the second yellow card for the Colombian.

From the resulting free kick, Danilo Cataldi forced a difficult Caprile save at the near post. Cataldi also swung a great effort off the inside of the right boot from the edge of the box and it skimmed the top corner in stoppages.

Sent off: Mina 85 (C)

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Report Montero to terminate Juventus contract and join Balotelli at Al-Ittifaq

Liverpool are eyeing big changes in their attacking line for the 2026 summer transfer window.

We could see several players offloaded to fund incoming arrivals - with Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa in real danger of being dumped.

Salah, 33, is wanted by Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia with a blockbuster contract being drawn up by the Public Investment Fund for the Egyptian King.

And Chiesa will be saying goodbye to Anfield come the end of the season according to various reports in the Italian media - with Juventus, Roma and Napoli all thought to be vying for his signature.

Liverpool looking at Bradley Barcola

If and when Salah and Chiesa depart it will leave a sizeable hole in the Liverpool squad. And one player tipped by a new report in the Spanish press to come in and improve the Reds’ attacking options is Bradley Barcola.

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The 23-year-old won the treble as part of Paris Saint-Germain’s all-conquering side last season - but is not always a first pick for Luis Enrique.

The Frenchman has started less than half of his team’s Ligue 1 matches and could therefore be tempted to look elsewhere for first-team football next season.

Barcola’s contract expires in 2028 and without guaranteed starts the French giants may well seek to cash in.

Barcola can play either left or right

The report in Fichajes claims that Arsenal and Liverpool are the two Premier League teams most likely to take advantage of this unique market opportunity for Barcola.

It describes Barcola as “the ideal candidate” to take over from Salah - with his capabilities in terms of expected assists and non-penalty goals highlighted.

It’s no secret that Arne Slot and Richard Hughes are trying to quicken the pace of the attack and therefore the speedy Barcola might tick a lot of their boxes.

Although he normally plays on the left-hand side of attack Barcola is also capable of filling in down the right and even at centre-forward.

He could therefore be the multifaceted attacking weapon that Hughes and Slot need to improve their fortunes next term.

Barcola joined PSG from Lyon back in 2023 - for around £40m - and has been a key man in the Champions League in particular this term where he has provided three assists.

The Tennessee Volunteers’ strong run through the month of February continued on Saturday in a place that’s typically very difficult for the Vols to play. It was again, but this time, Tennessee came out on top at Memorial Gym over the Vanderbilt Commodores 69-65.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie led the Vols with 17 points, two assists, and three steals. Nate Ament added 13 on a tough shooting night (3-13), but made all six three throws and had a team-high nine reb0unds.

The first half was back and forth, with Vandy’s three point shot jockeying them back in front repeatedly. After Tennessee took their biggest lead at 15-10, back to back Chandler Bing threes gave Vandy an 18-17 lead. Tyler Tanner threw down another long three to give Vandy a 23-21 lead, the Vols would go on what felt like a Houston-in-the-Elite-Eight type of scoring slump for several minutes as the Commodores built a 34-25 lead late in the half.

But a 6-1 mini-run before the half, with former Commodore Jaylen Carey getting the final two points on a layup, brought Tennessee within four going into the locker room.

DeWayne Brown II, who was again a force on the offensive glass as he’s been all year, got the first four points of the half to draw even again, and then the back and forth began. Tennessee got their noses in front briefly, but Tanner again knocked down another ridiculously long three to give Vandy the lead again. Tanner had a team-high 16 points on 5/9 shooting from three.

Vanderbilt built another three-possession lead at 49-42 with around 12 minutes left, but Tennessee finally made a push to put the game into back-and-forth territory. Ament knocked down a three from the top of the key, and Brown put home another close one. Ethan Burg got aggressive and took it to the hole, and the game was tied again at 51.

The teams would go back and forth within a single possession game, with Vandy taking the lead 58-57 with five minutes left when Tyler Nickel strolled backwards to the three-point line wide open and knocked down a trey.

After Gillespie hit a three to tie it, Vandy’s Duke Miles hit another with two and a half to play that was originally called a two but changed to a three after review.

But Bishop Boswell followed with two huge baskets to give the Vols the lead late, with a driving layup followed by a pull up shot to give the Vols a 64-63 lead. Tanner hit two free throws with over a minute left to retake the lead.

Then, Ament had the shot of the game. Covered tightly and looking out of sorts while almost stumbling around, he turned and put up a contested midrange shot that was true. After Vandy missed, Felix Okpara missed the front end of a one and one. But Tennessee’s defense did its job with a stop, and Gillespie made two big free throws with 13 seconds left.

Tanner got off one more three-point attempt, but missed, and Amari Evans made one at the line to ice it for the Vols.

Up next for Tennessee is another road tilt at Missouri on Tuesday at 9:00 pm ET.

The United States will be battling history as well as Canada when the countries play in Sunday's gold medal game (8:10 a.m. ET, NBC, Peacock) at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

That's because Canada has the edge against the USA in recent championship games of best-on-best tournaments featuring NHL players.

You have to go all the way back to the 1996 World Cup of Hockey for the last time that the United States prevailed. In the meantime, Canada has won two Olympic gold medal game matchups and last year's 4 Nations Face-Off.

The 2026 U.S. and Canada Olympic rosters are mostly made up of 4 Nations Face-Off players.

Here's a look at how the USA has fared in the last five championship matchups against Canada:

2025 4 Nations Face-Off: Canada 3, USA 2 (OT)

There was hope for a victory after the United States won a fight-filled game in the round robin of the NHL-run tournament. But the championship game was a loss for the USA.

Tournament MVP Nathan MacKinnon opened the scoring, but Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson gave the USA the lead. That didn't last long as Canada's Sam Bennett tied the game less than seven minutes later. After a scoreless third period, the game went to overtime. Jordan Binnington made big saves on Auston Matthews and Tkachuk before Connor McDavid scored the winner.

The USA's Matthew Tkachuk, who had missed the third game of the tournament with an injury, dressed for the final but couldn't finish the game.

2010 Olympics: Canada 3, USA 2 (OT)

The Americans tied the game in Vancouver on a Zach Parise goal with 25 seconds left in regulation. Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby then scored the golden goal for Canada at 7:40 of overtime. That started an international run for Canada. The country won the 2014 Olympics (beating the USA in the semifinals) and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey (Crosby was MVP).

2002 Olympics: Canada 5, USA 2

The United States had the home crowd in Utah and the "Miracle on Ice" coach in Herb Brooks. But Canada got big games from future Hall of Famers. Jarome Iginla and Joe Sakic each scored twice and Paul Kariya also scored as Canada overcame 1-0 and 2-1 deficits to win Olympic gold for the first time since 1952. Martin Brodeur made 31 saves.

1996 World Cup of Hockey: USA wins final series 2-1

This, along with the 1980 Olympics, is one of USA Hockey's bigger moments. Canada won the opener of the best-of-three final in Philadelphia, then the Americans needed to win twice in Montreal for the title. They had two 5-2 victories and overcame two one-goal deficits. After Adam Foote put Canada ahead 2-1, the USA scored four times in the final four minutes to stun Canada in the final game. Keith Tkachuk, father of U.S. Olympians Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, scored five goals in that tournament.

1991 Canada Cup: Canada wins final series 2-0

Canada swept the final with 4-1 and 4-2 victories. Canada's Steve Larmer had two goals (one short-handed) and an assist in the second game.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA-Canada hockey history favors Canadians in Olympics gold medal game

The North Carolina Tar Heels entered Saturday afternoon's rematch against Syracuse with one goal on their mind: win.

Sure, the game wasn't pretty throughout. Just eight minutes into the second half, UNC found itself deadlocked in a 44-all tie with Syracuse.

That 12-minute media timeout was exactly what North Carolina needed to refocus. The Tar Heels scored eight straight points, giving themselves a much-needed momentum-booster, en route to a 77-64 victory.

UNC (21-6, 9-5 ACC) benefitted greatly from Henri Veesaar's return to the starting lineup. Missing the past two games with an injury, Veesaar looked fully healthy, leading North Carolina with 19 points on 9-of-13 shooting. Veesaar grabbed three rebounds, but his three blocks made a decisive impact on the defensive end.

Zayden High did a great job filling in for Veesaar the past couple games, while also proving himself worthy of more playing time. High nearly recorded another double-double, this time in a Tar Heels-best 10 minutes off the bench, scoring nine points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Luka Bogavac and Seth Trimble added 13 points apiece, giving UNC's offense a 3-headed attack. North Carolina thrived in transition, earning a 19-9 advantage in fast break points. The Tar Heels scored 42 points in the paint, compared to just 32 for Syracuse, which enjoyed a season-high 22 points from JJ Starling.

UNC has a quick turnaround, hosting Louisville on Monday, but can enjoy Saturday's win for now. Take a look at some postgame social media reactions, which are filled with plenty of happy fans.

We get a happy General Wilson today!

Dearest Mother,

Cpt. Veesaar gloriously returned to the battlefield this afternoon and led the Carolina regiment to victory over the Orange. The sun shines down on us once again. We shall see brighter fortunes before long.

Your loving son,
General Wilson

— General Caleb S. Wilson (@general_caleb_w) February 21, 2026

How the tables turn

Remember when Kansas fans were on us on Tuesday....

— ♛Young Simba♛ (A Leaky Black Stan Account) (@CrownedPrinceHC) February 21, 2026

Road games are always tough

Genuinely wondering has North Carolina ever had a game on the road that didn’t look exactly like this ??

— William McCallister (@WilliamMcCall_) February 21, 2026

NC State fans still running their mouths

How much did he pay for that beachfront property in your frontal lobe? https://t.co/ehKjyXi0r6

— Benny “Creatine” Griffin (@notRJdavis) February 21, 2026

Plus/minus ratings for the Tar Heels

#UNC +/- at Syracuse

+17 High (19 mins)
+13 Veesaar (26 mins)
+12 Powell (17 mins)
+9 Evans (8 mins)
+7 Trimble (30 mins)
+5 Bogavac (31 mins)
+4 Dixon (32 mins)
+2 Stevenson (31 mins)
-4 Young (5 mins)

— Michael Koh (@michaelkohwchl) February 21, 2026

UNC fans don't have to stress about today's game

Would have accepted any type of win but a comfortable double digit ACC win is the best kind…

— Daggum Hubert (@DaggumHube) February 21, 2026

BIG wins only!

77-64 HEELS WIN!

— UNC Barstool (@UNCBarstool) February 21, 2026

Zayden High will always have his teammates' backs

Say what you want about Zayden High, but I fw how he doesn’t let his teammates get punked

— Armandoavenue (@Armandoavenu3) February 21, 2026

BIG mood!!

HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN

*** Welcome back Henri!!! Man…we missed you
*** Coming into the dome under pressure to produce…and they did
*** Love the toughness
*** Good Quad1-2 win💪🏿

— Jon Robinson (@jonrob11011965) February 21, 2026

He's growing up before our own eyes!

Zayden with 9 pts & 11 rebs

As @RL_Bynum just said, "He's gone beyond serviceable"

— Andrew Jones (@AJTarHeel247) February 21, 2026

Larger win if you make the free throws!

UNC would be dominating this basketball game if they were hitting their FTs

After 13 straight games at or under 70%, UNC has been over 70% in the last 5. Not gonna be a 6th straight.

— Isaac Schade (@isaacschade) February 21, 2026

Solid road win today.

Game, set, match in Syracuse. Heels took care of business, played well in the second half. Really solid road W.

— Jacob Turner (@JacobTurnerNC) February 21, 2026

Positive takeaways from the win!

FINAL
UNC 77
Syracuse 64

• Welcome back Henri Veesaar! 19pts, 9-13FG, 1-3FT, 3reb, 3blk in 26min
• Nearly another dub-dub for Zayden High, but off the bench - 9pts, 11reb
• Nice 2nd half for Seth Trimble - 13pts, 5-7FG, 4reb, 2ast, 2 stl

— Isaac Schade (@isaacschade) February 21, 2026

Henri Veesaar highlights for your viewing pleasure!

Henri Veesaar 19 points (9/13) FG 3 rebounds 3 blocks pic.twitter.com/EI1LeS3QYb

— Jay (@Jayy_Hardyy252) February 21, 2026

Zayden High the enforcer?

Personally I don’t mind Zayden High getting the T. Freeman slung his teammate down & High was taking up for him. UNC has needed somebody to play with a chip at times. High probably feels he needs to play a bit of the enforcer role. That’s what he brings. @TarHeel_247

— David Sisk (@CoachDavidSisk) February 21, 2026

It's all about the energy!

I LOVE ZAYDEN HIGH

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT UNC NEEDS ENERGYYYYYYYYY

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT

— William McCallister (@WilliamMcCall_) February 21, 2026

A complete effort from the Tar Heels!

Some quick thoughts on UNC’s 77-64 win over Syracuse today:

* This is the best Zayden High has looked as a Tar Heel. Complete game, didn’t force anything on offense, pulled down 11 rebounds, battled on defense, etc. Team-best +17 today.
* It seems like Henri Veesaar’s lower leg…

— Trevor William Marks (@twmarks_) February 21, 2026

How about that?!

HEELS WIN.#CarolinaFamily | @WellsFargopic.twitter.com/2tkRIlhSGY

— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) February 21, 2026

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball: Social media reacts to big win at Syracuse

NEED TO KNOW

• Alysa Liu dazzled on the ice at the figure skating exhibition gala in Milan, Italy on Saturday, Feb. 21
• The gala is a skating tradition that happens after competitions, and is not for scores or medals
• Liu's skate came two days after she won gold in the women's skating final

Alysa Liu returned to the ice for the first time since she won gold in the figure skating final for a special performance at the Olympic figure skating exhibition gala.

Liu, 20, skated to "Stateside" by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson at the Milano Ice Skating Arena on Saturday, Feb. 21, just two days after she won gold for her program in the figure skating final on Feb. 19.

Earlier in the night, she performed alongside her Team USA teammates for a group program.

The gala is a post-competition tradition that features the podiums of all three completed figure skating events, plus other notable names from all over the world. This year's gala includes Liu, Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, Mikhail Shaidorov and Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry.

Before winning gold, Liu, who retired from figure skating altogether in 2022 before finding joy in the sport again in 2024, expressed a strong desire to perform in the gala, regardless of whether she made it to the podium.

"I already have a dress picked out," she told reporters on Feb. 17 following her performance in the short program.

After securing the gold medal — and subsequently a spot at the gala — Liu told reporters she's "so excited" to skate. "But, I'm going to need some sleep so that I can do the exhibition in my full capacity," she said.

Liu has become a fan favorite of Team USA not just for her talent on the ice but for her bold personality and transparency with her fans. Some may consider her a role model, though Liu said she's not totally convinced, telling PEOPLE, "I don't know if I really want to be a role model, I would say, but I guess I am."

Still, she's fully on board with those who find her alt style iconic: "That's really awesome."

"I'm just doing me," Liu continued, "so, it's cool if I'm inspiring any other people. I just have a certain fashion sense and I'm kind of stubborn with it, so it'll always come through."

To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come to people.com to check out ongoing coverage before, during and after the games. Watch the Milan Cortina Olympics and Paralympics, beginning Feb. 6, on NBC and Peacock.

Read the original article on People

Who won the NASCAR Truck race today? After a weather delay at EchoPark Speedway, we got a delayed start in the Fr8 Racing 208 at EchoPark Speedway in Georgia on Saturday afternoon. In a Truck Series raced that featured Cup Series drivers like Kyle Busch, Corey Heim, Carson Hocevar and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Truck drivers had to battle against great competition on a superspeedway.

Let’s dive into the NASCAR Truck Series results today from Atlanta for the Fr8 Racing 208. We’ll start with the full results from the NASCAR Truck race today followed by the stage results for the Truck Series. Of note, because of the weather delay, it was a shortened race with the winner declare after 2 laps after 4:20 PM ET under the adverse conditions rule.

Related: NASCAR Starting Lineup for Sunday, Cup Series Starting Grid for EchoPark

NASCAR Truck Results Today: Fr8 Racing 208

Here are the NASCAR Truck results today for the Fr8 Racing 208 from EchoPark Speedway.

NASCAR Truck Race Today: Stage Results for Truck Series Race

Here are the NASCAR stage results for the Truck Series race today.

Who won the NASCAR Truck race today?

Kyle Busch won the NASCAR Truck race today at Atlanta, beating Carson Hocevar (second place) and Giovani Ruggierio (third place).

Related Headlines

• NASCAR Starting Lineup for Atlanta: Autotrader 400 Starting Grid after Cup Series Qualifying Canceled
• “What Are We Doing?” Veteran Blasts NASCAR Standards Approval After Daytona
• NASCAR Stock Watch Before Atlanta: Stock Up, Stock Down for 6 Drivers

Reports from the Daily Mail indicate the 49ers ownership group is ready to authorise a £100 million transfer war chest. This funding depends on Leeds United staying in the Premier League this season. While cash is currently tight at Elland Road, the board is firmly committed to spending big on the squad if the club avoids the drop.

The 49ers ownership group is ready to authorise a £100 million transfer war chest for Leeds United

This massive financial promise comes as Daniel Farke guides his team through a vital stretch. The side recently built a six-point cushion over the bottom three following a run of strong results. Now, the West Yorkshire club have a real chance to cement their place in the top flight. They plan to achieve this with a huge recruitment drive in the upcoming summer window.

Recommended Summer Targets

Staying in the world’s toughest league takes more than just hard work. It requires a serious injection of quality right through the middle of the team. Daniel Farke is 49 years old and brings the tactical style of his native Germany to the job. Even with the promised investment, he faces a career crossroads regarding his long-term future at Elland Road.

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Daniel Farke, Manager of Leeds United, celebrates his teams draw following the Premier League match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on February 10, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The club want to focus on tightening up the defence. As a result, the recruitment team should look closely at the Bundesliga, where Farke has many deep professional connections.

• Danilho Doekhi (Union Berlin): Bringing in a dominant centre-back like Doekhi is a must. He is exceptional in the air, and his experience in a back three would provide a vital safety net for the injury-prone Pascal Struijk.
• Nick Pope (Newcastle United): The club need a reliable presence to take over for Illan Meslier. Aiming for a Premier League veteran like Pope makes perfect sense for the scouting department.
• Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City): Fans at Elland Road still love the idea of a homecoming. However, the board must decide if the sentiment is worth the massive wages the Manchester City midfielder would demand.
• Igor Paixão (Marseille): Instead of looking backwards at former players, Leeds should target rising stars. Paixão could bring genuine explosive speed to the wings.
• Bilal El Khannouss (on loan at VFB Stuttgart): The Whites currently sit in 15th place with 30 points from 26 games. A versatile playmaker like El Khannouss would bridge the gap, linking a busy midfield to the clinical finishing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

In the end, the 49ers must ensure this £100 million expenditure builds a solid future. The investment should create a sustainable foundation rather than serving as a quick fix for current problems.

Osasuna stunned Real Madrid with a dramatic 2-1 victory at El Sadar, ending the league leaders’ eight-match winning run and handing Barcelona the initiative in the title race.

Madrid travelled to Pamplona seeking to extend their advantage at the top, but instead suffered a damaging defeat that could reshape the weekend’s standings.

The hosts began with intensity and quickly unsettled the visitors despite Madrid dominating early possession.

Ante Budimir twice went close inside the opening half-hour, first curling narrowly wide before striking the post with a header.

Thibaut Courtois was required to produce a sharp one-handed save to deny the Croatian striker as Osasuna built confidence.

The breakthrough arrived late in the first half after a VAR review judged Courtois to have clipped Budimir inside the area.

Budimir converted the resulting penalty with composure, sending Courtois the wrong way to give Osasuna a deserved lead.

Madrid struggled to respond immediately and entered the interval under pressure.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s side showed greater urgency after the restart and gradually pushed Osasuna deeper.

Kylian Mbappé appeared to have equalised with a fine finish into the top corner, only for the offside flag to intervene.

The visitors did level shortly afterwards when Federico Valverde’s driven cross found Vinícius Júnior unmarked at close range.

Vinícius converted confidently, marking another decisive contribution after an emotionally charged week.

Madrid looked the more likely to find a winner as momentum shifted in their favour.

However, Osasuna remained organised and waited for their moment.

That opportunity came in stoppage time when Raúl García collected possession on the left side of the area.

He cut inside and produced a precise finish beyond Courtois, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters.

The goal was initially flagged offside, but a VAR review confirmed García had timed his run perfectly.

Madrid were unable to mount a late response, and the final whistle sealed a rare league triumph for Osasuna against the capital club.

The result lifts Osasuna into the top half and extends their unbeaten run.

The defeat leaves Madrid vulnerable at the summit.

Barcelona, who play on Sunday, now have the chance to overtake their rivals and reclaim first place.

The title race has tightened significantly, with Madrid’s margin for error reduced after a night that shifted momentum away from the leaders.

Manchester United’s budget for the summer transfer window will be strongly influenced by their European fate.

A failure to secure Champions League football would leave United with a meagre transfer budget, which could potentially impact their plans to overhaul their midfield.

However, United are not waiting around to put themselves in a strong position to secure the signing of one of the Premier League’s most exciting young wingers.

PSG enter race to sign Mateus Mane

Earlier this week, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Manchester United have held initial talks with Mateus Mane‘s agent in recent days.

Mane’s emergence has been a rare bright spot in a miserable season for Wolverhampton Wanderers, getting fans off their seats with his mesmerising footwork and explosive pace.

In January, Mane became Wolves’ youngest ever Premier League goalscorer at 18 years and 109 days old.

However, with Wolves destined to be relegated to the Championship, it is going to be very difficult for the Midlands side to keep hold of the Portuguese-born versatile forward.

According to Teamtalk, Mane has been identified as a “top target” by United, but the Red Devils face competition from six other Premier League clubs as well as Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

Europe’s biggest clubs have been watching the 18-year-old in recent weeks, having been left impressed with his technical ability and maturity.

Mateus Mane tempted to join Manchester United

PSG, in particular, have intensified their interest in Mane, who could reportedly be tempted by the opportunity to join a top side.

The report adds that the Ligue 1 giants’ recruitment team have “watched Mane on more than one occasion since January.”

Mateus Mane Premier League stats: 2025/26 Season

However, on Friday, a separate report claimed United are leading the race to sign the Wolves starlet, who is valued at around £50 million.

It is thought the idea of a move to Old Trafford is viewed as “incredibly appealing” to Mane despite interest from elsewhere.

Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images

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It was the moment that turned the Six Nations Test match in favour of Scotland as the visitors quick thinking ruthlessly exposed Wales as they switched off in defence.

It allowed Scotland replacement wing Darcy Graham to score the try that changed the game.

Wales were leading 23-12 in the 58th minute after replacement fly-half Jarrod Evans had just slotted over a penalty.

An efficient home ball boy quickly presented the ball on the halfway line for Scotland to take a quick restart and Finn Russell and Graham did the rest.

Russell took a quick drop out towards the vacant Welsh right hand side which caught the home defence napping.

Wales replacement flanker James Botham, who had an outstanding match, watched the ball drop over his shoulder with Graham, who had just come on the field, reacting the quickest.

Graham outsprinted Wales wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb - who was running back after following up Evans' penalty kick - to stun the hosts with Russell's conversion reducing the deficit to four points.

The momentum switched with Scotland going on to win the game and break Welsh hearts.

• Scotland battle back for Six Nations win over Wales
• Reaction as Scotland complete Cardiff comeback
• Shoulda Woulda Coulda

'Another harsh lesson for Wales' - Tandy

"It was huge in the game," said Wales head coach Steve Tandy.

"Test match rugby, you need to make people work for their opportunities and we feel we didn't do that in that moment.

"We were looking to extend the lead. It gave Scotland energy, where if we take the kick-off and get it off the field, that's seconds off the clock.

"It's another harsh lesson in some of the games. In high-class games, you can't knock off.

"We backed up moments in the game and handled our yellow card pretty well.

"There was some great stuff, the intent and physicality from the group was there, but that moment cost us."

What the pundits say

Former England World Cup winning-captain Martin Johnson on BBC One: "Wales will wake up tomorrow and they'll think the try straight off the kick-off has cost them the game. Not looking at the ball after a kick-off has cost them.

"It all comes down to fundamentals. That was such a huge moment, it changed the game completely."

Former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies on BBC One: "The turning point was that Darcy Graham try.

"At international level you cannot allow opposition to score a try straight from the restart when you've got 15 players in your own half."

Former Wales wing Alex Cuthbert on BBC Radio Wales: "If you gave me this result before the game I would've taken it, but I think how it was just one moment [Darcy Graham's try] that got Scotland back into the game makes it so much harder to take.

Former Scotland flanker John Barclay on BBC One: "Credit to Scotland for being brave.

"The game swung on the Darcy Graham try. Wales were brilliant, Scotland got away with that."

After a slow start to the game, Adil Aouchiche’s fortuitous strike opened the gate for two teams who would only benefit from three points. Schalke’s deadline day signing was on a difficult angle when he received the ball from Edin Džeko, but his ambitious effort ended up in the net after a huge deflection from Jean Hugonet.

Magdeburg only needed seconds to respond with Alexander Nollenberger beating Kevin Müller with a beautiful curler. The Heidenheim loanee made his Schalke debut in place of Loris Karius, who was nursing a back injury.

The next chance of the game fell to Dejan Ljubicic, who is yet another new signing by Schalke in a hectic January window for the club. However, Dominik Reimann was barely troubled in Magdeburg’s goal as his routine saves from two weak efforts by Džeko.

The Bosnian had his first big chance in the 35th minute, but his curling effort narrowly missed the target. Three minutes later, the legendary striker put Schalke in front once again with an effortless header from Aouchiche’s delivery. It was a fourth goal in three Veltins Arena appearances for the 2009-10 Bundesliga top-scorer.

Schalke still allowed two clear-cut chances at the other end before the half-time break, but Mateusz Żukowski failed to test Müller from a promising position before Falko Michel rattled the crossbar from Barış Atik’s free-kick delivery.

Aouchiche’s deliveries continued to cause problems at the other end as Schalke awarded a penalty-kick inside the first five minutes of the second-half. Philipp Hercher’s inexplicable handball was punished by Kenan Karaman, who calmly slotted it home from 12 yards.

However, Magdeburg scored immediately once again as Żukowski beats Müller from outside the box. The Polish striker reached double-figure goals despite only making his 2. Bundesliga debut on matchday 13 due to an injury.

Schalke’s strong defensive record has been plummeting in 2026, but they did finally score more than three goals for the first time this season. First, Ljubicic netted his first Schalke goal after an unselfish play by Džeko.

Three minutes later, Karaman became the first Schalke player to reach ten goals for the season as the captain capitalized on Lubambo Musonda’s mistake. Reimann’s double save from Moussa Sylla and Aouchiche’s quickfire shots prevented a sixth goal with more than 15 minutes still left to play.

However, it was the visitors who scored the eighth goal of a cracking football match. After a sequence of mistakes in Schalke’s backline, Mertcan Ayhan conceded a penalty-kick for a foul on the lively Żukowski. The 24-year-old gladly took the opportunity to score his 11th 2. Bundesliga goal in as many appearances. 

Schalke have conceded three goals in a game for the first time this season, but the three points were the most important thing on an enthralling night of football at Veltins Arena.

Schalke are back in first place after Darmstadt and Elversberg climbed above them with home wins over Fortuna Düsseldorf and Eintracht Braunschweig earlier today. Magdeburg could drop to 17th place if Dynamo Dresden beat promotion hopefuls Hannover tomorrow.

Magdeburg will host ninth-placed Karlsruhe next week, while Miron Muslić’s side will be away at Greuther Fürth. Both of their opponents won their respective games on matchday 23.

How should the Boston Celtics handle a potential Jayson Tatum return? By all accounts, the St. Louis native has been ramping up his process of getting back on the court for Boston as his long rehab from the Achilles tendon injury he suffered vs. the New York Knicks in the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals.

And that begs the question of his team plans to reintegrate the Duke alum into a ball club that is currently in the Eastern Conference second place position despite Tatum's injury and the offseason exits of Al Horford, Luke Kornet, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday to trades or free agency. A number of younger players already on the roster or added to the team in that same offseason have been excelling, and upsetting things could actually be a problem for Boston to solve.

The folks behind the "NBA on NBC" YouTube channel put together a clip from their "Numbers of the Board" show looking into this potential conundrum. Check it out below!

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp

iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47

YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3

This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: How should the Celtics handle a potential Jayson Tatum return?

American-born Olympian Eileen Gu, 22, has responded to Vice President JD Vance’s comment that she should not be competing for China in this year’s Winter Olympics.

During a Tuesday interview with Fox News, Vance suggested that because Gu was born and raised in San Francisco, California, she should compete for the United States and not her mother’s home country of China.

The freestyle skier then spoke with USA Today days later, where she responded to the vice president’s comments, saying, “I’m flattered. Thanks, JD! That’s sweet.”

She was also asked if she felt “like a bit of a punching bag for a certain strand of American politics at the moment,” prompting Gu to agree.

“So many athletes compete for a different country,” she added. “People only have a problem with me doing it because they kind of lump China into this monolithic entity, and they just hate China. So it’s not really about what they think it’s about.”

The Olympian also admitted that Vance was not the only person to criticize her decision to not compete for Team USA, as she recalled being “physically attacked” on Stanford University’s campus — where she is a student — in “broad daylight.”

“It was pretty serious,” Gu said.

Her comments came after Vance told Fox News that he hoped American citizens would choose to compete for the U.S. on the world stage.

“I certainly think that somebody who grew up in the United States of America, who benefited from our education system, from the freedoms and liberties that make this country a great place, I would hope that they want to compete with the United States of America,” Vance said.

“So, I’m going to root for American athletes. I think part of that is people who identify themselves as Americans. That’s who I’m rooting for in this Olympics.”

The skier has won two silver medals at the 2026 games, adding to her collection of two golds and one silver from the 2022 games in Beijing. Even though she is the most decorated female Olympic freestyle skier, Gu’s citizenship has been a point of contention, as this is her second Olympics competing for China.

Her reasoning behind that decision is that she wants to help make the sport more mainstream in China, since the U.S. “already has the representation,” she told Time Magazine earlier this year.

The International Olympic Committee requires athletes to be citizens of the nations they represent, noting on its site that a “competitor who is a national of two or more countries at the same time may represent either one of them.”

“Dybala won’t be involved against Cremonese. He’s continuing his treatment and I’m really sorry for him, as I am for the others who are working to get back. He’s doing everything he can to make himself available but he still has this niggle that’s holding him back. He’s fully determined to recover as quickly as possible.”

“Soule hasn’t trained all week so he won’t be involved. Hopefully he’ll make it for our upcoming games.”

Those were the unfortunate updates on Roma’s two creative attacking midfielders heading into Sunday’s match against Cremonese at the Olimpico. That will open space for Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Zaragoza to support Donyell Malen. And Gasperini was asked about the room for improvement for those two.

“I’d say so, definitely. Pellegrini has been playing regularly but it can happen that you experience a dip in form and lose a bit of sharpness. However, I expect him to start playing a decisive role again, starting with this game against Cremonese. He’s always made a big, consistent contribution to the team.

“As for Zaragoza, we need to give him a bit of time. He hasn’t been here long and we threw him straight in, giving him playing time and responsibility. He has some very good qualities and he’s already shown a bit of what he can do, but it takes a few games to properly adapt to the team and to become consistent.”

And speaking of Malen, Gasperini touched on what has made him such an instant success with Roma after being on the margins at Aston Villa.

“I don’t think Serie A is inferior; in fact, in many ways it’s more difficult, especially for forwards. Malen is an Aston Villa player and plays for the Netherlands so he’s an important player. When we signed him I said that I was convinced about his quality and the main reason I wanted him at Roma was because of his position. I told him very clearly: I think you should play in that position. He was often used on the wing in a 4-2-3-1 and ended up out wide, both in England and for his national team. I see him in that central role, where I think he can be decisive. A centre-forward doesn’t necessarily have to be one metre 90. The way I want to play football, with the attributes he has, I think he can perform at his best in that position. He can play in other positions too but I think this is his natural role.”

In addition to Soulé and Dovbyk, Roma will also be without Evan Ferguson, Artem Dovbyk, and Stephan Elk Shaarawy, leaving the attacking options behind Malen, Zaragoza, and Pellegrini limited. In his presser, Gasperini addressed the injury issues and spoke about the youngsters Robinio Vaz and Lorenzo Venturino, who are the main attacking options off the bench.

“Injuries are part of the game and always have been. It’s even more the case nowadays because there are lots of matches and that’s when most injuries happen. Games are played at a very high tempo and it’s not always possible to fully recover between one game and the next. As for us, I have 14 or 15 players who have basically never been injured – touch wood – but there have been situations that have had a big impact: [Artem] Dovbyk, [Evan] Ferguson, [Leon] Bailey, Dybala, [Stephan] El Shaarawy and others. They’ve been sidelined for long periods. When you add up the matches they’ve missed, or the months in which certain players have been unavailable, it obviously has an impact. Over the course of 40, 50 or even 60 games, it can happen that someone has to miss a game or two, like [Manu] Kone, and that’s par for the course. The real problem is when injuries drag on for weeks or months even – in that case it clearly has an impact on the team.”

“Venturino and Vaz are two very young players who were thrown into the action soon after arriving, partly out of necessity and partly to get a gauge of their maturity. They’re very different. Venturino is on loan. He played a few games for Genoa last season and scored a few goals but hasn’t played much this year. He plays in a position where we were short on numbers and I think with time he can help us.

“Vaz is a big investment the club has made. He’s very young too and has only really made substitute appearances so far, but he’s already scored some goals. The price tag is a bit of a burden for him because naturally it changes people’s perception. I’m trying to understand how useful he can be for Roma in the short term, because I’m sure he will be very useful in the future. We have to assess him carefully based on what we see in training and his substitute appearances. It’s not easy to slot straight into a difficult league like Serie A mid-season.”

Where Roma has regained full health is in the center of the park where Manu Koné is again available and expected to start. Ranieri was asked about the possibility of Koné starting with Pisilli.

“All four of the players you mentioned are doing well. We have a wealth of options in that area. Given the emergency situation up front, we have to consider if any of them could play in a more advanced role – a bit like with Pellegrini. They can adapt but they can’t offer the same attributes you get with proper forwards. In midfield we have plenty of cover and great options – they’re all performing well. When we’re back in European competition, having all these options will be a big advantage. Teams involved in multiple competitions need big squads and we’re definitely well equipped in the middle of the park.”

Another huge boost is the fact that Wesley is available after spraining his ankle while drawing a penalty against Napoli. However, he isn’t expected to start. He’s also one of three players—along with Evan Ndicka and Gianluca Mancini—who are one yellow card away from suspension. Gasperini was asked if he’d try to protect those players with the big match against Juventus a week away.

“Getting three points against Cremonese is essential. We need to be at our best and very determined because the points are important in every match and they’re always difficult to earn. We can’t look beyond this game.”

With that in mind, Mancini and Ndicka are expected to start alongside Mario Hermoso in the back three. However, as stated previously, Wesley is more likely to come off the bench, which opens a starting role for Kostas Tsimikas on the left wing. Zeki Çelik, who this week is rumored to have found a contractual pre-agreement with Juve, is expected to start on the right.

ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Çelik, Cristante, Koné, Tsimikas; Zaragoza, Pellegrini; Malen

New UCLA coach Bob Chesney will direct his first football season in a historic venue the Bruins have long called home.

UCLA announced on Saturday that the Bruins will play the 2026 season at the Rose Bowl amid ongoing litigation of the university's right to potentially break its lease and play home games at SoFi Stadium.

"We know how much game day means to Bruins — to our students, alumni and fans who plan their autumn around Saturdays together," UCLA vice chancellor for strategic communications Mary Osako said in a statement. "Our priority is delivering a strong season experience for our student-athletes and our community, and we have great momentum in our football program.

"During this unprecedented time in college athletics, UCLA will always be guided by what’s best for our student-athletes and the Bruin community."

Read more:Plaschke: Shame on UCLA for trying to ditch the iconic Rose Bowl for cash grab at SoFi Stadium

The California Post was the first to report UCLA's decision to play another season at the Rose Bowl.

While the lawsuit states UCLA has formally notified the Rose Bowl that it is “moving on” and that “there’s no way we’re staying long term,” the school has never publicly announced plans to move its home games to SoFi Stadium.

“While we continue to evaluate the long-term arrangement for UCLA football home games, no decision has been made,” Osako said in a statement to The Times in October.

After a judge denied UCLA's request to settle its legal dispute with the Rose Bowl operators and city of Pasadena via arbitration, it seemed unlikely the legal issues would be resolved in time for UCLA play the 2026 season anywhere but the Rose Bowl.

Read more:Will UCLA be forced to stay at the Rose Bowl? Legal scholars weigh in on the case

The city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Co. filed a lawsuit in October to force UCLA to honor its contract and play games at the stadium through the 2044 season.

The complaint and subsequent filings have alleged that the university has been working to play its home games at SoFi Stadium, calling the move “a profound betrayal of trust.” Rose Bowl officials have since added SoFi Stadium and its operator, Kroenke Sports, to the lawsuit.

UCLA’s lease runs through June 30, 2044, and Pasadena officials say taxpayers have invested more than $150 million in stadium renovations while recently refinancing an additional $130 million in bonds for capital improvements.

The iconic Rose Bowl opened in 1922, is a national historic landmark and boasts ample tailgating opportunities, but some fans have complained about the aging venue's uncomfortable seating and lack of modern amenities.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Friday as it proceeds toward trial.

Sign up for UCLA Unlocked for big game takeaways, recruiting buzz and more UCLA sports insights.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

There’s just something different about this Alabama gymnastics team right now. Confident. Composed. Hungry. And on Friday night inside a loud, hostile Neville Arena, the No. 3 Crimson Tide proved once again that they are built for big moments.

All Tide!!

Alabama takes its first win in Neville Arena since 2018 and ties its season-high score!#RollTidepic.twitter.com/PPYTJFFDtM

— Alabama Gymnastics (@BamaGymnastics) February 21, 2026

Alabama delivered its second consecutive 197.950 team score, powering past in-state rival Auburn 197.950-197.250 and securing its first win on the Plains since 2018.

In a rivalry where emotion runs high and chaos often follows, the Tide didn’t blink. T

hey executed.

This wasn’t just a win, it was a statement.

National bars leader Chloe LaCoursiere once again set the tone. She posted three scores of 9.900 or higher for the third time this season, continuing what has been one of the most dominant stretches in the country. When she’s on the bars, Alabama isn’t just hoping for a big score, it almost feels expected.

But this victory was the definition of a team effort.

Six different Tide gymnasts claimed event titles across all four rotations.

Jordyn Paradise soared to a 9.950 on vault.

LaCoursiere and freshman standout Azaraya Ra-Akbar matched that 9.950 on bars.

Jasmine Cawley and Kylee Kvamme anchored beam with matching 9.925s, showing nerves of steel in one of the most pressure-packed events.

Gabby Gladieux closed things out on floor with a 9.925, putting an emphatic exclamation point on the night.

Head coach Ashley Johnston said the team’s focus word all week was “certain,” and that mindset showed.

Alabama didn’t look rattled by the environment, the rivalry, or the stakes.

They looked prepared.

Calm.

Dangerous.

And maybe most encouraging of all, they still believe their best gymnastics is ahead of them.

Small improvements added up.

Landings tightened.

Execution sharpened.

The Tide found those extra tenths that separate good teams from championship contenders.

This group doesn’t appear satisfied. They’re not celebrating scores, they’re chasing perfection.

That’s what makes this run feel different.

Alabama didn’t just survive an Iron Bowl on the road. They controlled it with poise, power, and precision. If this is what “not at our peak yet” looks like, the rest of the SEC, and the nation, should be paying very close attention.

Because this team isn’t just winning.

They’re building momentum.

And they look unphased… and relentless.

Roll Tide.

Mikaela Shiffrin just made history and quoted Taylor Swift after winning at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The alpine skier won a gold medal in slalom and became the first-ever skier from the United States to win three Olympic golds.

After the win, Shiffrin posted an Instagram picture capturing herself skiing, with the caption, “My advice is always ruin the friendship.” Fans were quick to notice the shoutout to Swift, as the lyrics are from her song, “Ruin the Friendship.” If that wasn’t enough to create a buzz online, the singer’s reaction to the post, calling the win “historic,” did that.

Mikaela Shiffrin quoting song lyrics after winning gold has Taylor Swift saying ‘historic’

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Mikaela Shiffrin has grabbed all the spotlight after making history, and she has also got Taylor Swift’s attention. She won a gold medal in slalom at the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking a proud moment for the country. The professional skier made history by becoming the first U.S. skier to win three Olympic golds.

While the country celebrated her win, something else caught the attention of the fans. Shiffrin not only brought a major win to the country by bringing home a gold medal, but also grabbed the attention of Swift and, in turn, the Swifties.

Shiffrin shared a photo on Instagram showing herself skiing at the Winter Games. She posted the photo on February 19, and what became buzzworthy was the caption alongside it. The gold medalist captioned the post, “My advice is always ruin the friendship.”

She chose lyrics from one of Taylor Swift’s songs for the iconic post. The lyrics are from “Ruin the Friendship,” a track from Swift’s latest album, “The Life of a Showgirl”. The “Opalite” singer also congratulated her on the win, exclaiming, “HISTORIC,” in the comments section.

Shiffrin has always loved Swift’s music. In fact, in 2024, she reportedly said that Swift’s songs help guide her in navigating fame, challenges, and success.

Originally reported by Chhavi Puri on RealityTea.

The post Taylor Swift Reacts to Mikaela Shiffrin Quoting Her Lyrics After Win appeared first on Mandatory.

Four-star Miami Hurricanes wide receiver commitment Ah'Mari Stevens plans to visit four schools this spring. Stevens recently released his top five schools despite committing to Miami in January 2025. He will visit four of his top five schools.

The elite wide receiver prospect plans to visit the Georgia Bulldogs (June 5), Miami (May 29), LSU Tigers (April 18) and Texas Longhorns (June 19). Stevens does not have a scheduled visit with the Tennessee Volunteers even though they are among his top schools. Stevens appears to be reconsidering his commitment to the Hurricanes.

Stevens plans to take an official visit to Georgia for multiple days. The Bulldogs are looking for more commitments at wide receiver in the class of 2027. UGA and coach Kirby Smart currently only have a commitment from three-star receiver Aden Starling.

The talented wide receiver plays high school football for Chaminade-Madonna in Miami, Florida, which is the same high school Ohio State superstar Jeremiah Smith attended. Stevens is a track athlete in high school and his speed shows in the film.

Stevens is the No. 235 prospect in the nation and the No. 31 wide receiver, per 247Sports. The 5-foot-11, 160-pound receiver is the No. 25 recruit in Florida.

Stevens recently received scholarship offers from Georgia, Texas and LSU, who will all receive visits from the shifty wide receiver recruit. The Miami commit is excellent after the catch and has elite speed. In addition to playing wide receiver, Stevens plays as a punt returner and cornerback.

Ah'Mari Stevens plans Georgia football visit

Locked in 🫡 @Dawgs247@KirbySmartUGA@CoachColeypic.twitter.com/3sIZGZoacv

— Ah’Mari Stevens ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (@1bombedyou_) February 16, 2026

Follow UGA Wire on Instagram or Threads for more Georgia football recruiting coverage!

This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: 4-star WR Ah'Mari Stevens plans four spring visits

Louisville never trailed for a second as they celebrated Senior Day with an 87-70 win over Georgia Tech Saturday afternoon inside the KFC Yum Center.

Mikel Brown Jr. led the Cards with 19 points, while the senior trio of J’Vonne Hadley (17), Ryan Conwell (15) and Isaac McKneely (14) also scored in double figures.

It wasn’t all pretty for U of L. The Cardinals allowed multiple runs of 10-0 or more against a Yellow Jacket team that lost for the ninth straight time. Louisville also struggled again with turnovers, giving the ball away a season-high 18 times.

Louisville made up for those deficiencies by shooting 52% (27-of-52) from the field, 45% (14-of-31) from three, and 95% (19-of-20) from the free-throw line. They also forced Tech into 17 turnovers of their own.

Senior walk-on Spencer Legg added the afternoon’s exclamation point by burying the second made shot of his Cardinal career with a three-pointer in the game’s closing seconds.

It was not an overwhelmingly encouraging performance against the current worst power conference team in college basketball, but it got the job done.

Huge opportunity in Chapel Hill coming up in about 48 hours.

FIRST HALF ANALYSIS:

Pryce Sandfort came out like he did when the Huskers played Illinois in Champaign back in December. Nebraska had to make a lineup change due to Berke Buyuktuncel out with an illness. Given the fact that Fred Hoiberg has only been using a 7-man rotation lately, that was going to test the Husker depth early. Sandfort was doing his level best to keep pace with the entire Nittany Lions team. Penn State went on a 7+ minute scoring drought, not scoring between the 5-minute and 12-minute mark.

Penn State had plenty of turnover issues during that drought, and Nebraska would open up a double-digit lead. Braden Frager and Cale Jacobsen both picked up 2 fouls in the half, leading to the introductions of Leo Curtis and Jared Garcia. Garcia was doing some work on the glass, something that has been sorely lacking the last few games for Nebraska. Nebraska was comfortable most of the half and took a 38-20 lead into the half.

FIRST HALF STATS:

Penn State shot 8-24 for 33% from the floor. They went 1-8 for 13% from deep and 3-5 for 60% from the free-throw line. The Nittany Lions collected 17 rebounds, 4 of which were offensive. Penn State had 11 turnovers to just 4 assists. 12 of their points came in the paint.

The Nittany Lions were led by Josh Reed, who had 8 points. Ivan Juric led the way with 6 rebounds. 4 different Nittany Lions had 1 assist.

Nebraska shot 14-31 for 45% from the floor. They went 7-16 for 44% from deep and 3-5 for 60% from the free-throw line. The Huskers collected 18 rebounds, 6 of which were offensive. Nebraska had 10 assists to 5 turnovers. Nebraska scored 12 points off of turnovers.

The Huskers were led by Pryce Sandfort, who had 20 points. Jared Garcia had 6 rebounds off the bench to lead Nebraska. Jamarques Lawrence had 4 assists to pace the Huskers.

SECOND HALF ANALYSIS:

Nebraska was pretty comfortable throughout the entire second half. The Huskers used a 9-0 run to push the lead to 22. Pryce Sandfort, who had 20 in the first half, only had 2 in the opening 10 minutes of the second half. That was alright, as Sam Hoiberg worked his way into his first career double-double. Sandfort would finish with a career high 33 points in the end, but needed just 1 rebound to get a double-double of his own.

He had 6 minutes to do it but couldn’t find one. Ivan Juric was about the best thing for Penn State, as he had a double-double of his own. Penn State would not cut the lead any closer than 15 points, and Nebraska eased its way into its 23rd victory.

FINAL STATS AND THOUGHTS:

Penn State shot 24-57 for 42% from the floor. They went 4-20 for 20% from deep and 12-17 for 71% from the free-throw line. The Nittany Lions collected 33 rebounds, 10 of which were offensive. Penn State had 15 turnovers to 13 assists, and had 36 points in the paint.

The Nittany Lions were led by Ivan Juric, who had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Kayden Mingo also contributed 13 points and 6 assists. Josh Reed had 11 points and 5 rebounds.

Nebraska shot 32-62 for 52% from the floor. They went 14-35 for 40% from deep and 9-12 for 75% from the free-throw line. The Huskers collected 36 rebounds, 10 of which were offensive. Nebraska had 22 assists to 11 turnovers and had 19 points off of turnovers.

The Huskers were led by Pryce Sandfort, who had a career high 33 points. He also had 9 rebounds. Sam Hoiberg had 11 points and a career high 10 assists. Jared Garcia had 7 rebounds off the bench, which was pivotal in helping Nebraska outrebound Penn State.

This one was a good “get right” game. Pretty straightforward, not challenging and a solid home victory. 9 different Huskers scored, with 3 of them getting into double figures. Sandfort going 8-14 from deep certainly helps, but I felt Frager, Hoiberg, Mast and Lawrence did a really good job of balancing things out today. Jared Garcia, who I felt needed more minutes to help out the big men, came in and did a great job of clearing the glass in his short time. 4 points and 7 rebounds (3 offensive) in 19 minutes was the exact thing Fred Hoiberg needed to help rest Rienk.

Nebraska has another home game coming up, as they take on the Maryland Terrapins. Maryland is not nearly as good as they were a year ago, as they lost their head coach and two star players (Derik Queen and Julian Reese) from last season’s squad. Tip-off from Pinnacle Bank Arena is set for 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 25th, and can be seen on the Big Ten Network.

Baseball is back and the Washington Nationals have come out on top not once, but twice. The team had a split squad double header today, where half the group went to Jupiter to face the Cardinals, while the rest of the team stayed in West Palm Beach to play the Astros. Both teams won, with the Nats edging the Astros 2-1 and beating the Cardinals 6-2.

It was an impressive start to the Paul Toboni and Blake Butera era. The pitching was mostly solid and the boys were able to get enough timely hits to get the job done. There are still things to clean up, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but they were good enough to win today. Also, these mistakes are only natural in the first games of Spring Training.

The Astros game was the one that was televised, so I was following that much more closely. It was a hotly contested game, where the Nats were let off the hook a few times by the Astros inability to hit with runners in scoring position. While there were some defensive miscues, there was also some brilliance. In the top of the 1st inning, prospect Andrew Pinckney made an outstanding throw to gun down a runner.

andrew pinckney mid-season form 🎯💪 pic.twitter.com/OIYsd93Zls

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) February 21, 2026

We were able to see the whole package with Pinckney today. As we saw, Pinckney’s arm is a major asset. Baseball America gave his arm a rare 80 grade. They noted that out of the 22 Triple-A outfield throws that were at least 100 mph, Pinckney made 8 of them. After seeing the rocket he unleashed today, that is easy to believe.

His skillset at the plate was also on display. In his first at bat, Pinckney looked overmatched and struck out. Those ugly strikeouts will always be a part of his game, it is all about limiting them. However, in his second plate appearance, he hit a 114 MPH rocket for a double in the gap. Pinckney has a 4th outfielder skillset. He has big power, elite speed, good defense and an elite arm, but has whiff concerns. 

Speaking of elite power, we saw that from Jorgelys Mota this afternoon. His home run gave the Nats a lead they never relinquished. The 20 year old got all of that ball as well, hitting it 434 feet and 115 MPH. Power has never been an issue for Mota, his big concerns come from his hit tool and propensity to chase. Maybe the new development team can unlock his potential and help him get to the next level.

jorgelys mota going from @FXBGNats to crushing spring home runs 💪 pic.twitter.com/BN93FM7rUF

— Nationals Player Development (@Nats_PlayerDev) February 21, 2026

Mota has not fully broken out yet, and has holes in his game, but Baseball America still has him as the Nats 25th ranked prospect. He showed why he was put on the top 30 with his monster blast today. Mota is an intimidating presence in the box and is likely to start this season at High-A.

While the young guys were the story, another player who looked good was CJ Abrams. He went 1 for 2 with a walk today. His hit was a double he ripped down the line. Abrams looked very composed in the box and was seeing pitches well. His bases loaded walk also drove in a run. 

On the mound, it was a mixed bag. While the Nats only allowed one run, they did walk 11 batters. However, I thought PJ Poulin and Paxton Schultz looked sharp. Jake Eder also had his moments, but was inconsistent.

The winning pitcher Seth Shuman got bailed out by his defense right away. Minor league free agent signing Leandro Pineda robbed a home run with a fantastic catch. I can’t say I had heard of him until today, but it was a good way to make a first impression.

oh HELLO leandro pineda 😳 pic.twitter.com/0hHUIk2J1s

— Nationals Player Development (@Nats_PlayerDev) February 21, 2026

Holden Powell survived three walks to close the door, and the Nats got their 2-1 win. It was not their only curly W of the day though. Over in Jupiter, the Nats defeated the Cardinals 6-2.

Maxwell Romero’s three run homer was the decider in that one. Harry Ford also had a solid first game in the organization, with a walk and an RBI base hit. The other piece of the Jose A. Ferrer package Isaac Lyon also fired two scoreless innings. Marquis Grissom Jr. was also sharp in his two innings of work.

Overall, you can’t ask for a much better first day of Spring Training contests. The Nats got two wins and some of the young guys impressed. Hopefully the Nats can build on that and have a strong spring. Who knows, maybe they can surprise people this season, you never know. The boys are back in action tomorrow at 1:10 against the Marlins.

Villanova Wildcats 21-5 (12-3) vs #5 Connecticut Huskies 24-3 (14-2)

Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena (Philadelphia, PA)

When: Saturday, February 21 at 5:30 PM

Betting Line: Villanova +2.5 (subject to change)

How to Watch: TNT + truTV

How to Listen: Villanova Sports Radio Network

Net Rankings: Villanova 29, Connecticut 10 (Quad 1)

KenPom: Villanova 27, Connecticut 13

Torvik: Villanova 29, Connecticut 9

𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗔𝗬 – WHITE OUT in South Philly! ⚪️

🆚 No. 5 UConn
📍 @XMobileArena
🕔 5:30 PM
📺 TNT + truTV
📻 https://t.co/h27qq8WU9L
📝 https://t.co/T8CaOKGL4t
🎟️ https://t.co/D6CrFlxurW@FreedomMortgage x #GoNovapic.twitter.com/Vhiox0pmYV

— Villanova MBB (@NovaMBB) February 21, 2026

📊 By the Numbers: Preview tonight’s BIG EAST matchup vs. No. 5 UConn! #GoNova | Sponsored by @PALotterypic.twitter.com/q5jEvbpE1Q

— Villanova MBB (@NovaMBB) February 21, 2026

MMA Fighting has Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios live round-by-round updates for one of the most anticipated boxing fights of the year at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

The main event is expected to begin around 12 a.m. ET on DAZN pay-per-view. Check out our Garcia vs. Barrios results page to find out what happened on the undercard.

Ryan Garcia (24-2, 20 knockouts) is 2-2 with one no-contest in his past five fights. He lost via unanimous decision to Rolando Romero in his last outing this past May in Times Square.

Mario Barrios (29-2-2, 18 knockouts) is 3-0-2 over his past five fights. He has recorded two straight draws to defend his WBC welterweight title, including against legend Manny Pacquiao in his last outing this past July.

Get the Garcia vs. Barrios round-by-round live blog below:

Round 1:

Round 2:

Round 3:

Round 4:

Round 5:

Round 6:

Round 7:

Round 8:

Round 9:

Round 10:

Round 11:

Round 12:

Barcelona star Eric García this week made use of the opportunity to aim a jibe at the standard of officiating in Spanish football.

This of course comes fresh off a drama-filled last week for the Blaugrana.

First, en route to a Copa del Rey drubbing at the hands of Atlético Madrid, Hansi Flick’s troops were left feeling hard done by through a trio of high-profile refereeing decisions.

Then, days later, Barca again found themselves up in arms, owing to a late Girona winner being allowed to stand in the Catalan Derby.

The fallout from the fixtures has since been widespread at the Camp Nou, amid mounting claims of an officiating campaign against the reigning La Liga champions.

And as alluded to above, late this week, a member of Barcelona’s backline has added his name to the list of vocal critics.

Speaking during an exchange with the media, as cited by Fabrizio Romano, Eric García revealed his take that:

“Right now, we feel like the referees can disallow every goal we score. If they want to disallow it, they will do it.”

Conor Laird – GSFN

WWE's Nattie may have plenty of focus on her own career right now, especially since she turned on former protege Maxxine Dupri and began to reinvent herself as the "Lowkey Legend." But despite all of that, the veteran still has plenty of time to keep track of other wrestling promotions, including AEW. And one woman that's really impressed her over the last year in Triangle of Madness leader Thekla.

While discussing Thekla's AEW World Championship victory on last week's "Busted Open Radio," Nattie revealed she had become a fan of "The Toxic Spider" one year ago, when she by chance got to see Thekla wrestle a match.

"I watched Thekla wrestle, and I wanted to meet her," Nattie said. "I wanted to get a picture with her backstage, because I was so impressed with her ability. She also just had this...it wasn't just what she was doing in the ring...She had this cool presence about her that you could tell she had worked on her character, and she really knew who she was. She kind of, she was doing stuff that kind of reminded me of Bray Wyatt. And she just had this bad ass presence about her. But everything she did was crisp and had snap to it and was like...I was so impressed." 

Nattie also had kind words to say about the woman Thekla beat for the AEW Women's World Championship, Kris Statlander. In particular, Nattie complimented Statlander on her ability to overcome several major obstacles.

"It's not easy, coming back from an injury," Nattie said. "I was talking yesterday with Nikita [Lyons]. I was filming some stuff yesterday at the Performance Center for 'LFG,' and I was talking to Nikita, because Nikita had two back to back knee injuries. Nobody realizes how hard that is to get injured, not just once, but twice, and come back and be better than ever before. It's work. But it's also mental work."

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "Busted Open Radio" and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription

Read more: Why Fans Are Turning On The Rock

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AMD has reportedly stopped driver updates for its Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU solution for handheld consoles, according to the latest Lenovo Korea update. This means that only after 2 and a half years, AMD is pulling support for its SoC, leaving many enthusiasts in a difficult spot. Confirmation from multiple sources are piling up as Reddit users and customers of other handheld consoles are stating that support for their specific devices, based on the Ryzen Z1 Extreme SoC, are also stuck using drivers that are several months old. For example, a user has commented that his ASUS ROG Ally non-X version based on the Ryzen Z1 Extreme SoC has been stuck with six-month-old SoC drivers from August 2025. This means that AMD has effectively placed the Ryzen Z1 and Ryzen Z1 Extreme chips into a periodic update window, with no latest driver support coming to this 2023 SoC.

However, the situation is quite complex. OEMs like Lenovo and ASUS receive drivers from AMD and test them for their specific configurations. AMD offers configurable TDP (cTDP) for the Z1 Extreme with values ranging from 9 to 30 W. This means that OEMs can get an SoC with reduced clocks and power settings to match their desired handheld designs, or simply run the most aggressive 30 W configuration that will sacrifice some battery life but deliver overall higher CPU and GPU clocks. Hence, drivers must be tested to ensure they work properly on the specific TDP configuration by the OEM before they are installed by the user. Finding the "blame" is proving to be difficult, as it could be that AMD is not bothering with new updates, or OEMs are not eager to test their specific configurations.

AMD teamed up with two well-known overclockers, Bill Alverson (aka "Sampson") and Splave, to push a Radeon RX 9060 XT to 4,769 MHz. That's a new world record for GPU frequency – and it wasn't even close to the previous mark.

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LenoChat is an AI-powered live chat and multichannel inbox built for startups and small teams that need faster replies without paying for enterprise software they don’t need. It brings website chat, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger into one inbox. AI acts as a first-level support agent, answering common questions instantly and handing conversations to a human when needed. If no one is available, it shows an offline form instead of leaving customers stuck in a live queue.

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Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Sri Lanka, Namibia, and India Promise Memorable Safari Adventures in Some of the Most Iconic Wildlife Habitats

Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Sri Lanka, Namibia, and India promise memorable safari adventures in some of the most iconic wildlife habitats on Earth, and here’s why. Each of these countries offers unique landscapes and ecosystems where travelers can experience wildlife in its natural habitat, whether it’s the dramatic African savannas, the lush rainforests of Brazil, or the diverse terrains of India and Sri Lanka. These destinations are home to some of the world’s most sought-after wildlife experiences, from the annual Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya to the breathtaking sightings of leopards in Sri Lanka. South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Botswana’s Chobe, and Namibia’s Etosha offer diverse wildlife encounters, while Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest provides a rich, exotic experience. India’s tiger reserves and Sri Lanka’s elephants further add to the variety, making these countries not just safari spots, but gateways to some of the most extraordinary natural wonders on the planet. Each offers a chance to witness breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife moments, making them truly memorable safari destinations.

Embarking on a safari is one of the most exhilarating ways to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. From the sweeping savannas of Africa to the vibrant rainforests of South America and the thriving ecosystems of Asia, the world offers a diverse range of safari destinations. Each location provides the chance to witness wildlife in its most natural state, offering both adventure seekers and wildlife lovers once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Here are ten unique safari destinations, spanning continents and climates, that promise unparalleled encounters with nature’s most extraordinary creatures.

1. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Masai Mara is a cornerstone of safari tourism, attracting visitors with its dense populations of iconic big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Known for its expansive landscapes, the reserve offers a dramatic wildlife spectacle, especially during the Great Migration. Each year, thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross from Tanzania’s Serengeti into Masai Mara, creating one of nature’s most compelling migrations. This event, paired with the Mara’s rich wildlife and diverse terrain, makes it an exceptional destination for any traveler.

2. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park is an epic safari destination in South Africa, offering one of the most accessible and abundant wildlife experiences in Africa. Home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—the park is famous for its well-maintained roads and expert-guided safaris. Kruger’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from grasslands to dense woodlands, provide the perfect backdrop for spotting a wide variety of wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-timer, Kruger promises an unforgettable experience.

3. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Botswana is renowned for its premium safari experiences, and Chobe National Park is a prime example. It boasts one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa, particularly along the Chobe River. The park’s diverse landscapes, from riverfronts to dry woodlands, are teeming with wildlife. Visitors can enjoy boat safaris along the river, offering a chance to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birds from a unique perspective. Chobe’s remarkable wildlife sightings, paired with its natural beauty, make it a top-tier safari destination.

4. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park is a world-renowned safari destination, known for its vast plains and incredible biodiversity. The park is famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move in search of food and water, creating a breathtaking natural phenomenon. Beyond the migration, Serengeti offers remarkable opportunities to spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as diverse bird species. Its sprawling grasslands and pristine wilderness make it one of the most iconic safari spots on the planet.

5. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha National Park offers a unique desert safari experience, unlike any other. Known for its otherworldly salt pans, the park’s waterholes draw large herds of wildlife, making it one of the best places in Africa to observe animals at close range. Visitors can watch elephants, rhinos, and lions gather around the water, creating a mesmerizing and dramatic wildlife viewing experience. Etosha’s arid landscapes, starkly contrasted by the life around the waterholes, provide a truly distinct safari adventure.

6. Amazon Rainforest, Brazil

The Amazon Rainforest offers a completely different kind of safari, one that immerses travelers in one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth. River safaris allow visitors to explore the dense jungle, where they can spot exotic wildlife such as jaguars, sloths, monkeys, and an astonishing variety of birds. The lush rainforest is also home to countless species of insects, reptiles, and amphibians, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts looking to explore the wilds of South America in an intimate and fascinating way.

7. Jim Corbett National Park, India

As one of India’s oldest and most respected tiger reserves, Jim Corbett National Park offers a thrilling safari experience for those looking to spot the elusive Bengal tiger. The park is also home to elephants, leopards, and a host of other species, with landscapes ranging from dense forests to riverbeds. Corbett is known for its scenic beauty, and a safari here provides not only a chance to witness some of India’s most iconic wildlife but also a deeply immersive experience into the heart of the country’s natural landscapes.

8. Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Yala National Park is the place to be for those seeking to spot Sri Lanka’s famous leopards, along with elephants, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. The park’s diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, support an impressive variety of wildlife. Yala’s unique landscape, combined with the opportunity to witness these rare animals in their natural habitat, makes it one of the best safari destinations in Asia. For wildlife lovers and photographers, Yala is a truly magical place.

9. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve, known for its incredible diversity and large elephant herds. Visitors to Hwange can expect to see an impressive array of animals, including lions, giraffes, and buffalo. The park’s open plains and rugged landscapes provide an authentic, off-the-beaten-path safari experience. Hwange is less crowded than other major parks, allowing for a more intimate and tranquil wildlife experience, making it a great choice for those looking for something unique.

10. Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most picturesque safari locations, offering stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak. The park is known for its large herds of elephants, but it also supports a wide variety of other wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and zebras. The park’s diverse ecosystems, from savannah to wetlands, provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. A safari in Amboseli combines breathtaking landscapes with an unforgettable wildlife experience, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable African adventure.

Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Sri Lanka, Namibia, and India offer unforgettable safari adventures, each showcasing unique wildlife habitats, from the Great Migration in Africa to the exotic jungles of Brazil and the tiger reserves of India. These destinations promise unparalleled opportunities to experience nature at its most captivating.

These ten safari destinations provide some of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in the world. Whether you’re exploring Africa’s iconic parks, the dense jungles of South America, or the diverse landscapes of Asia, each location offers a unique way to witness the splendor of nature up close. From elephants roaming the savanna to tigers in dense forests, these destinations promise an adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime.

The post Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Sri Lanka, Namibia, and India Promise Memorable Safari Adventures in Some of the Most Iconic Wildlife Habitats appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Fayette County Joins Jefferson, Pocahontas, Monongalia, Greenbrier, Raleigh and More Counties in West Virginia Now Driving Toruism Economy Boom and Leading the Charge, New Update is Here

West Virginia’s tourism economy is experiencing an unprecedented boom, and Fayette County joins counties like Jefferson, Pocahontas, Monongalia, Greenbrier, Raleigh, and many more, Fayette County is rapidly becoming a driving force in the West Virginia state’s tourism economy. These counties are leading the charge in making West Virginia one of the most dynamic and thriving destinations in the US tourism sector today.

With Fayette County’s New River Gorge National Park now a national sensation, alongside Jefferson County’s historic charm and Pocahontas County’s winter wonderland, these counties are transforming the tourism economy in West Virginia. The tourism boom is undeniable, and with each of these counties making bold strides, the US tourism sector is rapidly recognizing the state’s potential as an unbeatable destination.

Travel And Tour World urges you to read the full story and discover how these counties are not just participating in, but leading the charge of a tourism economy boom that’s shaking up the US tourism industry. Don’t miss out on the latest updates from West Virginia’s tourism surge – it’s time to take a deeper look into this incredible transformation.

The Year the US Tourism Sector Takes Over

2025 is set to be a game-changer for US tourism! As the world slowly recovers from travel restrictions, the USA is seeing an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals. A huge part of this growth can be attributed to the top 55 counties across the nation that are making waves in the travel industry. From the wild mountains of West Virginia to the sun-drenched beaches of Florida, US tourism is exploding, and these counties are at the heart of this rapid growth.

The future of the US travel sector has never looked so bright, with destinations ranging from small towns to bustling cities capturing the attention of travelers from all corners of the globe. Let’s dive into these tourism meccas and uncover why they’re quickly becoming unmissable destinations for every US traveler.

The Powerhouses of US Tourism: The Most Visited US Counties in 2025

The US tourism sector is poised for an explosive growth in 2025! As travel rebounds, certain counties are becoming undeniable powerhouses in the US tourism scene. In 2025, the USA will see record-breaking numbers of visitors flocking to its most iconic destinations. From the mountains of West Virginia to the beaches of Florida, US travel is gearing up to redefine what it means to be a tourist in the USA.

The story is unfolding across multiple US counties, each one offering something extraordinary. The future of US tourism is bright, bold, and waiting to be discovered. These are the counties in the US you cannot afford to miss! Every inch of land, every nook and cranny, is a hidden treasure for those in search of adventure, culture, and beauty.

West Virginia: The Rising Star of US Tourism

The heart of US tourism in 2025 is undeniably found in the rugged beauty of West Virginia. This state is rapidly becoming a top contender for tourist attention, thanks to the diverse attractions in counties like Fayette, Jefferson, Pocahontas, and Raleigh.

Fayette County is leading the charge with the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. After being designated a national park, New River Gorge saw record-breaking visitor numbers. Fayette County is expected to welcome millions of tourists in 2025. It’s an adventure-lover’s paradise, offering visitors the chance to raft, rock climb, hike, and explore.

Close behind is Jefferson County, home to the historical gem, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The park is a historic marvel, attracting tourists looking to experience US history at its finest. And of course, Pocahontas County, with the Snowshoe Mountain Resort, is the ultimate winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders in the US tourism sector.

West Virginia isn’t just about outdoor activities, though. Raleigh County is making waves as a central hub for the growing tourism market in southern West Virginia, offering cultural experiences and natural beauty.

Fayette County: The Adventure Capital of West Virginia

Fayette County is leading the charge in West Virginia’s tourism growth in 2025, and for good reason. Home to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the state’s newest national park, Fayette is attracting millions of visitors. Known for its towering cliffs, fast-flowing rivers, and breathtaking scenery, the New River Gorge has quickly become one of the most sought-after destinations in the US tourism sector.

Tourists come to Fayette County to hike, rock climb, white-water raft, and explore the majestic landscapes of the Gorge. Whether you’re an adventure junkie or a nature lover, this county has something that will take your breath away. With millions of visitors expected to visit in 2025, Fayette County is undoubtedly the star of West Virginia tourism.

Jefferson County: Steeped in History and Charm

The charm of Harpers Ferry, nestled in Jefferson County, is undeniable. This historical town is home to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which has become a top attraction for tourists seeking to step back in time and explore the rich history of the American Civil War.

In 2025, Jefferson County is expected to see a massive surge in visitors, drawn to the historic significance of Harpers Ferry. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of history, exploring museums, hiking through scenic trails, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this charming town. For those interested in American history, Harpers Ferry is a must-visit destination. More on Jefferson County’s tourism appeal

Pocahontas County: A Winter Wonderland

Pocahontas County is a hidden gem that is rapidly gaining attention in the US tourism sector. Known for its Snowshoe Mountain Resort, Pocahontas is attracting winter sports enthusiasts in droves. As one of the best ski resorts in the US, Snowshoe offers world-class skiing, snowboarding, and a variety of other winter activities.

In 2025, Pocahontas County is expected to experience a surge in tourism as more visitors discover the resort’s scenic slopes, cozy accommodations, and vibrant après-ski scene. Whether you’re looking for a winter adventure or a relaxing getaway in the mountains, Pocahontas County is the place to be. More on Pocahontas County’s winter tourism

Monongalia County: A Hub for College Students and Adventurers

Monongalia County is home to Morgantown, a vibrant college town that has become an increasingly popular tourism destination. In 2025, Morgantown is expected to draw in a new generation of tourists—college students, alumni, and outdoor enthusiasts. With its proximity to the Morgantown Riverfront Park and Coopers Rock State Forest, the county offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and nature.

Monongalia County is also a center of culture, with a thriving music scene, local festivals, and lively cafes. Morgantown offers visitors the chance to experience both the energy of college life and the tranquility of outdoor adventures. Expect an influx of tourists here in 2025! More on Monongalia County’s growth

Greenbrier County: A Gateway to Outdoor Adventure

For those seeking outdoor adventure and a peaceful escape, Greenbrier County is the place to be. Home to The Greenbrier Resort, one of the most luxurious hotels in the US, this county is seeing a rise in upscale tourism. Greenbrier County is a hotspot for visitors seeking to golf, explore lush mountains, and enjoy a serene retreat in one of the most beautiful parts of West Virginia.

In 2025, Greenbrier County is on track to see a huge increase in tourist arrivals, thanks to its combination of luxury and outdoor activities. Whether you’re staying at The Greenbrier or exploring the wilderness in Monongahela National Forest, this county has endless experiences to offer. More on Greenbrier County’s luxury tourism

Raleigh County: Heart of Southern West Virginia

Raleigh County, located in southern West Virginia, has quickly become an important player in the state’s tourism sector. With a mix of scenic beauty and historic attractions, Raleigh offers something for every type of traveler. Known for its proximity to Beckley and the National Coal Heritage Area, Raleigh County is a gateway to exploring the state’s industrial past.

In 2025, Raleigh County is expected to continue its rise as a must-visit destination in West Virginia, attracting visitors who are looking for a unique mix of culture and nature. Whether it’s exploring coal mining history or hiking through the mountains, Raleigh County has something for everyone. More on Raleigh County’s tourism offerings

Upshur County: Where Beauty Meets Adventure

Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, Upshur County is a place where natural beauty meets adventure. From its rolling hills to its forests, this county offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. In 2025, Upshur County is predicted to see a rise in visitors, particularly those who are interested in camping, fishing, and hiking.

If you’re looking for a destination that offers a more peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle, Upshur County is where you’ll find peace and serenity in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.

How Other US Counties Are Contributing to the Tourism Surge

West Virginia is just one example of a state on the rise in US tourism. Many other counties across the nation are leading the charge in attracting tourists. Take a look at Monongalia County, where Morgantown is drawing a crowd thanks to its university culture, vibrant downtown, and outdoor activities. With its young population and diverse attractions, it’s no wonder that Monongalia is seeing a booming tourism sector.

Down in California, San Francisco County is seeing a renewed influx of visitors. With iconic sites like Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, and the city’s world-class museums, it’s a prime destination for tourists looking to experience the best of the US.

In Florida, Miami-Dade County continues to dominate the US tourism sector, with Miami Beach attracting millions of international visitors. But it’s not just the coast that’s booming. Orange County, with its proximity to Disney World, remains one of the top tourist magnets in the US tourism market.

Hawaii, too, is a big player in US tourism. Counties like Honolulu and Maui draw in visitors for their scenic landscapes, luxury resorts, and world-class beaches. Maui County is expected to see more visitors in 2025, thanks to its incredible natural beauty and cultural richness.

US Counties to Watch in 2025: The Hidden Gems

While some counties are obvious tourism leaders, there are plenty of hidden gems waiting to make their mark. Barbour County, in West Virginia, is emerging as a top destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. With a mix of historic sites and outdoor activities, Barbour County is becoming increasingly popular for travelers looking to explore new regions of the US tourism market.

In Oregon, Multnomah County is seeing a growth in eco-tourism, with visitors flocking to the Columbia River Gorge to experience its famous waterfalls and hiking trails. This is another county that will likely see a huge increase in tourist arrivals in 2025.

For a true US road-trip experience, Boulder County, Colorado, is attracting visitors with its stunning natural beauty, including the Flatirons and Rocky Mountain National Park. Expect a tourism explosion in 2025, as the county continues to build on its reputation as a gateway to adventure.

What Makes These Counties So Special?

So, why are these counties so successful in attracting tourists? The US tourism sector is driven by a few key factors that these counties have in abundance:

1. Natural Beauty: From the wild rivers of West Virginia to the beaches of Florida, these counties offer stunning natural landscapes that make them irresistible to US travelers.
2. Cultural and Historical Significance: Many of these counties are home to landmarks, museums, and heritage sites that attract tourists interested in US history and culture.
3. Adventure and Outdoor Activities: Whether it’s skiing in Pocahontas County or hiking in the Columbia River Gorge, these counties offer unmatched opportunities for outdoor fun, a major draw for US tourism.
4. Accessibility: As travel becomes easier and more affordable, many of these counties are becoming more accessible to visitors, increasing their potential to draw more tourists in 2025.

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Alappuzha, India: Feel the Heartbeat of Kuttanad on This Magical Soul-Stirring Safari

Alappuzha, India, is ready to welcome you with open arms and a warm smile. Imagine the gentle sun kissing the emerald waters as you drift into a world of pure peace. This is not just a boat ride. It is a deep, emotional embrace of a land that lives and breathes through its tides. On March 1, 2026, the Kuttanad Safari begins. It offers you a chance to touch the very spirit of Kerala. You will feel the pulse of the village and the kindness of its people. This journey will stay in your heart long after you leave the shore.

A New Era for Kerala Tourism

The State Water Transport Department (SWTD) is launching this unique day-long tour. It aims to showcase the hidden gems of the region. The adventure starts at 10:00 AM from the Alappuzha Boat Jetty. A 30-passenger boat will lead the way initially. By mid-March, the mighty ‘Indra’ will take over. Indra is the largest solar-electric cruise vessel in India. It moves silently, protecting the nature it explores. This move shows India’s commitment to green and sustainable travel.

The Flavors of Kuttanad

Food is the language of love in Kuttanad. The safari begins with a traditional thaninadan breakfast. Travelers eat at local stalls to support the community. Later, the boat stops at a traditional toddy shop. Here, guests taste the fiery and spice-rich cuisine of the land. Every bite tells a story of local tradition and spice. This culinary experience connects visitors to the earth and the water.

Pathiramanal: The Island of Dreams

Pathiramanal Island is the crown jewel of this safari. It is a haven for rare migratory birds and lush greenery. The SWTD has built a stunning eco-friendly amphitheater here. It is made entirely of bamboo and grass. Travelers will watch rare art forms like Villadichan Pattu and Yakshaganam. They will see the power of Kalaripayattu, the mother of all martial arts. These performances bring ancient legends to life before your eyes.

Farming Below the Sea

Kuttanad is famous for its engineering marvels. The safari glides through the R-Block and C-Block areas. Here, brave farmers grow crops below sea level. It is a sight that inspires wonder and respect. The guides share stories of the heritage of Alappuzha. They explain the meaning behind Velakali and Kuthiyottam. Visitors learn how humans and nature thrive together in harmony.

A Boost for the Local Community

This safari is a gift to the local people of Kerala. The SWTD director, Shaji V Nair, noted that the project helps local artists. He mentioned that the department signed an agreement with a folk repertory agency. He also stated that revenue is shared with the Muhamma grama panchayat. This ensures that tourism dollars stay in the village. It creates jobs and keeps old traditions alive for the next generation.

Floating Stores and Human Connection

The return journey offers a glimpse into the lime shell industry. One of the most charming sights is the ‘floating stores.’ These are small boats selling local handicrafts and produce. Travelers can buy gifts directly from the artisans. This creates a direct bond between the visitor and the maker. It makes the shopping experience personal and meaningful.

Accessible Luxury for Everyone

The ticket is priced at just ₹1,000. This makes the premium experience accessible to all travelers. The SWTD bridges the gap between luxury and grassroots culture. It is a model for sustainable tourism in India. The safari proves that we can protect nature while enjoying its beauty. It is a win for the environment and a win for the traveler.

An Experience That Changes You

As the golden sun sets over the Vembanad Lake, you will feel a sense of belonging. The Kuttanad Safari in Alappuzha, India, is more than a holiday. It is a bridge between your world and the timeless rhythm of the backwaters. You see the pride in the eyes of the artists. You feel the strength in the hands of the coir spinners. You leave with more than just photos. You leave with a piece of Kuttanad in your soul. Come and discover the magic that only India can offer. Your seat on the water is waiting for you.

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2026 Travel Outlook: Canadian Airline Boosts Cross-Border Access with Nonstop Flights from Ottawa to Popular U.S. Winter Destinations

Travellers seeking winter sun and spring adventures now have more options, as a Canadian airline is introducing new nonstop flights from Ottawa to the United States. The move comes amid expectations of a growing demand for travel between Canada and the U.S., opening exciting opportunities for tourists worldwide.

The airline has strategically added two new seasonal routes. One connects Ottawa with Miami, while the other links Ottawa directly to Phoenix. Both destinations are known for warm weather, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities, making them ideal for Canadians escaping the cold or international visitors planning a U.S. vacation.

Ottawa to Miami: Sun and Beaches Await

The Ottawa–Miami route provides travellers with direct access to Florida’s famous beaches and vibrant city life. Tourists can explore the city’s art deco districts, enjoy waterfront dining, and take part in various cultural events without the hassle of connecting flights. For winter travellers, Miami offers sunshine, mild temperatures, and outdoor leisure opportunities year-round.

This route is also appealing to snowbird travellers, who typically spend the colder months in warmer climates. Nonstop flights save time, reduce travel stress, and allow visitors to maximize their vacation days.

Ottawa to Phoenix: Desert Adventures and Sunshine

The Ottawa–Phoenix connection opens a gateway to Arizona’s deserts, golf resorts, and national parks. Phoenix is a top destination for travellers who enjoy hiking, sightseeing, and sunny weather. Its mild winter climate makes it a comfortable destination for Canadians and international tourists looking to avoid frigid temperatures.

Direct flights from Ottawa make it easier for family travellers, adventure seekers, and retirees to plan trips to the southwestern U.S., avoiding the need to connect through larger airports such as Toronto or Montreal.

Airline Anticipates Strong Travel Rebound

The airline’s expansion reflects confidence that cross-border travel will strengthen in 2026. After years of fluctuating demand, the company predicts that more Canadians will travel to the U.S., while international visitors will increasingly use Canadian airports as convenient starting points for American destinations.

This trend aligns with broader travel industry insights. Governments in both Canada and the U.S. have been encouraging safe tourism, improving infrastructure, and promoting key destinations, creating a favorable environment for seasonal and long-haul travellers. Official travel advisories provide updated entry requirements, safety recommendations, and tips for planning trips between the two countries.

Travel Trends Influencing New Routes

The focus on sun destinations highlights an ongoing trend in seasonal air travel. Airlines are realigning flight schedules to meet demand for warmer climates during winter and spring. For global travellers, this offers more direct options, shorter travel times, and convenient access to popular vacation spots.

Tourism experts suggest that routes like Ottawa–Miami and Ottawa–Phoenix benefit both leisure and business travellers. Sun seekers can plan longer stays without worrying about multiple connections, while those traveling for meetings or conferences enjoy smoother, more predictable travel schedules.

Planning Your 2026 Travel

Travellers considering these routes should plan ahead to secure seats, as seasonal flights may fill quickly. Here are some tips for smooth trips:

• Book early to ensure availability on high-demand travel dates.
• Check official travel guidance from the Government of Canada and the U.S. Department of State for entry and visa requirements.
• Consider weather conditions: Florida is ideal for winter beach vacations, while Arizona offers comfortable temperatures for desert and outdoor activities.
• Use travel rewards or loyalty programs to reduce airfare costs.

Benefits for International Travellers

Even visitors flying from Europe, Asia, or South America can benefit from these routes. Ottawa serves as a strategic gateway to the U.S., with connecting flights or codeshare agreements facilitating access to Miami, Phoenix, and beyond. This improves overall travel flexibility and convenience, making it easier to plan multi-destination trips.

Final Travel Takeaway

The new flights and predicted travel rebound mark an optimistic outlook for 2026. Travellers can enjoy shorter connections, direct access to sun-filled destinations, and new opportunities to explore both urban and natural attractions. Whether escaping winter chill or planning a spring adventure, Ottawa’s new U.S. routes make travel easier and more enjoyable for visitors from around the world.

With sunshine, culture, and outdoor experiences on offer, the airline’s initiative is a welcome development for global tourists seeking convenient seasonal travel.

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Sri Lanka Travel Alert: Kandy Landslide Crisis Threatens Lives and Tourism Dreams – All You Need To Know

The mist-covered mountains of Kandy, Sri Lanka usually offer peace to weary travelers. Today, those same hills cry out with a terrifying warning. A Red Landslide Warning (Level 3) now grips the Yatinuwara Divisional Secretariat Division. This alert turns a dream vacation into a race for safety. Nature’s beauty has suddenly shifted into a powerful force of danger. Visitors and locals alike feel the heavy weight of fear as the rain pours down.

Nature’s Fury Triggers Urgent Evacuation

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) issued the highest level of alert. The warning went live at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Experts pointed to relentless heavy rainfall as the primary cause. This rain makes the earth unstable and dangerous.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) took immediate action. Officials urged residents and travelers in Yatinuwara to leave high-risk zones. They must move to designated safe centers right now. These areas include open slopes and low-lying lands. Roads passing through vulnerable terrain are also under threat.

Tourism Faces a Steep Climb

Kandy is the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. Thousands of tourists visit Yatinuwara for its scenic beauty. However, this weather crisis hampers the entire travel industry. Luxury resorts now face cancellations. Boutique villas on hillsides worry about ground stability.

The Department of Meteorology reported a low-level atmospheric disturbance near Sri Lanka. This system brings rainfall exceeding 100 mm to the region. Such heavy rain makes sightseeing nearly impossible. It also makes mountain trekking extremely hazardous for adventure seekers.

Travel Infrastructure Under Pressure

The NBRO identified cut embankments as major danger zones. These often sit alongside the main roads used by tour buses. If these slopes fail, vital transport links will snap. This could strand international visitors in remote areas.

The government has placed ten districts under a general heavy rain alert. Kandy remains the most critical point of concern. Tourism operators are now prioritizing guest safety over profits. They are working closely with the DMC to monitor the soil.

Official Warnings for International Visitors

Government authorities advised all travelers to avoid the Yatinuwara region. The DMC stated that safety must come first for every individual. They noted that the risk of sudden earth slips is currently very high.

The NBRO recommended that people watch for cracks in the ground. They also warned about the sudden appearance of water springs. These are signs that a landslide is about to happen. Third-party reports indicate that local guides are now leading tourists to flatter, safer grounds.

The Impact on Local Livelihoods

Small businesses in Yatinuwara depend on daily foot traffic. With the Red Alert, shops and cafes have closed their doors. The vibrant energy of the Kandy District has quieted down. The rain has replaced the laughter of travelers with a somber silence.

Experts from the Irrigation Department are also monitoring water levels. They want to prevent flooding in the lower valleys of Kandy. The synchronization of these government bodies shows the gravity of the situation. They are fighting to protect both lives and the reputation of Sri Lankan hospitality.

Hope Amidst the Storm

We look at these emerald forests and hope for better days. The spirit of Sri Lankan tourism is resilient, even when the clouds are dark. We must protect the people who call these mountains home. We must also guard the guests who traveled so far to see us. Once the earth settles, the warmth of Kandy will shine again. For now, we wait and pray for the rain to stop. Safety is our only priority in this beautiful, wounded landscape.

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Protect Your Journey: Expert Advice on Avoiding Norovirus While Enjoying International Adventures and Cruise Vacations

Global travelers are being urged to stay vigilant as norovirus cases rise across multiple regions. The virus, known for causing stomach and intestinal infections, has affected thousands worldwide. Tourists, particularly those on cruises or visiting busy destinations, should take precautions to avoid disruptions during their trips.

Understanding Norovirus

Norovirus, often called the “stomach flu,” spreads rapidly through contaminated food, water, and surfaces. It can thrive in crowded places, making cruise ships, hotels, and public transport hotspots high-risk areas. Infected individuals can pass the virus even before showing symptoms, highlighting the need for vigilance.

Symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. While most healthy travelers recover within a few days, young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals face higher risks.

The virus is extremely resilient. It can survive on surfaces for weeks and withstand many standard cleaning agents. Travelers should rely on official sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) for updated guidance.

Cruise Ship Travelers: Extra Caution

Cruise vacations are among the most popular for international travelers. However, the enclosed environment of a cruise ship makes it susceptible to norovirus outbreaks. Authorities recommend frequent hand washing with soap and water, using alcohol-based sanitizers as a supplement, and avoiding self-serve buffets if possible.

Passengers who feel unwell should remain in their cabins to prevent spreading the virus. Cruise operators are responding with stricter cleaning routines, including disinfecting high-touch areas and implementing rigorous food handling protocols. These measures ensure a safer environment for all travelers.

Safe Practices for All Travelers

Even outside cruise ships, travelers face risks in airports, markets, and crowded tourist sites. Maintaining personal hygiene is essential: wash hands frequently, avoid touching the face, and disinfect mobile devices, luggage handles, and personal items.

Travelers should also consider travel insurance that covers health-related disruptions. Consulting official government health advisories can help plan safer trips. The CDC and WHO provide country-specific information for travelers, including hygiene recommendations, safe food and water practices, and outbreak alerts.

Dining Safely While Traveling

Food and beverages can be a major source of norovirus infection. Tourists can reduce risks by:

• Choosing freshly cooked meals over raw or buffet-style options.
• Drinking bottled or treated water in areas with uncertain sanitation.
• Avoiding food that has been left out at room temperature for long periods.

Following these practices ensures a safer and more enjoyable culinary experience while traveling.

Recognizing Symptoms and Responding Quickly

Early action is key if a traveler becomes ill. Those experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps should seek medical care promptly. Staying hydrated is crucial, and over-the-counter medications may help manage discomfort. Travelers should avoid group activities or excursions while sick to prevent spreading the virus.

Planning Trips During Norovirus Outbreaks

Smart travel planning can minimize risk. Check official health advisories before booking cruises, hotels, or tours. Opt for flexible reservations in case a trip must be postponed due to health concerns. Preparing in advance allows tourists to enjoy their journey without unexpected interruptions.

Expert Guidance for Travelers

Authorities emphasize that awareness and hygiene are the best defenses. Simple precautions—like washing hands regularly, avoiding high-risk foods, and following local health advisories—can prevent infections and keep vacations on track.

Tourists should stay updated on outbreaks in their destinations. Websites like the CDC traveler health pages and WHO provide reliable, up-to-date advice. These resources can guide travelers in making informed choices and maintaining their health abroad.

Conclusion

Travelers can still enjoy global adventures safely amid norovirus outbreaks. By practicing proper hygiene, monitoring official health advisories, and following expert recommendations, tourists can reduce infection risks. Staying cautious allows travelers to focus on exploring destinations, enjoying cultural experiences, and making unforgettable memories.

Being prepared, informed, and health-conscious ensures a safe and enjoyable journey, even in times of viral outbreaks.

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Travel Disturbances at Harry Reid International Airport as Spirit, Delta, Korean Air, United and More Airlines Face 62 Delays and 5 Cancellations Disrupting Flights through US and South Korea Including Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Incheon and Others

Travel disturbances at Harry Reid International Airport are causing significant disruptions today, as Spirit, Delta, Korean Air, United, and other airlines face a total of 62 delays and 5 cancellations. These disturbances are impacting flights traveling to and from key locations in the U.S. and South Korea, including major cities such as Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Francisco, and Incheon. Passengers traveling through Harry Reid should anticipate longer wait times and potential rescheduling, as several flights have been affected by these ongoing issues. The delays and cancellations have created a ripple effect, extending across multiple airports.

As the situation unfolds, travelers are advised to monitor their flight status frequently. For those planning to fly today, it’s crucial to stay informed about their flights’ new departure times or potential rebookings, especially for connections to cities like Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Incheon.

Total Flight Disruptions at Harry Reid International Airport

Across the board, Harry Reid International Airport has reported 62 delays and 5 cancellations. While this disruption is relatively moderate compared to other airports, passengers can still expect delays at the airport throughout the day. The affected airlines include Spirit, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United, among others. Passengers traveling through Harry Reid should be prepared for delays as the situation develops.

Affected Airports and Airlines

Numerous airports across the United States have been impacted by cancellations and delays, with many flights departing from or arriving at Harry Reid International Airport. Here’s an overview of the key airports and airlines affected:

Airports

1. Los Angeles Intl (LAX): 1 cancellation (4%), 2 delays (8%)
2. John Wayne (SNA): 1 cancellation (5%), 0 delays (0%)
3. Minneapolis/St Paul Intl (MSP): 1 cancellation (10%), 1 delay (10%)
4. Nashville Intl (BNA): 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (14%)
5. Reagan National (DCA): 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (50%)
6. Dallas-Fort Worth Intl (DFW): 0 cancellations (0%), 1 delay (8%)
7. San Francisco Intl (SFO): 0 cancellations (0%), 5 delays (35%)

These airports have contributed to the total 62 delays and 5 cancellations reported at Harry Reid International. The high volume of delays originating from these airports suggests a ripple effect, with many flights either delayed or rescheduled, impacting travelers at Harry Reid.

Airlines

Airlines operating at Harry Reid have been directly impacted by these delays and cancellations. Spirit Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines have had the most notable disruptions, with multiple delays and cancellations at other airports leading to a chain reaction affecting their schedules.

Passengers flying with these carriers are likely to experience significant delays, especially if their flights are connecting through affected airports like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

Passengers traveling through Harry Reid International Airport today are advised to take the following actions to minimize disruption:

1. Check Flight Status Regularly: It’s essential for passengers to check their flight status on their airline’s website or mobile app. Airlines are updating schedules in real-time and providing information about delays and cancellations.
2. Contact Airlines for Rebooking: If your flight has been canceled, contact your airline immediately to inquire about rebooking options. Many airlines are offering free rebooking on the next available flight.
3. Prepare for Extended Wait Times: Travelers should be prepared for possible long waits at the airport. While waiting, take advantage of available amenities such as restaurants, lounges, and charging stations.
4. Consider Alternative Travel Options: For passengers traveling to or from impacted cities like San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles, it may be worthwhile to explore other routes or modes of transportation, such as rental cars or trains.

Conclusion

In total, 62 delays and 5 cancellations have disrupted travel at Harry Reid International Airport today, with multiple U.S. airports seeing significant flight schedule impacts. Major airlines like Spirit, Delta, and Southwest have been particularly affected by these disruptions. As passengers adjust their travel plans, checking flight statuses and staying in communication with their airlines is key to minimizing inconvenience during this travel disruption.

Source: Flightaware

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American Airlines Makes Airport Travel Easier Than Ever with New Digital Baggage Features, Travellers Must Know!

American Airlines is making significant strides in enhancing the airport experience for passengers by expanding digital self-service options for checked baggage. With the goal of reducing wait times, streamlining the process, and offering more flexibility, the airline is integrating new technologies into its website and mobile app, allowing passengers to handle their baggage in a more efficient and convenient way before arriving at the airport.

Streamlined Baggage Handling via Digital Tools

As part of its efforts to simplify the travel process, American Airlines has rolled out several updates that enable passengers to manage their checked baggage with greater ease. One of the key enhancements is the ability to prepay for up to three checked bags at the time of booking. This eliminates the need to wait until check-in, providing customers with a seamless, upfront process.

The new system allows passengers to make same-day changes to their baggage without requiring assistance from an agent. This development aims to give travelers a more transparent and consistent experience by removing the need for face-to-face interaction and ensuring they have full control over their baggage plans.

Flexibility and Convenience with Automatic Refunds

Another significant update is the automatic refund system. If a passenger needs to change or cancel their flight, or if they purchase an Instant Upgrade, any prepaid baggage purchases are refunded as a travel credit or returned to the original payment method. This added flexibility means passengers can easily recover the cost of their baggage if their travel plans change, providing a more accommodating service.

Additionally, travelers can now use travel credits to purchase additional checked bags online, allowing for smoother and more flexible transactions during the booking process. This feature is just the beginning, with American Airlines planning further expansion of its credit system across other ancillary products, simplifying the overall checkout experience.

Enhanced Bag Drop Process with Kiosks

For those looking to skip long lines, American Airlines has expanded its use of Express Bag Tags through kiosks located at key airports. By prepaying for their checked bags online, passengers can now head to self-service kiosks, where they can easily print their Express Bag Tags after scanning their boarding passes. This significantly reduces wait times at the airport, as passengers can proceed directly to the bag drop area, bypassing the need for agent-assisted check-in.

In the past year alone, American Airlines has added 100 new bag kiosks at 16 airports, enhancing its digital infrastructure and improving operational efficiency. These kiosks are a vital part of the airline’s broader strategy to increase automation and improve the overall travel experience for passengers.

Improving Airport Efficiency and Customer Experience

American’s Chief Customer Officer, Heather Garboden, emphasized that these improvements are part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the customer experience.

The airline’s continuous updates to its digital services allow passengers more control over their travel experience, especially when it comes to managing baggage. This move is expected to further reduce stress during the travel process and improve operational efficiency at airports, making the journey smoother from the moment passengers book their flight until they reach their destination.

American’s Commitment to Digital Transformation

This initiative aligns with American Airlines’ broader strategy to accelerate its digital transformation. By introducing more self-service options and embracing technology, the airline is able to provide better services while reducing the need for manual processes. These updates are designed to empower customers with the tools they need to manage their trips independently and efficiently.

American Airlines has also been working to upgrade its mobile app and website, ensuring passengers can access all their baggage options in one place. From prepaying for bags to managing travel credits, the airline’s digital platforms now offer a more cohesive and integrated approach to travel management.

The Road Ahead for American Airlines

As the airline continues to innovate, American Airlines is focused on enhancing its self-service options across the board. These changes are just the beginning, with the company looking to expand its digital capabilities even further in the near future. The use of automation and digital services is set to redefine the passenger experience, allowing for more convenience and flexibility when it comes to luggage, payments, and overall travel management.

Through these efforts, American Airlines hopes to set a new standard for baggage handling and customer service, making it easier for travelers to navigate their journeys while minimizing time spent in line or waiting for assistance.

The post American Airlines Makes Airport Travel Easier Than Ever with New Digital Baggage Features, Travellers Must Know! appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Saudi Arabia Transforms Dreams into Reality: Shura Island Leads a Bold New Tourism Era

Saudi Arabia is opening its arms to the world in a way never seen before. Shura Island stands as a shining symbol of this warm welcome. It is not just a destination. It is a promise of a better future. Imagine a place where the turquoise sea meets golden sands. Here, the Earth is respected and cherished. This island is the “beating heart” of the Red Sea project. It reflects the soul of a nation moving forward. Every traveler will feel the magic of this transformation. Saudi Arabia is building a bridge between its rich heritage and a sustainable tomorrow.

The Vision 2030 Milestone

The Saudi Arabian government is driving a massive change through Vision 2030. Shura Island is a primary pillar of this national dream. The project aims to diversify the economy. Tourism is at the center of this growth. Official reports from the Saudi Press Agency highlight this progress. The goal is to welcome millions of global guests. Shura Island will be the crown jewel of the Red Sea.

The Beauty of “Coral Bloom”

The island follows a stunning design concept called “Coral Bloom.” Famous architects at Foster + Partners created this vision. The buildings look like natural elements on the beach. They blend perfectly with the dunes and plants. The government emphasizes protecting the environment. Construction covers less than one percent of the total area. This ensures the coral reefs remain vibrant and safe.

A Haven of World-Class Luxury

Shura Island will host eleven incredible luxury resorts. Major global brands are already joining the journey. These include names like Four Seasons, Fairmont, and Raffles. By 2026, the island will offer over 2,000 hotel keys. This variety helps the tourism sector cater to everyone. Families, honeymooners, and solo travelers will find their home here. High-end villas will also provide private spaces for long stays.

Sustainable Living and Play

Saudi Arabia is leading the way in “regenerative tourism.” The island runs on 100% renewable energy. Large solar farms power every hotel and facility. Water conservation is also a top priority. Recycled wastewater is used to keep the landscape green. Golf lovers can enjoy “Shura Links.” This is the first island golf course in the country. It uses sustainable turf and eco-friendly technology.

Seamless Access to Paradise

Traveling to this remote paradise is now easy. The Red Sea International Airport is already operational. It connects the world directly to the coast. A massive bridge called “Shura Crossing” links the mainland to the island. It is the longest internal bridge in Saudi Arabia. This infrastructure makes the journey smooth and scenic. The government ensures that luxury starts the moment you land.

A Boost for the Global Economy

Tourism experts say this project will create thousands of jobs. It strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position on the global travel map. By offering unique experiences, the country attracts new investment. This growth benefits local communities and international partners. The Red Sea Global company manages these developments with strict standards. They aim to set a new global benchmark for travel.

A Gift to the Future Traveler

This is more than just a construction project. It is a gift to the global community. Shura Island proves that we can enjoy luxury without hurting our planet. It invites us to slow down and breathe. You can feel the passion in every stone laid. You can see the hope in every solar panel. Saudi Arabia is not just building hotels. It is building memories that will last forever. Come and witness a dream turning into a beautiful reality. Your seat in paradise is waiting for you.

The post Saudi Arabia Transforms Dreams into Reality: Shura Island Leads a Bold New Tourism Era appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Travellers Grounded In Switzerland Today As Zurich, Geneva And Basel Face 331 Delays And Cancel 6 New Flights, Disrupting Swiss, easyJet, Helvetic, Air Canada And Other Airlines

Today, Switzerland flight disruptions intensified across Zurich, Geneva and Basle-Mulhouse, with 331 delays and 6 total cancellations. The most affected airlines included Swiss (63 delays), easyJet (67 delays across Geneva and Basle-Mulhouse), Helvetic (2 cancellations, 30 delays), and Air Canada (2 cancellations, 100%). Other impacted carriers included Jet2 (14 delays), Austrian Airlines (8 delays), Edelweiss Air (10 delays), and SAS Link (2 cancellations).
The affected airports were Zurich Airport (175 delays, 4 cancellations) in Zurich, Geneva Cointrin International Airport (137 delays, 2 cancellations) in Geneva, and Basle-Mulhouse Airport (19 delays, 0 cancellations) serving Basel. Disruptions were concentrated primarily in Zurich and Geneva, while Basle-Mulhouse saw comparatively limited operational impact.

• Updated today: Switzerland recorded 331 total delays and 6 cancellations across Zurich, Geneva, and Basle-Mulhouse.
• Zurich experienced the highest disruption level with 175 delays and 4 cancellations.
• Geneva followed with 137 delays and 2 cancellations, largely driven by easyJet.
• Basle-Mulhouse reported 19 delays and zero cancellations, indicating stronger operational stability.
• Swiss and easyJet were the largest contributors to delay volumes.
• Air Canada and SAS Link recorded 100% cancellation rates on scheduled services at their respective airports.

Most Affected Swiss Airports

Zurich Airport (175 Delays, 4 Cancellations)

Zurich recorded the highest disruption figures among Swiss airports, with 175 delays and 4 cancellations. Swiss accounted for 63 delays, while Helvetic reported 2 cancellations and 30 delays. Air Canada recorded 2 cancellations. Additional delay pressure came from Austrian Airlines, Edelweiss Air, Air Baltic, KLM, TAP Air Portugal, and British Airways.

Geneva Cointrin International Airport (137 Delays, 2 Cancellations)

Geneva experienced 137 delays and 2 cancellations. easyJet led disruption levels with 62 delays, followed by Jet2 and Swiss at 14 delays each. SAS Link recorded 2 cancellations. British Airways, ITA Airways, Air France, Finnair, Iberia, and LOT Polish Airlines also reported delays.

Basle-Mulhouse Airport (19 Delays)

Basle-Mulhouse reported comparatively minimal operational strain with 19 delays and no cancellations. easyJet accounted for 5 delays. Air Dolomiti, British Airways, Wizz Air Malta, Air Algerie, GP Aviation, and HOP! recorded smaller delay volumes.

Airlines Most Affected by Switzerland Flight Cancellations and Delays

Swiss (63 Delays)

Swiss recorded the highest delay volume overall, with 63 delayed flights primarily at Zurich and additional delays at Geneva.

easyJet (67 Delays Across Airports)

easyJet experienced 62 delays in Geneva and 5 in Basle-Mulhouse, making it the largest contributor to Geneva’s disruption totals.

Helvetic (2 Cancellations, 30 Delays)

Helvetic recorded cancellations at Zurich and significant delay volume.

Air Canada (2 Cancellations)

Air Canada reported two cancellations at Zurich, representing a full cancellation of its scheduled flights there for the day.

Jet2 (14 Delays)

Jet2 faced moderate operational disruption at Geneva.

Austrian Airlines (8 Delays)

Austrian Airlines contributed to Zurich’s delay totals.

Edelweiss Air (10 Delays)

Edelweiss Air recorded delays primarily at Zurich.

SAS Link (2 Cancellations)

SAS Link recorded two cancellations at Geneva.

What Can Affected Passengers Do?

• Check airline status pages before heading to Zurich, Geneva, or Basel-area airports.
• Monitor departure boards at Zurich Airport and Geneva Airport for real-time gate updates.
• Contact airlines directly regarding rebooking or compensation eligibility.
• Arrive earlier than usual at affected airports due to knock-on scheduling effects.
• Keep digital boarding passes and booking confirmations readily accessible.
• Consider alternative routing options if traveling through Zurich or Geneva.

Overview of Switzerland Flight Cancellations And Delays

Switzerland’s air network experienced concentrated disruption across Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, with Zurich emerging as the most affected hub. Swiss, easyJet, and Helvetic were the most operationally impacted carriers, while Air Canada and SAS Link recorded complete cancellations of scheduled services at their respective airports.
In Zurich, delays were broadly distributed across Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Edelweiss Air, and several European carriers including British Airways and KLM. Geneva’s disruption profile was heavily influenced by easyJet, alongside Jet2 and Swiss. Basel’s operations remained comparatively stable, though easyJet and Air Dolomiti recorded limited delays.
Across Zurich and Geneva in particular, cumulative disruption levels significantly exceeded those at Basel. Cities most impacted included Zurich and Geneva, while Basel experienced minimal scheduling breakdown.
Overall, 331 delays and 6 cancellations defined Switzerland’s air travel disruption profile, with Zurich and Geneva bearing the primary operational strain and Swiss and easyJet accounting for the largest share of affected flights.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware

The post Travellers Grounded In Switzerland Today As Zurich, Geneva And Basel Face 331 Delays And Cancel 6 New Flights, Disrupting Swiss, easyJet, Helvetic, Air Canada And Other Airlines appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

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Samsung is offering a big discount on its premium foldable smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. The phone is now available on Amazon at a much lower price. This offer comes just before Samsung is going to launch its new Galaxy S26 series.

The usual price of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is $1,999.99. Now, it is available for $1,599.00 on Amazon only. This means buyers can save around $400, which is close to a 20% discount.

The deal is live for the 256GB storage variant in the Jet Black color. If you are planning to buy this model, this offer can help you save a good amount of money.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a premium foldable design, which opens like a book to give you a large main screen. When folded, it works like a regular smartphone with a cover display. It offer slim design, an amazing processor, a stunning camera, and a good battery life.

The 256GB storage offers enough space for apps, photos, videos, and important files. It is designed for users who want both performance and a modern look in one device. And the Jet Black color is totally amazing to buy. You can visit the deal on Amazon’s official website by clicking here.

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 gets major price cut ahead of Galaxy S26 debut appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Deal | Just a few weeks after hitting store shelves, the Motorola Razr FIFA World Cup 26 Edition is now available at a discount. In addition to the reduced price, Motorola is also including a free gift with the purchase of the phone.

Deal | The Surge 2, an RPG with soulslike mechanics, immerses you in a world ruled by armed soldiers and robots. Its punitive gameplay requires you to choose the right strategy to defeat your enemies with many weapons and gadgets.

The OnLogic Factor 101 is equipped with a 7-watt octa-core Qualcomm Kryo 670 CPU, allowing the mini PC to function without requiring a fan, ensuring silence and longevity, thanks to the lack of moving parts. The industrial mini PC is already available for purchase, starting at $599.

After an official unveiling at CES 2026, ASRock has now revealed the detailed specifications of its NUC Ultra 300 Box lineup of mini PCs. The systems are powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H CPU and the impressive Arc B390 iGPU with 12 Xe3 cores.

Dell has added two new gaming monitors with extremely affordable pricing. Featuring 27-inch Fast IPS panels with 240 Hz refresh rate, the monitors appear to be quite well-specced on paper.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is still at the earliest stage of his journey, but his performances with the Portugal U-16 national team are already drawing global attention.

Cristiano Ronaldo has spent more than two decades defining what greatness looks like in soccer, and now his son is beginning to attract a spotlight of his own. Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is still at the earliest stage of his journey, but his performances with the Portugal U-16 national team are already drawing global attention.

At the 2026 Algarve International Tournament, the teenage forward delivered moments that hinted at his technical potential, while also reminding observers that his development is still a work in progress. The tournament offered a snapshot of a young player learning to handle pressure, expectation, and the weight of a legendary surname.

In recent months, Ronaldo Jr. has become one of the most talked-about youth prospects in soccer. Playing for Al-Nassr’s academy and now representing Portugal at U-16 level, he is being closely monitored by fans, scouts, and analysts who are eager to see whether he can forge his own identity on the pitch. At Algarve, he did not dominate headlines with goals, but he contributed in meaningful ways and delivered one moment that set social media alight.

Tournament of progress and growing responsibility

The Algarve Tournament is a prestigious youth competition that brings together some of the strongest U-16 national teams in Europe and beyond. For Portugal, the competition served both as a developmental platform and a chance to win silverware. For Ronaldo Jr., it was a test of maturity and adaptability at international level.

Portugal began the tournament with a 3-0 victory over Japan, and Ronaldo Jr. made an immediate impact after coming off the bench due to an early injury to a teammate. Entering around the half-hour mark, he impressed with his composure, close control, and ability to combine with teammates in tight areas. He came close to scoring on multiple occasions and registered a key assist that helped Portugal secure the win.

The second match marked another milestone. Against the Netherlands, Ronaldo Jr. earned his first start for the Portugal U-16 national team, playing on the left wing for around 45 minutes. Rather than relying solely on flair, he showed improved tactical awareness, stretching the defense with intelligent movement and linking play effectively. Portugal went on to win 1-0, reinforcing their strong start to the tournament.

In the final against Germany, the Selecao completed an unbeaten run with a 3-1 victory, lifting the tournament trophy. Ronaldo Jr. featured as a substitute, adding energy in the latter stages as the team secured the title. While he did not score or assist in the final, his involvement throughout the competition confirmed his growing role within the squad.

Watch the viral moment that sparked global debate

Midway through the tournament narrative, the moment that captivated the soccer internet emerged. During the clash with Germany, Ronaldo Jr. produced a stunning individual sequence that quickly went viral on social media. The 15-year-old winger dribbled past multiple defenders, showcasing tight ball control, quick changes of direction, and a perfectly executed nutmeg, sparking comparisons to his father’s trademark flair.

The clip was shared widely, fueling debate about his talent and the expectations surrounding him. Supporters praised his composure and technical quality, while critics dismissed the sequence as routine for his age group, highlighting the intense scrutiny that follows him because of his surname.

Beyond individual moments, Ronaldo Jr.’s early trophy haul has already surpassed his father’s youth achievements. At just 15 years old, he has already won three international youth trophies with Portugal, including the Algarve International Tournament, the Confederations Cup in Turkey, and the Vlatko Markovic Tournament in Croatia.

By comparison, Cristiano Ronaldo won only one youth international title—the Toulon Tournament in 2002—during his own development years. This statistic has become a talking point among fans and analysts, highlighting how early success does not guarantee future stardom but does reflect the strength of Portugal’s youth setup and Ronaldo Jr.’s involvement in winning environments.

has shared his reaction to the shock news that has left Eddie Hearn and Matchroom to sign with Dana White and Zuffa Boxing. The boxing public were stunned on Friday evening when it was announced that Benn had joined forces with Zuffa, ending his relationship with Hearn that dates back to his professional debut a […]

The post Tony Bellew makes his feelings clear on Conor Benn leaving Eddie Hearn to join Dana White appeared first on Boxing News.

Basketbolda Yunanistan Kupası sahibini buldu. Olympiakos'u 79-68 yenen Ergin Ataman'ın başantrenörlüğünü yaptığı Panathinaikos kupanın sahibi oldu.

Basketbolda Yunanistan Kupası'nı, finalde Olympiakos'u 79-68 yenen Ergin Ataman'ın başantrenörlüğünü yaptığı Panathinaikos kazandı.

Heraklion Arena'daki maçın ilk periyodu 17-17'lik eşitlikle geçilirken ikinci çeyrekte 28 sayı bulan Panathinaikos soyunma odasına 45-29 önde gitti.

Üçüncü çeyrekte Olympiakos'un farkı kapatmasına izin vermeyen Cedi Osman'ın da formasını giydiği Panathinaikos, final periyoduna 69-51'lik skor avantajıyla girdi.

Son periyotta Olympiakos daha etkili oynasa da Panathinaikos, rakibini 79-68 mağlup ederek kupanın sahibi oldu.

Panathinaikos, Yunanistan Kupası'nı üst üste ikinci, toplamda ise 22. kez müzesine götürdü.

Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos kariyerindeki 4. kupasını kazandı.

En değerli oyuncu (MVP) ödülünü ise Panathinaikos'un 15 sayıyla oynayan ABD'li basketbolcusu Nigel Hayes-Davis aldı.

Galatasaray Konyaspor deplasmanından 2-0 mağlup ayrılırken iptal edilen gol için maç sonu teknik direktör Okan Buruk'tan tepki geldi. Tecrübeli teknik adamın kulübün gerekli girişimi yapacağını söyleyerek TFF'ye bir çıkarma olacağının da sinyalini vermiş oldu.

Galatasaray'da 2-0'lık Konyaspor yenilgisinin faturası ağır oldu. En yakın rakibi Fenerbahçe'ye zirve yarışında büyük yara aldı. Öte yandan maç sonunda kötü oyun oynadıklarını belirten teknik direktör Okan Buruk hakem konusunda da sert ifadeler kullandı. Galatasaray'ın ofsayt nedeniyle iptal edilen golü sonrası harekete geçeceğinin sinyalini verdi. MHK Başkanı Ferhat Gündoğdu'yu da eleştirdi.

Galatasaray yönetiminin önümüzdeki günlerde TFF binasını hakem konusunda ziyaret etmesi bekleniyor. Yabancı hakem konusu da orada açılacak.

İşte Okan Buruk'u hakem konusundaki açıklamaları:

-TFF başkanımızın açıklaması var, 'Bu tür hataları asla affetmeyeceğim' diye. Kendisini bu anlamda, bu maçtaki verilmeyen gol için...

1990 yılında olsaydı bu gol, ofsayt nedeniyle iptal edilebilirdi. Şu an 2026'da, bu pozisyonda gol iptali sadece Türkiye'de olur. Yeni bir şeye imza attık. Hakemlerimizi tebrik ederim.

-Bugünkü VAR hakemini tanımıyorum. Nerede maç yönetti, neresinde maç yönetti, ismini bilmiyorum, hangi ligde maç yönetti. Bize de yabancı hakem. Bize yabancı bir VAR hakemi maçı yönetti. Hiçbirimizin tanımadığı, adını bilmediği bir hakem!

-Bu kadar önemli ligde ve yarışta aslında bu tecrübesiz hakemler atanabiliyor. MHK başkanının sorumluluğunda, kararları o veriyor. Her atamaya ve hakeme saygı duyuyoruz. Yabancı olup olmadığı önemli değil, iyi hakem olsun. Konyaspor'un da hakkı yenmiştir. Her takımın istediği iyi hakem olsun, pasaportu önemli değil. Gerçekten orayı kaldırabilecek, sorumlulukta, ağırlıkta bir hakem olsun demek istiyorum! VAR'a çağıran hakemin adını ben hiç duymadım. Kim bilmiyorum. Adını hiçbirimiz duymamıştır. Bu kritik maçta VAR hakemi olarak görev aldı.

-Kötü yönetimden sorumlu kişi MHK başkanıdır. Bu tür şeylere tabii ki saygı duyuyoruz ama Türk hakemlerine güvenelim, inanalım. Onlar da yürekli olsunlar. Kimse kimseye hakkının geçmesini istemiyor. Orayı hak edecek insanlar olsun, pasaportu önemli değil.

Konyaspor deplasmanından 2-0 mağlup ayrılan Galatasaray'dan maç sonu açıklama geldi.

Galatasaray, Konyaspor maçının ardından hakem ve VAR'a tepki gösterdi. Sarı kırmızılılar, "Galatasaray'ı bu oyunlarla durduramazsınız" mesajıyla bir açıklama yaptı.

VakıfBank Kadın Voleybol Takımı, Vodafone Sultanlar Ligi'nin 23. haftasındaki derbide sahasında Fenerbahçe Medicana'yı ağırladı. Derbide kazanan 3-1'lik skorla VakıfBank oldu.

VakıfBank Kadın Voleybol Takımı, Vodafone Sultanlar Ligi'nin 23. haftasındaki derbide sahasında Fenerbahçe Medicana'yı 3-1 yendi.

Salon: Vakıfbank Spor Sarayı

Hakemler: Caner Çildir, Yasin Çalışkan

VakıfBank: Ogbogu, Cansu Özbay, Markova, Zehra Güneş, Boskovic, Derya Cebecioğlu (Ayça Aykaç, Cazute, Sıla Çalışkan, Dangubic)

Fenerbahçe Medicana: Orro, Fedorovtseva, Korneluk, Melissa Vargas, Hande Baladın, Eda Erdem (Gizem Örge, Arelya Karasoy, Cristina, Aslı Kalaç, Bedart, Sude Hacımustafaoğlu)

Setler: 23-25, 25-22, 26-24, 25-21

Süre: 131 dakika (32, 30, 41, 28)

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 23. hafta maçında TÜMOSAN Konyaspor evinde Galatasaray'ı 2-0 mağlup etti. Maç sonu oyuncular ve teknik direktör Okan Buruk'tan iyi olmadıklarını belirten açıklamalar geldi.

Galatasaray bu akşam taraftarını büyük hayal kırıklığına uğrattı. Juventus'u 5-2 yenerek büyük sevinç yaşatan sarı-kırmızılılar büyük oynadıkları futbol ile akıllarda soru işareti bıraktı. Oyuncular ve teknik direktör Okan Buruk maç sonu yaptığı açıklamalarda iyi olmadıklarını söyledi.

Oyuncuların açıklamaları şöyle:

Gabriel Sara: Anlatması zor... Çarşamba çok iyi bir gündü. Rahatsızız bu durumdan. Sorumluluk almalı ve düzeltmeliyiz. Çarşamba ve cumartesi çok iyi maçlar çıkarıp, hatalardan ders almalı ve yolumuza galibiyetlerle devam etmeliyiz.

-Zor bir maç olacağını biliyorduk. Onlar daha çok istediler. Kazanmak istediler ve hak ettiler. Maç kendi kendini anlatıyor.

Uğurcan Çakır: Maça iyi başlamadık. İlk yarı çok top kaybı yaptık. Maça tam konsantre değildik. Konyaspor daha konsantre ve istekliydi. Tüm tepkileri bizden daha erken verdiler. Bugün kaybettik ama yapacak bir şey yok. Kafamızı kaldırıp devam edeceğiz. Avantaj kaybettik sadece. 11 maç kaldı, tüm maçları tek tek Juventus maçı konsantrasyonuyla oynayıp sezon sonunda şampiyon olmak istiyoruz. Konyaspor daha istekliydi bizden, onları tebrik ediyorum. Bizim de yapmamız gereken daha çok çalışmaya, böyle maçları önemsemeye devam etmek ve her maça ayrı ayrı konsantre olup galip gelmek.

OKAN BURUK'TAN AÇIKLAMA

Teknik direktör Okan Buruk da yaptığı açıklamalar ile iyi günlerinde olmadıklarını belirtti:

-Oyuncu değişiklikleri yaptık, dinlenmiş isimlerle başlamaya çalıştık. O verimi, o 'fresh'liği göremedik. Takım olarak iyi günümüzde değildik. Az ürettik.

"FUTBOL ADINA UTANÇ!"

-İkinci yarıda attığım golün iptalinden sonra... Nizami bir gol attık. Bu çok açık. Kim ne derse desin. Genel kanıda bu şekilde olacaktır. 90'larda belki ofsayt verirdi hakemler ama maalesef 2026'dayız. Bu gole ofsayt vermek, bu gol için VAR'a çağırmak büyük bir komedi. Bunu izleyip vermek büyük komedi. TFF başkanının bir açıklaması vardı, VAR'dan seyreden hakemler için, gerekli kararı kendisi alacaktır. MHK başkanı gerekli kararı alacaktır. Bu pozisyona ofsayt vermek futbol adına bir utançtır. Bu gece de bir utanç oldu.

"BU İPTAL SADECE TÜRKİYE'DE OLUR, TEBRİKLER"

-TFF başkanımızın açıklaması var, 'Bu tür hataları asla affetmeyeceğim' diye. Kendisini bu anlamda, bu maçtaki verilmeyen gol için...

1990 yılında olsaydı bu gol, ofsayt nedeniyle iptal edilebilirdi. Şu an 2026'da, bu pozisyonda gol iptali sadece Türkiye'de olur. Yeni bir şeye imza attık. Hakemlerimizi tebrik ederim.

"Fikstürde Beşiktaş, Trabzonspor, Göztepe deplasmanları var. Şampiyonluk yarışıyla ilgili nasıl bir mesaj vermek istersiniz?"

-Oyuncularımla maçtan sonra konuştum. Onlar istediği zaman, yüzde yüz odaklandıkları zaman... Birincisi onları her maça aynı şekilde hazırlamak benim işim. Performans vermiyorlarsa, konstantre olamıyorlarsa... Bir yandan çok fazla yeni oyuncu koyduk ki takımı yukarı çeksinler, yorgunları da yukarı çeksinler diye düşündük ama yapamadık. Bu da benim sorumluluğum. Bu oyuncular da aynı Şampiyonlar Ligi'ndeki atmosferi, tutkuyu yaratamıyorsa sorumlusu benim. Bunu yaratacağız, yaratan oyuncularla oynayacağız. Kaliteli bir kadroya sahibiz. Gireni çıkanı ayırt etmeksizin hepsi birbirinin eksiğini kapatmasını istiyorum. Takım olarak kötü oynadığımız bir gündü. Her maça aynı odaklanmamız gerekiyor.

"AJAX MAÇINDAN SONRA DA AYNISI OLDU"

-Benim dönemime bakarsak, 4. senem, özellikle İstanbul dışındaki maçları daha çok kazandık. Hep kazandık. Motivasyon eksikliği görmedik bu tip maçlarda. Dominant olan, erken bitiren bir takım olduk. Özellikle bunu Kocaeli deplasmanında da yaşadık. Ajax'ı 3-0 yenip geldik deplasmanda, aynı şeyi yaşadık. Böyle büyük başarılı maçlardan sonra bu tür maçları oynamak zor oluyor. Ben de bu yüzden değişiklik yaptım kadroda. Takıma moral motivasyon hareketlilik gelsin diye. Bazen olmuyor. Kötü başlayan maç kötü bitiyor. Bunu değiştirecek tek şey gol bulmaktı, bulduk ama hakem geçerli saymadı. Futbolun içerisinde bu var. 2 tane atsanız 2'sini de vermese hakem, Galatasaray iseniz tekrar kazanmak için daha fazlasını yapmak zorundasınız.

"Yabancı hakem ve yabancı VAR talep edecek misiniz?"

-Kulübümüz gerekli girişimi yapacaktır diye düşünüyorum.

"ADINI BİLMEDİĞİM, BİZE YABANCI VAR HAKEMİ"

-Bugünkü VAR hakemini tanımıyorum. Nerede maç yönetti, neresinde maç yönetti, ismini bilmiyorum, hangi ligde maç yönetti. Bize de yabancı hakem. Bize yabancı bir VAR hakemi maçı yönetti. Hiçbirimizin tanımadığı, adını bilmediği bir hakem!

"VAR HAKEMİNİN ADINI HİÇ DUYMADIM, KİM BİLMİYORUM"

-Bu kadar önemli ligde ve yarışta aslında bu tecrübesiz hakemler atanabiliyor. MHK başkanının sorumluluğunda, kararları o veriyor. Her atamaya ve hakeme saygı duyuyoruz. Yabancı olup olmadığı önemli değil, iyi hakem olsun. Konyaspor'un da hakkı yenmiştir. Her takımın istediği iyi hakem olsun, pasaportu önemli değil. Gerçekten orayı kaldırabilecek, sorumlulukta, ağırlıkta bir hakem olsun demek istiyorum! VAR'a çağıran hakemin adını ben hiç duymadım. Kim bilmiyorum. Adını hiçbirimiz duymamıştır. Bu kritik maçta VAR hakemi olarak görev aldı.

-Kötü yönetimden sorumlu kişi MHK başkanıdır. Bu tür şeylere tabii ki saygı duyuyoruz ama Türk hakemlerine güvenelim, inanalım. Onlar da yürekli olsunlar. Kimse kimseye hakkının geçmesini istemiyor. Orayı hak edecek insanlar olsun, pasaportu önemli değil.

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Bu gün futbol üzrə Türkiyə çempionatında (Super Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 23-cü turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun günündə üç qarşılaşma baş tutub.

“Eyüpspor” doğma meydanda “Gənclərbirliyi” üzərində qələbə qazanıb. Üç qolun qeydə alındığı “Alanyaspor” – “Başakşəhər” görüşü qonaqların qələbəsiylə yekunlaşıb. Səfərdə “Konyaspor”la qarşılaşmış lider “Qalatasaray” isə 2 cavabsız qolla məğlub olub.

23-cü turun qalan görüşləri fevralın 22-də və 23-də keçiriləcək.

Türkiyə, Super Liqa
23-cü tur
20 fevral

Rizəspor – Kocaelispor 2:0
Qollar: Mihaila, 13. S.Akaydın, 57.

21 fevral

Eyüpspor – Gənclərbirliyi 1:0
Qol: M.Altunbaş, 90+1.

Alanyaspor – Başakşəhər 1:2
Qol: Haderqyonay, 67 – Selke, 14. Şomurodov, 44-pen.

Konyaspor – Qalatasaray 2:0
Qollar: A.Demirbağ, 75. Kramer, 81.

22 fevral

14:30. Kayserispor – Antalyaspor
17:00. Qaziantep – Trabzonspor
21:00. Beşiktaş – Göztəpə
21:00. Karagümrük – Samsunspor

23 fevral

21:00. Fənərbağça – Kasımpaşa

Yunanəsilli avstraliyalı mütəxəssis Angelos Postekoqlu İngiltərə nəhəngi “Mançester Yunayted” barədə maraqlı açıqlaması ilə gündəm olub.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, o, Britaniya mətbuatına açıqlamasında çalışdırılması ən çətin klub haqda qənaətini paylaşıb.

Postekoqlun müvafiq klubun İngiltərə nəhəngi “Mançester Yunayted” olduğunu bildirib:

“Məşqçi ikən ildə 100 mətbuat toplanrısına tab gətirəcək, 10 oyunu qazanıb və yalnız 1-də məğlub olacaq – elə, bu bircə məğlubiyyətə görə də parça-tikə ediləcək elə bir adam gərəkdir”, deyə “Poç” vuğrulayıb.

Xatırladaq ki, “Mançester Yunayted”ə ötən mövsümdən rəhbərlik edən Ruben Amorim cari mövsümün gedişində istefaya göndərilib. Onu hazırda müvəqqəti olaraq Maykl Karrik əvəz edib. Mançester nəhəngi hazırda yeni baş məşqçi axtarışındadır. Son illərdə uğursuz zolaqdan çıxa bilməyən “qırmızı şeytanlar”ı növbəti mövsümdə kimin çalışdıracağı hələ də sual altındadır.

“Qalatasaray”ın hücumçusu Viktor Osimhen Türkiyə nəhənəginə qoşulmamışdn öncə, “Yuvnetus”a keçid imkanının olduğunu etiraf edib.

Arena.az nigeriyalı futbolçunun müvafiq açıqlamasını təqdim edir:

“Bəli, İtaliya A Seriyasının digər klubuna keçə bilərdim. “Qalatasaray”a keçid ərəfəsində Turin “Yuventus”u ilə bağlı seçimim vardı, onlar tərəfdən maraq vardı. Amma başa düşürdüm ki, “Napoli”nin prezidenti (Aurelio De Laurentis) məni digər italyan klubuna buraxmayacaq”, deyə Osimhen bildirib.

Xatırladaq ki, Viktor Osimhen “Altimit Straykers”in məzunudur. Hücumçu, karyerası ərzində “Volfsburq”, “Şarlerua”, “Lill”, “Napoli” və icarə əsasında “Qalatasaray”da çıxış edib.

“Qalatasaray” 2025-ci ilin yayında rekord məbləğ ödəyərək Osimhenin transfer hüquqlarını da alıb. Keçid Türkiyə nəhənginə 75 milyon avro məbləğ müqabilində başa gəlib. Nigeriya yığmasının hücumçusu Türkiyə klubunda illik 15 milyon avro maaş alır. Viktorun “Qalatasaray”la 2029-cu ilin iyun ayının sonuna qədər qüvvədə olacaq müqaviləsi var.

Osimhen cari mövsümdə “Qalatasaray”ın heyətində 23 oyuna 15 qol vurub, 5 məhsuldar ötürmə verib. Nigeriyalı hücumçunun “Qalatasaray”dakı ümumi göstəricisi isə belədir: 64 oyun, 52 qol, 13 assist.

Viktor Osimhen 2017-ci ilin iyun ayında debüt etdiyi Nigeriya yığmasının heyətində 52 oyuna 35 qol və 14 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə fərqlənib.

“Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 27 yaşlı nigeriyalı mərkəz hücumçusunun transfer dəyərini 75 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.

Meta partners with Nvidia to deploy millions of GPUs and CPUs, building scalable, privacy-focused AI infrastructure for global applications.

Paolo Montero, former coach of the Juventus Next Gen team and caretaker manager of the senior squad, is terminating his contract to take over Mario Balotelli’s Al-Ittifaq.

According to multiple sources including Sky Sport Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport, the negotiations are effectively down to the details and it will be made official within 48 hours.

Montero spent a big chunk of his playing career in Italy with Atalanta and Juventus, before returning to South America in 2005 and retiring in 2007.

Montero bond with Juventus

He came back to Juve as a coach for their youth academy in 2022, moving up to the Under-19 side.

When Max Allegri was sacked in May 2024, Montero took over as interim coach of the senior Juventus squad for the final two games of the season.

However, after taking the Next Gen job, the Uruguayan was fired in November 2024, just 15 games into the new season.

His contract is still valid, though, and must be terminated by mutual consent before he can sign on as the coach of Al-Ittifaq.

This will allow him to work with former Italy international Balotelli, who joined the same UAE club as a free agent last month at the age of 35.

Federico Dimarco and Henrikh Mkhitaryan joke about the Inter wing-back’s latest Man of the Match award, but are ‘a family’ to protect Alessandro Bastoni from jeering.

It looked on paper like a more comfortable victory than it really was, because they had to wait until the 75^th minute to break Lecce down.

Dimarco had the ball in the net earlier, but it was disallowed because Marcus Thuram’s shoulder was offside in the build-up.

The wing-back was involved in both goals anyway, his corner flicked on for the Henrikh Mkhitaryan half-volley, then a pure assist for the Manuel Akanji header again from the flag.

Dimarco and Mkhitaryan joke about Inter award

“It was a real sigh of relief to get the breakthrough, as we knew it was a difficult game, as Lecce are well-organised. After our long journey to Bodo, we left on Thursday evening, then had to set off again yesterday to travel here, it wasn’t easy,” Dimarco told DAZN Italia.

“This win gave a sense of consistency after beating Juventus, and that is what we needed to keep pushing at the top of the table.”

It means Dimarco makes history as the first Serie A defender to provide assists in five consecutive appearances since 2006-07, and receives another MVP trophy.

“I thought Mkhitaryan deserved the Man of the Match award really, he came on so well. I leave the awards to my kids, they like arranging them, but what really matters for me is the team.”

The Italian now has 14 assists in Serie A this season, comfortably more than any other player.

Standing next to him, Mkhitaryan joked that Dimarco “needs to get a new house to store all these awards.”

“It is usually Bastoni in that position, but seeing as he just ran and made a big challenge, he didn’t have the energy to go there, so I did it instead,” revealed Mkhitaryan.

Following a week of controversy over his simulation to get Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu sent off, Bastoni was jeered loudly by Lecce fans every time he touched the ball this evening. How did his Inter teammates help him deal with that?

“It’s in the past now, we have to focus on the present. Bastoni and everyone else has already talked about it too much, we just focus on our work,” insisted Dimarco.

Mkhitaryan also had words of advice for the Italy international.

“We are a family, we support each other through thick and thin, but that is in the past now and we move on.”

Cristian Chivu backs Alessandro Bastoni against Lecce boo boys, reveals when Denzel Dumfries returns for Inter, and insists the Bodo/Glimt Champions League play-off is ‘wide open.’

The Nerazzurri remain unstoppable in Serie A, as this was their ninth consecutive away victory, and their 14^th win in the last 15 rounds.

They needed until the 75^th minute to break Lecce down at the Stadio Via del Mare, as the earlier Federico Dimarco goal was disallowed for Marcus Thuram’s tight offside position.

However, Dimarco’s corner was flicked on for a Henrikh Mkhitaryan goal, then another set play was nodded in by Manuel Akanji.

Chivu saw positive Inter and has European hope

“We wanted to make the most of the set plays, as we took a lot of them today and it’s a pity we didn’t do them better in the first half,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.

“We’ve got players who know how to attack the space, but above all an extraordinary left foot from Fede, who knows how to put the ball in.”

Who had the better crossing foot, Chivu, Dimarco or Inter assistant Aleksandar Kolarov?

“His foot is much better than mine ever was. I can’t talk for Kolarov, he might be offended…”

Inter needed a response today, as it was their first match since the midweek Champions League play-off defeat to Bodo/Glimt.

The second leg is coming up on Tuesday, but they will be without top scorer and captain Lautaro Martinez, who is out for circa a month with a soleus strain suffered on the synthetic pitch in Norway.

“We are aware of the difficulties, that we have to earn everything on the pitch and can take nothing for granted,” added Chivu.

“Now we have the second leg at home on Tuesday, we must be the best version of ourselves, because the qualification is still wide open. Nothing is decided yet.”

Bastoni was jeered loudly at every touch by the crowd in Lecce this evening, as the blowback continues from the incident where he got Pierre Kalulu of Juventus sent off.

“It’s over as far as I am concerned. I appreciate the professionalism of this defender and man, who understood his error, apologised for what happened, and is well aware that the team comes first. It’s done and dusted for me,” assured Chivu.

It was put to the coach that Marcus Thuram was struggling a little to be impactful today, in the absence of injured Lautaro Martinez.

“I have 24 marvellous players who all try to give their contribution. I liked Marcus today, he ran a lot, played with his back to goal, holding up the ball well. Davide Frattesi also had a great game, they are all involved, focused, keeping our feet on the ground and giving our contribution to the team.”

Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolò Barella were suspended today, but the good news from the treatment table is for Denzel Dumfries, who had ankle surgery in November.

“Denzel has done some things with us in recent weeks for training, not this week because we were travelling for most of it. Denzel will officially be with the rest of the team from Monday, and I think Hakan Calhanoglu will be too.”

Thomas Frank has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace in recent weeks.

Oliver Glasner is expected to depart soon, and the Eagles will need to bring a quality replacement. It will be interesting to see if they are willing to give the job to the former Tottenham manager.

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What Thomas Frank said about Palace in the past

The Danish manager was recently sacked after a run of poor results with Tottenham. Despite the poor spell with the North London club, he has shown his quality in the Premier League with Brentford, and he could prove to be a quality acquisition for the Eagles.

Frank has previously been vocal about his admiration for Crystal Palace. During his time at Brentford, he showered praise on the Eagles for their consistency despite limited resources and how difficult it is to face them, especially at Selhurst Park.

Frank said on Palace in 2021 via Sportsmole: “I need to praise Crystal Palace because they have been in the Premier League for the last eight years and have been very consistent in everything they do. They have a low budget and constantly produce good performances in the last eight years. It is very impressive what they have achieved.

“It is going to be very difficult. Selhurst Park is one of the most difficult places to go in the Premier League. They will be on top of us from the first minute and a very strong counter-attacking team.”

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Frank could be tempted to join Palace

The opportunity to manage Crystal Palace will be quite exciting for Thomas Frank. They have been a consistent performer in the Premier League, and they have quality players at their disposal. It would be a great platform for the former Tottenham manager to prove his worth in the top flight once again. He will be desperate to get his managerial career back on track, and Palace could give him the opportunity he needs.

The post “They have a low budget”: Thomas Frank comments on Palace resurface amid manager links appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Aston Villa are looking to improve the defensive unit with the signing of Ruud Nijstad from FC Twente. 

The 18-year-old central defender is highly rated across Europe, and multiple clubs are keen on securing his signature. Several Premier League clubs are monitoring his development, and the Spanish champions Barcelona are also interested in him. The report has likened the young defender to a “modern-day Gerard Pique”.

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Villa keen on Ruud Nijstad

According to a report from SportsBoom, Aston Villa is interested in him and hopes to get the deal done in the summer. They need more quality in the defensive unit, and the 18-year-old would be a solid long-term acquisition for them.

Tyrone Mings is expected to depart in the summer, and they will need to replace them. Signing the talented young defender would be a wise decision. He could be a quality long-term investment for them, and he could develop into a key player with the right guidance.

23-year-old Newcastle target eyeing Champions League dream with Aston Villa

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Nijstad could fancy Premier League move

The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be quite exciting for the 18-year-old. It would be a huge step up in his career, and he will look to prove himself at the highest level.

Nijstad has plenty of options ahead of him, and it will be interesting to see if he is willing to join the West Midlands club. He needs to carefully choose his next destination. He should join a club that offers regular opportunities. Sitting on the bench at a big club will not benefit him. Aston Villa might be able to provide him with the platform he needs. They have a quality team and a top-quality manager like Unai Emery. The Spaniard could play a key role in his development.

Report: Chelsea star already deep in talks over summer transfer, Aston Villa monitoring situation

The post Report: Aston Villa join intense race to sign “modern-day Gerard Pique” appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Leeds United will be up against Aston Villa in their next Premier League match, and it will be interesting to see if they can pick up a morale-boosting victory.

They are fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they have impressed in recent weeks. They are up to 15th in the league table, six points clear of the drop zone. They will look to pull further clear of the bottom three with a positive result here.

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Merson predicts Leeds relegation fate

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has now predicted that it will be a difficult outing for Leeds United against Aston Villa. He believes that the West Midlands club is not performing at the highest level, but they have managed to grind out results. He also believes that Leeds could be dragged into the relegation battle once again, especially if West Ham United can win their upcoming match.

He told Sportskeeda: “Aston Villa are not playing their best football at the moment. But they are still winning games, which is all they need to do at this stage of the season. This is a big game coming up for them.

“Leeds United have been amazing in recent weeks. 10 weeks ago, we would have had them as favourites to get relegated. But they are now six points clear of West Ham in 18th and have both Tottenham and Nottingham Forest below them.

“I believe Leeds are far from calling themselves safe, though. This is a big weekend in the relegation battle. If West Ham get a win at Bournemouth, I expect Leeds and a few other clubs to be dragged back into the battle to avoid the drop.”

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Can Leeds beat Villa?

It remains to be seen how the situation develops. Leeds have been quite impressive in recent weeks, and they will look to build on that. They have made themselves difficult to beat. A positive result against Aston Villa could give them a huge confidence boost.

Meanwhile, the West Midlands club is pushing for Champions League qualification, and they will be desperate for a win as well. It remains to be seen who comes out on top.

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The post Paul Merson predicts relegation twist for ‘amazing’ Leeds ahead of Aston Villa clash appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Thomas Frank was recently sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after a disappointing run of results, and he has been backed to take over at Crystal Palace. 

Oliver Glasner is expected to leave the club at the end of the season, and Crystal Palace will need to bring in a quality replacement. It will be interesting to see if they are willing to appoint the Danish manager as their next boss.

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Thomas Frank to Palace?

Despite the poor spell with Tottenham, Frank has previously shown his quality in the Premier League with Brentford, and there is no doubt that he could be a quality acquisition for the Eagles. It remains to be seen whether the London club is willing to give him a chance.

Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has responded to suggestions that Frank could take over at Crystal Palace.

Jordan said on talkSPORT: “Yeah, possibly. A Palace job might be a reasonable job, but Palace fans might say, ‘You catapulted Tottenham into a relegation battle, we don’t want any of that.’

“But there must be a raft of loads of other reasons behind it. But Thomas Frank’s next opportunity will be a lesser club.”

“They have a low budget”: Thomas Frank comments on Palace resurface amid manager links

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Frank would fancy Palace job

Frank will be desperate to get his career back on track. He is a quality manager, and he will look to prove his worth in the Premier League once again. It remains to be seen whether Crystal Palace is prepared to give him the chance to redeem himself. They have a quality team, and Frank might be able to bring out the best in them.

Glasner has done a tremendous job at the London club, helping them win the FA Cup and the Community Shield recently. It will be a difficult act to follow, but Frank could be a good appointment for them.

The post Thomas Frank linked with Premier League return with another London club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Italian international Antonio Cassano has taken a swipe at multiple Italian internationals, including the Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. 

In an interview with Calciomercato, the former Italian international has claimed that the team needs more quality, and Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is the only elite player in the team.

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Cassano on Sandro Tonali

He went on to explain that Tonali is a workhorse and the Italian national team needs more players with genuine quality. Cassano may be trying to make the point that the Italian national team is now lacking technically gifted players compared to the past.

“The only champion is Donnarumma. Pio Esposito? He’s twenty years old and we consider him a rookie: Totti and I made our debuts at seventeen.

“He should do athletics. Tonali plays in the Premier League and never gets it. He runs and runs… he should do athletics. He and Barella are poor. Barella used to run, but now he doesn’t. We need quality.”

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Tonali has been a star for Newcastle

Tonali has been a key player for Newcastle since joining the club, and he has recently been linked with Real Madrid. He has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet, and he has done well in the Premier League for them. His work rate and defensive contribution have been invaluable for the English club.

It will be interesting to see if he can silence the critics with his performance for the Italian national team as well. He is entering the peak years of his career, and he will look to play his best football in the coming seasons.

Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see if Italy can secure their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Azzurri will face Northern Ireland in the play-offs before a potential final against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tonali will have the opportunity to guide his country to the mega event with strong performances in the upcoming matches.

Tonali is also on the radar of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal.

The post Newcastle star brutally slammed by national team hero, urged to switch careers appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liam Rosenior said Chelsea have “set fire to four points in two games” after their 1-1 draw with Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday. Chelsea took a fourth-minute lead through Joao Pedro but failed to build on that, with Burnley defending well and then pushing forward after Wesley Fofana received a second yellow card […]

The post Chelsea have set fire to four points in two games – Rosenior appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Chelsea have set fire to four points in two games – Rosenior appeared first on Soccer News.

Jurgen Klopp insisted none of the success he achieved at Liverpool would have been possible without James Milner, who on Saturday set a new all-time Premier League appearances record. Milner made his 654th appearance as Brighton secured a 2-0 victory over Brentford, surpassing Gareth Barry’s tally of 653 in the process. The 40-year-old made his […]

The post Liverpool´s success would have been completely impossible without Milner, claims Klopp appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Liverpool´s success would have been completely impossible without Milner, claims Klopp appeared first on Soccer News.

Burnley boosted their Premier League survival hopes as Zian Flemming’s stoppage-time header secured a 1-1 draw against 10-man Chelsea on Saturday. Despite falling behind early, Burnley defended resolutely thereafter and were able to snatch a point after Wesley Fofana was shown a second yellow card. Joao Pedro bundled home Pedro Neto’s delivery in the fourth […]

The post Chelsea 1-1 Burnley: Flemming snatches late draw against 10-man hosts appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Chelsea 1-1 Burnley: Flemming snatches late draw against 10-man hosts appeared first on Soccer News.

Sony hasn't officially announced the PlayStation 6 yet, but that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning out an increasingly steady stream of leaks, insider reports, and solid hints from the company itself. With the PlayStation 5 well into the latter half of its lifecycle and the PS5 Pro already on shelves, the attention of hardcore gamers is increasingly turning toward whatever comes next. Here is everything we know so far about the PlayStation 6, from its release window and hardware to pricing, design, and the possibility of an entirely new PlayStation handheld launching alongside it. Read this article with […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/roundup/playstation-6-everything-we-know-release-date-specs-price-games/

Wikipedia editors have decided to remove all links to Archive.today, a web archiving service that they said has been linked to more than 695,000 times across the online encyclopedia.

The crypto market experienced a historic market crash in October that derailed the uptrend and caused investor sentiment to plummet.

The tariffs are just taxes on American businesses and consumers, while providing no benefit to the economy, critics of Trump's policies say.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin identified limits to human attention as the core problem plaguing decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and democratic governance systems. Writing on X, Buterin argued that participants face thousands of decisions across multiple domains of expertise without sufficient…

A recent study published in the journal Deviant Behavior reveals that people who endure negative treatment are more likely to express an intention to commit future crimes, even when they do not consciously recognize their mistreatment. Independent observers can identify this unseen adversity, showing that hidden emotional burdens can shape human actions. These unacknowledged experiences carry weight, altering behavior beneath the surface of conscious thought.

Criminologists study how hardship influences human behavior to better understand the root causes of crime. According to a prominent framework called general strain theory, experiencing aversive events causes negative emotions. These emotions, particularly anger, can prompt individuals to engage in rule-breaking or illegal activities as a way to cope with their distress.

In this theoretical context, a strain is simply a negative experience, such as being treated poorly by others or failing to achieve a personal goal. Historically, researchers measure this hardship by asking individuals to report the negative events in their own lives. This self-reported measurement captures what academics call perceived strain, representing the individual’s own understanding of their reality.

Relying entirely on self-reporting presents a specific challenge in behavioral research. Individuals do not always recognize or admit to the negative treatment they endure in their daily lives. A person might actively downplay a traumatic event because it is too painful to confront directly, altering their perception to protect their own self-image.

This intentional minimization is known as a controlled process. A victim might convince themselves that a hostile interaction was simply a misunderstanding, reducing the importance of the event to preserve their peace of mind. By altering how they evaluate the outcome, the individual avoids the immediate pain of the experience.

In other cases, individuals might process the negative social information automatically, completely outside of their conscious awareness. Because the human brain receives a vast amount of sensory information at any given moment, people selectively attend to certain details while ignoring others. This means that a person might be the victim of hostility but fail to consciously register the attack as it happens.

Psychological research indicates that human memory and perception often involve implicit processes that operate below the threshold of awareness. A person can have a subliminally triggered emotional reaction that drives their judgment without any accompanying feelings. The hostile stimuli still enter the brain, but the mind does not translate that input into a recognized emotional state.

Because of these cognitive blind spots, self-reported surveys might miss a vast amount of hardship. Shelley Keith, a criminologist at the University of Memphis, wanted to capture these hidden experiences to see how they impact behavior. Keith and her colleague Heather L. Scheuerman sought to understand if an independent observer could identify negative treatment that a victim overlooks.

To investigate this dynamic, the researchers analyzed data from a specialized judicial initiative known as the restorative justice program in Australia. This program brought together offenders, victims, and community members to discuss the harm caused by specific crimes. The meetings were designed to repair relationships and help the offender make amends through open dialogue.

Despite the positive goals of the program, the discussions could also expose the offender to high levels of public stigma. The emotional weight of facing a victim and the broader community can result in negative treatment and social rejection. This intense environment provided a unique setting to evaluate different perceptions of hardship and social friction.

The study included 385 offenders who had committed offenses such as shoplifting, property crimes, or driving under the influence of alcohol. Trained staff members attended these meetings and silently evaluated how the offenders were treated by the group. These observers attempted to blend in and watch the proceedings from unobtrusive vantage points to avoid disrupting the process.

The independent observers rated the level of respect, forgiveness, and hostility directed at the offender. They noted whether the group treated the individual like an irredeemable criminal or made it clear that the offender could move past their mistakes. Because these observers were completely impartial, their ratings formed a reliable measure of observed strain.

Following the meetings, the offenders completed their own structured interviews regarding the same social interactions. They rated the exact same aspects of their treatment to establish a measure of perceived strain. This dual approach allowed the researchers to directly compare what the offender felt with what the neutral third party witnessed in the room.

The offenders also answered questions about their current emotional state, specifically focusing on how angry or bitter they felt after the meeting. Finally, they reported their projected offending, which serves as a metric for future intentions. Projected offending is a self-assessed measure of how likely the individual is to obey or break the law in the coming weeks and months.

When analyzing the data, Keith and her team discovered a split between the two types of measurement. As expected, when offenders personally perceived their treatment as negative, they reported higher levels of anger. This anger then acted as a psychological bridge, increasing the likelihood that the offender would project a return to criminal behavior.

The independent observations told a completely different story. The hardship recorded by the third-party observers did not predict whether the offender would report feeling angry. Offenders did not consciously register the anger associated with the negative treatment seen by the impartial staff members.

Despite this lack of conscious anger, the observed negative treatment still increased the offender’s projected likelihood of breaking the law. The external observations predicted future rule-breaking behavior independently of the offender’s own self-reported feelings. This suggests that individuals can be influenced by negative social interactions even when they do not consciously process the hostility.

The emotional toll of the event might operate beneath the surface, driving behavioral changes without triggering recognizable feelings of anger. People might suppress their emotions or simply lack the emotional awareness to accurately identify their own frustration. This unacknowledged psychological burden can impair decision-making and lead to deviant actions, such as substance abuse or physical aggression.

When individuals fail to attend to their emotions, they often experience increased cognitive load. This mental strain limits their ability to process information and make rational decisions, making aggressive responses more likely. In essence, the unacknowledged trauma demands an outlet, manifesting as antisocial behavior even when the person claims to feel fine.

While the study provides a new way to look at behavioral triggers, it does have certain limitations. The researchers relied on the participants’ stated intentions to commit future crimes rather than tracking their actual legal infractions over time. Intentions often correlate with real actions, but observing actual behavior would provide a stronger test of the underlying theory.

The study also evaluated individuals at a single point in time, which makes it difficult to definitively prove a cause and effect relationship. Additionally, the questions regarding the offenders’ emotions focused primarily on anger. Future investigations should measure other negative feelings, such as depression or anxiety, which might also influence criminal behavior.

The measurement tool used to assess strain was also somewhat limited in scope. Hardship encompasses a wide variety of experiences beyond social rejection or a lack of forgiveness from peers. Future studies should expand these measurement tools to include other types of adversity, such as losing something of value or failing to achieve specific positive goals.

Future investigations should follow participants over a longer period to see how hidden hardships influence actual criminal records. Researchers could also incorporate physiological measurements, such as tracking heart rate or stress hormones. These biological markers could help scientists identify unconscious emotional reactions to negative events as they happen in real time.

Keith and her team suggest conducting in-depth interviews with individuals who experience unacknowledged hardship. This qualitative approach could help clarify exactly why people minimize their trauma and how different coping mechanisms alter their path forward. Understanding these hidden processes could eventually help criminal justice professionals provide better support for individuals navigating the legal system.

If impartial observers can identify hidden distress, policymakers could deploy trained personnel to monitor high-stakes judicial settings. These independent observers could intervene to reduce the stigmatization of offenders during court proceedings or correctional meetings. By identifying unnoticed mistreatment early, these professionals could connect individuals with the support services they need to process their experiences constructively.

The study, “Is Ignorance Bliss: Examining the Association Between Observed and Perceived Strain, Anger, and Projected Offending,” was authored by Shelley Keith and Heather L. Scheuerman.

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