Author: Rachel Maddow

Scotland now face a decisive moment in their World Cup qualifying journey. Steve Clarke’s team will finish either first or second in their group, guaranteeing at least a play-off spot. Their victory over Belarus, along with Denmark’s win against Greece, has set up a final showdown between the two sides. Scotland visit Greece in Piraeus on Saturday, while Denmark host Belarus. The group will likely be decided when both teams meet at Hampden Park on Tuesday in a potential winner-takes-all clash. Route to the Top of the Group Both Scotland and Denmark sit on 10 points, but Denmark hold a…

Endrick, once tipped as Brazil’s next superstar, faces limited opportunities under Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso. The 19-year-old played just 14 minutes this season, entering late in a 4-0 win over Valencia. Last season, he scored seven goals but mostly appeared off the bench. Injuries, including a recurring hamstring problem, delayed his integration into Alonso’s squad. Former coach Carlo Ancelotti also left him out of Brazil’s squad for the fourth international window in a row. Loan Moves and Development Questions Real Madrid considers loaning Endrick in January to gain regular first-team experience. Sources suggest Premier League and top European clubs,…

Shannon O’Brien rescued Leicester in stoppage time, snatching a dramatic equaliser to deny West Ham their first Women’s Super League win of the season. The Hammers looked set for victory after Shekiera Martinez opened the scoring in the 51st minute. Substitute O’Brien reacted sharply, slipping behind the defence to tap in Sari Kees’s cross at the far post. The late goal shattered West Ham’s hopes and extended their wait for a league win. Rehanne Skinner’s side finally earned their first point of the campaign after eight matches. Martinez, last season’s top scorer, gave West Ham the lead by darting ahead…

Phil Foden lit up the Etihad Stadium with a dazzling display as Manchester City swept aside Borussia Dortmund 4–1 in the Champions League. The 25-year-old midfielder reminded both City and England fans of his exceptional talent after a difficult previous season. City endured their first trophyless campaign in eight years last term, while Foden battled injuries and personal struggles. Now, with four goals and three assists in 13 appearances, he looks fully rejuvenated. His performances have reignited hope of a return to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of next week’s World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. “I’m loving football…

Nottingham Forest owner and Olympiacos president Evangelos Marinakis went on trial in Athens, accused of instigating football violence and supporting a criminal organisation. The 58-year-old businessman appeared through his lawyer, Vassilis Dimakopoulos, alongside four Olympiacos board members. Prosecutors charged them with two misdemeanours: inciting violence against authorities and aiding a criminal group between 2019 and 2024. Marinakis and his co-defendants rejected the accusations. “The charges are completely baseless,” Dimakopoulos told BBC Sport. Authorities have also charged 142 fans with membership in a criminal organisation and causing life-threatening explosions at sporting events. Seven of those fans face additional charges for allegedly…

Liverpool produced a dominant performance at Anfield to overpower Real Madrid and secure a vital Champions League win. Arne Slot’s Premier League champions ended a poor run of six defeats in seven matches by beating Aston Villa last weekend, and they carried that momentum into Europe. Liverpool’s display looked even stronger than the 1–0 scoreline suggested. Alexis Mac Allister finally broke through in the second half, while former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, now at Real, watched much of the game from the bench as his new team struggled. Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced several world-class saves, stopping four efforts from…

Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche voiced frustration after another disputed corner led to a goal against his team. Casemiro’s strike for Manchester United marked the second straight week Forest conceded from what appeared to be an incorrect corner decision. VAR could not intervene because it does not cover corner awards. Assistant referee Akil Howson flagged the ball out despite Nicolo Savona insisting he kept it in play. Six days earlier, Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier scored directly from a wrongly awarded corner that should have been a goal kick. “Two in two weeks is farcical,” Dyche said. “Someone must have the power…

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis promised to cover medical expenses for any supporters injured in Saturday’s stabbing attack on a train. The attack occurred on a Doncaster-to-London service carrying several Forest fans returning from the club’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United. Eleven passengers sustained injuries, and two remain in critical condition. “Everyone at Nottingham Forest feels shocked and heartbroken by what happened,” said Marinakis. “Our supporters on that train showed incredible bravery and compassion. They represent the finest qualities of our community. We will ensure every affected fan receives full financial help for the best possible medical care. Our thoughts…

Arsenal fans have endured years of hope followed by heartbreak in title races. This season, though, carries a different energy. Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Burnley marked their fifth straight Premier League win and extended their lead to seven points at the top, though they have played one game more than several rivals. The result piled pressure on defending champions Liverpool, now seven points behind in third, and on Manchester City, nine points adrift before hosting second-placed Bournemouth on Sunday. Arsenal supporters have waited 22 years for a league title and watched their team finish runners-up three straight seasons. This campaign,…

As Ruben Amorim marks one year as Manchester United’s head coach, he finally has genuine reasons to smile. The 40-year-old’s laughter has endured through every setback of his tenure. Amorim chuckled in Kuala Lumpur when his phone alarm rang mid-conference, just as the South East Asia Football Federation president welcomed United. He laughed again last month when asked if the Pope had contacted him after the Chelsea win, following his joke that not even the Holy Father could change his 3-4-2-1 system. Even last December, when he predicted turbulent times with his “storm will come” remark, he smiled. Before the…